Best Living Room Bookcases
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Living room bookcases are freestanding shelves for books, photos, plants and decorative items, usually 45 to 85 inches tall and between about 9 and 12 inches deep. The best bookcase depends on the wall space you have, how many books you own, and whether you want a closed back or open shelves. The bookcases below range from a short three-tier unit that fits under a window to a tall seven-tier unit with a closed back. Each entry gives the shelf count, size and stated load from the listing, and it notes where a listing gives two different figures.
Quick answer
- For a tall bookcase with a stated 22-pound load per shelf, the IRONCK six-shelf unit is 23.8 inches wide and 70.8 inches tall.
- For a short unit under a window or in a tight corner, the HOMISSUE three-tier bookcase is 35.43 inches wide and 30.9 inches tall.
- For the most open shelves in one unit, the Huuger five-tier bookcase lists 14 open shelves and splits into two freestanding bookcases.
- For a closed back on a tall unit, the HOMISSUE seven-tier bookcase lists a closed back, a 70-pound maximum and an 84-inch height.
How to choose a living room bookcase
Start with the height and width. A bookcase near 70 to 85 inches tall fills a wall, while a unit near 30 inches tall works under a window or on a sofa wall. The listings range from 30.9 inches tall for the HOMISSUE short unit to 84 inches tall for the HOMISSUE seven-tier bookcase. Measure the wall and the ceiling height before you order, and leave room for the anti-tip hardware where the listing includes it.
Next, check the shelf load. Books are heavy, so a shelf rated for 22 pounds fits paperbacks and décor but not a full row of hardcovers. The IRONCK and XBurmo listings each state 22 pounds per shelf. The Huuger listing states 55 pounds for each shelf, and the HOMISSUE seven-tier unit states a 70-pound maximum without a per-shelf figure. Fill the lower shelves with the heaviest books and read each listing before you assume the rating.
Then decide on the look. An open bookcase shows every item, which suits a display of photos or plants. A closed back gives a finished look from the room and holds the back of the shelves steady. The HOMISSUE seven-tier unit lists a closed back, and the Huuger and IRONCK units are open.
Sizing and fit
Measure the depth as well as the width. The XBurmo tree bookcase is 8 inches deep and 15 inches wide, which suits a corner or a narrow gap. The IRONCK bookcase is 9.3 inches deep, the HOMISSUE seven-tier unit is 11.8 inches deep, and the Huuger bookcase is 9.5 inches deep and 50.1 inches wide. The HOMISSUE three-tier unit is 11.8 inches deep and 33.78 inches wide in the specs, with a shelf depth of 12.6 inches in the item dimensions. Check the listing for the depth you need, since shelves that stick out more than 12 inches can block a walkway.
Materials and finish
The materials are MDF, engineered wood, solid wood and metal. The IRONCK bookcase is MDF particleboard with a laminated vintage brown finish. The XBurmo tree bookcase is listed as premium hardwood with a rustic brown finish and a waterproof coating. The HOMISSUE three-tier unit is engineered wood and metal with a brushed rustic brown finish. The Huuger unit is a metal frame with wood shelves, in rustic brown. The HOMISSUE seven-tier unit is engineered wood with steel and MDF, in vintage brown.
Comparison table
| Option | Shelves | Size (listing) | Stated load | Back and anti-tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRONCK 6-shelf bookcase (B099DT92QY) | 6 | 23.8 W x 9.3 D x 70.8 H in | 22 lb per shelf | Open; tip-over resistance device |
| XBurmo 7-tier tree bookshelf (B0FKBKTWVD) | 7 | 15 W x 8 D x 45 H in | 22 lb per shelf | Open; anti-tip hardware, wall anchors |
| HOMISSUE 3-tier bookcase (B0DLK12NWG) | 3 | 35.43 W x 12.6 D x 30.9 H in | Not stated | Open; anti-tilt tool included |
| Huuger 5-tier bookshelf, splits into 2 (B0H4SPKGQ5) | 14 open shelves | 50.1 W x 9.5 D x 66.9 H in | 55 lb per shelf | Open; anti-tip kits stated |
| HOMISSUE 7-tier tall bookshelf (B0CQX91KJQ) | 7 | 23.6 W x 11.8 D x 84 H in | 70 lb maximum | Closed back; freestanding |
Who each option suits
The IRONCK bookcase suits a home office or a living room wall where a tall, narrow shelf holds books and boxes. The XBurmo tree bookcase suits a corner or a narrow gap, and its listing says it has anti-tip hardware and wall anchors. The HOMISSUE three-tier unit suits a space under a window or a tight corner where a short shelf fits. The Huuger bookcase suits a room where you want many open shelves, and it can be split into two units for two walls. The HOMISSUE seven-tier unit suits a living room or office where a closed back gives a finished look and the 84-inch height fills a wall.
Product block by product
1. IRONCK Industrial Bookshelf, 6 Shelves, Vintage Brown (B099DT92QY)
This floor-standing bookcase is 23.8 inches wide, 9.3 inches deep and 70.8 inches tall, with six shelves. The listing says each shelf holds up to 22 pounds, and the specs list the total weight capacity as 22 pounds. The material is MDF particleboard with a laminated finish, and the item weighs 37.2 pounds. The listing says the bookcase has strengthened screws and a tip-over resistance device. The bullets name a home office, living room and bedroom as uses, and they describe it as a rustic design. Assembly uses labeled parts and clear instructions. It suits a living room wall where you want a tall shelf with a modest depth.
2. XBurmo 7-Tier Tree Bookshelf, Corner and Narrow Bookcase (B0FKBKTWVD)
This tree-shaped bookcase has seven tiers and is 8 inches deep, 15 inches wide and 45 inches tall. The bullets say it is made of solid hardwood and that each shelf holds up to 22 pounds. The listing includes anti-tip hardware, wall anchors and non-slip pads, and it says the bookcase is designed for family homes. The finish is laminated rustic brown with a waterproof coating. The bullets give an assembly time of about 20 minutes. The listing includes a note that panel D is not reversible, and it says to flip the panel if the holes do not line up. The item weighs six pounds. It suits a corner, a narrow gap or a bedroom where a tall, slim shelf fits.
3. HOMISSUE Short Bookcase, 3 Tiers, Rustic Brown (B0DLK12NWG)
This three-tier bookcase is 11.8 inches deep and 33.78 inches wide in the specs, and 30.9 inches tall. The item weighs 32.6 pounds. The listing says the unit is made of MDF boards with metal support tubes under the two lower boards. The bullets say the unit fits under windows or in tight corners. The finish is brushed rustic brown with an engineered wood look. The listing includes an anti-tilting tool and says you must install it. The specs list a minimum required door width of 35.43 inches, which is the width of the unit. It is a good fit for a low wall or a bedroom where a short bookcase holds plants and decor.
4. Huuger 5-Tier Bookshelf, 14 Open Shelves, Splits into Two (B0H4SPKGQ5)
This rustic brown bookcase has 14 open shelves across two sections that can be split into two freestanding bookcases. The listing gives a size of 50.1 inches wide, 9.5 inches deep and 66.9 inches tall, and the bullets say the overall height is 68 inches. Each shelf is listed at 55 pounds. The frame is metal with wood shelves, and the bullets mention 12 mm particleboard and 18 by 18 mm metal tubes. The listing says the height of each section is adjustable, and it includes anti-tip kits and adjustable feet. It lists uses in the living room, kitchen, bedroom and office. It is the best choice when you want the most open shelves and the option to split the unit.
5. HOMISSUE Tall Bookshelf, 7 Tiers, Closed Back, Vintage Brown (B0CQX91KJQ)
This freestanding bookcase is 11.8 inches deep, 23.6 inches wide and 84 inches tall, with seven shelves. The specs give a maximum weight of 70 pounds for the unit, and the listing does not give a per-shelf figure. The item weighs 40 pounds. The listing describes a closed back, steel and MDF with a side tube frame, and connecting fittings. The bullets say the back panel improves the structure compared with open designs, and that assembly takes under an hour. The included items are an installation manual, tools and numbered accessories. The listing does not state an anti-tip device in the specs, so anchor it to the wall as the manual directs. It suits a living room or office where a tall, closed-back bookcase fills a wall.
Review: IRONCK Industrial Bookshelf, 6 Shelves, in depth
The IRONCK bookcase is the most straightforward tall option in this roundup. Its listing gives a width of 23.8 inches, a depth of 9.3 inches and a height of 70.8 inches, with six shelves. Each shelf is rated at 22 pounds, and the item weighs 37.2 pounds, which makes it heavy enough to stay put once it is loaded.
The material is MDF particleboard with a laminated vintage brown finish. The listing says the screws are strengthened and that the bookcase has a tip-over resistance device. The bullets say the unit suits a home office, living room, bedroom and study, and the specs list it as freestanding and indoor.
The 22-pound load is the main limit. Full rows of hardcover books can exceed that load on a single shelf, so keep the heavier books low and spread the weight across the six shelves. The listing does not give the exact spacing between shelves, so measure the books you own before you buy. For a bookcase with a higher per-shelf rating, the Huuger unit lists 55 pounds per shelf, and the HOMISSUE seven-tier unit has a closed back.
FAQ
How much weight can a living room bookcase hold?
The listings give different figures. The IRONCK and XBurmo bookcases list 22 pounds per shelf, the Huuger unit lists 55 pounds per shelf, and the HOMISSUE seven-tier unit lists a 70-pound maximum for the whole unit. Some listings do not state a load. Use the lower figure when you plan the shelves.
Should I anchor a tall bookcase to the wall?
Yes, for a tall unit. The XBurmo listing includes anti-tip hardware and wall anchors, the Huuger listing includes anti-tip kits, and the HOMISSUE short unit includes an anti-tilting tool that the listing says must be installed. The HOMISSUE seven-tier unit does not state an anti-tip device in the specs, so follow the manual. For a question about fixing a bookcase to a particular wall, ask a licensed contractor.
Which bookcase fits under a window?
The HOMISSUE three-tier unit is 30.9 inches tall and 33.78 inches wide in the specs, which suits the space under a window. The XBurmo tree bookcase is 45 inches tall and 15 inches wide, which fits a narrow gap but may be too tall under a window.
Which bookcase has a closed back?
The HOMISSUE seven-tier unit lists a closed back. The other bookcases in this roundup are open at the back, as their listings state.
Can I split a bookcase into two?
Yes. The Huuger listing says the unit converts into two separate bookcases. The other listings in this roundup describe a single unit.
How do I clean a wood or MDF bookcase?
Most listings say to wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth. The XBurmo listing describes a waterproof coating. Dry the surface after cleaning, and avoid soaking the MDF or particleboard.
Bottom line
Match the bookcase to the wall and the books. Use the IRONCK bookcase for a tall, modest-depth wall with a 22-pound shelf rating, the XBurmo tree unit for a corner, the HOMISSUE three-tier unit for a short space under a window, the Huuger unit for many open shelves that split into two, and the HOMISSUE seven-tier unit when a closed back and an 84-inch height suit the room.
Related reading
For more living room shelf ideas, see Small Wall Shelves for Living Room: 10 Options Compared. For a small room with bookshelves, read Best Small Living Room With Bookshelves.
