The Best Wooden Bookshelf | 2023

If you want to display and organize your books, a wooden bookshelf can both provide this functionality and serve as an appealing piece of furniture in your room. Wood is always a classic material for such furniture since it can last a long time and come in many finishes that complement your other decor. You can also choose between bookshelves made entirely of wood or options that combine metal and wood for a unique look. 

The wood used typically comes in two forms. Solid wood lasts the longest since it’s very strong, but it also can get expensive. Particle board is very popular since it looks much like solid wood and costs less, but bookshelves made of this material usually are lighter and less durable than those made of solid wood. Both forms come in natural wood finishes as well as painted options to fit your tastes.

You have many options when it comes to bookcase design. You may be most familiar with the tall bookshelves that have a closed back and sides and stand vertically, but you can also find bookshelves that are short and sit horizontally on the floor. If you need something for a very small space, you can consider a corner bookshelf with a unique shape or a ladder bookshelf that leans. You’ll also find cube bookshelves that resemble storage organizers for versatility.

How many books you need to store will affect how large of a bookcase you need. If you have a very large collection, you might even decide to get multiple bookcases or seek a stackable unit. At the same time, you’ll need to keep the size of your placement space in mind so that the bookcase will actually fit. You might need to compromise with a small bookshelf if your existing room setup limits your options.

The number of shelves, the types and the sizes will vary by unit, so consider your book collection and preferences. While one bookshelf may have six shelves of equal sizes, another might mix up the heights and widths per row. In addition, some bookcases have doors over the shelves that protect your books but make it less convenient to view or access them.

• To make sure you choose an option that fits, use a tape measure to find the height, width and depth available in the space where you plan to set up the wooden bookshelf. If you’re concerned about space, keep in mind that a vertical bookshelf will likely be more suitable than a horizontal one and likely provide more shelves to store your books as well.
• You can find some wooden bookshelves that require no assembly, and these are great if you don’t feel comfortable using tools or you just want to save time. If your bookshelf does need to be put together, take time to find something you’re comfortable dealing with and review the manual to see what’s involved. Professional assembly is a good option for more complex or bulky bookshelf designs.
• Bookshelves come with a safety risk since they could cause an injury if they tip over. There are multiple ways to anchor the bookshelf to the wall to prevent this, and you can first check what the manufacturer recommends. Anchoring supplies may already come with your bookshelf, but if not, you can look into standalone bracket kits or straps.
• In some cases, you might need a wooden bookshelf you can easily move across a room or to other areas in your home. Getting one that has wheels or is lightweight is ideal for this purpose.
• You can find wooden bookshelves with adjustable shelves. These are great if you have irregularly sized books or just like to customize how you arrange things.
• Bookshelves have weight limits for the materials held, and the manufacturer should list this information. Don’t exceed the limit since it could cause damage to your bookshelf or even physical harm. If you have a lot of heavy books, keep in mind that solid-wood bookshelves are often a better option since they can hold more weight than those made of particle board.
• Avoid stacking bookshelves unless they’re labeled as stackable. In that case, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how many units you can safely stack. In addition, be sure to use the proper hardware to connect them together.
• You can also use your wooden bookshelf to display other items such as clocks, figurines or photos.