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Bookshelf ideas for small bedrooms


13 Brilliant Bookshelf Ideas for Small Room Solutions

Books are life, and not just for the bookworm. But these little treasures will seem like a waste if not displayed and stored in a right way. Moreover, bookshelves should have proper locations too for easy access and easy sighting of the many books you collect. Here, we made a list of amazing solutions and bookshelf ideas for small rooms.

The corner wall liner bookshelf idea for small rooms.

For small spaces, corner bookshelves are the way to go. It saves space and at the same time makes a room corner useful and functional. Install in a brilliant and alternate manner and also use wood for a beautiful contrast to the light-colored walls resulting into an attention-grabbing piece.

Hideable bookshelf idea for small spaces.

Make use of blank spaces above your study table for wall-mounted bookshelf ideas. To maximize its space-saving ability, hang in curtains so you have an option to close the area for an uncluttered look. Also hang in framed images and use a striking rug for a gorgeous set-up.

Bookshelf idea for your study space. 

If you are short of space and want to incorporate a study room in your home, let ingenuity help you achieve this bookshelf idea. Storage cabinets hides the clutter but it can limit to certain areas only and windows can’t be blocked as well, so make use of that space and create your very own study area with bookshelves at the side.

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See also: Smarter way to use Space in your Home

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Multi-purpose bookshelf idea for small bedrooms.

Use your bookshelves for double purpose, also make it as a divider for privacy. Color coordinate your books for attractive results and also make your bookshelf interesting by adding accent pieces. You can also lay books neatly on your table for additional book storage.

Recessed overhead bookshelf idea in small rooms.


Spaces above your doors are perfect for mounting bookshelves for a splendid space-saving feature. Have them recessed for a more harmonious look and make it open for books to be conspicuous and for easy access. It’s added storage without the floor space clutter.

Bookshelf kitchen ideas for small spaces.


Transform the end spaces of your island counters into a space for additional storage. Install a small bookcase for your cooking books or any books you want to include here. Utilize space further by adding partitions and dividing it into many layers for more storage and capacity.

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See also: 10 Space Saver Storage Designs You Need to Consider

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The corner booktree idea for small rooms.


For a creative shelving idea, turn your forsaken corners into a bookshelf with a tree concept. This way, you can store many books in an innovative way which makes it a very ideal spot for reading and relaxing. Put in a comfortable lounge chair and fur for a cozy corner anyone wish they have.

Wall-mounted bookshelves on the hallway.

Make your hallway your own library as well if you have a small space. Just make sure you still have ample space for passage and picking of books. This idea saves space efficiently plus all the books lined along the wall makes your hallway interesting and entertaining.

Bookshelf solutions under the table for small rooms. 

Utilize space by making use of all areas possible for book storage. For open under the table spaces, make it as a customized bookshelf for your books without eating up unnecessary space. Arranged them in a diverse but neat way for variety and also use wire baskets for better organization.

 Bookshelf ottoman idea for small bedrooms.

This bookshelf ottoman idea is great for couples who love their books but doesn’t have the luxury of a space for freestanding bookshelves. Arranged the books in a way that it will be easy to see and get the book you will be looking for. Have a smaller version of this beside your bed for those late-night readings.

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See also: Extreme Storage and Organization, Every Women’s Dream!

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Hanging bookshelf ideas for small rooms.

Walls play a vital role for storage in small rooms so take advantage of them. Install hanging bookshelves above your study table for easy access whenever studying or reading. For DIY ideas, install many dividers to keep the books organized. Lastly, you can also make use of the space above the cabinets for more storage.

Low bookshelf ideas for small rooms below the window.

Your books would look lovely on low bookshelves below your window. Blend the bookshelves with the walls and window to define your collection of books. The varied book covers bring pops of color to this neutral space and sustain anyone’s interest by adding in unique accessories on and above the bookshelves.

Images via Pinterest

Column spine bookshelf is a splendid idea both for display storage and space maximization. Pick a vibrant color next to a white wall to make it pop out and to put an eye of interest in a small room. Arrange the books in a certain way that will make head-turning results.

As there are a lot of ways to have bookshelves in small rooms, in the end it should be the configuration that will fit best to the space you have. Always keep in mind to utilize space as much as you can, leave no possible corners for clutter and always create those bookshelf solutions with personality and style.

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10 bookshelf ideas for bedrooms |

(Image credit: Future)

Finding space for favorite books and latest reads can be a challenge. But bedroom bookshelf ideas are ideal for anyone who likes to end the day with a spot of night-time reading. Rather than cluttering up the floor with books or crowding out bedside tables, they can bring order and a calm appeal to a space – a must in a bedroom.

Unless an exceptionally-avid reader, your bedroom isn’t likely to need as much space for books as other areas of the home, such as a living room or library area, so bookshelf ideas don’t need to be too extensive. But lack of space can be a problem in many bedrooms, so space-saving bedroom bookshelf ideas that are neat and discreet is key.

Bedroom bookshelf ideas

The first point to think about with book storage ideas is to assess what space is available and the volume of books that you’re likely to need to cater for. A few well-placed shelves or a book-filled headboard might be sufficient for a small amount of books, or opt for built-in shelving or reading nook ideas with storage if there are lots of books to find space for.  

1. Make use of awkward alcoves

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Discreet bedroom bookshelves that don’t overcrowd the room is essential in bedrooms where space is tight. Positioning the bed centrally with the alcoves either side utilized for shelf storage is a clever use of space that allows the bedroom to flow better.

Built-in alcove shelves are easily accessed from the bed, but run from midway to ceiling to allow bedside chests to be positioned against the lower section of wall. Bedside lamps are replaced by hanging pendants to free-up table space while still providing light for night-time reading.

‘Bookcases can work well in every room,’ says interior designer, Suzy Hoodless . ‘Aside from sitting rooms and kitchens, they can be positioned on both sides of the bed in a master bedroom or at a low-level height in children’s rooms so that they’re easily reached. And in guest rooms it’s nice to have a selection of books that refer to the house, the area or the people living there. ’

2. Save space with sleek built-ins

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

Utilize wasted wall space either side of windows to create scaled-down home library ideas. Made-to-measure shelves can be slotted into a narrow section of wall, rather than eating into the room’s floor plan, so the bedroom will feel less crowded.

Keep colors calm and cohesive so that the bedroom feels relaxed and restful. Too many visual distractions can make a bedroom feel chaotic and isn’t conducive to a good night’s sleep. Match bookshelves to wall color, curtains and soft furnishings so that the coloring blends in and the space feels less busy.

3. Utilize the spare room for storage

(Image credit: Future / Paul Massey)

If a guest bedroom is seldom-used, then how about designing a home library setup to make better use of its potential? Swapping a full-sized bed for a pull-out sofa bed will free up valuable floor space leaving room for floor-to-ceiling bedroom bookshelves that can be filled with favorite reads. Try painting shelves and walls in a vibrant, co-ordinating color that will create a seamless look and make a small space feel bigger. 

‘One of the first things I discuss with clients is space planning. We need to establish the requirements for each room,’ says Suzy Hoodless. ‘To me, there’s nothing more indulgent and luxurious than an inviting room full of books, with comfortable seating and good lighting.’ 

4. Incorporate easy-access storage around a bed

(Image credit: Meg Lonergan Interiors Photograph: Megan Lovoi)

Having books within easy reach of the bed makes great sense, so built-in bedroom bookshelf ideas surrounding the headboard is a clever use of space that makes books easy to access. Bespoke joinery can be designed to accommodate wall size and bed dimensions, including cabling for bedside lighting that can be discreetly hidden for a sleek look.

‘Our client wanted the primary bedroom to feel cozy and the main attraction is a bookshelf that channels that ambiance,’ explains Meg Lonergan at Meg Lonergan Interiors . ‘Paint colors from Farrow & Ball are unusual and add extra warmth to the room, further enhancing the coziness of the space.’

With this kind of arrangement, it's worth knowing how to style a bookcase, since it will be the focal point of the room.

5. Keep books within easy reach

(Image credit: Future)

If bedroom space is tight, consider looking beyond the boundary for extra upstairs storage. Upper landings are often under-utilized spaces and if the area leads to bedrooms, it can make a great location for a set of communal bedroom bookshelves or a getaway reading nook.

Most books don’t require much depth – aside from hefty coffee table books – so even the narrowest of landings should be able to accommodate a slimline set of shelves. Bookshelves built around and above a doorway are another option that will make full use of wall height to accommodate more books.

6. Make space for a cozy reading nook

(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)

Take advantage of quirky architectural details, such as wall alcoves and window recesses in bedrooms to create getaway areas where you can set up a mini home library area. Look to window seat ideas with comfy seat pads or cushions plus a bedroom bookshelf located close by within easy reach for a lovely place to read.

Assess what type of books you are likely to be housing in built-in bedroom bookshelves in advance. Work out the height of shelves by deciding how many paperbacks, novels or oversized art books you have and what you will need space for. Fixed shelves at a uniform height create a more ordered look or consider adjustable shelving if you prefer more flexibility.

7. Consider bedside lighting options

(Image credit: Future / Jody Stewart)

Installing bedroom bookshelves gives an opportunity to think about bedside lighting ideas at the same time. Adjustable wall-mounted lights are a space-saving option that will free up bedside table space and can be wired-in when shelving is fitted so that cabling stays hidden. 

‘Bedrooms are practical as well as relaxation spaces, so plan your lighting accordingly,’ says Charlie Bowes, director of Original BTC . ‘Use a mixture of task, mood and accent lighting to create a layered scheme that will work at any time of day and across the seasons – cozy in winter, light and airy in summer.’

‘Consider different types of light fitting, not just the light they provide. Wall-mounted lights are great space-savers in small, low-ceilinged rooms and are ideal for creating a clean, boutique hotel look. Or think creatively, floor lights with adjustable arms or even a pair of low-hanging pendants can make dramatic bedside lights.’

8. Go low with book storage in attic bedrooms

(Image credit: Future / Alicia Taylor)

Space can often be restricted in attic bedrooms, with sloped ceilings and eaves making ceiling height lower in places. Bespoke built-in bedroom bookshelves that follow the angle of the ceiling will maximize the space to its full potential and are worth considering. Built-in shelves are an easy option for a carpenter or joiner to install.

If your budget is limited, consider an off-the-peg solution to get around the problem instead. Low-level, half-height bookcases or modular shelving will fit neatly below the angled area of roof and provide plenty of space for books in a teenager’s bedroom or attic study space. Put several bookcases together to create a long run of shelving.

9. Cover all levels with nursery bookshelves

(Image credit: Future / David Lovati)

Make use of alcoves in box bedrooms and children’s rooms by building in floating shelves that run from floor to ceiling. Low-height shelves make books easier to access for little ones and shelf content can be adjusted and rearranged as children get taller.

Paint shelves and alcoves the same or a similar color to walls so that they blend in for a more cohesive look. Paler colors will help create a feeling of spaciousness with small bedrooms and extra visual interest can be added with bright books and colorful toys and accessories.

(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)

Factor-in space for a few bedside books in a spare room or guest bedroom so that visiting friends and family will feel welcome and comfortably at ease. A narrow ledge or run of shelving against one wall can do double duty as a resting spot for bedside essentials such as an alarm clock or glass of water, plus space for a row of night-time reads.

Can you put a bookshelf in a bedroom?

A bookshelf can be installed in any room – and if you are a book lover, then factoring in space for bedtime reads will be essential. Just as when considering living room bookshelf ideas, the biggest considerations are how much space is available, as well as how many books you need to find a home for. Bespoke built-in bedroom book shelves can be tailored to suit your exact requirements and can be designed to accommodate the size of bedroom and any quirky architectural details. A freestanding bookcase will make a less-pricey option and can be moved should you decide to rearrange the bedroom at a later date.

Where should a bookshelf go in a bedroom?

It makes sense for books to be located as close to the bed as possible so that they can be accessed more easily. Built-in headboard shelving or alcove shelving either side of a bed will put books within arm’s reach – plus the benefit of having books stored in one location (rather than all around the bedroom) will make the space feel neater and less cluttered. Above all, bedroom bookshelf ideas should help make the space feel calm and orderly, rather than chaotic, for a more restful night’s sleep.

Lisa is a freelance journalist who has written about interiors for more than 25 years and has worked on all the major homes titles, primarily Ideal Home, but also including Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors, Style at Home, Livingetc, Woman & Home, Easy Gardens and Good Homes magazines. Lisa writes about interior design and decor ideas for Homes & Gardens.

Let's play hide-and-seek: 45+ shelf ideas for a small apartment

Flooding light

Surely it happens to everyone that there are more and more things, but there is nowhere to store them. I love buying books, but recently they've started spreading across windowsills and tables because the bookcase has exhausted its resources. I didn't want to sacrifice an entire wall for books, so I thought it would be good to take advantage of the nooks and crannies of a small apartment. I want to share some ideas with you. 9The door is a source of free space:


or just add the mezzanine:


You can put shelves behind the door, this option is ideal for my room:

We look at the nursery. Place the shelves low so that it is easy for the child to use them:

Decorate interior spaces with photos and souvenirs:

The entrance hall is met by a shelf for keys, mail and, of course, a shoe storage place:

Functional chairs-tuma:

Such drawers:

9000 9000

Bookshelves and niches can be located in the most unexpected places:

In the bedroom, put a locker at the head of the bed or use the entire headboard:

Divide the zones with a rack:

Any angle will shelter with a dozen books and toys:


, as well as the doors, also successfully place the regiments around themselves and not only:

Ingenious design options:

Be mindful of free corners and walls in the bathroom:

And of course, listen to your creativity:

Manage your personal space with play. Good luck!

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Types of bookshelves

Main types of designs.

Wall-mounted

Most common, equipped with wall brackets. Mounted models can be a simple or multi-tiered structure with a different geometric shape. To create an original accent in the room, hanging shelves on ropes will help.

The photo shows hanging bookshelves near the window in the interior of the children's room.

Floor-standing

Similar products in the form of a combination of a cabinet with open shelves for books are characterized by good stability and, if necessary, can be moved to the right place in the room. These furniture elements often have a classic rectangular or corner design.

Pictured is a guest room decorated with floor-standing bookshelves.

Tabletop

These models can be conveniently placed on a table or chest of drawers and serve as storage space for books of various sizes.

Shelving units

Such through structures do not clutter up the room and do not steal space, which is especially important in small apartments. Shelving provides convenient storage of the necessary literature and creates a very comfortable and cozy atmosphere in the room. In addition, these shelves can be filled not only with books, but also with various decorative elements, in the form of figurines, souvenirs, dishes, photographs, flowers and other trinkets that complement the decor.

Pictured is a living room interior with a three-tier white bookshelf.

Rack Shelf

Basically, a Rack Shelf is a rotating model or a horizontal rectangular structure on legs, special wheels or casters. Such products are quite mobile and are most often performed in an open version.

Material

Types of materials used in the production of bookshelves:

Pictured are wooden bookshelves in the interior of the living room.

Shapes and sizes

With bookshelves that reach to the ceiling, an entire home library can be placed. Such a multi-level rack is considered more relevant for bright and spacious rooms. A special softening of the geometry of space and the environment can be achieved with the help of round and semicircular models, which have graceful sinuous lines and smooth shapes.

Quite a stylish and at the same time practical interior solution is herringbone products, which consist of several separate modules, shaped structures with honeycombs or diagonal rhombuses.

The photo shows the interior of the study, decorated with a corner bookcase.

The most current and fashionable option are vertical and horizontal shelves or racks. They are very reliable, static and can have any design that blends harmoniously with the overall style of the entire room. In the case of a small room, narrow shelves are perfect, which do not attract too much attention and are a secondary piece of furniture.

Pictured is a modern living room with ceiling-height bookshelves.

Bookshelf colors

Designs in dark wenge shade are a classic solution. They look very expensive and endow the space with a certain luxury.

The photo shows white bookshelves located under the stairs in the interior of the hall.

For a more sober design, black, white, gray bookshelves or black and white models are preferred, which combine two contrasting colors at the same time, filling the environment with a modern spirit.

The photo shows the interior of the living room with hanging two-tier bookshelves in turquoise.

Location

For more rational use of free space in the room, book structures are installed in the corner. Such products can be wall-mounted, placed on the floor or have several sections. Window openings framed by books have a particularly original look. An elegant wooden or plastic model by the window will help create a new interior image and add some zest to the room.

Pictured are oblique illuminated bookshelves located by the attic window in a private house.

To spice up the atmosphere, you can arrange book shelves above the fireplace, place them on both sides of the hearth or TV. To create a stylish design and comfortable reading before going to bed, products above the bed in combination with wall sconces will contribute. Achieving significant space savings is easily achieved through a structure installed around the doorway, which involves the storage of a large number of publications.

Photos of shelves in the interior of rooms

Photo examples of decoration in the design of various rooms.

To the children's room

This piece of furniture is an almost indispensable element in the interior of a schoolchild's room. Shelves with books placed on them provide a neat look to the room, greatly simplify the learning process and allow the child to be accustomed to neatness. For the nursery, they choose the most convenient and at the same time original models, for example, it can be a round rotating rack, shelves in the form of wood, snakes, letters and much more.

The photo shows the interior of a boy's nursery with letter-shaped bookshelves above the table.

The best placement option is a place next to the bed, which provides comfortable reading before going to bed. According to the color scheme in the child's room, both bright products in blue, red and green tones, as well as models in more muted blue, peach or pink shades are appropriate. For a girl, shelves are chosen in the form of houses, a cloud, a flower or various animals. More thoughtful transformer models or interesting options are suitable for a teenager, which can be in the form of a ladder, globe, hemisphere, spiral, zigzag or triangular design.

In the hall

In the living room at the expense of the home library, it turns out to achieve a truly aesthetic design. The place next to the shelves can be turned into a cozy reading nook by decorating it with a soft sofa or a comfortable armchair in combination with a floor lamp.

The photo shows a low floor bookcase in the interior of the living room.

On the balcony

A loggia or balcony area is often equipped with floor systems, hinged corner or straight models. In order to protect books from dust, moisture and UV exposure, closed shelves are also used.

In the bedroom

If there is a niche in the bedroom, it can be supplemented with bookshelves, which can differ in the most diverse form or be complemented by lighting. In this room, such products are often placed near the window, door or above the bed.

In the corridor

It is quite possible to place a home library in a rather long corridor. Such structures are mainly installed away from the front door, equipped with shallow shelves and open facades, showing neatly and orderly arranged literature.

In an office

Most often, shelving up to the ceiling is selected for an office and sometimes they are equipped with a retractable stepladder, thereby creating a single compositional design that adds special impressiveness and solidity to the interior.

Design ideas

Quite an original and at the same time practical solution is a rack with glass doors. This design with hinged or sliding doors is perfect for storing valuables that need to be protected from dust, moisture and sunlight. Sometimes a transparent glass facade is decorated with a barely noticeable tint.

The photo shows the design of a bookcase with glass doors in the office interior.

Wrought-iron bookcases are particularly functional and highly decorative, which, despite their elegant appearance, are very durable. Antique products have a truly unique look and unusual design, undoubtedly becoming an original element of the entire interior.

Original shelf selection

Such unique designs are considered an independent interior decoration. For example, an original design solution is an armchair combined with book shelves, which saves space or various products of a non-standard shape, resembling a spiral, a wheel, a world map, and so on. Soaring models that have a hidden mount look especially unusual.

The photo shows the interior with original wooden bookshelves.

The tree-shaped structure with outstretched branches looks no less original and provides an interesting arrangement of books. Shelves or racks can also be made in the form of letters of different colors, such a design would be especially appropriate for a child's room.

Photo of bookcases

Shelves allow to emphasize the design of the surrounding space and form a practical interior. They are particularly light and mobile, which makes it possible to change their location at any time.

Pictured is a corner wood bookcase in a spacious living room.

Thanks to the narrow shelving, which have a rather sophisticated and elegant appearance, it turns out to make the most efficient use of the free space of the room. In addition, with the help of a two-sided design, you can achieve competent zoning of space.

Examples for various styles

For rooms made in the classical direction, natural wood shelves are especially appropriate, which can be decorated with beautiful openwork carvings. In the Provence style, simplified narrower designs of white, milky, beige, pale brown or pink are most often found, with a vintage finish and an old look.

The photo shows a living room interior in a modern style with geometric bookshelves located above the fireplace.

The style of the loft suggests bookshelves with casual design, placed, for example, in an asymmetrical or checkerboard pattern. More massive racks made of dark-colored materials fit perfectly here.

Scandinavian design, characterized by simple, open rectangular or square models, made in predominantly white or cool colors.

In high-tech style, shelves with a glossy surface look very fashionable and weightless, and for minimalism they prefer matte designs.

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