Finding the best way to store kids' books can make your home tidier and encourage children to read more. When books are easy to reach and well-organized, kids are more likely to pick them up. The right storage keeps books in good condition and makes cleanup faster. This guide covers practical storage ideas that work for different spaces and age groups.
Table of Contents
- Low Bookcases at Kid Height
- Book Baskets for Easy Cleanup
- Wall-Mounted Book Ledges
- Under Bed Storage Boxes
- Nightstands with Shelves or Drawers
- Bookcase Room Dividers
- Over Door Organizers
- Cube Storage with Fabric Bins
- Entryway Benches with Cubbies
- Rolling Utility Carts
- Display Cabinets for Special Collections
- Rotating Bookshelf Systems
- Conclusion
- FAQ

Low Bookcases at Kid Height
Short bookcases work well for young children. Keep shelves at 30 inches or lower so kids can reach books without help. Forward-facing storage lets children see book covers instead of just spines. This makes it easier for kids who can't read yet to find their favorite stories. Bookcases with adjustable shelves grow with your child and adapt to different book sizes.
Book Baskets for Easy Cleanup
Baskets give you flexible storage that moves around the house. Put one next to the sofa for living room reading or beside the bed for bedtime stories. Kids can toss books into baskets quickly, which makes cleanup less of a battle. Choose baskets with handles so children can carry books from room to room. Fabric or woven baskets are lighter and safer than hard containers.


Wall-Mounted Book Ledges
Book ledges save floor space while keeping books visible. Mount them at your child's eye level so they can see and reach their books easily. These narrow shelves work well in small bedrooms or along hallway walls. You can display 4-6 books per ledge with covers facing out. Change the books weekly to keep your child interested in reading.
Under Bed Storage Boxes
The space under a bed is useful for storing extra books. Rolling storage boxes slide out easily when you want to rotate books or find a specific title. Keep seasonal books or ones your child has outgrown here until you're ready to donate them. Clear plastic boxes let you see what's inside without opening them. This storage method keeps bedrooms looking neat while holding lots of books.


Nightstands with Shelves or Drawers
A nightstand with storage keeps bedtime books within reach. The top surface holds a lamp and current bedtime story, while shelves or drawers below store 5-10 additional books. This setup creates a bedtime reading routine and keeps books off the floor. Look for nightstands with open shelves if your child likes to see their book choices.
Bookcase Room Dividers
Open bookcases can split a bedroom into different zones. Place one between the sleep area and play space to create separation while storing books on both sides. Children can access books from either side of the room. This works well in shared bedrooms where each child gets their own section. Choose sturdy bookcases and secure them to the wall for safety.


Over Door Organizers
Door organizers add storage without taking up floor space. Hang one on a bedroom or closet door to hold 12-20 books in clear pockets. Kids can see all their options at once, similar to forward-facing shelves. This solution works well for renters who can't install permanent shelving. The pockets keep books upright and prevent covers from bending.
Cube Storage with Fabric Bins
Cube organizers offer flexible storage for books and toys together. Use fabric bins in some cubes for books sorted by topic or age level. Label each bin with words or pictures so kids know where books belong. Pull-out bins make it easy for children to browse through books while sitting on the floor. This system teaches kids to put books back in the right category.


Entryway Benches with Cubbies
An entryway bench with storage keeps books ready for car trips or doctor's appointments. Store a few books in the cubbies below the seat for kids to grab on the way out. This spot also works for library books so they don't get lost around the house. The bench gives kids a place to sit while putting on shoes and picking a book to take along.
Rolling Utility Carts
A utility cart with wheels brings books to wherever kids want to read. Roll it to the living room during the day and back to the bedroom at night. Kids can push lightweight carts themselves, which makes them feel independent. Use different levels for board books, picture books, and early readers. Carts with handles are easier for small hands to move around safely.


Display Cabinets for Special Collections
Glass-front cabinets protect valuable or delicate books from damage. Use these for collectible series, signed books, or family heirlooms you want to preserve. Children can still see and enjoy looking at special books without handling them daily. This teaches kids that some books deserve extra care. Display cabinets work well in playrooms or family areas where everyone can appreciate the collection.
Rotating Bookshelf Systems
Rotating bookshelves spin to show different books without taking up much space. These work well in corners or small rooms where floor space is limited. Kids enjoy spinning the shelf to find new books, which makes reading feel more interactive. The compact design holds 40-60 books while using less than two square feet of floor space. This storage method keeps books organized by height or category on each level.

Conclusion
The best way to store kids books depends on your space and your child's age. Start with one or two storage solutions that fit your home and add more as your book collection grows. Mix open displays with closed storage to balance accessibility and tidiness. When kids can reach and return books easily, they develop better reading habits and take pride in keeping their books organized.
FAQ
What's the best bookshelf height for toddlers?
What's the best bookshelf height for toddlers?
Bookshelves between 24–30 inches tall are ideal for toddlers. This height allows easy access to the top shelf and clear visibility of book covers. Always secure bookcases to the wall for safety.
How do I store books in a small bedroom?
How do I store books in a small bedroom?
Use wall-mounted ledges, over-the-door organizers, and under-bed storage boxes to maximize vertical space without crowding the floor. Rotating books monthly helps keep the space tidy.
Should kids’ books be stored spine-out or forward-facing?
Should kids’ books be stored spine-out or forward-facing?
Forward-facing storage works best for children under 6 who can’t read spines yet. Older kids benefit from spine-out storage to fit more books. A mix of both methods works well.
How do I organize books in a shared kids room?
How do I organize books in a shared kids room?
Assign each child their own section or color-coded bins. Label shelves with names or use different colors to avoid confusion and arguments.
Where should I store books in the living room?
Where should I store books in the living room?
Low bookcases, baskets near the sofa, or small display shelves work well. Keep only 15–20 books in the living room and rotate them regularly.
How many books should I keep out at once?
How many books should I keep out at once?
Display 20–30 books for younger children and 40–50 for older kids. Store extras under beds or in closets and swap them monthly to maintain interest.