Bookcases don’t just hold books; they can hold picture frames, knick-knacks, or anything else you want to show off to the world.  And, the right bookcase can tie any décor together and give any room a “finished” look.

But when you go shopping for a bookcase, the possibilities can seem endless.  After all, there are so many sizes, colors, shapes, and designs to choose from! 

So, how do you make sense of it all?

Below is a list of the 7 most popular bookcase designs.  By learning about each one, you will have a much easier time finding one that suits you:

1.  Ready-to-assemble bookcases

If you’re looking for cheap bookcases that don’t look cheap, you may have to do a bit of the work yourself.  The ready-to-assemble variety offer just that; they come in pieces that you put together with a few basic tools.  Because you have to work on them before you can use them, they are often cheaper than the ones that are already put together.  But don’t worry… you don’t have to be a construction whiz to assemble them!

Some of the most popular are Billy Bookcases.  As one of IKEA’s biggest sellers, Billy Bookcases come with adjustable shelves so that you can fit anything on them, big or small.  You can even buy several of them, put them together, affix them to the wall, and end up with built-in shelving that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg!

Sauder Bookcases – another brand that has been around for decades – are also incredibly popular because they come in virtually any size, shape, or color that you need.

2.  Wood bookcases

While they might be the most traditional, they also tend to be the most expensive – especially if you opt for one made out of genuine hardwood instead of plywood.  However, they can also come in any finish, which means that they can fit into virtually any décor.

If you opt for cheaper plywood, you can still make it look great, though – by having it painted any color you want.

3.  Barrister bookcases

These come with a traditional design and are usually made out of wood and come with glass doors on the front.  Bookcases with glass doors can protect your stuff from dust, pets, and kids.  But, since you’re dealing with glass instead of a solid panel, you still get to see everything that’s on the shelves.  That way, your leather-bound books and family heirlooms don’t have to be hidden from sight just to stay safe.
4.  Corner bookcases

Built to work at odd angles, these are a perfect option if you are trying to save some space, or if you just need something so that your corner doesn’t look bare.

5.  Modern bookcases

If you’re looking for something “off the beaten path”, these can give it to you.  After all, if you have a modern décor, the last thing you want is a traditional bookcase; it can ruin the entire look!  But with their odd shapes, different-sized shelves, and unique designs, these are very different from their traditional counterparts.

6.  Bookcases with storage

If you need something that can hold things that aren’t necessarily “pretty”, these can help.  Usually, they come with traditional shelves on top, with drawers or solid-paneled cabinets on the bottom.  That way, you can store things both in and out of the public eye.  And, since the storage areas are covered with solid panels instead of glass, you don’t have to worry if the things inside are cluttered; no one will know the difference!

7.  Kids’ bookcases

They come in smaller sizes, so that even tiny readers can reach them.  Plus, they come in fun colors and designs, so you can incorporate them into any child-themed décor.  In fact, these pint-sized pieces of furniture can be so fun and inviting that they can actually encourage your child to spend more time reading!

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