10 Realistic Book Storage Ideas for Small Spaces And a Cozy Vibe

Maybe you dream of having a cutesy book nook or a whole room dedicated to your books but right now finding book storage ideas for small spaces is your reality. 

I can completely relate. While you dream up a future home library, sift through these amazing book storage ideas you can do right now! 

If you live in a studio apartment, tiny home, or small apartment and need to be space-conscious, this post will show you exactly how to make the most of your current setup with the addition of a mini home library. 

We will cover all the best DIY book storage ideas and book organizers that you can purchase. We will also share with you ways to make your books look aesthetically pleasing and fit the theme of your home. 

Lastly, we will touch on a bit of minimalism and sustainable home decor perspectives to ensure your home feels just as good as it looks. 

This post is all about the best book storage ideas for small spaces.

Organization tips for book storage in small spaces

• Decide if you want the books to be part of your decor or if you are wanting to store the books out of site in plastic bins to keep them safe
• Display your favorite books (most used books) and hide the rest so your space doesn’t feel crowded
• Not all of your books have to be in one area (i.e. a bookshelf). Put them where they are the most used. Store them in designated areas or use them as decoration in specific areas that make the most sense (coffee table book, books to read in the bathroom, recipe books in the kitchen)
• Decide if you want to organize your books by color, alphabetically, by genre etc. 

The Best Book Storage Ideas For Small Spaces

1. Rolling carts or bar cart

If you live in a small apartment and find yourself shuffling your space around often, a rolling cart is perfect for you. 

Generally, they come with three different layers you can separate your books into. Since it is vertical it minimizes space and can easily be rolled out of the way so you can roll out your yoga mat or whatever you need space for! 

Some carts have stoppers on the wheels so they can also be used as a nightstand. 

2. Corner bookshelf in an unused corner

When living in a small space you want to make the most of every inch of floor space

 Consider buying or making a corner bookshelf that will maximize the space in your apartment. 

This is also a great book storage option for kids since they are generally small and easy to reach. They don’t have sharp corners so you’re little one won’t bump their head on bookshelf corners. 

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3. Consider not displaying your whole collection

As mentioned above, decide if you want your books to be a part of your home decor or if you are truly looking for ways to store books and tuck them away. 

If your goal is the latter, here are a few great options for getting your books put away that will work for small spaces. 

Hidden book storage for small spaces: 

• Roller container under the bed. Normally used for clothes but why not books?  
• Put books in plastic bins and store them in another room like a garage, guest bedroom etc. Just make sure these areas are not humid as this could ruin your books.
• Store books in boxes in your closet. You can stack shoes on top or folded clothing. 

4. A classic bookshelf and then put other items on top

We cant have a book storage ideas list without the classic bookshelf. 

Elevate the aesthetic of your bookshelf by adding other items mixed in with your books. This will add dimension rather than having a wall of books to stare at. 

You can also alternate between laying the books flat and standing them up vertically to create a more diverse look. 

If you already have a bookshelf or cubicle storing your books, you can diy and mix things up by painting it a new color or adding a runner/scarf on top to give it a new look. 

Lastly, if the bookshelf isn’t too tall you can store other items on top for added storage.

5. Lazy Susan rotating bookshelf

A Lazy Susan bookshelf serves a similar purpose as a corner bookshelf. 

You can tuck it away in a corner or against a wall and it takes up minimal space. 

Simply spin it around to find your next best read. 

6. Bench at the end of your bed

Extend the length of your best and have a sneaky book storage option by sticking a cushioned bench at the book of your bed that can also be used as a book storage option.

This is also a great idea if you have pets and want them to sleep near you but not in your actual bed. 

This idea can offer potentially lots of storage if you stack the books on the floor or have a deep bench to use. 

7. A slanted desk and bookshelf combo

Make your bookshelf serve multiple purposes with these desks that also act as book shelves. 

These are great if you are a student and you need to reference certain books because they will be right at your work station! 

8. Stacks of books for easy access

The easiest and most diy book storage idea for small spaces is to stack your books in a stylized way. 

Sme people will use this as a bed side table if you bed is low to the ground or it can be used as a coffee table/side table near a couch. 

This idea takes up some floor space but it does give an open space a more cozy vibe.It is also a great option if you have books of different sizes as they don’t all have to fit inside an organizer.

9. Floating bookshelves

If you are good at using a drill, consider putting up some floating bookshelves. 

If you want to optimize space, go up rather than out. You probably have tons of open wall space that can be used to create a deconstructed bookshelf. 

It will give a unique look to your space while also being practical. 

10. Use baskets on bookshelves for a minimalist home decor look

If you want your books to be stored away and have a minimalist theme to your space, consider using boxes or baskets to store your books on a bookshelf. 

This is the perfect combo of an easily accessible bookshelf with a hidden storage option but you also don’t have to look at bright colored book sleeves if that is not your ideal aesthetic. 

You can repurpose baskets you are not using from other areas of your home or just thrift some! 

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Storage solutions for your book collection in a smaller space for unique apartments

Here are a few unique ideas if your apartment has a little extra space or has these installations in it already. 

• Storing books in a home office, dining room, living room, personal library or garage
• Bookshelf as a room divider
• Ladder shelves 
• Floor to ceiling wall-mounted shelves 
• Storing books in a bookshelf as a book wall or accent wall 
• Placing books in an empty windowsill that gets minimal light 

If your home had a little extra character, you can play around with unique ways to display your books! 

Book storage aesthetic tips for books

Maybe you love the organizer you already have for your books but you just want to mix things up. Try out these ideas listed below for bringing new life to your book storage system. 

1. Have pages toward view rather than the spine for a more minimalist look 
2. Dust your books regularly so they stay in tip-top shape
3. Buy or make book covers to fit your aesthetic. If you have a more neutral vibe to your space you can get sleeves to protect your books and fit your color scheme.
4. Don’t just have books on your bookshelves. Mix it up with home decor, meaningful trinkets, picture frames, plants, bookends etc. This breaks up a wall of books and adds more dimension. 

Minimalism and Sustainable Living Tips For Book Storage

What are some eco friendly ways to think about organizing your books? I think it is possible to design a home you love while also keeping the health of the earth in mind. 

Here are a few things to consider when figuring out how you want to store and organize your books. 

• Do you want to DIY your book organizer or buy a new one? Using what you already have and enhancing it to your current style is a wonderful way to cut down on furniture that is sent to the landfill that can pollute the earth. 

If your book organizer is unsaveable and you need to buy something new, consider buying second hand before buying new. 

• Declutter books you don’t need! Maybe your current book organization process is fine, you just have an overflow of books that make it look cluttered. 

Go through your books and see which ones you can pass along to a friend, sell, donate or put in a free library. 

• So this tip may be controversial for some book lovers, but consider audiobooks or borrowing from your local library (or friends!) rather than buying new books. This will naturally cut down on the amount of books you need to store making your space look more organized and intentional.

How to Care For Your Small Home Library

Once you have found the perfect organization system for your books, how do you keep them safe and in pristine condition? 

Even if you don’t have a huge collection, it is important to care for your books since when you are done enjoying them you can pass them along rather than throw them in the landfill. 

Here are some ways to care for your books:

• Don’t store them in direct sunlight as the colors will fade
• Dust them when possible
• Use bookmarks instead of bending the corners
• If they get wet, dry them with a fan so they don’t mold 
• Try not to store them in areas that are humid 

How do you plan to store your books? Will you use an idea on this list or another creative idea? If you have any other ideas let us know in the comments below! Always looking for unique storage ideas. 

Be sure to sign up for the newsletter if you would like sustainability and wellness tips sent directly to your inbox! 

Stay well, 

Maggie 

This post was all about amazing book storage ideas for smaller spaces like apartments, tiny homes or studio apartments.

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