Best bookcases that double as aesthetic interior features

Given our unstoppable thirst for all things digital, you could be forgiven for thinking that the classic bookcase was now good for nothing but the log pile. However, thanks to the power of reinvention in the fields of design and materials, as well as the bookcase’s ability to act as more than just a receptacle for paperbacks, means that it is still very much high up on the list of furniture priorities for homeowners and renters alike.

Aside from the beautifully bound classics and vintage editions of our favourite magazines that will forever have a place on our shelves - and in our hearts - we can give thanks to the e-book for allowing us to shed the tatty chick-lit titles and back catalogue of forgettable beach reads that have been cluttering up our living spaces for decades. There’s now much more room on the shelves to display collections of colourful ceramics, trinkets and other treasured collectibles.

Whatever style floats your interiors boat; from classic wood, the cool, clean lines of minimalism or the trend for tough-luxe industrial materials, there’s a wealth of options to choose from. Below are just a few of our favourites.

Terrace tower bookshelf

With its chic antique brass finish and tiered clear glass shelves that appear to float above a mirrored glass base, the Terrace Tower is an Instagram lover’s dream. Its refined silhouette will add a tasteful touch to any room and will house your books and possessions in superior style.

£499 | West Elm | Buy it now

Maine two shelves small bookcase

When space is at a premium, your only option is to opt for a bookcase of the compact variety. What the Maine bookcase lacks in height it certainly makes up for with its extra deep shelves and smart, New England-style finish. It’s ideal for storing books and small belongings and comes in at a very wallet-friendly price.

£29.99 | Argos | Buy it now

Restoration shelving unit

Made from a combination of durable wood and metal, this handmade restoration shelving unit will bring a dose of industrial luxe to your home or office space. With an estimated assembly time of just 15 minutes, it just might be the preferred option for those who have limited time and/or get little pleasure from DIY.

£100 | John Lewis | Buy it now

Versailles decorative ladder bookcase

Take your style credentials to new heights with the Versailles decorative ladder bookcase. Made from solid oak, this quirky take on the classic bookcase will provide surprisingly sturdy storage and will bring a unique charm to any room in your home. Bonus points must also be given for its space-saving credentials.

£99 | Maisons du Monde | Buy it now

Townhouse bookcase

Those in possession of children will know all too well how quickly an immaculate house can give way to a mountain of toys and books. Make tidying up a fun activity with the Great Little Trading Co.’s townhouse bookcase. Fun and functional in equal measure, the solid MDF structure will house all of your favourite titles and possessions in an aesthetically-pleasing finish. Adults rejoice.

£100 (Was £125) | Great Little Trading Co. | Buy it now

Muuto stacked storage system

Versatile and functional, the Muuto stacked storage system is a must for those who like their furniture of the multipurpose variety. The Muuto storage modules can be arranged on the floor or easily mounted on the wall and will happily play the role of bookcase, room divider or side table. Oh, the possibilities.

From £89 | Heals| Buy it now

Calvo metal grid bookcase

If industrial minimalism is your interiors rule of thumb, the Habitat Calvo bookcase is an elegant, pared-back design option. Hand welded to keep its lines clean and crisp, this piece will bring instant cool to any room while providing the perfect backdrop for all of your books and treasured objects.

£895 | Habitat | Buy it now

Lipstick solid pine apothecary cabinet

A striking addition to any room, the solid pine Lipstick apothecary-style cabinet will add a touch of bygone era elegance to your interiors. Standing tall in imposing black, this bold cabinet is the perfect piece for storing books and displaying your collectibles. The lower section with its two cupboard doors and slim drawer is ideal for any items you'd rather keep stored away.

£999 | La Redoute | Buy it now

Kartell bookworm bookshelf

If you’re in the market for a bookcase with a twist, you might want to consider the eye-catching Kartell Bookworm. The revolutionary, flexible design is able to assume any form (ideal for those who quickly tire of their interior choices) and will be a thought-provoking, creative addition to any room or wall space.

From £280| Nest.co.uk | Buy it now

Big Mucker shelves

With its beached timber and dusted cannonball metal, Loaf’s Big Mucker shelves will bring an air of coastal living to your home. Make it the focal point of your living room or kitchen by placing ceramics, mismatched crockery or coloured glassware in amongst your favourite paperbacks. The smaller size (Lil’ Mucker) would be a welcome addition to a study or utility room.

From £545 | Loaf | Buy it now

Hex shelving unit

Who says bookcases can’t be showstopping? The Hex shelving unit, with its unusual honeycomb shape, will be a talking point wherever you decide to place it. With a beautiful brass finish, even if you don’t own a single book (Kindle, anyone?) it could easily double-up as a piece of contemporary art.

£299 | Swoon Editions | Buy it now

Halmstad bookcase

Add an industrial flourish to your home or workspace with the Halmstad bookcase. Simple in design terms but statement-making in its own right, the fusion of wooden shelving combined with a concrete-effect outer makes this a smart choice for those seeking a contemporary edge.

£539 | Barker and Stone | Buy it now

Verdict:

Our favourite? It was hard to pick just one but the refined elegance and timeless quality of West Elm's Terrace Tower has seduced us sufficiently to award it the winner's ribbon. #doingitforthegram