The Best IKEA Bookcases Ranked By Reviews

Few things in life are better than curling up with a good book. But if you're a bookworm who has stacks of dog-eared favorites, series piled in every corner, and late fees adding up because it's hard to find your overdue titles, it's time to invest in a great bookcase. Although not all of us have an extra room available for a dedicated library, it's relatively easy to find a spot against a wall for one of IKEA's highly rated bookcases. With products named rather puzzlingly after Swedish towns and people, like BILLY, HEMNES, KALLAX, and SKRUVBY, we decided to read through thousands of reviews to figure out which IKEA bookcases are actually the best. 

All of IKEA's bookcases are reasonably priced compared to solid hardwood furniture. But no matter which bookcase you choose, there are a few important things to consider before making the investment. Measuring your space is critical. IKEA's flat-packed furniture will be easier to get inside and move around your home than solid hardwood pieces but double-check the assembled size dimensions before ordering. And, don't forget to take an inventory of the books or other items you want to store to make sure you pick an IKEA bookcase with enough shelves.

IKEA's most popular bookshelf ever was designed in 1979 by Gillis Lundgren, who drew his straightforward and practical idea on the back of a napkin. The BILLY bookcase is one of the top-selling pieces of furniture ever just 45 years later. In fact, the demand is so great that over three million are produced in Sweden each year. IKEA reports that a BILLY bookcase is sold every five seconds.

There are countless DIY hacks you can do with an IKEA BILLY bookcase and thousands of reviews, articles, and blog posts about them. They are also available in a wide variety of colors and heights. Whether you opt for a simple white or rich brown walnut color, the popular bookcases can be used with or without doors, like the HÖGBO and OXBERG, that can instantly elevate the look (or hide the mess). Over 1,000 reviewers have given the BILLY bookcases a five-star rating. Users say they are a timeless classic that provides great value and versatility. The minimalist design that's easy to assemble gets high marks, as does the high-quality veneer. Thanks to IKEA's focus on flat-packed furniture, the BILLY bookcases are also an economical choice that costs under $70.

When it comes to five-star customer ratings, it turns out there's an IKEA bookcase that's even more popular than the BILLY. Over 5,000 reviewers love the KALLAX, an open-shelving solution that works whether it's placed upright like a traditional bookcase or on its side. Inserts like the bestselling DRÖNA boxes and BRANÄS baskets turn each open cube into closed storage that works as well for knickknacks or clothes as it does for books. There are dozens of brilliant KALLAX DIYs that prove it's the most versatile piece sold at IKEA. If you've always wanted a bookcase under your bed or just need to upgrade your home office, the KALLAX is an ideal choice. Slightly more expensive than the BILLY, at $80 it's still an affordable choice.

Thanks to IKEA's many open shelving offerings, we had a strong runner-up. Although it's only available in a single color, the LAIVA is another very popular open-shelving option. Over 1,000 customers gave it a five-star rating, appreciating its attractive look and slim footprint that works in small spaces. The sturdy design capable of holding heavy textbooks gets high praise, and its simple assembly also gets high marks. At just $25, it's among the least expensive bookshelf options at IKEA.

If you need a place to store your books, but you're living in extremely tight quarters or have very limited wall space, the best IKEA bookcase for you is the LACK. Available in an inky brown or creamy white color, the minimalist wall shelf unit measures less than a foot in width but can hold up to 55 pounds of books or other items spread across its seven thick shelves. Although this may not be the right bookcase if you have oversized coffee table books, the LACK can easily be mounted to a wall which saves precious floor space while keeping your favorite titles from collecting dust. At $100, it's one of the mid-priced options on our list.

Over 700 reviewers gave the LACK a five-star rating, calling it "modern" and "practical". Users say it's ideal for storing everything from books and handbags to shoes and small figurines. They also appreciate the simple assembly, with more than one person explaining that it is "super easy to put together". A few people suggested using anchor bolts or other durable fasteners if you plan to store or display heavier items.

If you need a bookcase that has space for your favorite titles along with drawers that can hide the clutter, consider the bestselling BRIMNES. Over 500 reviewers gave it a five-star rating, describing the tailored bookcase as "perfect," "cost-effective," and "easy to hack." Available for $129 in either black or white, the BRIMNES bookcase has three adjustable shelves and two deep drawers with stops that keep them open (or shut). Users say the overall design is sturdy and stylish, working as well for storing records or makeup collections as it does for books. Others used the BRIMNES as a standalone pantry or in a laundry room. Its 23-inch deep shelves are capable of holding several items, while the 11-inch deep drawers are the perfect place to stash user manuals or art supplies. 

While determining which IKEA bookcase was best for maximalists, there were two other close contenders. The LOMMARP bookcase in dark blue-green has a traditional carpentry design with moveable shelves and bold color that reminds us of Joanna Gaines' maximalist home designs. The SKRUVBY is another IKEA bookcase with strong customer reviews that feels more traditional thanks to an oak-inspired top panel that users say "looks expensive."

Because of their quality construction and low prices, it is almost impossible to find an IKEA bookcase that has less than four-star ratings. The BERGIG book display is a child-height storage solution that does more than just hold books. Along with open storage that allows for books to be stored face out so children can easily find their favorites and put them away, the $130 bookcase also has a drawer at the bottom that's large enough to store toys or games. The overall design is truly kid-friendly, with rounded corners and edges, and an integrated drawer handle that's been made for smaller hands.

Over 100 reviewers gave the BERGIG a five-star rating, calling it functional and sturdy. The drawer works well for a variety of uses, from books to puzzles to games. "A bookcase and toy box in one," one user raved. Several parents said it was ideal for younger children. Another said it worked well for Montessori-inspired toy rotation, a method that purports to help kids with improved focus and problem-solving skills.