20 Bookcase Ideas For Small Rooms That Show Off Your Décor

This post shows you the best bookcase ideas to try today.

I love to read and over the years, I have grown my collection of books to triple digits.

One challenge that comes with such a collection is storage solutions that are both functional and decorative.

My small-sized room does not help as it limits the designs of bookcases I can go for to merge functionality and aesthetics.

I would wish to collect more books but with my current storage struggles, I saw it wise to invest in a bookcase.

If you are experiencing a similar problem, I’ll share 20 bookcase ideas I have discovered.

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Cubby bookcase

The individual compartments of a cubby bookcase are a great way of achieving orderliness in a small space.

Aside from books, use some compactness for décor pieces to achieve a greater appeal.

Lastly, use a glass door for the bookcase for visibility of the displayed books and décor items and to further protect your items from dust.

Bookcase with cabinet

The dual functionality of a bookcase with cabinets and open shelves will merge your aesthetics and storage solution in a small space.

Add potted plants on some of the shelves and on top of the bookcase to add a touch of nature.

Lastly, use cherry wood for the bookcase;its antique appearance will be a great incorporation of a timeless look in your modern space.

Half-wall bookcase

A half-wall bookcase is ideal as its compact height will leave wall room for additional use in a small space.

Paint your bookcase black to complement your grey rag and shades of grey on the décor pieces and book covers.

On top of the bookcase hang a large-sized wall art to balance off the visual weight of the black color and height of your bookcase.

Open bookcase

An open bookcase in your small space allows display of books and décor items and makes it the focal point of your room.

Add a black metal chair with a white cushion to serve as the sitting area while reading.

Finish the look with a black drum accent table and a gold and white reading lamp for a complete reading corner.

Full-height bookcase

A full-height bookcase is an effective use of the wall space of your small room.

Incorporate two accent chairs in the space to add coziness as well as enhance the bookcase appeal.

Complete the look with a mustard yellow and white patterned rug as an element of sophistication.

Built-in bookcase

Go for a built-in bookcase customized to the dimensions of your small room.

Add two gold bookcase lights to illuminate the space.

Next to the bookcase, add a Goma armchair and a glass and metal-framed table to be used as the reading space.

Color-coded bookcase

For a small space, attempt to color coordinate the book arrangement to achieve a visually intriguing bookcase.

On the floor, use a vintage carpet foritsaged look and unique patterns and colors will add a sense of history.

Lastly, provide a sitting space using a blue accent chair that matches the shades of blue on your vintage carpet.

Wall-mounted bookcase with slatted backdrop

A slatted backdrop in a wall-mounted bookcase will add a sophisticated look to your small space.

Use your décor items as book stoppers; for instance, an antique vase as a book stopper builds into the sophisticated look.

Finish the look with a ChineseChippendale chair asits geometric patterns and intricate craftsmanship will beautify the space.

Recessed bookcase

A recessed bookcase will save space and achieve a built-in look.

Add a geometric feel to the bookcase by going for a trapezium-looking shape instead of the regular rectangular shape.

Complete the look with a blue floral wallpaper on the adjacent wall.

Under-stair bookcase

Under-stair bookcase maximizes the use of a space that would otherwise be underutilized in a small room.

For contrast, paint the bookcase black and the adjacent spaces a light shade of grey.

Add light in one of the compartments and use rose gold mesh baskets as part of the décor pieces for beautification.

Baby blue bookcase

Use baby blue paint to make your bookcase add a calm feel to your small space.

Add a touch of chocolate brown using your décor pieces such as wooden trays, storage boxes and a wooden animal sculptured.

Lastly, hang your wildflower prints to bring the outdoor feel to the space.

Bookcase adjacent to your window

A bookcase adjacent to your window maximizes the use of the natural light from outside.

Harmoniously mix items on the bookcase such as a grey wicker basket, a white plant pot and black picture frames to captivate the eye.

For an additional eye spark, finish the look with a brown leather seat with a black metal frame.

Corner bookcase

A corner bookcase is a great use of a corner space in a small room.

Make the top of your corner bookcase double up as display area for your games collection such as Monopoly and Warcraft.

Add warmth and texture to the space using a grey shaggy carpet.

Triple partitioned bookcase

A triple-partitioned bookcase allows for separate arrangement of books and décor items in a small space.

Make the bookcase standout using mini wooden pallet crates and woven baskets that double up as décor and storage space.

Add stuffed animals to the bookcase to achieve a playful element in the space.

Bookcase next to the staircase

If the space under your staircase is small, have your built-in bookcase on the adjacent wall.

Paint the bookcase a bold color such as jungle green, to make it stand out against the white walls in a small space.

Accentuate the bookcase with wood pallet crates that match your stair rail and wooden floors for a cohesive feel.

Built-in bookcase with sliding ladder

Add a sliding ladder to your built-in bookcase to ease movement from one end to another and access to the top shelves.

Go for black sliding rails and wheels to contrast your all-white bookcase and add visual contrast to your small space.

Finish up with a floor lamp for adequate lighting.

All-white bookcase

An all-white bookcase will achieve a minimalistic and clean atmosphere in your small space.

To break the monotony, you can play around with gold and brass décor pieces such as candle holders, a sculptured bird or a trophy cup.

Lastly, use a metal cage table lamp for additional light diffusion and an industrial touch.

Double-height bookcase

Take advantage of the tall walls on your stairway and build an in-built double-height bookcase.

Add three ceiling lights on top of the bookcase to ensure that the bottom shelves are well-illuminated.

Lastly, balance the height by having your books at the base section and the décor items on the top.

Accent wall bookcase

Make your bookcase stand out by painting it a contrasting color from the adjacent wall.

Make the backdrop of the bookcase different by maintaining the natural color of wood against the painted bookcase.

Add a sitting arms chair with a patterned curtain on the window for a cozy and welcoming feel in the small space.

Fireplace bookcase

A fireplace bookcase is great use of the wall space surrounding your fireplace in a small room.

Match the color of the fireplace casing with that of the bookcase for a uniform look.

Add color to the bookcase with brightly colored book covers, décor pieces and black handles to the drawers and cabinets at the base.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I make a small bookcase look stylish without overcrowding the space?

To make a small bookcase look stylish, focus on balance and simplicity.

Use a mix of books and decorative items, like small plants, picture frames, or decorative boxes, to create visual interest.

Keep the color scheme cohesive by sticking to a few complementary colors that match your room’s decor.

Incorporate varying heights and textures to add depth without overwhelming the space.

Also, leave some empty space on the shelves to give the arrangement a light and airy feel.

2. What are some space-saving bookcase designs that work well in small rooms?

For small rooms, consider bookcases that double as other furniture, like a bookcase headboard or a storage bench with built-in shelves.

Wall-mounted bookcases are another great option, as they free up floor space and draw the eye upward, making the room feel larger.

Corner bookcases can utilize otherwise wasted space and fit snugly into tight areas.

Also, ladder-style bookcases lean against the wall and add a stylish, open look without taking up much room.

3. Can I use a bookcase to divide a small room without making it feel cramped?

Yes, a bookcase can be an excellent room divider in small spaces, especially if you choose an open-back design.

An open-back bookcase allows light to flow through and maintains a sense of openness, which is key in small rooms.

Arrange the shelves with a mix of books and decor to keep both sides visually appealing.

Opt for a bookcase that isn’t too tall to avoid creating a wall-like barrier that could make the space feel closed off.

4. How do I organize a small bookcase to maximize storage while keeping it visually appealing?

Start by categorizing your books and decor items, grouping them by size, color, or theme to create a cohesive look.

Use baskets or boxes on lower shelves to store smaller items or clutter that doesn’t need to be on display.

Incorporate a few vertical stacks of books to break up the horizontal lines and add visual interest.

Mix in decorative items, but avoid overcrowding by limiting yourself to one or two per shelf.

Keep the most visually appealing items at eye level, and consider rotating decor seasonally to keep the look fresh.

5. What are some creative ways to style a bookcase in a small room?

Try arranging books by color to create a rainbow effect, which adds a pop of color and organizes your collection in a fun way.

Incorporate artwork by placing small framed prints or leaning larger pieces against the back of the shelf.

Mix in personal items like souvenirs or vintage finds to add character and make the space feel uniquely yours.

Consider adding a mirror or reflective objects on the shelves to bounce light around the room, making it feel larger.

You can also place small plants or succulents to bring a touch of nature indoors and soften the overall look.

If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Décor” board.