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Whether your space is looking cluttered and unorganized or if you're bored of staring at glaringly empty walls, an unexpected hero is about to swoop in and save the room: cheap bookshelves. You don't need to spend a lot of money to find great shelving units, and the best thing about them is that provide you with a surface to both store and display everything from freshly cut flowers to decorative objects, artwork, work files, and of course, books. Best yet, shelves are almost always nestled up to a wall or mounted right onto one, so they're arguably better than any other type of storage furniture and table combined—those tend to eat into usable spaces and stub toes. And have we mentioned the blessing of endless budget-friendly options? From modular to floating and everything in between, discover chic and cheap bookshelves perfect for literally anyone, starting at $25.
Opt for a playful color with this Hay Design shelving unit (it comes in periwinkle, burgundy, and white, too). Though it boasts a playful personality thanks to the pastel hue, the powder-coated steel frame makes it both lightweight and super sturdy for a utilitarian set of shelves in a kitchen, bedroom, living room, or really anywhere in the house.
A modern and utilitarian home office designed by Andy Beers of Ore Studios calls for an equally minimalist shelving unit. He opted for this piece from Blu Dot.
Wayfair stocks a plethora of affordable bookshelves, but we hand-picked this one for its vintage charm. Rustic wood surfaces will instantly add a cozy farmhouse feel.
Here's another Wayfair pick that will bring big style to small living areas. The flexible and modular cubby system allows you to move it around as your style or needs change and can use it as an extra storage area or display books in it.
Floating shelves are the ultimate bookshelf for anyone who wants to preserve sightlines and has a really specific vision in mind. If yours will be holding a large collection of heavy items, consider adding extra support with brackets. Get your shelves custom cut at Lowe's or Home Depot to fit right into a corner nook. Here, they enliven the walls in a stylish home office designed by Leanne Ford Interiors.
Threshold, which you can find at Target, has plenty of great pieces of storage furniture and this shelving unit is no exception. We're digging the organic curved edges and warm wood grain of this one, and it also comes in a three-shelf version if you'd prefer to use it for media.
Did we mention Target carries great affordable bookshelves? A Dark espresso brown wood finish will channel a moody study (light a leather-scented candle for good measure).
Emily Henderson opted for modular walls stretching from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. If you prefer a minimalist design, opt for the designer favorite brand String, which is beloved for its totally customizable collection boasting minimal wire panels. Uline is another reliable option for something a little more utilitarian (which is why it's a favorite in professional kitchens).
Modular white shelves are beautified by an extensive coffee-table book collection in this home office designed by Kristin Fine. The simple construction ensures that they blend right for an understated impression. Fine sourced them from Vistsoe, which offers complete customization. Learn all about the options and price breakdowns here.
This asymmetrical powder-coated metal bookshelf by 1960s-style décor. If your space could use a little mod design, then look no further. And Urban Outfitters has tons of other options at a great price point if you'd prefer another material, like this over-the-bed system and this bisected column shelf.
Blond wood modular shelves with a desk built-in allow for peak productivity and organization in this home office designed by Leanne Ford Interiors. For a similar look, opt for something with a similar finish (like this awesome piece from Crate and Barrel for $499) or prioritize finding a bookcase that also has a desk (like this ladder-style one from Target for $230).
This minimalist bookshelf from Design Within Reach makes books look like they're neatly stacked on top of each other and magically not toppling over! Here, the piece is put to use in a kitchen for cookbook storage.
We would be remiss not to spotlight IKEA in any budget-friendly furniture roundup, but the Swedish brand is particularly extraordinaire when it comes to bringing the people cheap bookshelves. This room dividing bookshelf is perfect for studio apartments.
As we mentioned, IKEA is a go-to for budget-friendly storage and organization items. This column shelf is perfect for small spaces, like a tight entryway, or you could purchase a few and line them up together to span a wall.
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