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  4. 10 Best Bookcases UK 2024| Curated In-House
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10 Best Bookcases UK 2024| Curated In-House

Unlike other more modern pieces of furniture such as the TV stand or the coffee table, the bookshelf has been perfected over hundreds of years so it's pretty much the ideal storage solution. No matter how small or large your space is, a bookcase is an essential buy if you need a place to display your favourite paperbacks, as well as any ornaments or plants. The right one can have a truly transformative effect on your home's interior too.


Whether you're a bookworm in need of space to store hefty hardbacks or a minimalist looking for just a few simple shelves, this article will help you through the choosing process. We've covered everything from tall, antique-style structures made from pine to quirky, industrial-looking shelving units with oak veneers, ranking the 10 best bookcases available online at Amazon, John Lewis, and Argos.

Last updated 26/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Bookcase in the UK - Buying Guide

The first step to finding the right bookcase is determining what you need - how much storage, the type of material, and more. In this buying guide, we'll walk you through everything you'll need to consider.

1

Find a Bookcase That Offers Ample Storage Space Without Dominating the Room

Find a Bookcase That Offers Ample Storage Space Without Dominating the Room

The first thing to do when shopping for a new bookcase is to consider how much space you have available; the last thing you want is to end up with one that juts out from the wall or won't slot into that alcove you assigned for it. Measure your space and then check this against the dimensions of the bookcase itself, including the height as well as the width - bookcases can be pretty tall!


Some people aren't looking for a bookcase that fills up the whole wall. Instead, they want something less imposing that's designed to hold just a small selection of books. If this is the case, our advice is to make sure you don't go too small and wind up with shelving that doesn't hold anywhere near the number of objects that you'd like it to. Again, checking the dimensions will be a huge help here. 

2

Make Sure Your Bookcase Suits the Style of Your Home

Once you've calculated your available wall space, the next step is to consider the aesthetics. Bookcases come in a variety of designs, with some suiting certain interiors more than others. Below, we'll delve into the most popular styles available.

Luxurious Wood Will Complement a Traditionally-Styled Home

Luxurious Wood Will Complement a Traditionally-Styled Home

Traditional homes use lots of wood to create an atmosphere that's refined yet comfortable. If you've opted for traditional-style décor, you'll be pleased to hear that there are plenty of bookcases in our ranking made from natural wood - they'll fit your home perfectly!


The hard part will be picking your preferred style of wood, as this can vary from luxurious oak all the way down to inexpensive MDF. Ideally, you'll want to match the texture and shade of the wood with that of the surrounding furniture, but this can be tricky since no two trees are the same!

Minimalist Metal Frames Look Great in Contemporary Rooms

Minimalist Metal Frames Look Great in Contemporary Rooms

While eclectic pieces of furniture have no place in a traditional-style home, they're fair game in rooms with a contemporary décor where innovation is the name of the game! Designers from all over the world have offered their own unique twist on the classic bookcase, and some of the results are pretty striking.


Generally, modern bookcases opt for a minimalist design that strips away much of the material to leave only shelves and a surrounding framework. They're usually made of metal, although this may be combined with wood too. 


The shape is likely to be quirky too, such as a tripod that tapers towards the top or shelves that jut out to create an unusual silhouette. This type of bookcase will therefore work particularly well alongside a futuristic or minimalist décor - basically, any home that doesn't use traditional style elements like elegant bronze and rustic wood.

3

More Shelves Doesn't Always Mean More Space

More Shelves Doesn't Always Mean More Space

Here's where things get a little tricky - more shelves doesn't necessarily mean more storage space, as this is actually dictated by the overall size of your bookcase. A bigger bookcase doesn't mean more shelves, either, as it's entirely possible to find a medium-sized bookcase with more shelves than a large one.


What's the benefit of more shelves, then, if not increased space? The answer is more surfaces on which to store your stuff. If you're an avid reader who wants to pack as many paperbacks as possible onto your new bookcase, loads of shelves will be ideal as you'll be able to store rows and rows of books. 


However, more shelves mean less space between each shelf - which isn't good news if you're planning on using your bookcase to store large hardbacks or things that are taller than books, such as ornaments or plants. If you want to use your bookcase to display a variety of objects then less may be more, as the saying goes!

4

Organise Your Display With Compartments and Dividers

Organise Your Display With Compartments and Dividers

You'll notice that some of the bookcases in our ranking feature vertical dividers. These offer no benefits in terms of storage capacity but they do provide a useful way of further compartmentalising your books or ornaments, in addition to the separate shelves.


With some bookcases, this is simply a series of square sections. These are particularly handy for tidy book lovers who may want to organise their library by genre, author, or publisher.


Other bookcases, however, have compartments that vary quite significantly in size and shape, meaning you can get creative with how you use them. The wide, rectangular compartment down the middle could be used for a row of books in the same series, while that square section on the end might fit your favourite house plant!

5

Extra Drawers for Storage Are Always Handy

Extra Drawers for Storage Are Always Handy

Bookcases, by their very design, offer a place to store objects that we also wish to have out on display. Still, we can all appreciate furniture with a bit of concealed storage space in addition to open shelving.


Many bookcases also feature a few drawers into which you can throw those items that are perhaps needed on a regular basis but not pretty enough to put out on show for everyone to see. 

6

Not a DIY Enthusiast? Look For Something That's Ready Assembled

Not a DIY Enthusiast? Look For Something That's Ready Assembled

Some of us take to DIY like a duck to water, others manage to muddle their way through instructions if they're simple enough, and then there are those who are so averse to assembling furniture that they're practically allergic! If you're in the latter group, you don't need us to tell you that attempting to build your bookcase probably isn't the best decision


Luckily, many products nowadays come ready assembled - yes, even some of the bigger ones. Rather than wasting precious time getting things wrong, you'll be able to enjoy your bookcase immediately and no one will even know the difference!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

Top 10 Best Bookcases in the UK

Now you know what to look for, it's time to count down the top 10 best bookcases available to order online in the UK right now. From quirky statement pieces to budget storage solutions, there's something for everyone here.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

West Elm

Mid-Century Wide Bookshelf

West Elm Mid-Century Wide Bookshelf 1

£629.00

High Mid

Classic, Beautiful, and Outstanding Quality

2

Terence Conran

Content Balance Metal Alcove Shelving Unit

Terence Conran Content Balance Metal Alcove Shelving Unit 1

£499.00

High Mid

A Distinctive Design With Plenty of Storage Space

3

ANYDAY John Lewis & Partners

Cuthbert Bookcase

ANYDAY John Lewis & Partners Cuthbert Bookcase 1

£159.00

Mid

An On-Trend, Tripod-Style Bookcase

4

Habitat

Cubes 3 Tier Shelving Unit

Habitat Cubes 3 Tier Shelving Unit 1

£45.00

Low Mid

Cute Compartments for Showcasing Your Fave Objects

5

Habitat

Hopkins Walnut Veneer Bookcase

Habitat Hopkins Walnut Veneer Bookcase 1

£495.00

High Mid

A Stylish, Supercharged Storage Solution

6

Argos Home

Bodie White Bookcase

Argos Home Bodie White Bookcase 1

£75.00

Low Mid

Perfect for Storing Plants and Ornaments

7

Ebbe Gehl for John Lewis

Mira Wide 2 Drawer Bookcase

Ebbe Gehl for John Lewis Mira Wide 2 Drawer Bookcase 1

£699.00

High Mid

Get The Skandi Look With This Curved Bookcase

8

Argos Home

Arizona 3 Shelf 2 Drawer Solid Pine Bookcase

Argos Home Arizona 3 Shelf 2 Drawer Solid Pine Bookcase 1

£280.00

Mid

A Traditional Bookcase With Additional Drawer Space

9

Habitat

2 Shelf Small Bookcase

Habitat 2 Shelf Small Bookcase 1

£18.00

Low

Sturdy, Spacious, and Won't Break The Bank

10

SUPERJARE

9 Shelf Tree Bookcase

SUPERJARE 9 Shelf Tree Bookcase 1

£123.35

Low Mid

A Quirky Wooden Bookcase for Books and DVDs

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

West ElmMid-Century Wide Bookshelf

Mid-Century Wide Bookshelf 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£629.00
High Mid
Reference price
£629.00
High Mid

Classic, Beautiful, and Outstanding Quality

This storage solution takes all of the best features of a traditional bookcase, such as the natural wood colour and ample storage space, but brings it into the modern age. Simple yet beautiful, it has a Mid-Century silhouette with bevelled edges and clean lines.


There's even a huge drawer at the bottom - perfect for more books, paperwork, or anything else that needs storing. Combining all the benefits of a classic bookcase with a chic contemporary design, this bookshelf just had to take our top spot!

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No.2

Terence ConranContent Balance Metal Alcove Shelving Unit

Content Balance Metal Alcove Shelving Unit 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£499.00
High Mid
Reference price
£499.00
High Mid

A Distinctive Design With Plenty of Storage Space

This stunning bookcase, with its exposed frames and gold-toned edges, reminds us of a contemporary art installation. It's certainly distinctive-looking and would make a brilliant choice for those who really want to show off their taste in literature.


For the price, you get tons of storage space thanks to the tall frame - so you can proudly display plants and ornaments as well as novels. This is, without a doubt, one for the unconventional design enthusiasts out there!

No.3

ANYDAY John Lewis & PartnersCuthbert Bookcase

Cuthbert Bookcase 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£159.00
Mid
Reference price
£159.00
Mid

An On-Trend, Tripod-Style Bookcase

This bookcase's cool tripod design instantly sets it apart from the rest of our list, and the minimalist design offers a modern alternative to the traditional wooden bookcase.


With four shelves of varying heights for stacking books, this unit would look amazing in a contemporary living room or office. Plus, John Lewis offers an assembly service for a small fee if you need help putting it all together!

No.4

HabitatCubes 3 Tier Shelving Unit

Cubes 3 Tier Shelving Unit 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£45.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£45.00
Low Mid

Cute Compartments for Showcasing Your Fave Objects

The variety of different-sized sections make it clear that this is a unit designed for more than just storing books. The wider sections are great for storing your literature, while the square sections will suit decorative objests.


This isn't a huge bookcase designed to hold a library; instead, it's a cute compartmentalised piece of furniture that's ideal for displaying all of your favourite objects like plants, photo frames, and figurines. Best of all, it's incredibly inexpensive!

No.5

HabitatHopkins Walnut Veneer Bookcase

Hopkins Walnut Veneer Bookcase 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£495.00
High Mid
Reference price
£495.00
High Mid

A Stylish, Supercharged Storage Solution

This bookcase takes the traditional rectangular design and mixes it up by adding dividers. The walnut veneer finish tops it all off beautifully, creating a piece of furniture that's truly unique and stylish. 


Not only is this a fantastic statement piece, but for those who read a variety of different genres, it also provides a convenient way of compartmentalising your literature. Although it's quite pricey, if you're looking for an effective storage solution that's decorative too then it's definitely worth paying more for.

No.6

Argos HomeBodie White Bookcase

Bodie White Bookcase 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£75.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£75.00
Low Mid

Perfect for Storing Plants and Ornaments

This small, white bookcase, suspended on four legs, makes a welcome change to the traditional rectangular shape. Although it comes at a reasonable price, we reckon it wouldn't look out of a place in a designer home!


With only two shelves and a surface on the top for displaying plants or ornaments, this bookcase is relatively low on storage space. Nevertheless, it has a unique charm that will appeal to shoppers wanting something a bit different.

No.7

Ebbe Gehl for John LewisMira Wide 2 Drawer Bookcase

Mira Wide 2 Drawer Bookcase 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£699.00
High Mid
Reference price
£699.00
High Mid

Get The Skandi Look With This Curved Bookcase

The smooth curves of this oak bookcase reveal instantly that this is a piece of furniture made with love and care. Its minimalist, natural wood design means it will suit a home with a chic Skandi theme.


Sure, it has a hefty price tag (in fact, it's the most expensive bookshelf on our list), but this is a luxurious, designer piece of furniture that those who appreciate Skandi décor won't want to miss out on!

No.8

Argos HomeArizona 3 Shelf 2 Drawer Solid Pine Bookcase

Arizona 3 Shelf 2 Drawer Solid Pine Bookcase 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£280.00
Mid
Reference price
£280.00
Mid

A Traditional Bookcase With Additional Drawer Space

This tall bookcase, featuring three shelves and two additional drawers, gives you loads of storage space. Furthermore, it's constructed from solid pine - as many of the best bookcases on the market are!


While it's a little on the pricey side, there's nothing like that natural wood look and those extra drawers will certainly come in handy. A solid choice for those who like their furniture to have timeless appeal

No.9

Habitat2 Shelf Small Bookcase

2 Shelf Small Bookcase 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£18.00
Low
Reference price
£18.00
Low

Sturdy, Spacious, and Won't Break The Bank

This sturdy little bookcase comes at a remarkably low price, plus it has enough storage space to display plants and other kinds of ornamentation as well as books.


The "wood effect" material isn't the most visually appealing option, but it's far from ugly. First and foremost, this bookcase is intended to be an inexpensive storage solution - in that sense, it ticks every box!

No.10

SUPERJARE9 Shelf Tree Bookcase

9 Shelf Tree Bookcase 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£123.35
Low Mid
Reference price
£123.35
Low Mid

A Quirky Wooden Bookcase for Books and DVDs

This tree-inspired bookcase certainly offers something different, storing books diagonally rather than horizontally or vertically. It's also constructed from natural wood that looks traditional but has been put together in a modern way.


We'll be honest, it's not huge on shelf space - it's more of a statement piece than a book storage system. Still, for those who want something eye-catching and fun, it's a must-buy!

Top 5 Bookcases

No. 1: West ElmMid-Century Wide Bookshelf

No. 2: Terence ConranContent Balance Metal Alcove Shelving Unit

No. 3: ANYDAY John Lewis & PartnersCuthbert Bookcase

No. 4: HabitatCubes 3 Tier Shelving Unit

No. 5: HabitatHopkins Walnut Veneer Bookcase

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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