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May 12, 2023

23 Best Bookshelves 2023

By Rachel Fletcher and Sydney Wasserman If you weren’t blessed with a gorgeous

By Rachel Fletcher and Sydney Wasserman

If you weren't blessed with a gorgeous built-in shelving unit and you’re looking to compete with some of the best bookshelves on your Instagram feed, you’re in luck. We consider ourselves experts when it comes to an aesthetically pleasing shelf—after all, pictures of bookshelves on the Clever Instagram account always get more likes, from bright and cheerful to serious and scholarly. Perhaps you were tuning in during the internet's fascination with color-coded bookshelves, or maybe you’ve run the (sometimes astronomical) cost of custom open shelves, or have attempted DIY bookshelf projects for years. Whatever the case, there's something that can't be denied: Seeing all of your favorite books neatly arranged among carefully curated trinkets and treasured collectibles just makes you feel good. It reminds you that there's some sort of order in the world.

The good news is that order doesn't necessarily have to come with an outrageous price tag, and you don't have to settle for wood veneer or particle board options. We’ve been gathering inspo from Clever homeowners for years—Billys reimagined! Stylishly upgraded garage storage! Midcentury-modern influences!—and have quite a few tricks up our sleeves when it comes to finding relatively cheap bookshelves that will spare your credit card, make your home look great, and (hopefully) give you a little satisfaction.

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This is a classic bookshelf design that will grow with you as you move from home to home. One of the greatest aspects is the versatility—the vibe of the bookshelf really depends on what you fill it with. The slight footprint and minimalist silhouette makes it easy to slip in any unused corner or wall. Our recommendation: Dedicate it to all of the books on your to be read list.

There's a green version of this groovy bookshelf, but we’re partial to the white option—all the better to show off your favorite book covers and prized trinkets. The circular shelves are unexpected and a playful upgrade on the typical utility style.

This ladder-style bookshelf has a round mirror at its crown, perfect for placing near your front door for last-minute book grabs. You’ll never be stuck on the subway, bus, or riding passenger in the car without a good read again.

This corner bookshelf from Jungalow will add a punch of personality to wall space that would often go unused otherwise. We love the rattan texture—it’ll fit right into many different interior themes, from boho bedrooms to minimalist living spaces.

If you’re after a splash of color, this sunshiny corner bookshelf will draw eyes. It is available in four other colors, just in case mustard yellow isn't quite what you’re after.

The curved apex of this wooden bookshelf turns it into more of a centerpiece than an afterthought. Four shelves offer plenty of space for storing your favorite books, plants, and more, while the anti-tip hardware will give you peace of mind that nothing will come toppling down.

If you’re into the utility-shelf style, this powder-coated aluminum design from Hay doesn't stray far from the tried-and-true silhouette. It's the boost of color—a bright farmhouse red—that brings this bookshelf into 2023. There are 11 configurations total, meaning you can build upon a single shelf to create an entire system.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

When it comes to wood bookshelves, you’ve got many (potentially, too many) options. Modular shelving is a great investment as it won't go out of style and the price tag often speaks to that timeless element. This modular shelf from CB2 is also an investment, but a slightly more affordable option to similar alternatives out there. Plus it's made with solid walnut uprights and walnut veneer shelves. If you ever find yourself needing more shelf space, it's easy to add on to this set-up.

Made with the minimalist decorator in mind, Floyd's designs magically blend in and stand out in any space. Their shelving system comes in a Scandi-inspired silhouette, but with a dash of forest green for the minimalist who's ready to experiment with color. You can also purchase it in 13 different configurations and two different wood types.

A midcentury design that still looks fresh today, the String shelving system is beyond easy to install and customize.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

Though it is one of the most ubiquitous cheap bookshelves out there, we love how versatile IKEA's Billy series is. In Clémence Polès's apartment (above), we hardly recognized the Billy when lined up in a low formation across her main living space. And if you have a knack for DIY, there are so many good ways to hack it.

In the market for an office furniture refresh? Opendesk allows you to receive quotes from local makers on their standard designs so you know your new plywood bookshelf is made by the hands of someone in your community, not in a far-off factory.

If your home already feels bogged down with stuff, opt for a leaning bookshelf or ladder bookcase that gives the illusion of space and airiness. The price tag and simple pine wood make this Urban Outfitters ladder shelf a sturdy contender for book lovers everywhere.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

We love this solid wood option with its interesting curves and wide profile, lending what could be a standard bookcase a ton of personality. Whether in your living room or home office, a piece of furniture that makes you smile is always worth the investment.

Amazon has tons of versatile shelving solutions, like this modern-looking wall/mount bookcase that's ideal for narrow spaces. Available in a wide range of colors and finishes, as well as options from three to six shelves, this highly customizable pick is a quick assembly and will hold even your heaviest knickknacks.

Another one of Amazon's best sellers, here's a three-in-one bookcase that's perfect for anyone looking to really maximize their storage. Solidly constructed with a metal frame and sturdy MDF boards, this industrial-style fixture features a whopping 17 open shelves, which you can use to showcase all your heavy books or maybe tuck away some miscellaneous items in some handy storage bins.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

The unique zigzag shape of this unit gives it dimension and a ton of visual interest. Plus it arrives flat-packed and requires zero tools to assemble. Boom.

When it comes to storage, we say the more the merrier. In fact, we think that doubling up on this modular case is a great idea that will save you space in the long run.

For the indecisive decorator, Skagerak's very Scandi, very high-quality system with adjustable shelves allows you to add piece by piece as you build your book collection. Start with a few frames—which can be flipped between tall or short—and choose from either flat shelves or tall boxes to give your bookshelf unit dimension and extra storage space.

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

Who needs traditional bookshelves? After all, your apartment's not a regular apartment. It's a cool apartment, especially thanks to this funky wall shelf that functions as both sculpture and storage.

Don't sleep on industrial shelves that are typically saved for garage storage. When given a coat of white paint and upgraded with walnut shelves, as exhibited in Annie Ferrer's apartment, they can transform into something sturdy and stylish enough for even the most discerning home decor snob.

Sure, this deceptively simple three-tier cubby shelf may lack the bells and whistles of some of our flashier picks, but if you’re in a DIY kind of mood, we think you can easily dress it up with a handsome coat of paint or some decorative legs. Plus when it comes to accessibility, you won't beat this price!

By Erika Owen

By Rachel Davies

By Eva Morell

17 Stories’ simple and practical design is an easy way to integrate an impressive display shelf setup into your existing decor. Featuring four tiers and ample storage shelves, it's easy to picture this option as a lovely home library fixture or even a handsome room divider.

By Blake Bakkila

By Rachel Davies

By Audrey Lee

By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar