At a Glance:
Types of Bookcases by Material
A bookcase is more than just a place to store books—it’s a statement furniture piece that brings functionality and style into your home. Whether you're a passionate book collector, a home décor enthusiast, or someone who simply needs more storage furniture, the right bookcase can transform your space. This bookcase buying guide breaks down nine different types of bookcases—from etagere bookcases to ladder, metal, and adjustable bookcases—to help you shop bookcases by style, material, and feature while adding smart style to the home.
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Express your flair for design with stylish bookcases in every material, design, and feature.
Shop BookcasesTypes of Bookcases by Style
In this bookcase design guide, we’ll start by comparing bookcase styles. Bookcases come in a wide range of styles, each with its own unique aesthetic and functional appeal. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern vibe or something more decorative, these popular styles offer plenty of options.
Etagere Bookcases
Etagere bookcases are open-shelved designs known for their light, airy aesthetic. Featuring a slim frame and open sides, this freestanding bookcase style is perfect for displaying decorative items, houseplants, or curated book collections. With their stylish appearance, they fit seamlessly into modern, contemporary, or eclectic interiors. Place an etagere bookcase in a living room, home office, or bedroom to create a chic focal point that keeps your space feeling open and uncluttered.
Featured Pick: Signature Design by Ashley Starmore Brown 76” Bookcase
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Bookcase
This etagere bookcase features a mix of metal and wood that’s perfect for an industrial, contemporary, or Japandi design. There is plenty of space for displaying books and your favorite trinkets along five open shelves. We recommend mixing in a sculptural accessory or two to contrast the geometric lines of the bookshelf and add depth.
Arched Bookcases
Arched bookcases bring a touch of elegance to any room. Their signature rounded tops soften the look of traditional rectangular furniture, creating a graceful silhouette. These bookcases are often designed with intricate detailing, making them a great choice for formal spaces like dining rooms or sophisticated home offices. Arched bookcases work well in both classic and transitional interiors, offering a blend of timeless beauty and practical storage.
Featured Pick: Signature Design by Ashley Galtbury Brown/Black Bookcase
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Arch Bookcase
We love the mix of metal and wood as well as the open-backed style used for this arched bookcase, creating space while also providing function. The effect works well in a variety of interior design styles from modern to transitional and even boho or eclectic. In terms of storage, five shelves offer plenty of space for books, accessories, vases, and plants, so you can personalize it to reflect your unique interests and treasures.
Cube Bookcases
Cube bookcases are a versatile storage solution with a clean, geometric design. Featuring multiple square compartments, they’re ideal for organizing books, toys, baskets, or even vinyl records. This style is perfect for casual spaces like playrooms, dorm rooms, or modern living areas. As an added bonus, cube bookcases can be used vertically for a traditional look or horizontally for a twist on design.
Featured Pick: Linon Galli White 6 Cubby Storage Bookcase
This cube bookcase is ideal for storage. It works well in playrooms, living rooms, and offices, as well as bedrooms. We recommend measuring the cubes and pairing this bookcase with baskets for organized, clutter-free storage. You can choose a basket fabric or pattern to reflect your style, whether you love the natural look of rattan or a bright color.
Ladder Bookcases
Ladder bookcases (also known as a leaning bookcase) lean against the wall for a casual vibe rather than the classic presentation of traditional bookcases. With shelves that get progressively smaller toward the top, these bookcases are perfect for displaying collections, framed photos, and small plants. Ladder bookcases work well in tight spaces like apartments, hallways, or smaller rooms where a full-sized bookcase might feel overwhelming. Their laid-back charm complements modern, Scandinavian, and industrial design styles.
Featured Pick: Linon Tracey Gray Ladder Bookcase
Shop This Linon Ladder Bookcase
This ladder bookcase is full of character, making it great for adding a touch of whimsy to the home. If your room is lacking unique architecture and natural charm, this bookcase goes a long way by adding depth and detail to the space for small price. The neutral wood color makes it a chameleon that fits with a variety of design styles and color palettes.
Learn more: What Furniture Do You Put in a Den?
Types of Bookcases by Material
The material of your bookcase plays a big role in its durability, functionality, and overall aesthetic. At Colder’s, we offer bookcases crafted from high-quality materials to suit every need and taste.
Wooden Bookcases
Wooden bookcases are a timeless choice that complements virtually any design style. From warm oak and walnut finishes to sleek painted options, wooden bookcases offer versatility and classic appeal. These bookcases are sturdy enough to support heavy books and durable enough to last for years. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse look or a polished traditional style, wooden bookcases provide a natural, inviting touch to your home.
Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Solid Wood Furniture
Featured Pick: Liberty Furniture Lennox Weathered Chestnut Open Bookcase
Shop This Liberty Furniture Bookcase
You can’t go wrong with the timeless look of wood, and this wood bookcase is no exception. Yet the unique fixed folding style of this bookcase offers a fresh take on an old classic. Measuring 72” wide, this expansive bookshelf is ideal for a long blank wall or a room that needs where visual interest and storage are urgently needed.
Metal Bookcases
Metal bookcases bring a modern, industrial edge to your décor. With sleek lines and minimalist construction, they’re ideal for contemporary spaces or loft-style homes. Many metal bookcases feature mixed-material designs, combining wood or glass for added texture and visual contrast. Lightweight yet durable, metal bookcases are great for holding books, electronics, or décor without compromising on style.
Featured Pick: Philip Reinisch Co Halo X-Cetera Midnight Black Bookcase
Shop This Philip Reinisch Co Bookcase
When your home is desperately in need of some visual interest, consider a metal bookcase like this pick from Philip Reinisch. It’s thoughtfully crafted with a mix of geometry and mixed mediums for an exciting presentation wherever the eye looks. There’s no shortage of storage along five open glass shelves, but if you choose to go minimalist, the champagne black frame in a X-shaped design says enough to make a statement.
Glass Bookcases
Glass bookcases offer a sleek and sophisticated look that’s perfect for modern or transitional interiors. With transparent shelving, these bookcases make a space feeling open while showcasing your favorite items. They’re ideal for displaying decorative objects, collectibles, or curated book arrangements. Glass bookcases are often paired with metal or wooden frames, making them a stylish yet practical choice for living rooms, home offices, or even dining rooms.
Featured Pick: Modus Furniture One Brown/Clear Bookcase
Shop This Modus Furniture Bookcase
This glass bookcase is a fine example of simple elegance. The mix of glass and wood along with the streamlined silhouette make this bookcase well-suited for a variety of design styles. We love the way the wire-brushed wood has a rustic feel that contrasts with the sleek glass shelves. Whether you want to create an organized office or display favorite items in the living room, this bookcase is a great option.
Types of Bookcases by Feature
For added functionality, some bookcases come with unique features that enhance their practicality and flexibility. Whether you need adjustable shelving or enclosed storage, these bookcase types cater to your specific needs.
Adjustable Bookcases
Adjustable bookcases offer maximum flexibility by allowing you to move the shelves up or down. This feature is perfect for accommodating items of varying sizes, from oversized books to decorative baskets. Adjustable bookcases are ideal for growing families, as they can adapt to changing storage needs over time. Use them in your home office, study, or kids’ room to keep everything organized and accessible.
Featured Pick: Pulaski Accents Espresso Bookcase Curio
This adjustable bookcase is the perfect bookshelf for those who love to display treasures and trinkets of various shapes and sizes. The dark espresso color and geometric look are ideal for a space with contemporary design. But the best feature of this bookcase is the staggered shelves, which can be adjusted to fit your curated collection of décor.
Bookcase with Doors
Bookcases with doors combine open shelving with enclosed storage, making them a great option for multi-purpose use. The open shelves are perfect for displaying decorative items, while the doors keep less attractive items hidden away. These bookcases are especially useful in living rooms, home offices, or bedrooms where you want a clean, clutter-free look. Available in a variety of styles and finishes, they add functionality and sophistication to any space.
Featured Pick: aspenhome Alexander Midnight Door Bookcase
This bookcase with doors beautifully pairs midnight blue with champagne bronze hardware and a dark wood backdrop, providing stunning visuals with or without décor. This is the kind of piece that could set the design plan for your whole room. It is elegant and beautiful while also being quite practical thanks to the doors, the openings designed for cord management, and the adjustable shelves.
Learn more: What’s Your Furniture Design Style?
An addition as simple as a bookcase can make all the difference in a room, and by knowing which styles, shapes, and materials you gravitate toward, you’re halfway to adding the perfect final touch to your home. Find the bookcase interior design inspiration you’re searching for by checking out our featured picks in this guide along with a wide variety of types of bookcases available at Colder’s. Visit one of our Milwaukee furniture stores near you today to find what you’re looking for!
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee. Still need help? We offer zero percent appliance and furniture financing for your home needs!
Shop Bookcases at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop office furniture online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you explore bookcase styles, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
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