“This bookcase has a vibe-y ’70s feel, especially in the chrome-plated finish I tested. Its design comes courtesy of Mark Daniel of Slate Design, a product studio out of Illinois that has also done work for Crate and Barrel, DWR, and Z Gallerie. Unlike a lot of wall-mounted bookcases, this one sits parallel to the wall, rather than leaning (a feature I liked a lot). Its five glass shelves project several inches from the frame, but overall offer a slick, minimalist look.” —Allen
Most Affordable Bookshelf
- Dimensions: I have the 93 1/4″H x 31 ½”W x11”D and 15 ¾W x 11D x 93 ¼”H versions. Also available in 79 ½”H x 15 ¾”W x 11”D, 79 ½H ” x 31 ½W x 11”D, 41 ¾H” x 31 ½W x 11D
- Material: Particleboard, paper foil, plastic edging, fiberboard
“Like all IKEA classics, the Billy bookcase requires an Allen wrench, a packet of wordless instructions, and a bit of patience. That said, the assembly is not particularly difficult, especially in comparison to more complex flat-pack furniture. I recommend asking a friend to help, as the tall shelves can be unwieldy when moving them around on your own!”
“The Billy bookcases have a three-inch notch on the bottom to accommodate baseboards. If yours are taller than three inches (as mine are), you may need to cut a taller notch to stay flush with the wall. The taller versions come with hardware to secure the bookshelf to the wall, but require additional screws.”
“The Billy bookcase line is a classic for a reason: They’re inexpensive, modular, and infinitely customizable. In my experience, they’re surprisingly robust despite being made of particleboard. I’ve had my Billy bookshelves filled with heavy books for years, and I’ve yet to see a sagging shelf! In terms of design, I love the option to add extension units—a lifesaver for tall ceilings!” —Lizzie Soufleris, visuals editor
More AD-Approved Bookshelves
Use Thuma’s easy-to-install shelving unit to bring your living room or bedroom to greater (or more minimal) heights. The brand’s modular base shelf units are 2×1 or 1×1 pieces that neatly stack either next to or on top of each other, making it easy to create a bespoke system that can evolve as your needs do. The possibilities with this DIY build are endless: Stack a couple in your entryway or walk-in closet for easy shoe storage, build a sprawling wall-to-wall office library, or even create a low shelf media console to prop up your entertainment setup.
Zara Metal Bookcase with Doors
Zara brings the utility-style shelf into modern times with this mossy-hued iron design that still maintains a classic-looking silhouette. We especially like the idea of using it as a storage solution in your kitchen: Use the open mesh material to your advantage and hang pots and pans with easily attachable hooks, and house delicate sauce and spice bottles in the lower tiered shelves with their convenient doors.
86Home Antique Bamboo Etagere Shelf Stand
We know you’re still thinking about Kendall Jenner’s Wyoming hideaway (we are too!), so we took some inspiration from the model’s custom Jefferson West bookcase with this pick. It’s a unit that weaves in subtle texture thanks to the unfinished bamboo framework, and we like that the silhouette is topped with brass finials for a semi-polished look.
Sundays’ solid wood option features rounded shelves and a wide profile, creating lots of opportunity for meaningful decor moments. We’d maximize shelf potential by thoughtfully curatin a varying scheme of books and tchotchkes, creating a balanced act between something that looks equal parts studious and ornamental.
Arhaus’s James bookcase fulfills the desire for floating shelves without needing to pull out the stud finder and power drill. The staggered shelving is an intriguing way to catalogue your library of paperbacks and coffee table books or arrange treasured tchotchkes into an artistic display. The open top also accentuates its modern design, giving the overall silhouette an airy feel.
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Crate & Barrel Terrazza Bookshelf
This minimal shelf from Crate & Barrel has endless versatility. We picture it sitting tall in midcentury studies, farmhouse living rooms, or even a maximalist’s boudoir with the right accessories. The triangular sideboards lend the design just a smidge of geometric flair. Though your books won’t be able to sit flesh against the angular edges, that’s what any of the best book ends are for.
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Lulu and Georgia Foxton Low Bookcase
If a tall bookshelf feels like it’ll overshadow your space, look to low bookcases, which offer slightly less imposing silhouettes. If the dimensions are wider, they can also offer just as much storage space as their taller counterparts. This bookcase from Lulu & Georgia provides open storage for a more spacious look, though it would also make a nice media console if you wanted to give your entertainment system a (spindled) leg up.
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17 Stories Swade Corner Bookcase
Where floor space is lacking, make use of cramped corners for squeezing in extra book storage. This corner bookshelf boasts an industrial-leaning, yet still modern design thanks to the muted colorways that disguise the metal frame.
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AD global editorial director and US editor in chief Amy Astley uses a pair of Parsons bookshelves from West Elm to display her impressive collection of design books in the office. The shelves feel fairly traditional on their own, but when placed in a row, they resemble built-ins—no renovation necessary.
West Elm Mid-Century Bookshelf
There’s a lot to love about a shelf that carries serious midcentury charm—at the top of the list is how timeless they can be. This ladder bookcase also has built-in levelers, giving it even more staying power as soon as you realize it will tackle that weirdly uneven floor in your living room. Made of solid eucalyptus wood and acacia veneer treated with a water-based finish, each of the five fixed shelves can carry up to 60 lbs. That’s a lot of books, tchotchkes, and home decor.
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