Different Types of Bookshelf Explained
If you are interested in buying or learning about different types of bookshelves then you are in the right place.
Bookshelves are universal and applicable to anyone who needs a safe place to keep their books or magazines.
In this publication we will highlight different types of bookshelf and designs.
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Where to find bookshelves
Common places you find them are people’s homes, offices or libraries. They come in different sizes, shapes, designs and materials.
You have the Diy bookshelf made to your specifications, popular Ikea bookshelf or wood based shelves like
oak wood shelves.
- Where to find bookshelves
- Different Types of Bookshelf Explained
- Types of bookshelf
- Ladder bookshelf
- Cube bookshelf
- Wall mounted bookshelf
- Corner bookshelf
- Horizontal Bookcase
- Popular Bookshelves
- Wall mounted bookshelf
- Bookshelf Materials
- Materials in book shelf
- Wood bookshelf
- Mahogany
- Solid wood
- Plywood
- Glass
- Medium-density fibreboard
- Where to buy them
Different Types of Bookshelf Explained
Types of bookshelf
There are different types of bookshelves in the market, common ones are the Cube Bookcase, Ladder Bookcase, Wall Mounted Bookshelves, Corner Bookcase and Horizontal Bookcase.

Types
- Cube Bookcase
- Ladder Bookcase
- Wall Mounted Bookshelves
- Corner Bookcase
- Horizontal Bookcase
Ladder bookshelf
Bottom shelves of a ladder bookshelf are generally larger than the upper shelves, designed like a ladder there are 2 types of ladder bookshelf the leaning and freestanding bookcase.
Cube bookshelf
There are 17 types of cube bookshelf to choose from, they include backless cube bookshelf, linear, urban, or traditional to mention a few.
Wall mounted bookshelf
Wall mounted bookshelves are shelves mounted on the wall, they are affixed to the wall by screw or nails and are permanent fixtures.
Corner bookshelf
As the name implies this type of shelves are placed in the corner. They are either movable or fixed.
Horizontal Bookcase
A horizontal bookcase is more traditional type of shelf, they are either large or narrow depending on the design. Horizontal bookcase can be modern or have basic features.
Popular Bookshelves
Barrow Furniture 5 Wall Shelf Ladder Cherry Wood Bookshelf
Tree Shaped Book Shelf – White
Bookshelf – 4-Tier – Black
Ample Standing Book Shelf
Nk-kara Bookcase – Grey & Oak
Wall mounted bookshelf
Large Rectangular White Shelf Unit
Standard 2 Layered Wooden Book Shelf Rack – File Cabinet
Wall Mounted Book Shelf
Decorative Floating Wall Shelf
5 Shelf Asymmetric Wall Shelf 51” H x 45” W x 7” D
Decorative Bookshelf
Bookshelf Materials
There are different book shelf materials based on the furniture makers specifications. We have Wood, Glass, Medium-density, fibreboard, Plywood, Particle board, Solid wood and Mahogany.
Materials in book shelf
- Wood
- Glass
- Medium-density fibreboard
- Plywood
- Particle board
- Solid wood
- Mahogany
Wood bookshelf
Wood shelf or solid wood is made from lumber planks. This type of wood is used for traditional bookcase or modern design. Often rustic and made from untreated wood it is perfect for cottage dwelling.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a variety of timber wood, it is high quality wood for top range book shelf. Other heavy duty wood are used for book case like oak, birch tree, Walnut.
Solid wood
Solid wood or hard wood is the strongest and more durable type of wood. However this type is not common in bookshelf construction.
Plywood
Plywood is basically thin sheets of lumber in a stack, it is cheap and handy in bookcase construction. Apart from plywood other material common in bookcase are metal or plastic .
Glass
Glass shelves are elegant and pleasing to the eye. They are either the from end of an enclosed bookshelf or the entire shelf structure.
Medium-density fibreboard
Medium-density fibreboard is used to shape the walls of some bookshelves, they have consistent strength that adds to the durability of the shelve.
Where to buy them
Most shelves are custom made for a particular space, however there are branded shelves in the market. Buy them from furniture stores, online or have a carpenter build one.