Bookshelf Ideas for Small Spaces and Apartments

Bookshelves for Small Spaces and Apartments

When space is a constraint, organizing and storing things can turn into a nightmare. If you opt for large shelves, they turn out to be impractical. They take up too much space and also do not leave any room for you to move about freely. In such circumstances, it is best to go in for bookshelves that are specifically designed for small spaces and apartments. In fact, these shelves are more than bookshelves. You can use them to store just about anything, as long as the shelves have the right load-bearing capacity. Choosing the right shelf for your indoors with an eye-catching design that suits your indoor finishing and other appliances can be an excellent addition to your indoors.

Bookshelf Ideas for Small Spaces

Going vertical is the way forward when you want to introduce a bookshelf for small spaces. It allows you to use a space that is seldom used. If you are looking for ideas on how to best use the space aesthetically and functionally, here are a few ideas to get you started. Keep in mind to choose a shelf that meets your preferences and looks good with your indoor space.

Idea #1 – Use Narrow Shelves to Save Space

In small apartments, space is an expensive commodity. So, it makes sense to use narrow shelves. Some shelves that fall into this category include:

  • Narrow and Small Bookshelf:

Bookshelf for Small Space

This gorgeous wood bookshelf comes with a sturdy and classic design. It is elegant and functional. It comes with two shelves that you can use to store books, decoration items and other scattered small items that can make a room look untidy. The espresso finish gives it a warm and cheerful appearance, and you can boost the storage space with baskets or more narrow shelves. It is 29.2 inches high, 13.5 inches wide and 11.2 inches deep to ensure you have adequate space for your storage needs.

  • Narrow and Tall Bookshelf

Bookshelf idea small space

If you want more storage space for books, magazines and decoration items, go in for this contemporary narrow and tall bookshelf with four shelves. It comes with rectangular shelves and ladder-type framework. It is created from solid and composite wood, making it sturdy and durable. The lovely, warm espresso finish gives it flair and grace. Its dimensions are 13.5 inches wide x 11.2 inches deep x 55 inches high.

Idea #2 – Use Corner Shelves

In most homes, corners are under-utilized. They make the perfect space for corner shelves, allowing you to use space that is not used while ensuring you get a storage solution that you desire. Some corner shelves that you can opt for are:

  • Narrow Corner Bookcase

small space corner shelf

This lovely narrow corner bookcase has an elegant espresso finish. It is crafted out of solid wood and boasts quick and simple assembly. With five shelves of varying depth and width, you can put the corners of your apartment to good use. The best part is this bookcase can house not just books, but also collectibles and other small knick-knacks. The overall dimensions of the bookcase are 14.2 inches width x 14.2 inches depth x 72 inches height.

  • Tall and Narrow Corner Bookshelf

Small Space Bookshelf

When you are seeking elegance, style and functionality from your bookshelf, this dark taupe-colored will make your day. Its neutral color means you can synchronize it with any kind of décor, and its contemporary design can transform a room. It comes with five tray-type shelves and it has a reclaimed wood appearance. While the shelves get narrower as they go up, overall the bookshelf has a measurement of 18 inches width x 18 inches depth x 72 inches height.

  • Corner Wall Shelves

Bookshelves for small spaces and apartments

When it comes to bookshelves for small spaces and apartments, people often forget about wall-mounted corner shelves. This corner wall shelf is made out of laminate and MDF, giving it a polished and refined appearance. The walnut finish enhances its style quotient even further. Besides being an accent piece, this zig-zag corner shelf can be used to proudly display photographs, awards, CDs, collectibles and other small decorative items. Its dimensions are 7.75 inches width x 7.75 inches depth x 48.5 inches height.

Idea #3 – Use Wall Shelves

When space is cramped, using your walls is a sensible idea, and that is when you will love wall shelves. Your wall is like a blank canvas and putting wall-mounted shelves can give it and the room a renewed look and feel. It also allows you to use the vertical space in your home without taking up floor space. Some wall shelves that you can explore include:

  • Floating U Shelves

bookshelf ideas for small spaces

This set of three U-shaped shelves is decorative and functional. The walnut finish gives the shelves a contemporary look and feel while the durability comes from laminate and MDF. The three shelves are of varying sizes – the large shelf has dimension of 17 inches length x 4 inches tall x 4 inches deep; the medium 13 inches length x 4 inches tall x 3.5 inches deep; and the small U shelf is 9 inches in length x 4 inches tall x 3 inches deep. The shelves are rather simple to hang and come with the necessary hardware.

  • Floating Ledge Shelves

Bookshelves for small spaces

As the name denotes, the shelves come with a ledge to prevent things from falling off. This added security also functions as a decorative element. The pure white color of the four shelves is minimalistic yet eye-catching. The varying lengths give the set an eclectic appearance. The dimensions of the shelves are 6 inches x 1.5 inches x 4 inches; 12 inches x 1.5 inches x 4 inches; 20 inches x 1.5 inches x 4 inches; and 24 inches x 1.5 inches x 4 inches. You can arrange the shelves symmetrically or asymmetrically and use them for photographs and small decorative items.

  • Criss Cross Shelves

This set comprises two reverse criss cross wall shelves that can be mounted without making the hardware obvious. The elegant white color of the shelves makes it perfect for a contemporary and minimalistic home that wants to use the walls for more than hanging pictures. Small potted plants, toys, CDs, family photos, and other small decorative items get accentuated like never before. Each criss cross shelf measures 17 inches wide, 5 inches deep and 17 inches high.

Idea #4 – Use a Night Stand

Don’t overlook your bedroom when you are looking to use space efficiently and artistically. Your bedroom is your private oasis and deserves some TLC. A night stand is the perfect answer when you want style, beauty and functionality.

  • Night Stand with Open Shelf and Drawer

Your night stand should not only be a place to keep your mobile, alarm clock, wallet and other knick-knacks that you carry daily when you step out of the house. It should also offer you a storage solution for other items that you like near you. This night stand made from solid wood and laminate comes with a drawer that has metal runners and safety stops. So there is no risk of the drawer popping out when you open it completely. It comes with a patented T-lock system for added security. The open shelf ensures you enjoy additional storage space that is easy to access. The cherry finish gives it a soothing warmth and richness that is hard to resist. Its dimensions are 23.1 inches length x 15.5 inches width x 24.8 inches height.

Idea #5 – Use Daybed Bookcases

When you live in a small apartment with kids, you will yearn for additional storage space to accommodate toys, books and clothes. A daybed bookcase offers you all this and more.

  • Twin Bookcase Daybed

Made from solid pine, this twin bookcase daybed ensures your toddler can transition to a bed with ease. The headboard has ample storage space for books, trophies, alarm clocks and toys. It also has three drawers for additional storage space and a twin trundle on wheels for unexpected house guests and sleepovers. The trundle slides smoothly under the drawer unit. The stunning merlot finish makes the entire unit cheerful and airy. Its dimensions are 78.5 inches x 47 inches x 49.2 inches.

Do not sacrifice storage just because space is an issue. Use these ideas to make most of the small spaces and corners in your home so that you never have to worry about storage or aesthetics even if you live in a small and confined apartment. Also, think creative and imagine how each of these products appears in your living spaces. Never compromise on quality, a faded or a rout finished bookshelf can have a diverse effect on your indoors as well. We’ve reviewed the products in this article only after qualifying certain quality standards.

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