Narrow Bookcases
A tall narrow bookshelf is the best way to fill up a pokey little space, display books and decor, and make the most of corners. They are especially good when you have a smaller room or apartment and need to use the height of the room to save space. If you have a corner to fill (or just way too many books!), we’re sharing our top picks for the best narrow bookcases for small spaces.
Brown Geometric Style Tall Narrow Bookcase
$73.99 $107.99
Brown Geometric Style Tall Narrow Bookcase
Millwood Pines
$73.99 $107.99
Perfect For: A home office, bedroom or multi-purpose living space
What We Like: It also comes in all black for a slightly sleeker look
Measuring just over 58 inches high, this tall narrow bookcase features eight diagonally oppositional tiers that give it a cool tree-like shape. It’s crafted out of manufactured wood with a square base that houses a black leather non-woven drawer for extra book storage.
Designer Advice:
Finished in a safe and eco-friendly gloss, this tall narrow bookcase comes with non-slip pads on the bottom of the base which allows it to keep stabilized and not scratch the floor. It also comes with an anti-tipping accessory that can be attached to the wall if you’re worried about your bookcase falling over.
What Users Say:
This bookshelf is gorgeous, thin and unique – it really makes a statement in the room! I bought two of them to place on either side of my couch and they’re a perfect fit in my living room.
Metal Tall Skinny Bookshelf
$93.99
Metal Tall Skinny Bookshelf
Ebern Designs
$93.99
Perfect For: A teen’s bedroom if they’re in need of an easy bookcase set-up
What We Like: It’s made in a lot of fun colors including cobalt blue and lime green
Made out of powder-coated metal in a vibrant seafoam shade, this tall skinny bookshelf contains five open shelves with a 15-pound weight capacity. It stands on four level adjustable round feet and measures 57 inches in height. There is no assembly required and can be folded up and stored away when not in use.
Designer Advice:
Create a colorful home library in your den or kid’s playroom with this tall skinny bookshelf. You could get a seafoam bookshelf as well as a lime green and cobalt one for an extensive collection. Throw down a fuzzy area rug in front with a bean bag chair to create a cozy spot for homework and reading.
What Users Say:
Perfect for beside my bed. It is sturdy yet lightweight and all you have to do is unfold it. No assembly!
Extra narrow bookshelf for hard to fill spaces
$123.99 $182.99
Extra narrow bookshelf for hard to fill spaces
Wade Logan®
$123.99 $182.99
What we like: Extra narrow
What we don’t like: Top shelf is not adjustable
We have found the perfect narrow bookcase for all your photos, decor, books and office supplies. Modern, stylish and simple, this extra narrow shelf would be perfect in a home office alongside a desk, in the kitchen for cookbooks, in the bathroom for towels-basically any room in the house. The slender design gives this bookshelf a distinctive look while its five shelves and 72” height offers plenty of storage space!
Although it will take some assembly and the top shelves are not adjustable, we love the uniquely narrow design that will fit into any small space to finish off your room.
Classic Wooden Bookcase That Will Fit Into Any Corner With Any Decor
$389.99 $619.99
Classic Wooden Bookcase That Will Fit Into Any Corner With Any Decor
Winston Porter
$389.99 $619.99
What we like: Adjustable Shelves
What we don’t like: Manufactured wood
This is the perfect narrow bookcase for a classic wood look in your office or living room. It is narrow enough to fit in small spaces, but stands at 85.5 inches tall so you have plenty of storage space. This narrow shelving unit has five shelves that are fully adjustable. Perfect for rearranging decor throughout the year.
Made from manufactured wood, you will only get the wood “look” rather than pure hardwood. This usually makes it more affordable but less durable than a real wooden bookcase. If you want something simple and classic, this is the bookcase for you.
Industrial Style Bookshelf Feels Straight Out of A New York Loft
$74.99 $123.99
Industrial Style Bookshelf Feels Straight Out of A New York Loft
17 Stories
$74.99 $123.99
What we like: Tip-over restraints included, Industrial style
What we don’t like: Particleboard
Let us introduce one of our favorite bookshelves in this list. From the industrial-style iron and wood to the sturdy frame design, this would fit right into the corner of any modern apartment or family home. The particle board might not last as long as solid wood, however it does make it more affordable and is fine with proper cleaning and maintenance.
As well as the industrial style, we also appreciate the tip-over restraints, cross bar and adjustable feet included for extra safety and stability. This narrow bookcase gets our tick of approval.
Wooden Corner Bookcase With Just A Hint of Retro
$159.99 $219.99
Wooden Corner Bookcase With Just A Hint of Retro
Maydear
$159.99 $219.99
What we like: Corner Design, Retro Vibes, Environmentally Friendly Materials
What we don’t like: Design means less storage
This narrow corner bookcase has a bit of a 70s flair, with its wooden shelves, tall legs and alternating directions. Unlike many modern corner shelves, this unit has a back to stop items falling down which gets our vote for design.
Not only is it strong and durable, it is made from high-quality, environmentally friendly bamboo. The aesthetically pleasing wedge on each level means that you don’t get the whole shelf for storage, but it adds to that oh-so-retro vibe that we love.
Steel Narrow Book Shelf
$107.99 $167.99
Steel Narrow Book Shelf
17 Stories
$107.99 $167.99
Perfect For: A modern industrial living room or hallway space
What We Like: It comes in two different sizes
Displaying an industrial modern design, this narrow book shelf possesses five tiers of shelving space made out of vintage brown manufactured wood. The frame is a ladder-style fashioned out of black powder-coated steel. There’s a bottom two-door cabinet that works as additional storage space for daily essentials.
Designer Advice:
This 59-inch narrow book shelf contains shelves made out of anti-scratch medium-density fibreboard which makes it a good choice to have in a busy home with kids. Use the tip-over restraint device for added security and place this anywhere in your living room to showcase all your family’s reading materials.
What Users Say:
It is perfect for my cookbooks. Easy to assemble and very sturdy. Fits in nicely with everything else.
Stylish Narrow Bookshelf In Neutral Colors Perfect for That Unused Corner!
$116.99 $149.99
Stylish Narrow Bookshelf In Neutral Colors Perfect for That Unused Corner!
Ebern Designs
$116.99 $149.99
What we like: Multiple color choices, easy to clean
What we don’t like: Open backs on shelves
Get the most out of that unused corner with this gorgeous corner bookshelf by George Oliver. It comes in multiple neutral colors which are perfect for any modern home, and the melamine veneer makes it nice and easy to clean. This would be the perfect bookshelf for an entryway, dining room or bathroom with just a little bit of empty space to fill.
Small items or paper may fall down the back with the semi-open shelving, however keeping it in the corner should save most items. It is easy to put together, so you’ll have the perfect narrow bookshelf up in your space in no time!
Narrow Wooden Bookcase with Draw for Rustic Functionality
Narrow Wooden Bookcase with Draw for Rustic Functionality
Millwood Pines
What we like: Alternating shelves, compact, drawer included, freestanding
What we don’t like: Top not level to fit into square spaces
This narrow wooden bookcase is the perfect combination of modern and rustic. Made from recycled materials, it has two narrow sides with alternating shelves on each for a unique, non-symmetrical design. It also has a drawer at the bottom for extra storage and stability.
Its narrow, vertical structure makes it compact and it is freestanding so it is perfect for small spaces and corridors. With its non-symmetrical design, the top won’t fit neatly into square spaces, but we still love the unique feel of this bookcase.
Simple Narrow Bookcase For When You Have More Books Than Space
Simple Narrow Bookcase For When You Have More Books Than Space
South Shore
What we like: Simple Design, Adjustable Shelves
What we don’t like: May need more than one person for assembly
Got more books than space? This simple, classic narrow bookcase has got you covered. With its adjustable shelves and neutral color palette, it will literally fit into just about any space. It is perfect to fill up that little nook in your office or living room and fill it with books.
Assembly is simple, however you may need more than one person to move it when it arrives as it ships all in one big packet! We love that this unit passes all North American safety standards for shipping, and can see it completing that little corner of your home.
Narrow Bookcase with Modern Floating Shelves to Display Your Books
Narrow Bookcase with Modern Floating Shelves to Display Your Books
17 Stories
What we like: Combination of wood and iron, floating shelf vibe
What we don’t like: Open back where items might fall off shelf
Need space-conscious shelving? This shelf would fit anywhere from bedroom to bathroom, in a small apartment to a big house with lots of nooks and crannies. This narrow bookcase has a solid frame with floating wooden shelves, giving it a unique “open” feel. It is perfect for displaying decor rather than organizing clutter- it will become an art piece in itself.
Unlike most bookcases, it doesn’t have a back so items might fall off if you push them too far back. This sturdy design definitely makes the list for best narrow bookcases. It has a height of 59” and each rack can hold up to 20lbs.
Extra Tall Narrow Bookcase For Your Extra Small Spaces
Extra Tall Narrow Bookcase For Your Extra Small Spaces
HLF
What we like: 7 levels, industrial style, geometric pattern on sides
What we don’t like: Might not be good for renters with anti-fall support
Made from a durable metal frame and high quality MDF boards, we are in love with this industrial bookcase. There are multiple sizes if you want matching shelves, however the 7-storey unit is extra tall for those extra small spaces. If you have a small room but still need storage, a shelf that takes advantage of height is the way to go!
We love the geometric patterns on the sides of each shelf, and the rustic meets industrial design. Due to its height, it is recommended that you secure it to the wall with the anti-tipping kit, so this may not be suitable for a rental home. However, for most small spaces we think this will be the perfect piece!
Freestanding Narrow Bookshelf For A Little Bit Of Design Flair
Freestanding Narrow Bookshelf For A Little Bit Of Design Flair
What we like: Freestanding, metal bars for extra support and design
What we don’t like: Bright colors
A modern bookshelf that is narrow horizontally so you can have a lot of storage without coming out from the wall too far. Need even more storage? You can buy two units and place them back to back to create a pyramid of shelving on the wall. More than enough space to hold all your books and decor!
It is made from wood with crossed metal bars on each shelf for extra design and support and the shelves are all open to display your best pieces. If you have a minimal color palette in your home you might not like the bright funky colors, but this narrow shelf is perfect for modern homes looking for just that little bit of extra design features.
Buying Guide
Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.
Narrow bookcases make for a wonderful furnishing. Fill up the remainder of your living room or den space with a classic narrow bookcase and add personality to your home instantly. To make the right shopping decisions, consider the following.
- Size matters. Narrow bookcases can be tall or short. How will your room look with a short bookcase? Do you need something that nearly reaches the ceiling? Do you want your room to appear less cluttered? These are just a few questions you need to ask yourself before committing to a purchase.
- Modern or vintage? It's important to know what kind of bookcase you want before buying it. This will save you time. Do a search of contemporary and antique structured bookcases. Do you want light colored wood or dark? Do you like wide handles or smaller ones? Picture your ideal bookcase or browse the web for inspiration and go for the desired look.
- How many books or knick-knacks will go on the bookcase? Some people love putting little trinkets, pictures, and collectibles on their bookcase for decorative use. Think about this before deciding which product you want. Will you need more space? How many books do you own, or expect to shelve on the narrow bookcase?
Some bookcases feature wheels while other narrow bookcases feature adjustable height shelves. Adjustable shelving is a favorite among many buyers. You can customize the look of the bookshelf without buying a new product or getting rid of the one you already have.
Bookcases on wheels offer ease in maneuverability. Perhaps you need the bookcase in one or more rooms of the house. Move it from the office to the living room or den for variety.
It should be noted that some bookshelves are built from metal instead of wood. This design is perfect for those who want a contemporary look. The shelves will also be sturdier than their wood counterparts.
If you're putting a bookshelf in a small nook or corner of the room, try getting a corner bookshelf, scaffold or ladder design. They will fit snugly in a small corner of the room so that you can preserve space for other necessities.
It's okay to be creative when deciding where to put your bookshelf. The kitchen is an area where most people don't even think to place this furnishing. Stock it with your favorite cookbooks and it won't seem out of place.
Bookcases add a certain appeal and delicacy to any room, as well as a hint of intelligence and prestige. They're also great for propping decorations. Add picture frames and small plants on top for a perfect marriage of functionality and personalized style.
