Thinking of buying your young reader a children’s bookcase but don’t know where to start? If you’re feeling a little clueless, we’ve got your back!
In this article, we’ve covered everything you need to know when buying a children’s bookcase for your kid’s room. We’ll give you all the things you need to know, from materials used to types, even to safety and decoration tips. Read through our children’s bookcase buying guide, and before you know it, you’ll have a bookworm residing in your house.
#1 Benefits of a Children’s Bookcase
Reading books is an integral part of your child’s brain development. Some parents may start to read to their children during pregnancy. Some may begin teaching their children how to read before pre-school. Whatever suits your cup of tea, it is essential that your children learn to appreciate reading books at an early age.
Displaying your kids’ favorite Star Wars books in their rooms can heighten their appreciation for books and even encourage them to read! Bookshelves allow your children to develop a positive association with books as it is something they see and interact with every day. And just like a kid’s car garage, it also provides additional storage for your kid’s toy collection!
#2 Materials Used in Children’s Bookcases
When choosing a bookshelf, know the make of the furniture. Bookshelves made from plastic are usually brittle and unstable. Steel shelves tend to rust over time.
If you’re to ask any interior designer, they’d tell you that children’s bookshelves made from wood are the way to go for your child’s bedroom. If you’re looking to build one yourself, use FSC certified wood materials – they’re eco-friendly and sustainable! Below are types of wood commonly used in children’s bookshelves.
Presswood
Pressed wood, such as plywood or fiberboard, is commonly used in children’s furniture. This material is made up of small pieces of wood glued together. This makes chemicals, like formaldehyde, an essential ingredient for this type of wood. Furniture made from this pressed wood is generally safe as long as it is finished and sealed.
Softwood
Softwood can be found in pine trees, cedar trees, fir trees, etc. This material is more eco-friendly and cheaper than solid wood, but it is more prone to water damage, denting, and splinting.
Hardwood
When looking for children’s bookcases, look for the ones made from hardwood. It is sturdy and less prone to water damage. To make it short, this material is made to last. It may be a tad bit more expensive than other types of wood, but it is the safest one for your little kid.
#3 Different Types of a Children’s Bookcase
Small Bookcases
Small Bookcases are ideal for babies and toddlers. This type of bookshelf is also suitable for storing toys and other stuff. Your kid will probably enjoy spinning revolving bookcases around. Revolving bookcases also maximize storage, so if you’re short on space, this is the one for you.
Storage Benches
Storage Benches are multifunctional and are the perfect space savers. Its low height provides accessibility for your little one. It also teaches them how to sort and organize their belongings.
Reading Nooks
Reading nooks are a cute addition to your child’s room. These usually come with cushioned seats to make your kids more comfortable when reading. They are the largest too of all the bookcases in this article.
That’s why reading nooks are also more time-consuming to assemble. It will take around 1-2 hours if you haven’t built any furniture before.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are ideal for those saving floor space. Just be sure to mount them securely on the wall. Additionally, position it low enough your child can reach it whenever he/she wants to read!
Storage racks
Open-facing bookcases or storage racks provide easy access to their favorite books with little help from adults. There are some book racks you can buy on Amazon. But if you’re on a budget, you can use your old metal rack shelf and convert it to a kid’s bookcase!
Corner bookcases
This type of bookcase makes use of the free space in your child’s bedroom. It also adds to the aesthetic of your kid’s haven. To maximize your child’s safety, make sure that this bookcase is anchored to the wall. Place them near your kid’s windows, so that they’ll get some Vitamin D while reading too.
Ladder bookcases
These are ideal for taller kids and rooms with tight spaces. Like other floating shelves, make sure to secure them to the wall.
Book Caddies
This is another great-looking kids bookshelf that you can bring anywhere inside the house. Because of their low height, book caddies are more stable and perfect for toddlers! In addition to that, the bottom shelf has extra storage for your kid’s extra books or toys!
Sling Bookshelf
If you’re looking for a compact bookcase, then the sling bookshelf is the one you should get. A sling bookshelf is usually made from wood and canvas fabric. The best thing about a sling bookshelf is you can choose any fabric color to match your child’s room.
In addition to that, most manufacturers build it with a carry handle. This will make it more portable and easier to carry anywhere in the house!
#4 Safety Precautions
When it comes to purchasing items for your child, their safety must be your first priority. Don’t forget to read labels, instruction manuals, and even the littlest text on the boxes those items come with. Following these preventive measures are crucial to everything child related:
Materials Check
Always check the materials the bookshelves are made of. Are they made of plastic? Wood? Steel? Are they made up of harmful chemicals? These are some questions you might want the answer to first before you spend money on bookcases.
Use non-lead or non-toxic products.
If you’re building a bookshelf on your own, make sure that the wood and paint you will use are made up of non-lead and non-toxic materials.
Double-check for sturdiness.
Your child will probably use it as support for when he’s starting to walk or climb. Ensure that a little weight on the shelves won’t cause it to collapse.
Use furniture protectors.
Children are such unpredictable movers. One minute they’re in your sight and the next they’ve zoomed to the next room. Use furniture protectors especially for bookshelves with sharp edges.
Secure your kid’s bookshelves to the wall.
Mounting them to the wall adds a layer of protection, so you’ll be ensured that your child’s bookcases won’t suddenly jerk and fall.
#5 Best Size of a Childrens’ Bookcase
Choosing the size of your child’s bookcase seems minuscule, but several factors should be considered when building/purchasing one for your child’s room. Select one that your child can still use when he gets older or something that can also hold other items such as toys and school/art supplies.
A small bookshelf, preferably 3 to 4 feet tall in size, is a must-have for kids who are only starting to move around. They’re also good alternative storage for their toys.
Low bookshelves are perfect for toddlers. They might also use it as support when they start walking around, so make sure that it’s heavy and sturdy!
Tall bookshelves are ideal for older kids. It also covers less floor space, so you could use the free space for something else – perhaps a dressing table, or a bean bag.
#6 Styling Children’s Bookcase to Match Your Kid’s Room
Long have we moved past the time where we purchase home products only for their usage. In the modern age, aesthetic value is a factor to be considered when buying furniture for your home. Follow some of these tips and tricks to make your child’s room a haven for them.
Choose a color palette for your child’s room!
Color schemes will give life to your kid’s room! Pastel colors are perfect for infants, while vibrant shades will make your toddler’s room pop. When in doubt, use white as your base color. Light cream colors make rooms brighter and make them seem more spacious and clean. Select a dark color to create accent and contrast.
Display toys on your kid’s shelves!
Placing toys on your kid’s bookcases will give it a playful, childish feel! Don’t put everything, though, so it doesn’t look messy! Alphabet blocks, stuffed toys, or character figures are a lovely addition to your child’s bookshelves.
Place plants and succulents to give a homey feel.
Give your kid’s room a touch of nature by placing small plants or succulents on your child’s bookshelves. Just be careful where you place it! Kids like to touch (and sometimes eat!) what catches their eye. If you’re still a little worried, you may opt to use nature-themed decals instead.
Showcase your kid’s talents!
Your child just may be the next Picasso. Display your kid’s artwork to give it a personalized touch. It also encourages your child to create more artwork. Consider adding a small chalkboard area (using non-toxic paint, of course!) for your growing artist.
We hope you’ve learned a lot from this buying guide. If you’re looking for the best toys to promote your child’s physical and social development, check out our review of the best kid’s toys!