While folding bookcases were originally made for storing books, they are now multifunctional. So, if you don’t have any books to shelf, you have no reason to be worried. You can always make use of folding bookcases in the kitchen, the bathroom, your bedroom, living room, or even outside the house. You alone can decide what items you wish to place on your bookcase.
It can be a bit of a challenge finding a suitable folding bookcase that will support your books, knickknacks, kitchen utensils, and various items. Since the choice of your folding bookcase says a lot about you, care should be taken to purchase one that gives your house a unique aesthetic. Although the aesthetics of the bookcase is important, that shouldn’t be the major reason for purchasing one. There are other features you may need to consider before getting one.
This article reviews some of the best folding bookcases you can find right now and will help you know what to look for when making a choice. You’ll find this article worth your while.
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Best Folding Bookcase Reviews:
10. Coavas Folding Bookshelf Home Office Industrial Bookcase
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The Coavas folding bookcase is one of the best folding bookcases you can find right now. Its multiple usage feature means it can be used for other purposes such as storage for plants and gardening tools, to hold utensils in the kitchen, or to store or display certain items in your office.
The design of the Coavas folding bookcase is quite sturdy and the process of installation is so simple. This makes it a great gift choice for your friends.
Features of the Coavas 4-Tier Folding Bookcase:
- It has a well-built iron frame coated in black, with two sidebars and additional back bars.
- With a load capacity of 80lbs (36kg) per tier, this folding bookcase can hold your items adequately.
- The space between shelves is large (about 12 inches).
What we like:
- It is so easy to set up as the process doesn’t take more than a minute.
- Easily foldable when not in use.
- Large shelf spaces that can store a wide range of items.
- The shelf boards do not smell as they are made from MDF & Metal.
What we do not like:
- Not the best choice if you need a large folding bookcase.
9. Giantex 4-Tier Folding Bookshelf Standing Shelf Units Display Rack Storage Shelf
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Do you have so much stuff in your house with nowhere to keep them? Do you have a hard time finding your books? If that is the case, you might want to consider getting the Giantex folding bookcase, as this would be a perfect choice. It is made with metal materials and particle boards of high quality.
As a result, the bookcase is sturdy and it does not shake easily. It is designed with bars at the back to prevent items from falling off. This folding bookcase has four tiers which means it can be used to organize a lot of items. You can be sure that your house would be more organized and tidied with this amazing bookcase.
Features of the Giantex 4-Tier Folding Bookcase:
- The industrial design of the bookcase blends effortlessly with the design of your home.
- Guide rails that prevent items on the shelf from falling off.
- High-quality metal material and particle boards used.
- The bookcase is stable and doesn’t shake easily.
What we like:
- It is easy to set up and no installation is needed.
- Sturdy design ensures that it does not shake easily.
- It can be used in any part of the house to shelf various items.
- More storage space is achieved due to the 4-tier feature.
What we do not like:
- The screws do not hold into the particleboard properly and may pull out easily.
8. Convenience Concepts Xtra Storage 3 Tier Wide Folding Metal Shelf
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True to their name, Convenience Concept makes everything so convenient. Better still, their products are quite affordable. This 3-tier wide folding metal shelf makes the storage of desired items very convenient.
It is a perfect folding bookcase for any part of your house. This bookcase is easy to fold and can hold so many items. They are efficient and durable. The bookcase is designed to complement any home or office.
Features of the Convenience Concept 3-Tier Folding Bookcase:
- The shelves are large enough to accommodate larger books as the distance between shelves is a little over 12 inches.
- Each shelf can be used alone and can be combined with other shelves to create a customized display.
- It is constructed with powder-coated metal.
What we like:
- An ideal fit for any room in your home.
- A flexible design that lets you customize the shelf whichever way you want.
- It gives your room a bold touch.
- It helps maximize space.
What we do not like:
- Not suitable for heavier items.
7. Modern Dark Brown Wood 4-Panel Open Bookcase Room Divider
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This folding bookcase is an ideal choice for areas where you do not want your bookcase blocking the light or view. It is suitable for an open aesthetic while still supporting your items. This unique piece of furniture is available in two beautiful colors (dark brown and vintage grey).
With this bookcase, you can always view items from both sides as it provides a 36O-degree view. To improve its stability, you may want to place heavier items at the bottom.
Features of the My Gift 4-Tier Folding Bookcase:
- It is constructed with smart hinges which makes it easier to fold, carry, and store.
- The open bookcase design gives your room an open aesthetic while also storing your books and accessories.
- The parts have already been assembled and packaged.
- The wood used has a dark brown color finish that goes well with different decorations.
What we like:
- You do not need to assemble.
- Gives your stored items a 360-degree view.
- High-quality wood with finished edges.
- Easy to set up.
- It provides an airy and open aesthetic.
What we do not like:
- It is not so sturdy when compared to other folding bookcases.
6. CASUAL HOME 3-Shelf Folding Bookcase (14” Wide)
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Casual Home has been producing quality furniture for over 40 years now, and the 3-Shelf folding bookcase doesn’t disappoint. Constructed with solid wood, you can be sure this particular product will last for a very long time. Better still, no assembly is needed to set this up in your apartment.
While not the best choice if you want something bigger, this well-balanced bookcase is sure worth the cost. On the plus side, you have a lot of colors you can choose from.
Features of the Casual Home 3-Shelf Folding Bookcase:
- Its foldable design makes it easy to store, transport, and rearrange in another location when needed.
- Constructed with solid wood which ensures that its longevity and durability are sustained.
- Have four durable legs that keep it balanced.
- It comes with three shelves that are well spaced for even large items.
What we like:
- Saves a lot of space.
- Made from solid wood that guarantees its sustained durability.
- Easy to fold and transport.
- It is available in various colors that will match your interior décor.
What we do not like:
- It isn’t the best choice if you want something bigger.
5. Stony-Edge Folding Bookcase, Easy Assembly Bookshelf
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Your choice of bookshelf says a lot about you whenever someone comes visiting. Thus, attention should be given to the type of folding bookcase you want to get. Stony-Edge provides an aesthetic display while also supporting your literature, equipment, and other items.
The bookcase is made from quality wood, so you don’t have to worry about splitting, separating, or cracking. Better still, it is highly affordable.
Features of the Stony-Edge Folding Bookcase:
- Constructed from high-quality wood, this bookcase is built to last.
- It comes as a 4-tier bookshelf that has already been assembled.
- Each of the four shelves is built to support up to 150 pounds of books or other items.
- Its wooden finish gives it a decorative edge.
What we like:
- A great choice for college dorms.
- Books can’t fall off from behind.
- No tools are required and it is easy to set up.
- Excellent wood quality.
What we do not like:
- Not the best choice when you have pets or hyperactive kids that often bump into things.
4. Regency Flip Flop 67-inch High Folding Bookcase
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This folding bookcase is ideal for persons who want a taller bookcase with more shelves (six shelves). However, you can also get one with three shelves. No tools are required to set up this bookcase and you can choose between four hand-rubbed veneers (white, cherry, medium oak, and mocha walnut).
This makes them not only attractive but versatile as well. They are perfect for media storage.
Features of the Regency Folding Bookcase:
- A fixed top shelf and six flip-down shelves.
- Constructed from solid hardwood with an attractive veneer finish.
- Available in two sizes (one has three shelves and is 34-inches high while the other has six shelves and is 67-inches high).
- Available in four attractive colors.
What we like:
- It has a sturdy design.
- Easy to store and transport.
- You can get a smaller one (three shelves) with the same features.
- It has a beautiful design and will give your space an aesthetic look.
What we do not like:
- The shelves do not fold down properly.
3. Tribesigns Folding Bookshelf Home Office Bookcase Easy Assembly Storage Shelves
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This product is definitely worth the price. It has a compact design and is built from high-quality materials. This multi-functional piece can be used anywhere in your house to store various items.
Its compact design makes it a great fit for condos, apartments, as well as other small spaces. With this bookcase, you can place various items like your potted plants, photos, and accessories on display.
Features of the Tribesigns Folding Bookcase:
- This bookcase is constructed with a smooth metal that is water and dust resistant.
- Shelf boards that are durable, environmentally friendly, and anti-scratch.
- An anti-slip pad that prevents the bookcase from scratching the floor.
What we like:
- Serves multiple functions and can be used in rooms, the kitchen, and even your office.
- It has a strong steel frame and a durable wooden shelf.
- Easy to fold, store, and transport.
- Great color that can blend with any décor.
What we don’t like:
- Not suitable for persons who want a taller bookcase.
2. Casual Home 3-Tier Folding Bookcase in Mahogany Finish
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This is another great product from Casual Home and is available in an attractive mahogany finish. Although it doesn’t have a wooden top, this 3-tier folding bookcase works just as great as any other bookcase.
Easy to set up, fold, and transport, this folding bookcase is worth the cost. If you have books with large covers, then you can be certain they will fit into the shelves with ease.
Features of the Casual Home 3-Tier Folding Bookcase:
- It is constructed with solid wood.
- It has a sturdy design and is stackable.
- The spaces between shelves are bigger to accommodate large hardcovers.
What we like:
- It is easy to set up as no assembly is required.
- Folds up quite nicely and can be transported with ease.
- Beautiful mahogany finish.
What we do not like:
- It is a bit flimsy.
1. Home Decorators Collection Mission Style 38 x 27.5 Inch Folding Bookcase
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This folding bookcase is the perfect bookcase for those who want to display their favorite items or decorations in their living room. The space between shelves is sufficient for larger items.
You can purchase this unique bookcase in any one of the three beautiful colors available (natural, mahogany, and honey oak). Additionally, you don’t have to worry about the colors scratching.
Features of the Home Decorators Collection Natural Folding Bookcase:
- The space between shelves is about 12 inches.
- The shelves are 27 inches wide.
- Available in three beautiful colors.
What we like:
- Folds up well and can be transported with ease.
- It is stackable.
- Sturdy design with a beautiful finish.
What we do not like:
- Not as stable as other bookcases.
Folding Bookcase Buyers Guide
Folding bookcases offer a more convenient way of storing books and other desired items in your home. Unlike wooden bookcases, folding bookcases are easy to assemble and can be folded for convenient storage. They are constructed in such a way that they can hold the weight of your books, flower pots, and other items in a balanced way, instead of being screwed to the wall. Additionally, when you plan on moving, they can be folded and transported with ease.
This buyer’s guide will take a look at the various features of a folding bookcase that you must consider before making a choice. After reading through, you should be better equipped to choose a folding bookcase that suits your preferences. So let’s take a look at those features.
The Construction Material
This is the main feature that you should consider before making a purchase. Various materials can be used to construct folding bookcases. Let’s take a look at them.
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Wood
Wood has been the traditional choice of material used for making a bookcase. This is as a result of its sturdiness. Since bookcases are required to hold heavy items, all the construction material must be dense or strong enough to hold or support those items. The wood used can be hardwood, softwood, plywood, or composite.
Hardwood is the heaviest type of wood that can be used. Because of their high density, it is very unlikely that they will sag when used for bookcases. Softwood, on the other hand, is not as dense or strong as hardwood but this doesn’t make them a bad choice. If you have lots of paperbacks to store, then the softwood is an ideal choice.
Plywood isn’t as strong as either the hardwood or softwood as it is composed of layers of wood veneer glued together. However, they are the best choice for a folding bookcase. Composite materials are the least dense of all the wood types and are made from wood byproducts.
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Metal
Bookcases made from metal have an advantage over those made with wood. Unlike bookcases made from wood, metal bookcases are very durable and thus, will not bend when used. If they are not exposed to moisture or water, you can be certain that your bookshelf will not be subject to rusting. Additionally, they give a different aesthetic compared to wood bookcases. However, it all comes down to which material best complements the decorations in your house.
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Glass
Some folding bookcases are made from tempered glass and give a more modern aesthetic. The downside of using this material is that they can break easily, are difficult to clean, and books may slip off easily.
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Bamboo
Bamboo is also another durable material and can be stronger than some hardwoods. Since it is easy to manipulate bamboo, they are a good choice for folding bookcases. Additionally, they give your room a different look.
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Height
The height of a folding bookcase is also worth considering. The bookcase mustn’t touch the ceiling so you can easily reach the top of the shelf. If you want an airy or lighter look, you can opt for a shorter folding bookcase. In some cases, you can adjust the height of the shelf to one that you can easily reach. If you want a more imposing look, then a taller bookcase would be a better option.
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Number of Shelves
Most folding bookcases have either three or four shelves. It is rare to find one with less than three shelves. However, some may have up to six or seven shelves. The higher the number of shelves, the smaller the space between shelves will be. As such, the shelves will be too small for your books to fit.
The height of your current books can help you determine the number of shelves that would be needed. For example, more shelves will be better if you have mostly paperbacks. However, if your books are tall hardcovers, you might want to consider reducing the number of shelves to accommodate the size of your books. Another thing you need to consider is that the more shelves you have, the busier your bookshelf will appear to be.
Other Features to Consider:
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Stacked Units
It is possible to stack short folding bookcases on each other to increase the number of shelves. It also allows you to make them up to the desired height. However, if your room design changes, you can always split them to fit your new design.
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Assembly
Folding bookcases in most cases, do not need to be assembled. Many of them come preassembled. All you need to do is remove it from the box and unfold. Others, however, may require a little assembly, but without the need for tools. Either way, setting your bookcase will not be a difficult task.
Final Thoughts
We advise that for any of these products, you place heavier objects at the bottom shelf. This ensures that the folding bookcase doesn’t wobble. If you, however, place heavier objects on the top shelf, the bookcase can topple. Additionally, if you do not have enough books to fill up the spaces in the bookcase, you can add photos, knickknacks, small succulents, and any other desired item.