If you’re shopping for bookends, you’ll notice that there’s a ton of variety for products that all serve the same purpose. But how to pick the right ones for your library? We took a look at major retailers and spent hours researching and assessing shapes, sizes, and styles to find a variety of options for different homes. Below you’ll find the best bookends for your favorite reads. These bookends will look great and keep your books solidly in place—just keep in mind that marble can chip. A handful of buyers even mentioned flaws from shipping, although those reports were rare. We think this set has the potential to elevate all kinds of bookshelves, whether in a living room, bedroom, office, or personal library. Price at time of publish: $40 per pair
They’re constructed with metal so while they are a sturdy choice, they’re not as hefty as other designs (so plan your book layout accordingly). You don’t have to worry about the metal scratching your shelf, though, since small foam pads are adhered to the bottom corners to help keep them in place and protect your surfaces. At roughly $5 per piece, they’re a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly addition to their library. Price at time of publish: $10 per pair
While their striking design will be a draw for some, it may be a bit much for more neutral spaces or decor styles that lean rustic or country. Still, for other spaces and styles, we think it’s well worth your consideration. Price at time of publish: $50 per pair Though we love these as a vintage call-back, they’ll suit contemporary spaces as well, depending on how you style them—so they’ll likely feel stylish for years to come, and even through design updates. These are on the pricier side of our bookend picks, but we think their versatility and luxe design make them a worthy investment. Price at time of publish: $62 per pair If we could change anything about this set, we’d make multiple sizes so you can opt for larger versions, too. Currently, the manufacturer recommends using just five to eight books, as well as making sure to use a paperback for the front to allow the magnets to reliably connect. Also, the bookends might not be the best fit for precious books you don’t want to sit at an angle, which could potentially damage the spines over time. Still, even with these limitations, we’re here for this set. Price at time of publish: $27 for set
One thing to consider is that you shouldn’t expect the wood grains to be identical in both pieces. While we see that as part of their charm, it’s possible that the bookends could feel mismatched to anyone who would prefer a pristine and precise look on their bookshelves. Price at time of publish: $25 for pair
These bookends are made of sturdy steel, and they have rounded edges and an enamel coating that saves them from feeling too utilitarian. Subtle foam padding on the bottom protects your shelf surfaces from scratches or marks—and it helps the bookends stay in place, too. While they’re made of relatively thin metal, they’re on the heavier side for this style of bookend. Their dimensions are also quite large, and while their measurements are a key factor for their overall durability, we wouldn’t mind seeing more sizes. After all, smaller books can sometimes need extra reinforcement, too. Price at time of publish: $24 per pair
We’re glad to see that you can buy them as a single bookend or a pair, since that gives the flexibility of using the wall or edge of your shelf to lean your books, too. Plus, these are on the pricier side of our chosen favorites, especially if you pick up two. Price at time of publish: $34 apiece
One important note: Despite their shape, these bookends aren’t actually designed to hold water or live plants. This might be disappointing to fans of freshly cut bouquets, but think about it this way: Do you really want something that could leak or drip to be in close proximity to your favorite books? We would rather play it safe. After all, a beautiful collection of dried flowers makes a lovely alternative to live ones. Price at time of publish: $39 per pair
Material
The material of your bookends not only factors into their appearance, but it can also contribute to their durability. Sometimes heavy wood or marble materials, while attractive and hardy, can be prone to chipping. Metal bookends tend to be more lightweight and found in designs that use the weight of the books themselves to keep them in place, though they can warp or bend over time, depending on the design. Ultimately, the choice of material can really come down to your personal preference and decor tastes.
Style
Bookends can serve as form and function, keeping your book collection in order and adding visual appeal to your shelf. We consider the ideal set to be both attractive and practical, serving as an extension of your personal style. If you are still identifying your style, or find yourself in a transition period between different styles, then consider a set that’s neutral enough to go with a variety of decor themes. Personally, we like the 2 Wedge Bookends from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, our pick for the “best minimalist” pair, for this purpose.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Dena Ogden is a lifestyle and commerce writer who’s been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022. For this piece, Dena researched bookends currently available at major retailers and evaluated products based on size, features, material, design, and overall value. When it comes to her own books, she is currently recovering from a years-long phase of stacking them horizontally.
We recommend assessing your books before you make a purchase. [[Check this copy: Sturdy, heavy hardcovers can often hold themselves upright with some assistance, while well-loved paperbacks may need some more support.]] Whether you possess lots of sturdy, heavy hardcovers that can hold themselves upright with some assistance, or lots of well-loved paperbacks that need some support, should factor into the style you ultimately choose.
