Compact and Chic: 11 Book Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
In an age where bookshelves are often a luxury in small living spaces, finding creative book storage solutions has become essential for avid readers. Whether you’re in a cozy New York City apartment, a quaint home in Hartford, CT, or are storing your books in a rental home in Denver, CO, it’s all about making the most of what you have.
In this article, we’ll explore some creative and stylish book storage solutions that fit seamlessly into your space. From multifunctional furniture to clever vertical designs, you’ll discover how to keep your literary treasures organized and accessible, no matter how limited your square footage.
1. Show off your collection with floating shelves
Floating shelves are a fantastic way to save space while showcasing your book collection. By placing them higher on the wall, you can free up floor space and create a sense of openness in the room. They come in various styles and sizes, allowing you to create a custom look that complements your decor.
“We love to use floating shelves to take advantage of vertical height in the spaces we organize,” says Kylie Wade and Margaret Porterfield, owners of Organizing for Life in East Tennessee. “It’s a great solution for small spaces, and perfect to display your favorite novels or oversized books that won’t fit on smaller bookshelves. There are so many different styles. We love to use more feminine designs for girls, and more modern and simple designs for gender-neutral or masculine spaces.”
Similarly, professional organizer Alley Walukiewicz from Organize AZ, recommends using floating shelves. “Floating wood or acrylic shelves can be placed on walls in different areas to display books and can even become a design element. I have also used baskets or crates attached to walls to organize books in smaller living areas.”
An option for taller ceilings
For those with taller ceilings, Christina Morton DesAuguste, founder of The Organizing Company in Colorado Springs, CO, offers a clever recommendation. “Consider adding one long, wrap-around floating shelf about 18-20” from the ceiling. You’ll need a ladder to access it, so it’s best for reference books, or ‘trophy’ books, rather than daily usage, but it means you can still use other tall furniture and maximize your wall space without sacrificing it for traditional floating shelves. Keep a low profile four-step stool handy for easy access.”
2. Elevate your storage with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves
Bookshelves that extend to the ceiling are a great way to save space and make the most of smaller rooms. By using the full height of your walls, you can store more books while keeping the space feeling open and airy. These shelves not only provide plenty of storage, but also add a stylish touch to your decor, drawing the eye upward.
“Finding ways to surround yourself with books creates a wonderful environment in a room, which establishes a sense of calm and exploration,” says interior designer and business owner, Harmony Weihs from Design Harmony. “When designing rooms where we incorporate a plethora of books, creating built-in bookshelves that go from floor-to-ceiling maximizes the room, draws your eye up, and creates a wow factor.”
Photo courtesy of Design Harmony
3. Create a cozy book nook
Creating a reading nook is a cozy book storage solution that allows you to carve out a charming reading spot in your room. It will not only maximize your space, but also transforms a corner of your home into a personal retreat for relaxation and inspiration.
Sara Schier, the founder of the home organizing company, Beautiful Life, emphasizes this idea. “Combine seating and storage by building a cozy book nook with bench seating. Add cubbies or drawers beneath the bench to store your books, keeping them organized and out of sight,” explains Sara. “To make the space even more inviting, add soft cushions and throw pillows, and consider installing a small wall-mounted lamp or sconce for dedicated reading light. This setup not only maximizes storage, but also creates a special, dedicated space for reading and relaxing. It’s a perfect solution for smaller rooms or unused corners that need both function and a touch of style.”
4. Keep it fresh by rotating your book collection
Rotating the books you have out on display is a great way to keep things feeling fresh. By showing only a few favorites at a time, you will have an easier time managing your collection without letting it take over your space.
“When you have limited space, consider rotating the books that you have out on display,” suggests the North Carolina-based professional home organizer, Jill Moore from Organized Jill. “Enjoy one genre or author at a time. Store extra books in ottomans, under the bed, or along the top shelf of your closets. Disperse books throughout your space on floating shelves or tall bookcases, or in back-of-the-door storage. Think vertically and use the blank walls as your book display canvas.”
Angela Agranoff, professional organizing coach from The Unclutter Angel also adds her ideas about rotating books. “Having a small space means you only keep essential and meaningful books. A revolving collection of books may be helpful if you have more books than your space can hold,” explains Angela. “Storing books in an extra bin and keeping them in a closet, additional space, or even under a bed, then rotating them seasonally, will keep things fresh and interesting.”
5. Embrace mobility with a stylish rolling cart
Rolling carts are a versatile storage solution for books, especially in small spaces. They’re easy to move around, so you can place them next to your reading chair or tuck them away into a corner. Additionally, their open design lets you display your favorite titles while keeping everything organized.
Sammi Dees from the luxury organizing company in the Chattanooga, TN area, Modern Made Organizing, uses rolling carts as a book storage solution. “A fun-loving storage solution is to use a slim rolling cart that fits easily into tight spaces, and when you’re ready to relax with your favorite book, simply slide it out.”
Professional organizer, Denver local Meghan Cocchiaro from Organized by Meg, highlights how to make the most of your rolling carts. “Larger books can stand alone on each shelf of the rolling cart and smaller ones can be lined up within containers or baskets to maximize space. A bonus is that the carts can be moved around and repurposed as needed.”
Photo courtesy of Organized by Meg
6. Make the most out of your staircase
The area under your stairs is just waiting to be transformed into a book lover’s paradise. With a few shelves or a small bookcase, you can turn that overlooked space into a charming nook that showcases your favorite reads while adding a dash of personality to your home.
Kathryn Swayney, owner of the interior design company, West Coast Deco, highlights the staircase for added storage. “Some of the clever ways I’ve used to store books in my clients’ apartments or small homes is by utilizing the stairs if you have them. The underneath part of your stairs is usually overseen, unused space,” says Kathryn. “Transforming this area into a built-in bookshelf not only provides ample storage, but also creates a striking focal point.”
7. Transform your doors into book storage
Using your doors for book organization is a smart way to save space in smaller rooms. By adding shelves or hanging pockets to the back of a door, you can create a handy spot for your favorite books. It keeps them within reach while freeing up floor space, and also adds a unique touch to your decor.
Kristen Pipal, an interior designer in the Chicago, IL area, and founder of the home design company, KP Home, recommends using this overlooked area. “Install a slim, over-the-door bookshelf or pocket system on your closet or bedroom door to keep your collection organized without sacrificing valuable square footage,” says Kristen.
Additionally, Victoria Tran from Sorted Professional Organizing in New Orleans, LA, suggests using the space above doors by installing floating shelves. “The space above doors is usually empty, making it a perfect spot to install floating shelves for book storage,” explains Victoria.
Photo courtesy of Modern Made Organizing
8. Use a bookshelf as a room divider
Using your bookshelf as a room divider is an amazing book storage solution to help you separate areas in an open layout. It offers practical storage for your books, while adding a nice visual touch to the room.
“For book lovers with limited space, consider using tall bookshelves or floating shelves, which make use of height rather than floor space,” suggests Linda Mendoza from the full-service interior design company in Farmington Hills, MI, Hello Beautiful Home. “If you’re in a studio apartment or open-plan living space, a tall, open bookcase can serve as both a storage solution and a room divider.”
9. Purchase furniture that doubles as book storage
Furniture can be a stylish and practical solution for book storage, seamlessly blending function with design. From coffee tables with hidden compartments to ottomans that double as bookshelves, everyday pieces can help you showcase your literary collection while saving space.
Shannon Gustafson, a furniture buyer from H&F Home Furnishings in River Falls, WI recommends multi-functional furniture. “When looking to furnish an area with limited space, look for pieces that offer multiple storage solutions such as TV Stands that also have storage below,” explains Shannon. “Using your vertical space automatically gains you square footage so taller shelving units won’t take up a lot of floor space, but you will gain storage by using the wall space. Choose the sturdiest pieces your budget allows to save money from having to replace those pieces in the future.”
Photo courtesy of Design Harmony
10. Clear the clutter
Decluttering your book collection not only frees up valuable space, but also brings a sense of organization to your home. By keeping only the books you truly love or intend to read, you lighten your load and make it easier to highlight your favorites.
Stay organized
“Our top tip for saving space in any compact book storage situation is organization,” says the team at Fairytales Bookstore in Nashville, TN. “Whether you employ a bookcase, wall-hung shelves, or another display mode for your books, keeping them alphabetized, color-coded, or stacked by size makes for a streamlined look. Maximize your space by cutting clutter with organization.”
Keep only the books you love
Professional organizer, Stephanie Sikora from Sikora Solutions, shares her method for deciding which books she can let go of. “If parting with books feels overwhelming, focus on keeping only the ones that hold true meaning for you, whether they’re ones you love to revisit or those that look beautiful on display,” says Stephanie. “Ask yourself: ‘Will I read this book again? Does this book hold sentimental value?’ If the answer is no, consider passing the book along. Share it with friends, donate it, or drop it off at a Little Free Library in your neighborhood. This way, your books can continue bringing joy to others.”
11. Go digital with it
Jean Prominski, founder of Sparkle Home Organizing and Seattle Sparkle, recommends digitally cataloging your book collection. “I’m a big fan of my Kindle. I love the quality of the light with the screen, the highlighting feature, and how lightweight it is to hold and transport. I also do see the need for having physical books for ones I want to refer back to often, instructional books, or non-fiction books that I want to jump around in,” shares Jean. “My main piece of advice is to only keep the ones you really love. If you live in a small space and really want to have a lot of books, digitally catalog your stash, including where each book is stored, and store the majority of them out of the way. This will also help prevent them from getting dusty. Afraid of forgetting what you have? Print the list.”
Elevating your space with creative book storage solutions
Embracing these book storage solutions can transform your home library into a functional and inviting sanctuary. Whether you opt for floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, floating shelves, or clever room dividers, maximizing vertical space and embracing organization can help you showcase your collection while keeping clutter at bay. With a little inspiration, you can create a cozy, personalized living space that seamlessly houses all of your favorite reads.
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