Kids Bookcases & Bookshelves

Why front facing shelves work for children

It is easier for a small child to find a book by its cover than by a narrow spine. A front facing bookshelf, sometimes called a sling or display shelf, shows every cover, so a child can see what is there and choose for themselves. Low units also make tidying up simpler, because each book has an obvious place to go back to.

Types of kids bookcase

• Front facing. Three to six slim tiers that hold picture books upright with the cover forward.
• Rotating. A square or hexagonal tower that spins all the way round, so lots of books fit in a small corner.
• Montessori shelves. Low, open shelves close to the floor with space for books and toys.
• Fabric box shelves. Shelving with pull-out fabric boxes for toys and a top shelf for books.
• Wall mounted. Shelves that fix to the wall and keep the floor clear in a small bedroom.

Height and safety

Most units here stand between about 60cm and 130cm tall. Lower is easier for toddlers, while taller rotating towers hold more for older children. Look for rounded corners, and fix any tall unit to the wall with the anti-tip fitting where one is included. Check the materials on each listing if you prefer solid wood such as pine or rubberwood over engineered board.

Measuring up

Measure the floor space and any gap under a window or beside a bed. Front facing shelves are shallow, often around 30cm deep, so they run along a wall without taking much floor. Rotating towers need a clear circle around them to turn.

For grown-up shelving, see our bookcases, and for more ways to tidy the playroom, our toys and games. Delivery is free to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and orders arrive in 3.0 working days on average. You can return an item within 30 days.