What is the Best Height for Bookcases?
Bookcases are an essential part in the organisation and layout of any busy office. Not all items need to be stored behind closed doors. Reference books, manuals, binders and industry guides are just a few of the resources you need to keep in plain sight for easy access – and that’s why bookcases play such an important role.
If you’re wondering how tall a bookcase should be, you’ve come to the right place. At BiGDUG, we’re the experts in space planning with answers to all your questions about standard bookcase dimensions.
Standard Bookcase Dimensions
Standard bookcase dimensions vary greatly depending on shape, style and design. You should consider the number of shelves you need and the type of books or folders you want to display as well as the available space you have.
Here, we break down the most common bookcase sizes by height, width and depth. See what the standard dimensions are and find out which style is best suited to your office furniture needs.
Bookcase Height
| Bookcase | Height | Perfect For: |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Shelves | 750-900mm / 30-36” | Beneath windows, alongside desks, small spaces |
| 3 Shelves | 900-1200mm / 36-48” | Home offices, spare rooms, children’s bedrooms |
| 4 Shelves | 1350-1500mm / 54-60” | Large rooms, home offices |
| 5 Shelves | 1800-2000mm / 72-78” | Large offices, home libraries, studies, wall-to-wall book displays |
Bookcase Width
| Bookcase | Width | Perfect For: |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 150-600mm / 6-24” | Tight corners, small rooms, filling space |
| Small | 600-750mm / 24-30” | Reading corners, spare rooms, small home offices |
| Medium | 750-900mm / 30-36” | Living rooms, home offices, larger rooms |
| Wide | 900-1200mm / 36-48” | Large book collections, studies, home libraries |
Bookcase Depth
| Bookcase | Depth | Perfect For: |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow | 150-200mm / 6-8” | Paperback books, small decorations |
| Standard | 250-300mm / 10-12” | Hardback books, small displays |
| Deep | 350-400mm / 14-16” | Large binders, oversized books, baskets |
How Tall Should a Corner Bookcase Be?
A corner bookcase is a fantastic option for maximising display space in the corner of a room, but how tall should it be? Much like our standard bookcase dimensions above, it very much depends on the layout of your room and the type of books you want it to hold.
If you want a full height bookcase, measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling and make sure you allow for at least 15-30cm (6-12”) of open space to prevent it from looking too cramped. Some taller corner bookcases should also be anchored to the wall to prevent them from tipping over – always check the user manual for guidance.
To retain some clear wall space, look for smaller bookcases that work around other fixtures and fittings in your office or room. With a variety of bookcase heights to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect fit that works around anything from desks and cabinets to windows and wall-mounted shelves.
Half Height Bookcase Sizes
- Half height – low units with a height of around 75-90cm to sit beneath windows
- Two to three shelves – for displaying a small amount of important books or items
- Useful top surface – doubles up as an additional shelf for a lamp or decorations
- Opens up the room – leaves free wall space for hanging artworks or mirrors
Mid Height Bookcase Sizes
- Mid height – midway between half and full height to stand at around 90-150cm tall
- Three to four shelves – additional storage space to display a greater number of books
- Retains some wall space – sits alongside mid-wall features without crowding the layout
Full Height Bookcase Sizes
- Full height – heights of up to 2m to use up all wall space between the floor and ceiling
- Five shelves or more – unrivalled capacity for displaying books, binders or folders
- Maximises floor space – makes the most of vertical space without a large footprint
Check Out BiGDUG’s Best-Selling Office Bookcases
Browse our most popular products available in a variety of bookcase heights
In Summary
Once you understand your office storage space and what you want to use it for, you’ll know exactly which bookcase height is best for you. Whether you prefer a compact two‑shelf unit, a mid‑height design that balances storage with open wall space or a full‑height bookcase that makes the most of every inch, there’s a size to suit every layout. Measure carefully and consider how each height works within your space – you’ll create a practical and well-organised book display in no time.
CONTACT US
Looking for a bespoke solution? Speak to our Business Solutions team to find out more.