15 Best Book Storage Ideas For Small Apartments That’ll Help You Maximize Every Tiny Space

I’ve talked about how I used to live in the school dormitory during my first and second years of university several times on the blog.

I moved out in my third year, and I’ve been living on my own since then. It’s been fun, of course.

iving alone is exciting; I finally have enough space. Right now, I’m in a bigger apartment, but when I first moved out of the dormitory, the only thing I could afford was a very tiny house.

I was honestly a little confused about how to even start storing my books. 

Like any other reader who loves physical books, I had accumulated a lot over the years, and I was a bit worried about whether I’d have to store them somewhere else if they didn’t fit into my house.

But I went online, did some research, and found a few things I could do to store my books around the house. So, I got creative.

I always mention this, but I’m really not into DIY. Whenever I’m doing anything, I go for the easiest, simplest, and most straightforward methods.

I’ll always support other people’s businesses by buying their stuff, but at that point, I was living in a very tiny apartment and didn’t have a lot of money. 

I definitely didn’t have the luxury of hiring people to help me, so I had to source and handle everything by myself.

Anyway, if you’re also living in a small apartment right now and wondering how to store your books without cramping up your entire space, this article is for you.

All of these ideas are things I’ve personally tried – some I’ve kept, and some I decided to drop completely – but they all helped me in some way. I’m sure they’ll help you too. 

1. Floating Shelves

Floating shelves became my go-to when I moved into a studio with more books than furniture. 

They’re light, stylish, and – best of all – you install them on your walls, so you can free up floor space entirely.

Step-by-Step

1. Plan your layout. 

Measure your wall and decide if you want evenly spaced rows or an asymmetric design. 

I once used a matrix of three horizontal shelves, each about two feet long, staggered vertically to give a modern-bookcase look.

2. Gather supplies. 

You’ll need sturdy floating-shelf brackets rated for 20–30 lb, boards cut to your chosen length (I chose sanded pine), screws, a level, drill, and suitable wall anchors.

3. Mark and install brackets. 

Use a pencil and level to mark drill points – double-check alignment. 

Drill pilot holes, insert anchors (essential for drywall), and screw in the brackets securely.

4. Mount and style. 

Slide boards onto brackets so they’re flush and horizontal. 

Arrange your books by size or theme – hardcover novels on one shelf, paperbacks on another – and add small plants or framed photos for personality.

This works in small spaces because you’re storing books vertically up the wall, not on the floor. 

The result feels open and intentional, so you can store your books without crowding your living space.

This YouTube video about how to set up floating shelves is detailed and will guide you through the entire process. 

2. Under-Bed Book Drawers

Every inch counts in a small apartment, and my bed sat two feet off the ground, so adequate prime unused space. 

Under-bed drawers became hidden bookcases that also kept dust and light away from my books.

What You’ll Need

1. Rolling under-bed storage bins or shallow drawers

2. Clear bins help you spot titles quickly; opaque bins work too, but you may want to add labels.

How to Organize

1. Categorize by genre or reading status. I dedicated one drawer to currently reading, another to fiction, another to cookbooks.

2. Choose the right orientation. Lay large art or cookbook flat to avoid spine damage; stack smaller novels upright.

3. Label the drawers. I used small self-adhesive labels (Read Now, Reference, Fiction) so I didn’t have to open every one to find what I wanted.

This method transforms wasted under-bed space into extra shelves. 

It’s perfect for storing lesser-used books while keeping your most-loved reads within easy reach.

3. Leaning Ladder Bookshelf

I needed a bookshelf that felt open yet functional and the leaning ladder shelf hit the mark. 

It occupies vertical space but remains compact, with a sculptural, light footprint.

How to Use It

1. Place heavier books on lower shelves: This keeps the unit stable, which is important if you have pets or curious kids.

2. Mix books and decor: I interspersed titles with baskets holding chargers or stationery, and cast a small succulent on the top tier for freshness.

3. Rotate seasonally: I store gardening or travel guides where I’ll see them when they’re top of mind and tuck cookbooks down low after cooking season ends.

It leans against the wall, so it doesn’t demand solid wall anchors or floor footprint like a closed bookcase and will be perfect for your small space. 

4. DIY Built-In Wall Nooks

In one older apartment I lived in, I cut two small wall niches into an empty living room wall. 

They only measured about 12 inches deep and two feet wide each, but added nearly five feet of display space and became an architectural feature.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose a safe wall. Avoid load-bearing walls or those with plumbing/electrical in the way.

2. Mock up your design. I taped paper templates to test size and placement.

3. Cut and frame the niche. Used a drywall saw and framed with 2×4s for support.

4. Add backing and shelves. I used a solid board as backing – painted it a bold accent color – and installed one shelf mid-height.

5. Install lighting. A thin LED strip at the niche ceiling highlighted book spines and made the cutout feel polished.

It turns empty wall space into a built-in feature, with no separate shelving units. 

It looks clean and integrated and gives your books a home that feels part of the architecture.

This one might be a little confusing and I definitely found it a little hard to execute the first few times. This YouTube video about building wall hooks was a great help. 

5. Entryway Bench with Built-In Storage

When I had an apartment with a tight entryway, I installed a low bench that doubled as a seat and a storage unit for books, bags, even shoes.

What You’ll Need

1. A low bench with cubby storage underneath (either store-bought or custom-made)

2. Woven baskets or canvas bins

3. A cushion and maybe a throw pillow to soften the look

How to Organize

1. Use bins to group books: You can put fiction in one, poetry in another, currently reading in a front bin.

2. Store practical items like gloves or notebooks beside your books.

3. Cushion it well so guests can sit comfortably and be pleasantly surprised by your hidden library when they sit down.

You’re blending book storage with everyday function. 

There’s no additional furniture, and every inch serves two purposes.

6. Window Alcove Reading Bench

I had a sloping window alcove with a 14-inch sill, which was perfect for transforming into a window seat with storage beneath. 

It instantly became my favorite reading spot.

Step-by-Step

1. Measure the alcove depth and height: Mine was deep enough for sitting comfortably but only a few feet wide, so a narrow bench worked best.

2. Build or order a bench flush with the walls: I cut plywood and reinforced it with 2×4s; others may prefer a prefabricated heater bench and repurpose it.

3. Install open shelves underneath: I used adjustable dividers so I could shift space depending on the book height.

4. Add cushions and a throw pillow: Cozy living meant plush padding and a soft blanket for chilly mornings.

This transforms an underused area into a functional nook. 

And, you’ll get storage and a cozy seat without sacrificing valuable floor space elsewhere.

7. Over-Door Bookshelf

I once used every inch of space to store my books: walls, floor, and doors. 

A slim over-door rack became my secret personal library, and it was tucked behind the bedroom door.

What You’ll Need

1. A slim over-the-door bookshelf (store-bought)

2. Books that don’t need heavy-duty support

3. Optional: small elastic straps to secure items when you close the door

How to Use It

1. Lightweight books only. Think mass-market paperbacks or small hardcovers.

2. Secure them. I installed a tiny elastic strap on one side of each shelf so books didn’t rattle when I opened or closed the door.

3. Use the top shelf for small art books or family albums that you only glance at occasionally.

8. Couch-Back Shelving

When I had a narrow sofa with a small gap behind it, I built a low bookshelf spanning the length of the couch.

I loved that it was easy to reach from the sofa arm and doubled as a display area.

What You’ll Need

1. A thin bookshelf (4–6 inches deep) that spans your sofa length

2. A long power strip tucked beneath

3. Cable clips to keep the power tidy

Setup Tips

1. I placed reading lamps at bookends and charged gadgets on the power strip for convenient living.

2. Small stacks of book spines face toward the couch so I can easily see titles.

3. I also used the low top surface for remotes, a display jar of pens, and candles.

This storage is literally within arm’s reach while you’re settled in, so no standing up to find or replace a book. 

And, more importantly, no valuable floor space is taken up.

9. Floating Corner Installations

Corners are often overlooked and awkward, so they’re perfect for installing floating triangular or L‑shaped shelves that blend into the corner and avoid taking up central wall space.

Step-by-Step

1. Measure both walls from the corner: Choose a triangular board or two shorter boards forming a right angle.

2. Find studs: Drill into studs or use strong drywall anchors.

3. Install corner brackets: Use L‑brackets hidden under the boards to keep the look clean.

4. Add books and decor items: This is a great place for a small spotlight or vase to complete the nook.

This reclaims awkward corner space that you’d otherwise ignore.

Corner shelves might not be the first thing that comes to mind, they absolutely add charm without crowding.

This super quick and straightforward YouTube tutorial about how to build triangular shelves will make the process all the more easier. 

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Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you have to throw away all your belongings.

If I was able to make it work, you’ll be able to as well. 

For every idea I share, I’ll make sure to list all the items you’ll need to try them out. 

And don’t forget to check out more storage options online – I’m sure you’ll find something that works perfectly for you.