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Show Off Your Book Collection With the Best Ladder Bookcase in 2023

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 2 Mar 2023

You’ve got a great set of books that you need to show off. But where to put them? Finding a convenient and compact storage solution for your book collection can be a real nightmare. However, a bookcase can help you organize your favorite novels, crafting supplies, and other decorative items. But if you’re not sure what kind of bookrack to invest in, you might want to consider a ladder bookcase. Ladder bookcases are all the rages these days in the design world. They’re versatile, they’re space-saving, and they look good in just about any setting. They also act as an aesthetically pleasing design element that can be used to create a focal point in your home library. It’s no wonder that many people are opting for them for their home decor projects. We have reviewed five of the top models on the market to help you pick the best ladder bookcase in 2023 for your needs.

Best Overall
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Nathan James Theo Ladder Bookcase
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Runner Up
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Lavish Home Leaning Ladder Bookcase
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Honorable Mention
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Tangkula Free Standing Ladder Bookcase
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Contender
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Casual Home Ladder Bookcase
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Amazon Basics Ladder Bookcase
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Buying Guide for the Best Ladder Bookcases

Everyone needs storage for their books. And with so many different types of bookcases on the market, it can be hard to figure out which one is the best choice. We have created an in-depth buyer’s guide with tips on everything from investing in quality shelving to finding the perfect size and color for you. With all this information at your fingertips, you’ll be able to find one of the best ladder bookcases for you!

What Are the Benefits of Ladder Book Racks vs. Regular Bookshelves?

Ladder bookcases are a must if you want to make the most out of your space. Here are some reasons which make them so worthwhile.

  • They’re space-efficient and let air circulate through your books which means that they don’t encourage mold or mildew as closed shelf units do. (That musty smell is the worst!)
  • They give your books an actual home. They’re not just stacked up on top of each other like in most bookcases.
  • Ladder bookracks have no sharp edges. That means you can display photos on them without worrying about the frames getting scratched or broken if someone bumps into them.
  • Most ladder bookracks come with shelves at different levels so that you can store books of all sizes, including your encyclopedias!
  • Got a kitchen that needs some character? Want to brighten up your hallway or bedroom? Ladder bookracks are the perfect solution! They work well in pretty much any room of the home.
  • They give you more space. You can display pretty much anything on ladder bookracks; picture frames, vases, trinkets. The possibilities are endless!

With all these benefits and more, it’s hard to deny how useful ladder bookcases are compared to your regular bookshelf.

Things To Look For While Buying a Ladder Bookcase

A ladder bookrack is a great addition to any room in your home. It maximizes storage space while adding an artistic look to your decor. However, before you decide on a ladder bookrack, there are several factors that you need to consider. Some of them are mentioned here.

Design

Ladder bookracks come in different colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can choose a unit that suits your library’s theme. An attractive design can make a ladder bookrack blend well with the surroundings and your furniture. A good aesthetic look will also motivate young readers to spend more time in the library and grasp knowledge from books they read there.

Size

There should be a perfect balance between the size of the books and the capacity of the ladder bookrack because obviously, it will not be possible to keep every book in the library on one rack. Hence depending upon what you want to store on the rack, you should choose the size of the ladder bookrack accordingly.

Quality

The material used in manufacturing a ladder bookrack plays an important role in its durability and strength. A good quality product will last long and pose no threat to the books it holds, but a low price may not always be a good indicator of product quality. Bookcases made of wood with metal frames are often more durable, sturdy, and last longer than plastic ones.

Capacity

The capacity of a ladder bookrack can be judged by the number of books it can hold, which is its maximum load capacity. You should preferably write the maximum load on the ladder itself and other information about the rack. A very high load-bearing capacity gives an impression that it will last longer and not wear and tear easily. It also occupies less floor space which is an added advantage. 

Finishing

The finishing is also an important element to consider. As ladder bookcases are extensively used, it is important to select a ladder bookcase with a finishing resistant to corrosion.

Color

Once you’ve selected a bookcase, the next thing is to select a color that fits in with your home decor style. The ladder bookcases come in a variety of colors. You can match the ladder bookcase with the room color or add a splash to it with a bright color. 

How Much Does a Ladder Bookcase Cost?

The prices of the ladder bookcase generally vary from $50 to $150. However, these are only the basic prices. There are many ladder bookcases available at expensive rates. But beware of inexpensive bookcases that tend to wobble or fall apart quickly. You should consider your budget before you set your heart on any design. 

Safety Tips When Using a Ladder Bookcases

Ladder bookshelves are a great way to display books and other decorative items. They also provide homeowners with an opportunity to make the most of their space. Still, some safety precautions need to be taken to stay safe when using them. Some of them are mentioned below.

  • Always make sure that your ladder bookcases are not placed in a location where they could cause a tripping hazard.
  • Make sure that there is always someone nearby who can help you in case of an emergency. 
  • You should also avoid overloading your ladder bookshelf with too many heavy objects. This will only strain it, and it will fall.
  • Ladder bookcases should never be placed near electrical outlets. If the bookcase is accidentally bumped, it could cause an electric shock.

What Is/Are the Best Ladder Bookcases in 2023?

1

Nathan James Theo Ladder Bookcase

– Best Overall
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The Theo 5-Tier Ladder Bookshelf gives you more flexibility to arrange your home. This minimalist bookcase has an urban industrial look made of oak-laminated reclaimed wood. The durable metal frame and reclaimed wood shelf give this bookshelf a vintage feel, while its neutral color blends into any room. You can join these multiple bookshelves or hang them on the wall to expand your storage space by creating a gallery look. 

The five stable shelves can carry 50 lbs. per shelf, so the bookcase is ideal for holding heavy books, plants, vases, baskets, etc. The lamination on the shelves makes it easy to clean. The sturdy metal wall-mounted frame requires an easy 25-minute assembly. All in all, this bookcase will blend in nicely with any rustic or modern decor.

Pros
  • Sturdy wall mounted metal frame
  • Minimalist design
  • Each shelf can hold up to 50 lbs. making it ideal for heavy books
Cons
  • Easy but time-consuming assembly
2

Lavish Home Leaning Ladder Bookcase

– Runner Up
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Get the use of both floor and wall space with the stylish Lavish Home leaning ladder shelf. The five-tier bookshelf is a multi-functional storage option that will hold books and give you space to display a plethora of items. The shelves are made from sturdy wood and have a beautiful finish that matches any decor. As it is built from durable wood, it can withstand regular use and stay sturdy for years. 

This bookshelf provides an open feeling with its striking design. It has five levels of shelves which are perfect for holding decorations, photos, trinkets, and keepsakes attractively. With its lightweight and small footprint, you can easily install the bookshelf anywhere you want or simply lean it against the wall without crowding space.

Pros
  • Made from durable wooden material
  • Lightweight and have a small footprint
  • Easy to assemble
Cons
  • Wood can cause splinters
  • Not sturdy enough to hold heavy items
3

Tangkula Free Standing Ladder Bookcase

– Honorable Mention
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The Tangkula offers a functional and multi-purpose bookcase designed for various storage needs in a home. This bookcase is made of an MDF frame, which is durable and sturdy enough to hold lots of weight. Featuring a four-layer design, the shelf offers maximum storage space for many necessities from books to toys and even decorative items, etc.

This bookcase has a minimalist design that will seamlessly match well with the decor of the rest of the house. It also offers maximum stability and is flexible enough to hold books of varying sizes, weights, and thicknesses without wobbling or tipping over. It has a smooth surface which makes it easy to clean. All you need is a damp cloth to wipe off the dust, and it will be as good as new! And it comes with detailed manuals which allow hassle-free assembly.

Pros
  • Solid and sturdy construction with durable MDF wood material
  • Four shelves that provide maximum storage space
  • Stylish and minimalist design
Cons
  • Only available in black color
4

Casual Home Ladder Bookcase

– Contender
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The Casual Home Ladder bookcase is a lightweight and versatile way to accumulate the book clutter. Crafted from wood and finished with an espresso lacquer, it’s an eye-catching, attractive shelving solution that provides the perfect place to display your favorite items. The wood frames and legs provide support and a durable and long-lasting structure.

It has five shelves with retracting lengths to accentuate your décor without clutter worries. Each shelf holds up to 25 pounds, making it easy to organize books, collectibles, display items, and more. And, it comes with instructions that make the whole installation process smooth and hassle-free.

Pros
  • Sturdy and durable construction
  • Hassle-free assembly
  • Ample amount of shelf space
Cons
  • Actual colors might be slightly different from pictures
5

Amazon Basics Ladder Bookcase

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Are you tired of stepping over your books and cluttered papers? The Amazon Basics 5-Tier Bookshelf will give you the long-desired organization and storage space for all your books, plants, decorative items, and more. The solid rubberwood construction promotes durability, and the minimal, modern design is versatile enough to fit into any aesthetic scheme. When placed against a wall, the straight back allows the unit to merge with your space, while the angled front saves space in rooms with limited square footage. 

The solid frame makes it sturdy enough to hold approximately 25 pounds per shelf while still allowing air to circulate underneath. It is easy to assemble; in fact, you can do it yourself in less than 30 minutes with simple household tools, all included in the package.

Pros
  • Functional and minimalist design
  • Sturdy shelves that hold up to 25 pounds
  • Angled shelves that cover the minimal floor area
Cons
  • Can take 30 minutes to assemble

People Also Asked

Q: What is an ideal height of a ladder bookcase?

A: Consider both practicality and aesthetics while deciding the height of the book rack. Your bookcase should be 5-8 feet tall. The highest shelf should be no more than 60 inches above the floor level. As far as the lowest shelf is concerned, it should be at least 3-4 inches above the ground level.

Q: Can I wash my ladder bookcase?

A: No, you can not wash your ladder bookcase. Instead, you can remove the dust and debris with a soft bristle brush or use a damp microfiber cloth to clean it up thoroughly.

Q: How can I prevent the ladder bookcase from slipping?

A: It would help if you used non-skid mats to prevent the ladder from tipping. You can also use furniture grippers under all four corners of the ladder bookcase to make it slide-resistant.

Living Room Shelving
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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