Best bookshelf design ideas for home

By
Rajat Piplewar

Trending Bookshelf Designs to Elevate Your Home Decor

A shelf full of books enhances the appeal of any room. Book lovers need a special bookshelf for their collections. Apart from keeping your books organized, it also adds to the aesthetics of your home.

Freestanding Bookshelf Design

A freestanding bookshelf is a flexible piece of furniture. It can be easily moved to a different location whenever the layout is changed. Freestanding shelves are available in various materials – wood, metal, MDF – designs, styles, shapes, and sizes. A design with adjustable shelves helps as the shelves can be arranged to suit the book height. If the freestanding bookshelf is tall, anchor it to the wall to prevent it from toppling over. These shelves are mostly open storage, but some designs may have doors or drawers. Depending on your style and use, you can also get a freestanding shelf that combines open and closed storage.

Bookshelf Design with Glass for Living Room

A bookshelf designed with glass looks modern and can brighten up the room decor. Glass bookshelves are ideal for the living room. Traditional glass cabinets with wood have glass doors to keep the books enclosed. Glass doors need not cover the shelf entirely; you can alternate between wood and glass. You can opt for stained, frosted, or beveled lacquered glass. Glass bookshelves can be designed in myriad ways. Illuminate it with LED strips to highlight your favorite authors. Opt for a complete glass open bookshelf to elevate the home decor. You can also choose a glass shelf with open sides, supported by a chromed metal frame.

Cube Bookshelf Design Idea for Bedroom

A cube bookshelf comes in many sizes, with or without a back. It can be placed against a wall or as a free-standing unit. A standard bookshelf is often tall and rectangular, unlike a cube bookshelf. A cube bookshelf can be of any shape as the cubes can be joined to create a hexagon, a triangle, or any shape that you like. These wall bookshelves can be more organized as they are divided into smaller cubes to store books. You can choose cubes of equal size or varying sizes to stack small and big books separately. Instead of placing books in every cube, decorate a few cubes with plants, picture frames, or other artifacts to break the monotony. This is apt for the bedroom.

Floating Bookshelf Design

A floating shelf has its wall fixtures hidden within the shelf board and has no visible supporting brackets. Floating bookshelves are wall-mounted and appear to be holding themselves up with no support. Due to their attractive fitting, floating bookshelves of wood or metal have become popular for displaying books at home, especially where space is limited.

Corner Bookshelf Design for Small Spaces

A corner bookshelf is ideal for maximizing storage as it takes less space and comes in fancy styles. Corner shelves can either be hung on the wall or placed on the floor. A corner shelf provides an apt vertical organizational space for books. Arrange items in easily accessible locations and display your book collection with open shelves.

Bracket Bookshelf Design

Fixed bracket bookshelves are made with separate brackets and can be used as stand-alone shelving to form a multi-unit shelving system. They can be designed in wood, metal, or plastic and are available in a variety of sizes. The brackets are secured to a wall or any vertical surface with supporting fixtures. Floating shelves are often confused with a fixed bracket system, but the points of suspension are invisible in floating shelves whereas, in fixed bracket systems, the brackets are visible.

Bookshelf Design with a Study Table or Workstation for the Bedroom

Bookshelves with a study table are convenient and add to the aesthetics of the room. A bookshelf with a study table works well in the children’s room and for a home office. Opt for a solid wood study table with a comfortable wooden chair or an office chair. As per Vastu, place the study table in the north or east of your home. You can opt for open or closed shelves. These tables can also be customized with a small bookshelf under the table. In a small space, using vertical book storage can make a room feel taller. Opt for bookshelves with tables in dual tones for a unique style statement.

Bookshelf Home Library Design

For any book collector, a library at home is a dream come true. Use the space near the window, a corner, or the space under the stairs. A home library does not have to be spacious. Any quiet location with good light, where you can be at peace will be ideal. A home library can combine relaxation with personal learning. A single armchair, a lamp, and a bookshelf can transform any corner of the house into a comfortable reading spot and a small home library. Opt for wall-height bookshelves or clean simple open shelves. Dark shelves can bring a high ceiling to a cozy level but make a room appear smaller. It is better to choose light-colored shelves. Colorful bookshelves appear fun and can make the library a positive space. A home library in a living room or a home office with built-in, wall-to-wall bookshelves work in both classic and contemporary homes.

Bookshelf Room Divider Design

Open plan living spaces are in trend with homes emerging as multi-functional spaces. Room dividers are gaining popularity to demarcate spaces. A simple wooden bookshelf creates a partial divider in the living room or bedroom. An open shelving unit as a divider allows light to flow between the rooms while establishing the desired separation. They also make the decor visible from both sides. Make an aesthetic statement by arranging the books in a creative way with other decor pieces and decorative pots.

DIY Ladder Bookshelf Design

Ladder bookshelves add an earthy charm with smart space-saving. Ladders are a simple alternative to traditional cabinets and displays. Their lightweight frame and compact design turn useless corners into functional and visually-appealing spaces. Modern ladder shelf designs are suited for urbane, contemporary interiors. If you are into an eco-friendly lifestyle, recycle an old ladder. Ladder bookshelves bring a new dimension without taking up too much space.

DIY Crate Bookshelf Design for Kid’s Room

Reuse old crates and join wooden crates to make the perfect standing or wall-mounted bookshelf for a child’s room. Spray paint each crate the color of your choice. The bright, colorful crate shelves work as amazing bookshelves that can hang right off the wall. This can become a fun joint project for parents and children.

Creative Bookshelf Designs

Do away with the mundane, to bring a new twist and vibrancy to the decor. Book-shaped bookshelves can make a stunning style statement. The tree trunk shape forms the vertical support and branches serve as shelves for books. Bookshelves can be designed in creative shapes, such as boats, waves, circular, alphabets, crescent moon, or words from your favorite quotes. Bookshelves can also be incorporated on sofa arms or the base of the center table. Fancy modern bookshelves can be made from various materials, from organic, recycled materials to industrial metals.

Modern Minimalist Bookshelf

A modern minimalist bookshelf design is perfect for those who prefer a clean and clutter-free look. This design typically features sleek and straight lines, with no unnecessary embellishments or decorations. The shelves themselves can be made of various materials, such as wood, metal, or glass, and are often supported by simple geometric shapes. These bookshelves are not only functional but also serve as a decorative piece that complements the room’s overall aesthetic. With a modern minimalist bookshelf, you can display your books and other items in an organized and stylish way without overwhelming the space.

Industrial Style Bookshelf Design

Industrial style bookshelves are characterized by their raw, unfinished look with a combination of metal and wood materials. These bookshelves are designed to add a touch of industrial charm and provide ample storage for books and other decorative items. The shelves may be made from reclaimed wood or metal pipes, giving them a unique and rugged appearance. Industrial style bookshelves often feature exposed bolts, rivets, and welds, which adds to their overall aesthetic. They are perfect for those looking to create an edgy, urban feel in their home.

Unique Geometric Bookshelf Design

A unique geometric bookshelf design can be a stunning addition to any modern home. These bookshelves come in various shapes and sizes, from simple cubes to complex honeycomb patterns, and they offer a beautiful and functional way to display your books and other decorative items. These bookshelves can be made of wood, metal, or a combination of both and can be mounted on the wall or free-standing. They add a touch of contemporary style and can be a real conversation starter in any room. A unique geometric bookshelf is perfect for those looking to add a touch of artistic flair to their home decor.

Rustic Wooden Bookshelf Design

Rustic wooden bookshelves are a popular choice for those who want to add warmth and natural texture to their home decor. These bookshelves are typically made of reclaimed or distressed wood, giving them a vintage and rustic feel. They can come in various styles, including freestanding, wall-mounted, or even ladder-shaped. Rustic wooden bookshelves often have a simple design with clean lines and minimal ornamentation, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. They pair well with other rustic or industrial decor elements, such as metal accents or exposed brick walls, and can add a cozy and inviting feel to any room.

Bookshelf Decoration Ideas

A simple bookshelf can be made attractive with an interesting arrangement of books and a few decorations. Organize books by the color of their spines to create color-blocked bookshelves. Keep books horizontally and vertically to create an interesting abstract design. Use mirrors on the back of built-in shelves to give a depth. Brighten up plain shelves with brightly colored wallpapers. Decorate the area between two bookcases with a large piece of artwork in a formal sitting area. Keep plants, vases, and picture frames in a cohesive color scheme. Display souvenirs, artwork, and treasured collectibles on the shelves. For a more dynamic display, stack books horizontally to serve as a pedestal for small objects. Coordinate the color scheme of the bookshelf with cushions and curtains to give the room a sense of unity. Illuminate the bookshelf with LED strips, fairy lights, book-shaped lamps, or other smart lighting options.

Tips to Choose the Right Bookshelf Design

Bookshelves are meant for utility, functionality, and decor. Select bookshelves carefully to stack books and bring back the reading tradition. Ensure that the shelf’s dimensions fit your space. Always buy a sturdy bookshelf. Decide the space for the bookshelf and select an appropriate size and shape according to the wall or the floor. For the kid’s room, the bookshelf should be accessible as per their height. Choose any material but ensure that they can support the weight of multiple books. Metal/wooden book stands are sturdier. If you want to be eco-friendly and reduce your carbon footprint, reclaimed wood is the best option. The bookshelf must match the interior design. In a vintage or eclectic interior design, a hand-carved or plain wooden bookcase is an excellent option. On the other hand, a sleek, hand-stained, polished, solid wood bookcase is a great addition to a modern home. Floating shelves and glass cabinets look good in contemporary decor. Adjustable shelves offer flexibility to stack books of varied sizes. Shelf depth for a general bookshelf is usually 10 to 12 inches. Shelf spacing range of 7 to 15 inches with 8 to 12 inches depth is common. Some bookshelves have an even/odd number of open shelves, while some have drawers/cabinets. Select as per the storage needed.

Conclusion

Bookshelf designs are not just about storage; they are about making a statement and enhancing the overall decor of your home. Whether you prefer a modern minimalist look, a rustic charm, or a creative twist, there is a bookshelf design out there that will suit your style and needs. So, go ahead and choose the perfect bookshelf to showcase your book collection and add a touch of elegance to your home.

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