Nursery bookshelves play an important role in creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for little ones. They’re more than just a piece of furniture. The nursery bookshelves can be an integral component of a child’s early learning experience.
The bookshelves in the nursery provide a dedicated space to store and display a collection of colorful, engaging, and age-appropriate books. This can foster a love for reading from an early age.
It’s also a chance to display a few toys or other nic nacs. These bookshelves will be an integral part of your nursery decor and theme.
All in all it may feel a little overwhelming choosing and styling a bookshelf for the nursery wall!
Fear not. We have your back with these baby nursery bookshelf ideas.
From nursery floating bookshelves to bookshelves with extra storage, here are the best nursery bookshelf ideas. By the end of this post you’ll have the inspiration and motivation to showcase your little one’s book collection and create a visual highlight to the nursery.
Nursery Floating Bookshelves
A floating nursery bookshelf is a stylish and practical solution for children’s rooms. They’re wall-mounted and the fixture is either hidden, or built into the design of the bookshelf.
Floating bookshelves are a popular option, especially for small nurseries. The lack of a bracket means you can squeeze them into smaller spaces.
1. Floating Acrylic Nursery Bookshelf
It’s not just the bookshelves that look like they’re floating, the books do too! These acrylic nursery shelves provide a bit of magic in your baby’s room.
Not just magical, this nursery bookshelf idea is practical too. You can easily see all your child’s books and toys so you won’t struggle finding a bedtime story while holding baby. dig around.
If you want to encourage your child to look at books while keeping their space organized, this acrylic bookshelf for nursery wall is a worthy consideration.
2. A Touch of Nature
Here’s a cute nursery bookshelf featuring some faux ivy to adding a touch of natural greenery. These bookshelves not only provide a handy space to store a large collection of books, but add a serene feel to this reading nook.
3. Dreamy Floating Cloud Nursery Bookshelf
Bring magic to your nursery with this floating cloud bookshelf. The books are now floating in the clouds! This simple addition will certainly turn any story time into an enchanting adventure. A simple and effective nursery bookshelf idea for a childrens room.
4. Feature Wall Nursery Bookshelf
If you want your bookshelf to become a focal point in the nursery, incorporate it into a feature wall. This is done simply and effectively in the picture above by painting a color block arch behind the bookshelves. It instantly adds interest and impact to what started as a blank wall.
This nursery shelf decor idea will be the talk of your Mommy group!
5. Whimsical, Earthy Nursery Bookshelf for Girls
Introducing a dreamy nursery bookshelf idea—a whimsical haven of enchantment! This bookshelf idea holds not only beloved baby books but sweet memories too.
Decorated with a gender neutral pallate of earthy muted hues, charming animal toys and a sweet fairy doll, the result is beautiful and perfect for an animal-themed room. The shelves themselves: simple white floating wooden shelves.
6. Wall Pocket Nursery Bookshelves
For a practical and stylish way to store books in your child’s room try these pocket design nursery bookshelves. By using fabric the world is your oyster when it comes to pattern and color! Simply pick and choose to fit the decor and color scheme of your nursery.
7. Colorful Rainbow Nursery Bookshelf
Painting nursery floating bookshelves in bright colors, like these lively rainbow ones above, will brighten up any room. Don’t stick to one color, paint each shelf with a different shade such as bright yellow, pink, blue, green and orange.
Planning a rainbow-themed nursery or simply want a bold and bright nursery? These nursery book shelves will be perfect! Or place them in a space not currently used, just as they’ve done in the living room come playroom above.
Wooden Nursery Bookshelf Ideas
Wooden bookshelves bring timeless warmth to a child’s room, whether in the form of tree-shaped shelves or simple wall-mounted designs. Here are some wooden nursery bookshelf ideas that combine functionality with natural elegance for a cozy and inviting reading space.
8. Easy-Access Rotating Nursery Bookshelf
With its unique 360-degree rotation design, this nursery bookshelf set up is a fun and practical piece of furniture, keeping plenty of books really well organized. What I really love about this nursery bookshelf idea is that all the books will be at your toddlers eye level and easy to reach.
This rotating bookshelf also gives two different display choices. Some books can be stored with their spines showing in the classic way, while others can have their covers forward facing.
9. DIY Nursery Bookshelf with Roof
How adorable is this barn-style wooden bookshelf! If you’re going for farm theme in your child’s room this is undoubtedly the best nursery bookshelf idea out there. Is Dad a keen DIYer? This one would be easy enough to knock up at home.
10. A Rainbow of Books: A Dollhouse Nursery Bookcase
The addition of a roof to a simple white bookcase is all it takes to create this dollhouse nursery bookshelves. Remove the books and you can quickly create rooms for your little one to set up their dolls and furniture.
However, I love the current display, showcasing a vibrant range of books organised by color. However you fashion it, these nursery bookshelves are sure to bring joy to any child.
11. Nursery Bookshelf with Alphabet Companions
The Tidy Books Alphabet Bookcase is the superhero of tidiness, turning your child’s book collection into an organized and eye-catching display. You can fix it to the wall or simply use it as a freestanding bookshelf on the floor, meaning your toddler will have easy access to all their favorites.
It’s slimline design means you can fit it into a narrow space – with no space in either of the kids rooms, we had this exact one in the narrow hallway outside their rooms.
I also love the cute decorative letters that add a stylish touch and are useful when starting on phonics and letter recognition.
Time to say goodbye to clutter and hello to literary magic with this fun and functional toddler bookshelf idea!
12. Playful Dollhouse Nursery Bookshelf Idea
Another delightful dollhouse bookcase set up for a charming and practical mix of playfulness and functionality. As your child grows and begins playing with dolls, just find a new spot for your books.
13. Branching Out Into Reading
This tree bookshelf is a fun and practical addition to any nursery or play room, with each branch a shelf for books toys and more. It adds a playful touch to the space and would work well in any nursery.
14. A Cozy and Inviting Reading Nook
Here’s a free standing wooden bookshelf with rounded edges and easy to reach shelves that display books covers forwards – it has all the ingredients of a practical and funtional bookshelf idea for a toddlers nursery or play room.
Here’s it’s positioned next to a comfy seating area, creating a cozy reading nook and ideal spot to fall in love with reading.
15. Nursery Bookcase & Storage Combo
If you’re looking a versatile piece of furniture that can be used for a multitude of different items, look no further than the IKEA cubby and inserts. Such a great nursery bookshelf IKEA hack.
Use open shelves to display books and the basket inserts for other toys and essentials. Look how it’s currently being used as a diaper changing unit too?
If you’re a new mom thinking of ways to organize your baby’s things, both now and for the coming years, this could well be the answer!
16. Hang in There: A Sling Nursery Bookshelf
Here’s another freestanding nursery bookshelf unit designed for the littlest of bookworms with it’s rounded wooden corners and easily accessible books. This one has fabric slings for a softer look. Opt for printed slings to add some color and pattern to the room.
DIY bookshelf ideas for nursery
Create a personalized and budget-friendly nursery with DIY bookshelf ideas. These projects not only offer practical storage for children’s books but also add a unique, handmade charm to the decor.
17. Lovely Rattan Floating Bookshelves
Here’s a rustic nursery bookshelf idea for a toddlers room that’s simple to DIY and a fantastic IKEA hack! Add some rattan to simple wooden shelves aka IKEA spice racks using wood glue, to create a unique bookshelf with warmth and a vintage feel.
18. DIY Woodland Nursery Bookshelf
Ready to give your nursery bookshelf a playful and unique update? With the addition of wallpaper or scrap book paper you can simpley and effectively DIY any bookshelf or bookcase into a gorgoeus bespoke piece of furniture, themed as you choose.
If you’re looking to update and repaint, make sure you use paint suitable for nursery furniture. And if you like green, these green hues are sure to inspire you.
19. Easy DIY Cardboard Nursery Bookshelf
This cardboard nursery bookshelf is a fun, eco-friendly way to keep kids’ books in order. It’s made from recycled cardboard, making it light and easy to assemble. A nursery bookshelf idea suitable for small rooms, while being unique and kind to the planet too.
20. Rustic Recycled Old Crates Nursery Bookshelf
Recycle old crates by stacking them together to turn them into a bookshelf. Paint them white or pick a color to match your baby nursery theme. Alternatively you could simply sand them down and keep them rustic.
21. From Drawers to Bookshelves
Here’s a cute nursery bookshelf idea that’ll appeal to those that love the vintage look. (Me! Check out my vintage twin nursery here.)
Upcycled from old drawers and cupboard doors, these nursery bookshelves exude charm while offering a unique and eco-friendly storage solution for children’s books. Not only can you salvage material from historic but delapidated furniture, each drawer will have a story to tell.
These will add such character to the nursery.
22. Planter Boxes Turned Nursery Bookshelf
How beautiful and unique is this nursery bookshelf idea? The shelves are in fact plant holders bought from a thrift market and repainted white to freshen them up. Have anything similar in your garden shed? Time to take a look and see if you can create a sweet nursery bookshelf.
23. DIY Wooden Spice Rack Bookshelf
Another DIY bookshelf idea perfect if you only have a small space on the wall of your nursery. Simply sand down, paint and decorate an old wooden spice rack.
Voila! A smally and funky bookshelf your little one will love.
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Seasonal and Themed Nursery Bookshelves
Theming your nursery bookshelf to the season is a great way to quickly add a touch of personality and charm to your baby’s room. It’s also a simple and educational way to introduce them to upcoming holidays, seasons and other themes.
24. Thanksgiving Time on the Bookshelf
I love this Thanksgiving-themed nursery bookshelf, sure to bring the holiday spirit into your baby’s room. Complete with Thanksgiving themed books, decorated with cute pumpkins and a cheeky turkey, this bookshelf is ready for the season of gratitude.
25. A London Adventure
Have you seen the queen? Well she’s looking right at you! This cute London-themed nursery bookshelf. My favorite are the very British mini embroidery hoops hanging from the hooks.
What a simple and fun way to add a touch of British flair to the nursery decor that’ll help your little one learn some iconic London symbols.
26. Pink Paradise Book Ledges: to Spread Love and Joy
This nursery bookshelf decorating idea is overflowing with heartfelt warmth and love. The beautiful mix of pink hues on the off-white wall and simple picture ledge shelves is really rather gorgeous.
27. Safari-Themed Reading Corner
Over the years, IKEA spice racks have been a popular choice for various home projects – here’s another simple and effective DIY bookshelf idea for the nursery is no exception. With the white furniture and beautiful textures, this reading nook could well become your favorite space.
28. A Little Bit of Autumn for Your Nursery
If you’re looking for a nursery bookshelf idea that welcomes the change of season, you’re going to love this autumnal-themed decor. The golden hues, woodland animals and leafy prints bring the spirit of fall indoors.
29. A Jolly Holly Nursery Bookshelf Idea
This Christmas-themed nursery bookshelf for toddlers is a delightful way to add festive cheer to the room. Fill the shelves with classic Christmas stories and add colorful garlands to finish.
If you want to add some handmade Christmas decor, try making one of these simple nature-inspired ornaments with your kids.
Nursery Bookshelf Ideas for Small Spaces
Even if you only have a small space in your baby’s nursery or playroom, you should still be able to find bookshelves or a small, narrow bookcase that fits. Book caddies also work well as you can move them around as and when you need.
Here are some bookshelf ideas for a nursery with limited wall or floor space that’ll allow your little one to store and enjoy their books.
30. Fun Nursery Bookshelves IKEA Hack
The IKEA spice racks are nice and narrow ideal for small spaces. Mount them in a narrow wall space or fix to them to the back of your nursery closet door (a space you must utilise if you have small nursery).
If you have the space, try flipping the bottom bookshelf/spice rack so you can hang and display some of your baby’s clothes. A clever way to use those IKEA spice racks that works well with small spaces too.
31. Nursery Bookshelves on Wheels
Want to get your child’s book collection rolling with a mobile library? Ideal to move around or temporarily out of a small nursery when you need more space, this Babyletto Presto Bookcase is a practical and stylish solution.
32. Accessible Book Bin for Little Hands
This IKEA Flisat book display shelf is a simple and effective small nursery bookshelf ideas. It’s perfectly suited for compact spaces, and easy to manoever if necessary when needed.
The bookcase allows front-facing book storage at a kid-friendly height, meaning toddlers can easily view and pick out their favorite book for after bathtime.
33. Space-Saving Slim Nursery Bookshelf
Here’s a space-saving bookshelf idea that effectively creates a library wall in small and narrow spaces. This bookshelf is strategically placed behind the door, an often under-utilised space in the nursery.
Consider this simple bookshelf idea for a nursery tight on space.
34. Cute Cubby Bookcase
This small traditional bookcase is a great way to keep books organized and within reach. Its compact size fits perfectly in a corner or at the foot of baby’s crib, and the open design will allow your little one to easily reach their favorite stories and other toys stored alongside.
35. Nursery Bookshelf with Storage for Toys
If you’re looking for a small nursery bookshelf idea that provides plenty of additional storage for toys too, try the one pictured from Great Little Trading Company. There’s plenty of space for books at the top while the deep, open cubby at the bottom can be used to store plenty of large toys.
Tips For Styling Nursery Book Shelves
Setting up and styling a nursery that’s both functional and beautiful is an exciting journey. Having well-styled bookshelves adds a certain visual appeal to the nursery and to the overall aesthetics of the space.
What I love about the nursery bookshelves is that you can regularly change up the styling as and when. This allows you to experiment and have fun!
Here are some tips and rules that’ll help guide you when styling your nursery bookshelf.
#1 Add Personalized Items
Enhance your nursery bookshelf by adding personalized items, such as monogrammed bookends, personalized plush toys, wood name signs, sentimental items and more. The possibilities are endless!
This helps create a space that’s both stylish and personal to your little one.
#2 Layer Framed Art
Layering artwork and picture frames is a lovely way to decorate the nursery bookshelves. You can choose framed pictures of different sizes and styles or use the same frames throughout for a more uniform look.
Rather than fixing the pictures to the wall, simply place the pictures on the bookshelf, leaning against the wall. In this way you can easily move them around and change them up, combining them with different books and/or decorative items as you please.
#3 Add In Greenery
To bring a touch of nature into the nursery, place potted plants or faux greenery on the bookshelves. Whether you’re decorating a nursery floating bookshelf or a simple bookstand, these natural elements can provide a sense of serenity to the space.
It’s particularly effective for jungle, safari-themed or green nurseries.
#4 Symmetry
Creating a sense of balance and harmony is essential in nursery design, any home decor for that matter. One of the ways of doing this is through symmetery.
When styling your nursery bookshelves, experiment with arranging items in a symmetrical way. This can be done by grouping them together or by placing items of similar height and width on opposite sides of the shelf.
#5 Style Books by Height
Another way to create a visually appealing bookshelf is to style your books based on height. This will create a sense of order and uniformity on your shelves.
#6 Group Books by Color
Again, for visual appeal and to create a more cohesive look, try arranging the books by color. Another bookshelf idea for a children’s room that’ll make it easier to locate specific books when needed.
#7 Use Baby Accessories as Decor
Baby accessories can add style to the nursery bookshelf. Use cute plush animals, baby shoes or mittens and small toys as decorative items on the shelves. A simple yet effective nursery bookshelf decorating idea that’ll add a playful and charming touch.
#8 Decorate Your Shelf to the Season
Embrace the changing seasons by decorating your nursery bookshelves accordingly. Add fall leaves and pumpkins to your shelves in the fall, or snowflakes and tree ornaments for Christmas.
This is budget-friendly and a fun way to display crafts you’ve made with your baby or toddler.
(We have a selection of Fall crafts aimed at young toddlers while here are some eggciting Easter activities for babies 6+ months.)
#9 Use What You Already Have
If you don’t feel like buying new items to style your nursery bookshelf, get creative by using what you already have around the house.
One of my favorite nursery bookshelf decorating ideas is to use vintage treasures and family heirlooms to add interest and appeal. Things that are super special and potentially breakable so need to be kept out of reach of older siblings.
Check out my vintage nursery for some ideas. I’ve used small vintage trunks in the nursery closet which could also be used in the bookshelf.
#10 Display Books Facing Forward
Create a display with the book covers facing forward. Not only can this add pops of color to the room, but it’ll be easier for little ones (and bigger ones) to see and choose their favorite picture book.
#11 Experiment and Enjoy!
There are so many creative ways to style and decorate the nursery shelves which means plenty of time to experiment. This may feel overwhelming and can be frustrating. I know how it is when you want things to look a certain way! But enjoy the process and know that you can change it whenever you want…
