Bookshelves & Bookcases in Portland, OR

Browse our collection of bookshelves and bookcases at What's New Furniture in Portland. From tall library-style bookcases to compact open shelving units, we carry both brand-new and consigned pieces that add storage and personality to any room. Whether you're furnishing a home office, living room, or bedroom, you'll find a bookshelf near you that fits your space and style.

Types of Bookshelves We Carry

• Standard Bookcases: 3 to 6 shelves, open front, available in narrow (24") to wide (48") configurations. The workhorse of any library or office.
• Ladder Shelves: Leaning designs with shelves that narrow as they rise. Space-efficient, visually light, and ideal for small rooms and apartments.
• Etageres: Open metal-and-wood or glass-and-metal display shelving. A more decorative option for living rooms where a solid bookcase would feel heavy.
• Wall-Mounted Shelving: Floating shelves and wall-mount units that free up floor space entirely.
• Display Cabinets: Glass-front bookcases and curio cabinets for collectibles, art objects, and books you want to protect from dust.
• Consigned Bookshelves: Pre-owned pieces from quality brands. Check new consignment arrivals often, since pieces come and go fast.

Bookcase Styles for Every Room

• Mid-century modern: Clean lines, tapered legs, warm wood tones.
• Industrial: Black iron frames with reclaimed or rustic wood shelves. Popular in lofts, offices, and creative studios.
• Contemporary: Modular, asymmetric, or geometric designs in mixed materials. Statement pieces that double as room dividers.
• Traditional: Crown molding, solid hardwood construction, adjustable shelves. Built to fill a wall and last a generation.

Bookshelf Buying Guide

Measure height and width. Tall bookcases (72–84") make a statement and maximize vertical storage, but check ceiling clearance. For rooms under 8 feet, a shorter case (48–60") won't overwhelm the space.

Think about what you're storing. Standard shelf spacing (10–12") fits most books. Art books, vinyl records, and decor need adjustable shelves. If you're displaying objects, wider spacing with fewer shelves looks better than cramming them close together.

Weight capacity matters. Solid wood shelves hold more weight than particle board. If you're loading up with hardcovers and vinyl records, check construction. Look at the shelf thickness and the back panel before you decide.

Anchor tall bookcases. Any bookcase over 48 inches should be anchored to the wall, especially in homes with children or pets. Use anti-tip hardware that suits your wall type.

Build Your Home Office or Library

Bookshelves are essential office and living room furniture. Complete your space with pieces from related collections:

• Office Desks: Writing desks, executive desks, standing desks, and more
• All Office Furniture: Chairs, filing cabinets, credenzas, and storage
• TV Stands & Media Consoles: Entertainment storage with similar styling
• Accent Chairs: Reading chairs to pair with your bookshelf corner
• Coffee Tables: For the reading nook or sitting area

Browse bookcase deals at our furniture warehouse & outlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should a bookcase be?
Standard bookcases are about 10 to 12 inches deep, which suits most books. Deeper cases of 14 to 18 inches suit large art books, baskets, and display objects but take more floor space. In hallways, shallow cases keep walking room clear.

How should I arrange a bookshelf?
Put the heaviest books on the lower shelves, mix upright books with horizontal stacks, and leave some open space for objects so the shelf does not look crowded.

Do you have used bookshelves?
Yes. Our consigned bookshelves and bookcases are pre-owned pieces that change often. Look for solid wood construction, a sturdy back panel, and shelves that do not bow.

Can I use a bookshelf as a room divider?
Absolutely. Open-back etageres and tall bookcases work well as room dividers in studios, lofts, and open floor plans. They define zones without blocking light. Choose a height and depth that suit your space.