The Best Bookend - 2022
We looked at the top 10 Bookends and dug through the reviews from 26 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Bookends.
Why Trust The DWYM Score?
DWYM is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.Learn more.
Our Picks For The Top Bookends
- The Best Bookend
- 1. Universal Economy Steel Bookend, Set of 1
- 2. JIC Gem Dyed Blue Agate Bookends, Set of 2
- 3. MaxGear Metal Bookends, Set of 4
- 4. Fasmov Stainless Steel Man Bookends, Set of 2
- 5. Business Source Metal Bookends, Set of 6
- 6. SRIWATANA Decorative Bookends, Set of 2
- 7. Fasmov Art Bookends, Set of 2
- 8. EasyPAG Desktop Bookends, Set of 2
- 9. Officemate Heavy Bookends, Set of 2
- 10. Acrimet Metal Bookends, Set of 2
Sturdy Metal BookendsThe Universal Economy Steel Bookend, Set of 1 easily hold large or heavy books.
Functional and StrikingThe JIC Gem Dyed Blue Agate Bookends, Set of 2 add sparkle to your decor.
Heavy Duty SupportHeavy duty and versatile, MaxGear Metal Bookends, Set of 4 have many potential uses.
Attractive and StrongThe Fasmov Stainless Steel Man Bookends, Set of 2 are whimsical and well-built.
Why we recommend these bookends?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 10 Bookends and also dug through the reviews from 26 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Bookends.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Universal Economy Steel Bookend, Set of 1
Our Take
These metal bookends are both economical and strong. The thin, flat shape allows them to blend in with books. A glazed enamel finish protects shelving against scratches.
What other experts liked
The Best Bang For Your Buck
MaxGear Metal Bookends, Set of 4
Our Take
Neatly organize everything from books to CDs, DVDs and more with these heavy-duty metal bookends. Featuring rounded edges and high-quality, anti-static paint, these bookends will not damage your shelving or books. The slim design requires minimal space.
What other experts liked
Our Bookend Findings
Universal Economy Steel Bookend, Set of 1
What We Liked: These metal bookends are both economical and strong. The thin, flat shape allows them to blend in with books. A glazed enamel finish protects shelving against scratches.
MaxGear Metal Bookends, Set of 4
What We Liked: Neatly organize everything from books to CDs, DVDs and more with these heavy-duty metal bookends. Featuring rounded edges and high-quality, anti-static paint, these bookends will not damage your shelving or books. The slim design requires minimal space.
JIC Gem Dyed Blue Agate Bookends, Set of 2
What We Liked: These natural stone bookends are available in six colors to match your decor. The polished and sparkling stones are all unique, providing interest and function. Rubber bumpers protect shelves from scratches.
Fasmov Stainless Steel Man Bookends, Set of 2
What We Liked: The entertaining steel man bookends keep books upright and serve as art for any decor. The metal bookends have padded bases, so they keep books vertically organized and protect furniture.
Fasmov Art Bookends, Set of 2
What We Liked: Add a decorative touch while organizing books with this set of bookends. Strong and well-made, they easily keep books vertical or stand on their own. These iron bookends add elegance to any shelf, desk or table.
Our Bookend Buying Guide
Bookends can help you decorate your shelves or surfaces while organizing your books at the same time. With so many options available, choosing the best bookends could be confusing. Fortunately, knowing what you want and need will help you make the best selection.
Consider how sturdy and robust your bookends should be. If you have several large or heavy books on your shelf, you will need heavy-duty bookends to keep them upright. Alternatively, if you want to organize a modest collection of paperback novels, standard bookends will likely be sufficient.
Bookends are available in a variety of materials. Thicker steel or iron bookends are useful for holding up big books. They can also blend nicely in a room with a modern or minimalist theme.
Other bookends are made from materials such as wood, ceramic, plastic, or natural stone. Some of these will be sturdier than others. However, if appearance is more of a concern than stability, look for a set that complements your decor. For instance, brightly colored natural stone bookends can add sparkle to your bedroom or office, while wooden bookends cut into animal shapes might be fun for a child’s room.
Ultimately, selecting a set of bookends that will organize your books vertically without fail is probably the most crucial consideration. However, choosing bookends that you find appealing and attractive is also significant. Since you will likely be living with them for many years to come, discovering a set that checks both of these boxes will result in money well spent.
DWYM Fun Fact
It is likely impossible to determine who invented the first bookend. Perhaps an avid reader placed a large rock at the end of a shelf to keep his volumes in place. However, there are some records from the 19th century suggesting that people wanted to organize their bookshelves.
An invention called Ive’s Book Brace came on the market in 1850. The brace was shaped like a book with spurs on the bottom, designed to hold books upright on partially-filled shelves of libraries and bookstores.
In 1877, William Stebbins Barnard applied for a patent on book supports he invented. Barnard was an inventor as well as a professor of biology at Drake University. His supports greatly resembled modern bookends.
The Bookend Tips and Advice
- Consider the surface on which you plan to use bookends. If it is very smooth or slick, bookends with padding or bumpers meant to protect against scratching could cause the bookends (and the books they are supposed to hold up) to slip and fall.
- Although they were created to keep books organized in a vertical position, bookends can be used to hold other items, as well. For instance, you might use bookends to store CDs or records, DVDs, photo albums, or file folders on a shelf or desk.
- Collecting bookends can be a hobby that is both practical and interesting. If you maintain a large selection of books, a collection of attractive, decorative and unusual bookends could accessorize them nicely. As they have both functional and aesthetic worth, bookends can become more valuable over time. This is especially true for rare or unique designs.
About The Author
Tricia Goss is a professional writer, editor and social media manager who lives in North Texas with her family and her dog. Tricia is a mom and grandma living in North Texas who strives to create a safe, organized and inviting environment for family and friends. She is obsessed with helping others organize their homes (and their lives), save money without sacrificing quality of life, and find peace amidst the chaos of life. She has been writing professionally for nearly two decades
You May Also Enjoy Our Other Reviews
- Robotic Vacuum
- Cordless Vacuums
- Electric Pressure Washer
- Gas Pressure Washer
- Air Mattress
- Pressure Washer
- Drone
- Electric Razor
- Convertible Car Seat
- Dyson Vacuum
- Infant Car Seat
- Dry Dog Food
- Carpet Cleaners
- Kick-Start Every Morning With Coffee Maker
- Air Fryer
- Laptops
- Home Printer
- Wireless Router
- Streaming Device
- Electric Pressure Cooker