Bookcase Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Height, Width and Depth

Quick answer: Most UK bookcases are 25 to 40cm deep, 60 to 120cm wide and 75 to 200cm tall. A depth of 25 to 30cm suits most paperbacks and hardbacks. Allow about 25cm between shelves for paperbacks and 30cm for hardbacks. One metre of shelf holds roughly 30 to 40 books.

Buying a bookcase that is the wrong size is frustrating. It might block a walkway. It might not fit your hardbacks. Or it might not fit up the stairs.

This guide gives you the numbers you need. Use it before you order, and you will buy right first time.

Key takeaways

• Measure the wall, the room and the delivery route.

• Standard depth is 25 to 30cm. Go deeper for art books.

• Match shelf spacing to your book sizes.

• Plan for 30 to 40 books per metre of shelving.

• Leave space above for air flow and visual balance.

• Fix tall bookcases to the wall.

Standard bookcase sizes in the UK

There is no single legal standard. But most bookcases fall into these common ranges.

A tall, narrow bookcase of around 60cm wide gives you lots of shelf space. It still suits smaller rooms well.

How deep should a bookcase be?

For most homes, 25 to 30cm is the right depth. That fits nearly all paperbacks and standard hardbacks.

Deeper is not always better. On deep shelves, books get pushed to the back. Small items get lost. Only go deep if you own lots of large books.

How much space should be between shelves?

Shelf spacing should match the height of your books. Add 2 to 3cm so you can tip books out easily.

Tip: Choose a bookcase with adjustable shelves if your collection is mixed. You can then set one tall shelf for large books.

How many books fit on a shelf?

A paperback spine is about 2 to 3cm wide. A hardback is about 3 to 5cm. So you can plan with these averages.

As a simple rule, plan for 30 to 40 books per metre. Then add 20% spare space for new books. Every reader's "To Be Read" pile grows.

How to measure for a bookcase

Follow these steps before you order.

1. Measure the wall width. Leave at least 5cm each side in an alcove.

2. Measure ceiling height. Most UK ceilings are about 2.4m. Leave 10 to 20cm above a tall bookcase.

3. Check skirting boards. They push a bookcase out from the wall by 1 to 2cm.

4. Check sockets, switches and radiators. Do not block them.

5. Allow walking space. Leave around 90cm clear in front for comfortable access.

6. Measure the delivery route. Check doorways, stairs, landings and tight corners.

That last step matters. Some solid wood bookcases arrive fully assembled. Measure the narrowest point on the route against the bookcase depth and width.

What size bookcase for each room?

1. Living room

A medium or tall bookcase works well beside a fireplace or TV. Keep the depth to 30cm so it does not dominate the room. The Toko Light Mango Large Open Bookcase is a good open option.

2. Bedroom

Choose a low or narrow bookcase that sits beside the bed. Or try a bookcase headboard bed for bedtime reading.

3. Home office

Medium bookcases suit offices. Keep files and reference books within arm's reach of the desk.

4. Hallway

Go narrow and shallow. A depth of 20 to 25cm keeps the walkway clear. The Cosmo Industrial Slim Open Bookcase fits tighter spaces.

5. Home library

Go tall and wide. Line up several matching bookcases for a built-in look. Statement pieces, like the Geo Tall Geometric Bookcase, work well as a focal point.

Should you fix a bookcase to the wall?

Yes, if it is tall or the household has children or pets. A loaded bookcase can tip if someone climbs or pulls on it.

• Use the wall fixing kit supplied with the bookcase.

• Choose the right wall plugs for brick, plasterboard or stud walls.

• Load heavy books on the bottom shelves first.

• Check fixings every few months.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the standard depth of a bookcase?

Most bookcases are 25 to 30cm deep. Bookcases with doors or drawers are often 35 to 40cm deep.

2. What is the standard height of a bookcase?

Tall bookcases are usually 170 to 200cm high. Low bookcases are around 75 to 100cm.

3. How far apart should bookshelves be?

Allow about 25cm for paperbacks and 30cm for hardbacks. Large art books need 35cm or more.

4. How many books fit on a 1 metre shelf?

Roughly 30 to 40 average books. Expect more paperbacks and fewer hardbacks.

5. Can a bookcase be too deep?

Yes. Shelves over 35cm deep can make books hard to reach. They also take up more floor space.

6. What size bookcase fits in an alcove?

Measure the alcove width and subtract 5 to 10cm. Most alcoves in UK homes suit bookcases 60 to 100cm wide.

The final measure

The right bookcase fits your space, your books and your delivery route. Measure carefully. Match shelf gaps to your collection. Leave room to grow.

Planning a full reading room? See how to build a home library you'll actually use.

Ready to shop? Browse our bookcases and shelving collection.