We Tested Every Kids’ Bookshelf at IKEA — Here Are Our Top Picks for Babies to Teens

Back when my kids were babies, keeping up with our reading list was simple. Now that they are 3 and 6 years old, our home library has grown exponentially (along with everything else). So, I know the importance of bookshelves that are accessible to them but also provide enough storage space to keep everything else neatly organized.

While you have endless choices when decorating a family space, IKEA is a retailer that belongs at the top of your list. Beyond popular favorites like their children’s bed frames and dressers, the Swedish brand offers a large selection of bookshelves and bookcases suited for bedrooms, playrooms, and living areas. To help you filter through these options, our team explored the showroom floor to find the top picks for your family in this edition of our Personal Shopper guide.

Highlighting IKEA for our Personal Shopper series makes perfect sense, given our editors’ long track record of showcasing the brand’s playful, budget-friendly designs. IKEA’s extensive selection makes it an ideal destination for finding affordable bookshelves. The store’s inventory includes everything from clean, minimalist silhouettes to eye-catching statement pieces that can inspire your kids to read while keeping clutter under control.

Even if you don’t live near an IKEA brick-and-mortar storefront, you can easily shop most of the brand’s inventory online. Orders exceeding $35 are eligible for delivery, with shipping costs calculated dynamically at checkout. Alternatively, the handy Click & Collect option lets you place an order online and pick it up at your local store for a small processing fee. Better yet, that fee is entirely waived if you sign up for a free IKEA Family Membership (which I highly recommend).

To help you find the right bookshelf — whether for a bustling playroom or a cozy bedroom — we evaluated each IKEA option in-store using these key criteria:

• Height & accessibility: We measured each unit’s height to ensure young children can safely reach their favorite titles without creating tipping hazards.
• Multipurpose storage: We examined how effectively each model accommodates toys, bins, and extra clutter alongside books.
• Versatility: We considered how easily the design adapts as your kids grow and their storage needs evolve.

These IKEA bookshelves were all tested by me, shopping writer Megan Gray, and director of shopping content strategy Katie Maguire. As shopping experts, we test, review, and recommend all kinds of products for kids, from wardrobes and water tables to diaper bags and floor cleaners. We’ve covered them all, so we know what makes a piece of kids’ furniture or decor worth your time.

Katie and I spent the day at the IKEA store in Red Hook, Brooklyn, to judge every bookshelf on display based on its size, design, and durability. 

What impressed us: The BERGIG is a favorite among Cubby editors thanks to how flexibly it handles both books and toys. The whole thing stands at 38 inches tall, so the upper display shelf is perfect for older kids’ reading materials — older kids can easily reach themb, but curious babies prone to chewing on pages (as my younger son loved to do) can’t. Beneath that, an open shelf accommodates toys, and the roomy lower drawer offers plenty of room for playthings, stuffed animals, or clothing. Best of all, the drawer glides smoothly enough for toddlers to manage on their own, inspiring independent play and helping them learn to tidy up.

Specifications:

• Material: Particleboard, paper foil, fiberboard, plastic edging, acrylic paint
• Dimensions: 31 1/2  x 16 7/8 x 38 inches; drawer: 28 1/8 x 13 1/4 x 9 1/4 inches
• Colors: 1 option

What impressed us: When I saw the IKEA KALLAX collection in the store, I needed no introduction. This versatile cube storage system has been my go-to organizational staple since my college days, and today I even have four of them set up in my kids’ bedroom. They serve endless roles in our home: bookshelves, nightstands, and storage for clothing, toys, and more. The four-cube unit is a personal favorite because its low height keeps everything within easy reach for my kids while offering extra surface space on top. I also love the wide array of KALLAX accessories available, allowing you to add inserts like drawers, baskets, or extra dividers to build a truly personalized setup. While the unit is sturdy yet lightweight enough to move around easily, be sure to secure it using the provided anti-tip safety wall brackets.

Specifications:

• Materials: Particleboard, fiberboard, acrylic paint, honeycomb structure paper filling (100% recycled), plastic edging, paper foil
• Size: 30 1/8 x 30 1/8 inches 
• Colors: 3 options

What impressed us: The moment you step into IKEA’s kids and teens department, the SMÅSTAD loft bed unit (part of the versatile SMÅSTAD system) immediately stands out. It truly offers a complete all-in-one setup, featuring a loft bed, desk, storage cabinets, and — importantly for our purposes here — built-in bookshelves. IKEA sums it up as a “mini room within a room on only 2 square metres of space.” This makes it an ideal, space-saving solution for compact areas, and for older kids who crave a dedicated spot for all their stuff. Even despite all of the included elements, the bookshelves offer legitimate storage for books, toys, and more.

A few key details to keep in mind: The twin-size mattress must be purchased separately, assembly requires two people (and involves quite a few steps according to reviewers), and per safety guidelines, bunk or loft upper beds should not be used by children under age 6.

Specifications:

• Materials: Particleboard, fiberboard, and recycled paper honeycomb filling, finished with paper foil, plastic edging, acrylic paint
• Size: Full measurements available here
• Colors: 4 options

What impressed us: Katie and I were instantly drawn to the vivid blue finish on this limited-edition BILLY bookcase (a piece we’ve been tracking ever since its launch). The BILLY remains an iconic IKEA design for a reason: It comes in a wide range of finishes with numerous configuration choices, including variations with integrated desks, glass doors, and versatile shelf layouts. All of that said, we’re partial to the vibrant blue hue of this version that makes it a great fit for a teen’s bedroom (though it can easily accent a younger child’s space as well). To keep the unit stable and safe, be sure to secure it using the included anti-tip hardware and wall strap.

Specifications:

• Materials: Particleboard, paper foil, plastic edging, fiberboard, paint
• Size: 15 3/4 x 11 x 79 1/2 inches
• Colors: 6 options

What impressed us: If you need a straightforward, durable bookshelf, the BAGGEBO is a fantastic choice. While it only comes in a white finish, you can select configurations ranging from two to five shelves (check out the full BAGGEBO lineup here). Though the design is basic, it serves as an excellent first bookcase for children, allowing them to easily reach each shelf and use the top surface. Its wallet-friendly price is another bonus.

Specifications:

• Materials: Particleboard, paper foil, plastic edging, fiberboard, printed acrylic paint
• Size: 19 5/8  x 11 3/4 x 31 1/2 inches
• Colors: 1 option

What impressed us: While it’s not a traditional bookshelf, the FLISAT offers a great way to keep a small collection of books on display. I like to feature my kids’ top picks here and swap them out weekly. Thanks to the forward-facing design, children can easily spot their favorite titles and independently choose what to read at storytime. Built from solid pine, it pairs seamlessly with the rest of the FLISAT line.

Specifications:

• Materials: Solid pine, tinted clear acrylic lacquer, clear acrylic lacquer, fiberboard, acrylic paint, clear acrylic lacquer
• Size: 19 1/4  x 11 x 16 1/8 inches
• Colors: 1 option

What impressed us: According to Katie, the LAIVA offers a slightly more sophisticated aesthetic than alternative options, making it an ideal choice for a range of ages from older children to adults. It includes five open shelves suitable for displaying books, decor, or other items. Additionally, its slim profile (measuring only 9.5 inches deep) allows it to fit conveniently into compact areas or closets.

Specifications:

• Materials: Particleboard, paper foil, melamine foil, fiberboard
• Size: 24 3/8 x 65 inches
• Colors: 1 option

What impressed us: The FÄRGSÄTTARE’s sleek design and fun color immediately caught Katie’s eye. She says, “I like the colors and that it adds storage without taking up real estate.” Keep in mind that accessibility depends on your mounting height, as younger kids might not be able to reach higher placements — making it an ideal pick for nursery decor or a teenager’s room.

Just note that the installation hardware must be purchased separately, and several reviewers mention that the provided paper template isn’t perfectly aligned with the FÄRGSÄTTARE. Be sure to verify your placement carefully before drilling.

• Materials: Powder coating, steel
• Size: 23 5/8 x 6 3/8 x 29 1/8 inches
• Colors: 1 option