Put your hand up if children's book storage is top of the agenda when designing a kid's room. We didn't think so. But maybe it should be a little higher – they amass so many books before they have even said their first word after all. And while watching your child learn to read is a joy, picking up all the scattered children's books afterwards is not.
Fortunately there are so many options out there to keep your kid's books tidy. Yes, you could pick a regular bookcase, but something a bit more fun that encourages them to grab a book is a winner. As is anything that adds interest to the room or makes a feature of book storage.
So keep your kids' bedrooms tidy by taking advantage of our smart children's book storage ideas.
1. Keep your children's book storage simple with cube shelving
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one, and nothing beats a cube storage unit for keeping children's books tidy. Plus cubes are stackable so you can add to them as your child's storage needs grow.
We like the Handbridge Storage Cube (opens in new tab) from A Place for Everything. The handy divider on the top shelf makes keeping books tidy even easier, while the bottom drawer is great for toy storage and crayons.
2. Keep books to hand in a wall book sling
For a children's book storage solution that allows your child to keep their favourite bedtime reads right where they need them, look for a book sling. Hang it on hooks on the wall next to your child's bed and they'll never have an excuse to get up and down to go to the book shelves again.
We like the jolly Stripe Book Sling Storage (opens in new tab) from Little Pea Studio, which comes with solid oak dowels. Available at Not On The High Street.
3. Combine reading with learning to tell the time
Learning to tell the time can be tricky for some children, and they will benefit from a handy reminder or two. Make their book storage solution do double duty by teaching them to tell the time, too.
We like the very cute Tidy Books Tidy Box (opens in new tab) from John Lewis, which comes with a play clock on the side.
4. Make books accessible in a low book storage unit that is at child's height
If you want your child to access their books without your help, choose a storage unit that is low enough for them to reach. This means they can get their books (and hopefully put them back) by themselves, encouraging marathon reading sessions.
We like the convenient and simply designed Flisat book display (opens in new tab) from Ikea.
5. Make the bookcase part of the decor
If you're looking for decorating ideas for a child's bedroom, a colourful, fun bookcase is a great way to introduce colourful storage into kids' bedrooms. There are so many options out there that can be used to match a themed bedroom or just accent the colour scheme.
We can't stop admiring the charming Walter Kids' Crocodile Bookcase (opens in new tab).
6. Create a feature display shelf
Children's books do not necessarily have to be stored on their own; storing special books alongside a jar of crayons and picture frames, as in this example from Little Folks Furniture (opens in new tab), is a good way to keep them safe. Get them into styling their own shelfies early on, picking whatever they are enjoying reading or playing with at the time.
For similar items, see Etsy (opens in new tab) and Not On The High Street (opens in new tab).
7. Create a room divider with the kids' bookcase
If your living space is open plan, positioning a large bookcase strategically can allow you to create a devoted reading corner for your kids. This is also a great option if you have two children sharing a room and want to give them both their own area.
Here, Elms Interior Design (opens in new tab) have used a bespoke bookcase as a room divider to create a kids' zone in an open plan room.
8. Make book sorting easy with compartments
Storing all books in the same storage box or bookshelf can make it difficult for your child to find their favourite book quickly. Choose a low storage unit with lots of dividers, so that each book can be stored in its own compartment.
We like the well crafted and cute Baa Baa Book Shelf (opens in new tab) from Rowen & Wren, available at Not On The High Street.
9. Make bedtime reading easy with a hook-on shelf
Bedtime reading is one of the great joys of childhood (and parenthood!), but finding their favourite bedtime read quickly can be a challenge... Not with a hook-on shelf, where their favourite books will always be to hand at the end of the bed.
We recommend the Fargo Hook-On Hanging Shelf (opens in new tab) from Little Folks Furniture.
10. Keep all books together in a sling bookcase
We love sling bookcases as children's book storage; they hold everything together, but are easy enough for a child to access the books whenever they want. They also make a colourful addition to kids' bedrooms.
Our pick of the bunch is The KidKraft Sling Bookshelf (opens in new tab) from Wayfair. Its shelves are made from soft canvas – perfect both for books and for delicate little hands!
Read more:
- Find more ways to keep your offspring's room tidy with these storage ideas for kid's rooms
- Want to tidy up your children's toys, too? Look at our 15 stunning toy storage ideas
- Giving the kids' bedrooms an refresh? Explore our 27 children's bedroom design ideas
