49 inventive bookshelf and bookcase design ideas
There is no furniture so charming as books, even if you never open them or read a single word,’ said the nineteenth-century writer Sydney Smith. A shelf full of books adds instant appeal to any room, whether in the form of bespoke joinery or stand-alone shelves. We've gone through the House & Garden archive to find the most inspiring designs for bookshelves in the living room, bedroom or study. From modern designs, to mid-century classics and spy novel numbers which conceal hidden doors, there are bookshelves of every type in this gallery to inspire something as intriguing as the tomes that fill them.
Once you've decided on the bookshelf for you, have a think about how best to organise your books. Are you someone who likes them colour-coded? Or by size? Take a look at our piece on how to arrange your bookshelf for more advice.