10 of the best kids' bookcases and storage for books
Store your child's books in style with our selection of practical shelving solutions, which cover a range of sizes and designs
Keeping your child's favourite books neat and orderly can often be tricky, which is where children’s bookcases come in. Store all of their books on specially sized and designed bookcases which feature their favourite characters, shelves at the right height for them or even those which are carts on wheels so they can tow their books with them from room to room.
Below, we have listed a range of children’s book storage options including small bookcases for kids and those decorated in fun and creative designs to kindle young imaginations.
For inspiration on the titles to stock on your new bookshelf, we’ve rounded up the best baby and toddler books and the best interactive books for toddlers and kids. Plus, if you are looking for more ways to keep children’s rooms in order, we’ve also found some of the best toy storage solutions and wardrobe storage ideas.
What to look for in bookcases for kids
Size – The size of bookcase you need will depend not only on the space you have available, but also on the age of your child. If you want something a younger child or toddler can reach the books from themselves, you'll want something with smaller height options and easily accessible shelves.
Assembly – There are also wall mounted choices which parents can access and will save on floor space. Independent shelves are also a good way to store books, as multiple units can be mounted together as needed for the optimum amount of storage space.
Temporary solutions – Lighter weight book carts are also a fun way for children to store their favourite books, as they can wheel them along with them from their room to their favourite reading corner in the house. And then don't require tricky assembly.
Style – You can find everything from traditional, country style bookcases to whimsical unicorn-shaped shelving units, plus options themed to some of kids’ favourite characters, too.
Here's our pick of the best kids' bookcases to buy
1. Greenaway Narrow Bookcase, £80
Dimensions: H118cm x W50cm x D12cm
This narrow bookcase is designed for mounting on the wall, meaning it should be a good option for those short on floor space. There is a choice of white, green or pink but it is worth noting that fixings are not included, as the manufacturer recommends buying those most suitable to the type of wall families have at home for the securest fit.
One parent on the Great Little Trading Co. website said it, “looks amazing in my little boy’s room and [it is a] really sturdy, quality product.” Other reviewers agreed, describing it as “solid and easy to put together” and added that it “holds a decent amount of books.”
Available from: Great Little Trading Co.
2. Argos Home Set of 2 Kids Shelving Display Units, £20
Dimensions: H10cm x W60cm x D8cm
These handy shelves are ideal for displaying as well as storing kids’ favourite books in. Coming as a pair with all fixings included, this an economical choice which should save space, too, as the shelves can be wall mounted.
Reviewers on Argos described the “neat shelves” as “easy to install” and said “they look so gorgeous with a few favourite books or Lego models displayed.”
“Great product, easy to put up, good value,” said one reviewer, while another added that they fit “plenty of books for a child's bedroom.”
Available from: Argos
3. Frozen Disney Kids Sling Bookcase, £24.99
Dimensions: H39.5cm x W39.5cm x L35cm
For little Frozen fans, this Elsa and Anna sling style bookcase would be a lovely addition to their bedroom.
The nursery bookshelf is the perfect size if you're short on space, with 4 icy-blue fabric sling compartments for books to be slotted into.
Reviewers on Amazon described it as “sturdy” and “easy to assemble”. One parent added that their, “kids have had it for 2 months and it’s still perfect.”
Available from: Amazon and Very
4. Book Cart, £45
Dimensions: H28cm x W28.6cm x D52.6cm (dinosaur), H21.5cm x W28.5cm x D34.5cm (cat), H21cm x W28.6cm x D48.6cm (rocket)
If you're short on space to mount a standing bookshelf, these book carts with rubber trimmed wheels are a great option as they can be pulled along using the attached cord.
They can be easily taken from room to room, and come in 3 fun designs to choose from – a rocket, dinosaur and cat.
Previous buyers seemed impressed with the portable, small bookshelf for kids and rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 60 reviews. Parents said it was, “easy to put together,” and that the “instructions for assembly were very clear.” It was also described as, “fun to pull about,” “well made” and good “value for money”.
Available from: Great Little Trading Co.
5. Fantasy Fields - Magic Garden themed Pink Bookcase, £94.99
Dimensions: 55.8 x 29.21 x 96.52cm
This magical bookshelf is carved and painted by hand to create an imaginative design which could have jumped right out of a fairy tale book.
It can hold up to 50 books, depending on size and there are attached hooks to anchor it safely to the wall.
“Such a gorgeous and sturdy bookshelf and very easy to put together,” said one parent on Amazon, who added that all the parts were “really well labelled.” “Absolutely wonderful furniture, very well made and painted lovely” said another, while the bookcase was also described as “heavy and sturdy.”
Available from: Amazon and Wayfair
6. The White Company Rattan Elephant Bookshelf, £245
Dimensions: H76cm x W127cm x D20cm
This adorable elephant bookshelf is woven from white-washed rattan into a generously sized elephant shaped bookcase. This is great for animal or safari themed rooms, and looks really authentic with its woven rattan.
The bookcase is floor-standing and is designed to be the idea height for children to pick out their favourite books or toys.
It must be fixed to the wall to ensure it's safe and does not fall over if climbed upon.
Available from: The White Company
7. Wirrian Bookcase, £98.99
Dimensions: H98.43cm x W32cm x D83.52cm
This creative bookshelf would make a lovely feature to a nursery, designed in the shape of a white and pink unicorn. There's plenty of space for storage with 7 shelves of varying sizes and shapes, plus 3D ears, a horn and tail along with “feet”.
A "restraint kit" is also included to secure the bookcase to the wall and make sure it stays safely in place.
One parent said that their “daughter loves the unicorn book shelf" and added, it was "easy to put together and well labeled.” Other reviewers echoed that the shelves were “easy to assemble” and one added that it even useful for displaying toys.
Available from: Wayfair
8. Argos Home Mia White 3 Shelf Bookcase, £80
Dimensions: H73cm x W86cm x D40cm
This country cottage style bookcase is made from solid wood and features charming touches such as bevelled edging at the base and a cut out heart. Part of Argos’ Mia range, this can also coordinate with other furniture pieces for little ones’ bedrooms.
As well as the 2 large shelves, there's a a spacious top to provide added surface space.
Previous buyers seemed impressed with the kids’ bookshelf overall. However, a couple of reviews did mention that the instructions could have been clearer, so it may be worth setting aside a little extra time to put it together.
One parent on Argos said, “it was more spacious than I thought it would be and my daughter loves it,” while another added that the shelf "is strong and looks good with a quality finish."
Available from: Argos
9. Puzzle Bookshelf, £77.99
Dimensions: H97.16 x W62.74 x D29.46cm
If you’re looking for more inventive children’s bookcases, this puzzle style shelving unit may be a good choice. Designed to look like jigsaw pieces slotted together, the wooden bookshelf features 3 relatively spacious shelves.
Reviewers on Wayfair described the bookcase as, “very sturdy, nice design, fits a lot of things - books, games, puzzles” and “great quality in material and colour.”
“I am delighted with this. Perfect condition, easy to put together with clear instructions,” added one parent.
Available from: Wayfair
10. Personalised Children's Bookcase, from £84.50
Dimensions: H56cm x W66cm x D35cm (standard), H56cm x W90cm x D35cm (wide)
For a design that feels truly personal, we love the look of these bespoke bookcases that you can add your child's name to. Each bookcase is handmade to order by an independent seller on Etsy, and can be customised with a wide range of designs including jungle, farm, unicorn, elephant and princess themes available.
Your bookcase comes fully assembled and is designed to tuck in over skirting boards for a neat fit.
Previous buyers seemed extremely pleased with this option describing it as “excellent quality” and “absolutely stunning”.
“I ordered this bookcase for my daughter's 2nd birthday and I could not be more pleased! It is really good quality and sturdy; the illustrations and the personalised writing are beautiful,” said one parent.
Available from: Etsy
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