The Best Ladder Bookshelves

A ladder bookshelf is an excellent way to maximize and organize your space with style. From your favorite books and picture frames to bathroom amenities and even spices, this versatile piece of furniture can truly make all the difference when it comes to creating a functional home. You'll be able to enjoy the benefits of a traditional bookshelf but with a more modern and space-saving design. And although this is a relatively basic (yet somehow magical) item, there are plenty of different styles to choose from. To help you find the right ladder bookshelf for your needs, we've put together a list of some of our favorites on the market today. 

Vasagle Alinru 4-Tier Ladder Shelf

Pretty & Practical

This rustic shelving system not only looks beautiful, but the steel frame and crossbars mean it'll also stand the test of time.
Best Overall

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One of our absolute favorites is this elegant 4-tiered ladder shelf from Vasagle. Some bookshelves are more practical than they are stylish, or vice versa. Thankfully, this unit gives you the best of both worlds. With a matte black frame built from sturdy steel, you’ll be able to display your favorite items safely. Each large shelf can hold up to 11 pounds of novels, plants, or other collectibles you might own. Plus, we love the variety of colors to choose from, so you’re sure to find a style that fits your home decor.

Pros:

  • Easy to assemble
  • 4 color options to choose from
  • Durable materials

Cons:

  • A bit shorter than other shelves

Vasagle Alinru Leaning Ladder Shelf

Simple Yet Sturdy

This durable ladder bookshelf is for those who prefer a modest and uncomplicated design.
Best for Minimalists

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Keep to your minimalist aesthetic with this 4-tiered leaning ladder bookshelf. This ladder shelf boasts a very simple design that manages to complement your room rather than consume it. While the sloped design gives the impression that it’s leaning freely against your wall, in reality, it’ll be secured safely with the included hardware. Holding up to 88.2 pounds of your most cherished possessions or favorite decor, this shelving unit is sure to impress.

Pros:

  • Simple and chic design
  • Great customer service

Cons:

  • We wish there were more color options

Homfa Bamboo 4-Shelf Bookcase

A Timeless Choice

Stylish and functional, this bamboo ladder shelf will display your favorite items beautifully.
Best Classic Look

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This ladder bookshelf has a traditional look and is crafted entirely from bamboo, making it both stylish and eco-friendly. Bamboo, while lightweight, is also incredibly durable, which means this shelving system will spend a good amount of time with you. With 4 deep shelves, it comes in either a light or dark finish that allows you to match the rest of your furniture with ease. Add a clean and classic touch to any room in the house with this versatile bookshelf by Homfa.

Pros:

  • Crafted from eco-friendly materials
  • Offered in 2 colors

Cons:

  • May need two people to assemble

Lavish Home 5-Tier Leaning Ladder Shelf

For the Frugal

Save space and cash with this hassle-free leaning ladder bookshelf.
Best on a Budget

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This 5-tiered leaning ladder shelf will help you organize all of your items at an attractive price point. Made out of solid wood with a quality finish, these shelves offer a small footprint that’s ideal for tight spaces. It’s also a snap to set up and it is fairly lightweight, which gives you the freedom to rearrange it around the house as needed. So if you’re looking to add some extra storage while on a budget, this one’s for you.

Pros:

  • Multiple color options
  • Lightweight design
  • Cost-effective

Cons:

  • This one may not be as sturdy as others

Homfa Industrial Corner Ladder Shelf

Space-Saving Design

Fill that lonely corner of your living room with an organized and decorative display of novels, plants, and picture frames.
Best for Corners

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Corner bookshelves have the added benefit of fitting perfectly snug in that unused space of a room, as opposed to other ladders that seem to protrude from the middle of the wall. This one from Homfa offers 5 shelves, a robust metal frame, and lovely dark wood accents. We adore the fan-shaped shelves that provide ample storage space, along with the durable three-legged design. When it comes to corner shelves, this one takes the cake.

Pros:

  • Corner design saves extra space
  • Made from high-quality materials
  • Fan-shaped shelves provide a unique display perspective

Cons:

  • The height between shelves may be shorter than desired

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is an ideal place to put a ladder bookshelf in my home?

You can really place a ladder bookshelf anywhere that it technically fits. But the most common places to put a ladder shelf is either in a corner or along the second wall you’d see upon entering a room. However, they can also be placed next to a television set, next to an office desk, next to a kitchen counter, or next to a bathroom sink to hold those area’s items. The true beauty of ladder bookshelves is that they can be used for decor display, storage, or even both. No matter where you place it, we definitely recommend that you take advantage of the space-saving capabilities.

How do ladder bookshelves stay up?

This all depends on the type of bookshelf you purchase. If it’s a leaning ladder shelf, the shelf must be leaned up against a solid wall and screwed in for security and safety. If it is a standard ladder bookshelf, whether it be a three-point or a four-point base, make sure that it’s on an even surface to prevent unintended leaning or wobbling. Most ladder shelves also come with a form of anti-slip material that can be found on the base of the shelf, as well as anchors that can be secured into the wall from the top of the shelf. Some folks may elect not to use these anchors, but we recommend taking the extra steps in doing so to ensure the safety of you and everyone around you. Even though these types of bookshelves are lighter than standard bookshelves, you should always err on the side of caution.