The best libraries in the UK 2023

A real decorative piece of an interior space, the library has above all a functional role. Indeed, this furniture can accommodate a large number of objects and decorative items, ranging from books to works of art through CDs, photo frames, etc.. But choosing a bookcase can be a daunting task as there are so many choices on the market. Check out our guide to the best bookcases to make your life easier.

Bookcase Poyang 2 imitation oak 1
9/10

Best value for money

Bookcase Poyang 2 imitation oak

The best bookcase in 2021

This imitation oak bookcase of 59,2 x169,4 x 23,4 cm is composed by high shelves. Its sturdy structure will fit well in a kitchen, dining room or bedroom.

23,99 £ on BUT

This beautiful 5-tier bookcase combines the essential qualities for storing books. It boasts a contemporary design with imitation oak color and expertly constructed with particle board and imitation oak paper covering. Plus, it's easy to clean with a wipe. Stable and easy to decorate, this book or kitchen utensil cabinet gives you plenty of space to organize your decorative items. Its large capacity ensures efficient storage. In addition, the Poyang 2 is very easy to assemble thanks to the clear instructions, which makes assembly easy.

Bookcase 3 spaces Cubico white 2
7/10

Best value for money

Bookcase 3 spaces Cubico white

The best entry-level bookcase

With these 3 simple and efficient storage units, you will save your space as well as your budget. You can combine this 40 x 80 x 29 cm bookcase with other elements of various colors.

12,93 £ on Conforama

Functional and aesthetic, the 3-slot bookcase by Cubico is offered in a small format. It is a small and elegant piece of furniture to hold your photo frames or plants. This bookcase also allows you to store books instantly. You won't have to find much space to install it either. Its white color enhances the objects you are going to place inside. Moreover, its particle board material guarantees its durability. All that's left is for you to adopt this beautiful Cubico 3-bin bookcase to simplify your storage solutions.

Norton bookcase imitation wood and concrete 3
9/10

Best high-end design

Norton bookcase imitation wood and concrete

The best high-end bookcase

The Norton bookcase exudes quality. It has a large and varied storage space. Its measurements of 100 x 164 x 40 cm should be more than enough to store your items.

320 £ on BUT

The Norton is a high-end bookcase with a modern look and a beautiful imitation oak and concrete color. This furniture has 6 spacious compartments. Remarkably sturdy, this bookcase also enjoys great stability, even under a heavy load of books. This versatile piece of furniture offers both a clear display and easy access for your books and is suitable for any room in the house: the living room, the bedroom, the hallway and even the balcony. As far as maintenance is concerned, all you have to do is dust its decorative paper-covered surface with a soft cloth.

Bookcase Brush 3 Imitation oak/grey 4
8/10

Bookcase Brush 3 Imitation oak/grey

A very decorative bookcase

Bring a design touch to your home with the Brush 3 Imitation oak/grey bookcase and its sliding doors. This furniture will be perfect to display your decorative objects, your books, your CDs and much more.

127 £ on BUT

The Brush 3 bookcase offers 8 storage compartments of different sizes with 3 compartments closed by sliding doors. Measuring 99.5 x 166.3 x 30 cm, you can store a large number of items. Allow room for this piece of furniture if you really want it to enhance the room. Very easy to assemble thanks to the instruction that makes it easy to place, the Brush 3 imitation oak/grey is sturdy and stable. Its anti-tilt feature ensures its balance and your safety, even under a full load of books. You can install it in the room of your choice.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best library

Any specific needs?

The best bookcase in 2021

The best entry-level bookcase

The best high-end bookcase

A very decorative bookcase

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
0/50 votes

By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!

Comparison table of the best libraries

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Bookcase Poyang 2 imitation oak 5
9/10
Bookcase 3 spaces Cubico white 6
7/10
Norton bookcase imitation wood and concrete 7
9/10
Bookcase Brush 3 Imitation oak/grey 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Bookcase Poyang 2 imitation oak
Bookcase 3 spaces Cubico white
Norton bookcase imitation wood and concrete
Bookcase Brush 3 Imitation oak/grey
This imitation oak bookcase of 59,2 x169,4 x 23,4 cm is composed by high shelves. Its sturdy structure will fit well in a kitchen, dining room or bedroom.
With these 3 simple and efficient storage units, you will save your space as well as your budget. You can combine this 40 x 80 x 29 cm bookcase with other elements of various colors.
The Norton bookcase exudes quality. It has a large and varied storage space. Its measurements of 100 x 164 x 40 cm should be more than enough to store your items.
Bring a design touch to your home with the Brush 3 Imitation oak/grey bookcase and its sliding doors. This furniture will be perfect to display your decorative objects, your books, your CDs and much more.
Structure
Particleboard
Particleboard
Particleboard and medium density fiberboard
Particleboard and medium density fiberboard.
Type
Desk bookcase
Home library
Home and office bookcase
Home library
Finish
Oak look paper
Decorated paper
Decor paper, wood, concrete and textile gray
Sonoma and white glossy decor paper
Mirror
No
No
Yes
No

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - library

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

Why can you trust us?

Why you can trust us
Our mission
How to support us
We do NOT accept any sponsored posts or advertising.

We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.

Our mission is to simplify your purchasing decisions.

We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.

We are a small team of geeks and enthusiasts.

To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!

How to choose your library

Although the choice of the size and style of the bookcase depends on the size of the room where it will be installed and your personal taste, the criteria will help you choose better.

#1 - The dimensions

The size of the bookcase is one of the most important factors to consider when buying one. To determine the right size for a bookcase, take note of the desired height and width, depth and space between the shelves. The ideal height of a bookshelf is one that makes it look good and practical at the same time. Keep in mind that the space between the shelves should be enough to accommodate books of all sizes-at least 35 cm.

#2 - The location

When choosing a bookcase, consider the space in which you will be storing it. The space will determine the right dimensions for your bookcase and narrow down your options, making it easier to choose.
However, these tips will help you choose the best location for your bookcase:

  • Behind the sofa: the back of the sofa is a great place for your bookcase. This is especially appropriate if you live in a small space.
  • Against a wall: placing the bookcase against the wall will maximize your space. For example, you can put it on the width of your wall. Indeed, you must keep a space of 80 cm between a bookcase and another piece of furniture that is opposite.
  • Under a slope: this is practical if you have a staircase in your house. As it is a space often neglected, putting a bookcase will be a way to exploit it.

#3 - The style

Bookcases come in many styles: standard, ladder, corner, scaffold, cube, built-in, etc. Each style has their own specificity. A modular bookcase can be used individually or in groups on the walls to display books. A corner bookcase is stylish, space saving and can be used in a low traffic area. When choosing the right style for your bookcase, consider how you want to use it and where you intend to place it.

#4 - The use

A bookcase is usually used to place books, put valuables. It's very important to know in advance its main use. You can put large format novels, DVDs or a monitor.
If you do not have a clear idea yet, choose a bookcase that meets your needs in terms of use. Bookcases with adjustable height shelves and casters are flexible.

#5 - The material of construction

When buying a bookcase, consider the material it's made of as well as its maintenance. Wooden bookcases are great for a traditional touch, but require more maintenance. Particleboard shelves are economical and look like real wood. Metal bookcases are less bulky and ideal for a contemporary look. In short, you should choose a bookcase that is sturdy and easy to clean.

How do you clean a library?

 class=

Most people don't know how to effectively clean a library. This is because a bookcase gets dirty quickly and it is really difficult to maintain it properly. So here are the right methods to clean your library.

Strive to wipe down the library once a week.

For the sake of your health and environmental hygiene, adopt a weekly cleaning routine. While wiping, dust the books on the shelf without removing them. This reduces your workload considerably. To quickly clean your shelves, use a microfiber cloth or a clean paint or makeup brush.

If you have more time, remove the books and vacuum them to remove dust. To remove stains from your shelves, you need to use warm water and soap. To do this, tap the spot where the stain is until it disappears. After using soap and hot water, you should wipe the shelf with a towel to keep the books dry.

Empty the shelf once a month

Each month, when you have some free time, take books off the shelves and dust them off one by one. If you have a large library, put this off until another day. This method allows you to clean your shelves and keep your precious books in good condition.

Try not to keep exhibits, picture frames and other decorative items on your shelves. All of these things make cleaning the books in your library more complicated. At the very least, these items should be removed every time you dust your bookshelf, otherwise they may fall off and break during cleaning.

Fixed or modular bookcase?

Fixed bookcase

A fixed bookcase is a piece of wooden furniture made of shelves. It is often used to store books. Depending on your needs, you can choose among several models. They can be arranged with sliding glass doors to protect your books.
The disadvantage is that it is bulky for a small space. Indeed, the presence of a bookcase requires a larger space, in order to better use it. It is therefore impossible to place it everywhere.

Modular bookcase

A modular bookcase is composed of several modules or boxes. This type of bookcase complements each other. However, the boxes that compose it are not the same size. This criterion makes this type of modular bookcase even more decorative.
However, it is difficult to keep them in balance. Indeed, the boxes have no fixation and its compartments can collapse if you move it too suddenly.

Verdict

In any case, your choice should focus on the size of your space as well as the decorations suitable for your home. If you love to keep a bookcase in a fixed place in your home, a fixed bookcase will be your great ally. However, if you want to change the style of your decorations without investing. A modular bookcase is the best choice.

Tips

Protect and preserve your wooden bookcase

To preserve the quality of a wooden bookcase, consider using a polyacrylic or polyurethane paint finish. You can also apply a colored stain, an acrylic paint to give it shine.

Use items that go well with the style of your bookcase.

The rule of thumb for decorating a bookcase is to put: one-third books, one-third accessories and one-third empty space per shelf. Heavy and bulky books should be placed flat, not upright.

Organize a bookcase that has a lot of

Give away books you no longer read, to your loved ones, stack books in unused spaces (under beds, in empty drawers, etc..) You can also hang shelves in any unused space in your home.

If you miss books, put other items on your bookcase.

You can put for example: small works of art, photo frames and many others.

For perfect decoration, press your bookcase well

If you lack storage, fill the bottom shelf with boxes. Organize 60% of the books vertically and 40% horizontally to create both balance and spontaneity.

FAQ

What is the best bookcase?

The best bookcase depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to learn more.

How to clean the stain on a bookcase without removing the books?

Gently work on the stain area until you remove it. Use soap and warm water, then wipe the shelf with a towel to keep your books from getting wet.

How to make a bookcase more stable?

A bookcase is more likely to wobble when it is top-heavy. Avoid this by concentrating the weight on the lower shelves. If you have thick carpeting, make the bookcase more stable by removing the carpet and nailing a wooden wedge to the floor where each of the legs are.

How to strengthen a cheap bookcase?

In the case of an existing bookcase, you can reinforce the shelves by either adding small panels on the inside sides of the bookcase to serve as grooves, or by attaching narrow strips of wood, under each shelf board.

Is it possible to use a bookcase without a stand?

No, because without support, bookcases are much less stable, if you don't add wood trim or coverings.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. How to Choose a Bookcase., mobibam.com
  2. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHOOSING A BOOKCASE, blog.but.fr
  3. How to Choose a Bookcase., mobalpa.fr
  4. How To Clean Bookshelves And Books, servicenettoyage.fr
  5. Why and How To Completely Clean Bookshelves / Professional Cleaning., blog-womantoday.com
  6. Bookcase Cheap - Designer Bookcase - I, zinhome.com
  7. 7 Things to Consider Before Buying a Bookcase, foter.com
  8. How To Clean Bookshelves And Books, hayneedle.com
  9. Why and How to Completely Clean Bookshelves / Professional Cleaning., housewifehowtos.com
  10. Cheap Bookcase - Design Bookcase - IKEA, ajanitorsstory.com
  11. Cheap Bookcase - Conforama, ikea.com
  12. Cheap Bookcase and Book Shelf | Maisons du Monde, conforama.fr
  13. Cheap Bookcase | La Redoute, maisonsdumonde.com
  14. Cheap Bookcase and Book Shelf | BUT., laredoute.fr
  15. Library : Wooden library, glass, modular ..., but.fr
  16. Libraries of the City of Paris - Home, interiors.fr
  17. Sorbonne Interuniversity Library, bibliotheques.paris.fr
  18. Library - Wikipedia, bis-sorbonne.fr
  19. BU - SCD - University Library - UNIVERSITE LE ..., fr.wikipedia.org
  20. Cujas Interuniversity Library, bu.univ-lehavre.fr
  21. BILLY Library, white, 80x28x202 cm - IKEA, biu-cujas.univ-paris1.fr
  22. UPJV University Libraries, ikea.com
  23. BIBLIOTHÈQUE : Definition of BIBLIOTHÈQUE, bu.u-picardie.fr
  24. Welcome to our portal - ICP Libraries, cnrtl.fr
  25. Libraries - Toulouse Library, bibliotheques.icp.fr
  26. Home | Sciences Po the library, bibliotheque.toulouse.fr
  27. At the moment | BnF - Institutional site, sciencespo.fr
  28. Digital Library - Digital Library of the ..., bnf.fr
  29. Libraries, bibliotheques.paris.fr
  30. Home, bib.uvsq.fr
  31. , bibliotheque-veauche.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Bookcase Poyang 2 imitation oak 9
Bookcase Poyang 2 imitation oak
Bookcase 3 spaces Cubico white 10
Bookcase 3 spaces Cubico white
Norton bookcase imitation wood and concrete 11
Norton bookcase imitation wood and concrete
Bookcase Brush 3 Imitation oak/grey 12
Bookcase Brush 3 Imitation oak/grey

Lecteurs

Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.

Copyright © 2022 - Made with by buyingbetter.co.uk

Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!