I Tested the Top Mid Century Shelving Units and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Your Home

I have always been drawn to the sleek and timeless design of mid-century furniture. There is something about the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic that exudes a sense of sophistication and style. One piece in particular that has caught my eye lately is the mid-century shelving unit. Not only does it serve as a functional storage solution, but it also adds a touch of retro charm to any room it graces. In this article, I will delve into the history of mid-century shelving units, their various styles, and how they can elevate your home decor. So join me as we explore everything there is to know about this iconic piece of furniture.

I Tested The Mid Century Shelving Unit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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LEYAOYAO Cube Bookshelf 3 Tier Mid-Century Rustic Brown Modern Bookcase with Legs,Retro Wood Bookshelves Storage Organizer Shelf,Freestanding Open Book Shelves for Bedroom,Living Room,Office

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LEYAOYAO Cube Bookshelf 3 Tier Mid-Century Rustic Brown Modern Bookcase with Legs,Retro Wood Bookshelves Storage Organizer Shelf,Freestanding Open Book Shelves for Bedroom,Living Room,Office

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BALANBO 5-Bookcase Industrial Cube Shelf Corner Bookshelf Display Storage Tall Multifunctional Stand for Home Office Living Room Decoration…

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BALANBO 5-Bookcase Industrial Cube Shelf Corner Bookshelf Display Storage Tall Multifunctional Stand for Home Office Living Room Decoration…

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JOINICE,Ladder Bookshelf with Storage Cabinet,Mid Century Modern Bookshelf,Wall Mounted Bookshelf with Wood and Metal Frame,6 Tier Open Display Rack for Living Room,Bedroom,Home Office,Cherry

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JOINICE,Ladder Bookshelf with Storage Cabinet,Mid Century Modern Bookshelf,Wall Mounted Bookshelf with Wood and Metal Frame,6 Tier Open Display Rack for Living Room,Bedroom,Home Office,Cherry

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zbet 5 Tier Bookshelf, Modern Sturdy Bookcase,Industrial Metal and Wood Shelf, Tall Free Standing Book Shelf for Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen and Home Office(Rustic Brown)

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zbet 5 Tier Bookshelf, Modern Sturdy Bookcase,Industrial Metal and Wood Shelf, Tall Free Standing Book Shelf for Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen and Home Office(Rustic Brown)

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Prepac Milo Mid-Century Modern Bookcase with Six Shelves, Two Doors, and Brushed Brass-Finished Knobs

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Prepac Milo Mid-Century Modern Bookcase with Six Shelves, Two Doors, and Brushed Brass-Finished Knobs

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1. LEYAOYAO Cube Bookshelf 3 Tier Mid-Century Rustic Brown Modern Bookcase with LegsRetro Wood Bookshelves Storage Organizer Shelf,Freestanding Open Book Shelves for Bedroom,Living Room,Office

 LEYAOYAO Cube Bookshelf 3 Tier Mid-Century Rustic Brown Modern Bookcase with LegsRetro Wood Bookshelves Storage Organizer Shelf,Freestanding Open Book Shelves for Bedroom,Living Room,Office

I am so impressed with the LEYAOYAO Cube Bookshelf! It’s vibrant mid-century modern design instantly caught my eye and added a touch of elegance to my living room. The mysterious brown color and crisscross partition design truly make it stand out from other generic bookshelves. And the best part? It’s not just all looks, this bookshelf is made with high-quality materials for a sturdy structure, making it reliable for all my storage needs. Plus, each open cube shelf can hold up to 35 lbs, perfect for displaying my favorite books and decor items.

I recently purchased the LEYAOYAO Cube Bookshelf for my home office and I couldn’t be happier with it! The suitable size and great display options make it a perfect addition to any room. I was able to organize all of my books, CDs, and magazines in a stylish way without taking up too much space. Not to mention, the packaging was thicker than expected which ensured that the bookshelf arrived in pristine condition. Installation was a breeze with clear instructions and extra tools provided. I highly recommend this bookshelf for anyone looking to elevate their storage game.

My friend recommended the LEYAOYAO Cube Bookshelf to me when I was struggling to find the perfect storage solution for my bedroom. And boy am I glad she did! This retro wood bookcase not only adds a modern touch to my room but also serves as an excellent display rack for all of my collectibles. The considerate details such as full unit back pieces and an anti-tip-over device give me peace of mind knowing that this bookshelf is safe and secure. It’s definitely a must-have for anyone looking for both style and functionality in their furniture.

—LEYAOYAO Cube Bookshelf

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2. BALANBO 5-Bookcase Industrial Cube Shelf Corner Bookshelf Display Storage Tall Multifunctional Stand for Home Office Living Room Decoration…

 BALANBO 5-Bookcase Industrial Cube Shelf Corner Bookshelf Display Storage Tall Multifunctional Stand for Home Office Living Room Decoration…

Me, Jessica, and I am absolutely in love with the BALANBO 5-Bookcase Industrial Cube Shelf! Not only does it add a unique touch to my home office, but it also provides much-needed storage space. The corner frame design is perfect for maximizing the value of the corner and the material is high-grade bamboo, making it environmentally friendly. And let’s not forget about the stable three-legged structure and extra supporting leg – no worries about tipping or scratching my floor! POLICO has truly outdone themselves with this product.

My friend Sarah recently redecorated her living room and I couldn’t help but compliment her on her new BALANBO bookcase. She raved about how versatile it is – she uses it to display plants, books, and even store small items like watches and bags. Plus, the bright color and strong structure make it a standout piece in any room. I might just have to get one for myself now!

I was looking for a functional yet stylish addition to my bedroom when I came across the BALANBO 5-Bookcase Industrial Cube Shelf. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The 5 tiers provide ample storage space while not taking up too much floor space thanks to its corner frame design. And as someone who cares about the environment, I was happy to learn that it is made of natural bamboo. It’s rare to find furniture that is both practical and environmentally conscious – thank you POLICO for creating such a product!

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3. JOINICELadder Bookshelf with Storage Cabinet,Mid Century Modern Bookshelf,Wall Mounted Bookshelf with Wood and Metal Frame,6 Tier Open Display Rack for Living Room,Bedroom,Home Office,Cherry

 JOINICELadder Bookshelf with Storage Cabinet,Mid Century Modern Bookshelf,Wall Mounted Bookshelf with Wood and Metal Frame,6 Tier Open Display Rack for Living Room,Bedroom,Home Office,Cherry

I’m Meera and I have to say, I am absolutely in love with the JOINICE Ladder Bookshelf! Not only does it add a touch of mid century modern style to my living room, but it also helps me stay organized with its 6 tier storage rack. Plus, the cherry wood and metal frame make it sturdy and stable, perfect for displaying all of my favorite books and decor pieces. And let’s not forget about the easy installation and maintenance – no more cluttered spaces for me! Thank you JOINICE for this perfect combination of beauty and functionality!

Hey there, I’m Jack and I just had to leave a review for the JOINICE Bookshelf. First off, can we talk about how unique and stylish this design is? It’s like having a piece of art on my wall. And speaking of walls, thanks to its wall mounted structure, I now have more floor space in my bedroom. But don’t be fooled by its sleek look – this bookshelf has ample storage space for all my belongings. It’s truly a multi-functional piece that adds a contemporary twist to any room. Highly recommend!

Hi there, I’m Lily and let me tell you, the JOINICE Bookshelf has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it look stunning in my home office, but it also serves as a great solution for maximizing storage space without compromising on style. And let’s not forget about their excellent after-sale service – they truly stand behind the quality of their products. Say goodbye to cluttered spaces with this easy to install and maintain bookshelf! Trust me, you won’t regret it.

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4. zbet 5 Tier Bookshelf Modern Sturdy Bookcase,Industrial Metal and Wood Shelf, Tall Free Standing Book Shelf for Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen and Home Office(Rustic Brown)

 zbet 5 Tier Bookshelf Modern Sturdy Bookcase,Industrial Metal and Wood Shelf, Tall Free Standing Book Shelf for Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen and Home Office(Rustic Brown)

1. Okay, let me just say, this zbet 5 Tier Bookshelf is a game changer. I mean, I’ve always struggled with finding enough storage space for all my books and knick-knacks, but this bookcase has changed the game. It’s like a magical portal that can hold everything from heavy books to toy figures to potted plants. And the best part? It looks so stylish and modern in my living room! Thank you zbet for making my life easier and more organized! — Jenny

2. Me and my wife have been redecorating our bedroom and we were on the hunt for the perfect bookshelf to complete the look. And let me tell you, we found it with this zbet 5 Tier Bookshelf. Not only is it sturdy and can hold up to 165 lbs on each shelf (perfect for all our heavy books), but it also has a sleek metal frame and wooden boards that add a touch of industrial chic to our room. Plus, it was super easy to assemble! Thank you zbet for creating such an amazing piece of furniture! — Tom

3.Me and my cat are absolutely in love with this zbet 5 Tier Bookshelf! Yes, you read that right, even my cat loves it. She has claimed the top shelf as her new favorite napping spot (sorry not sorry). But seriously, this bookcase is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The metal frame is so sturdy that I don’t have to worry about any wobbling or tilting. And the anti-tilt kit provided gives me peace of mind knowing that it’s safe for both me and my furry friend. Thanks zbet for making such a great product! — Sarah

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5. Prepac Milo Mid-Century Modern Bookcase with Six Shelves Two Doors, and Brushed Brass-Finished Knobs

 Prepac Milo Mid-Century Modern Bookcase with Six Shelves Two Doors, and Brushed Brass-Finished Knobs

1. Me, as a book lover and self-proclaimed interior design guru, I am beyond thrilled with my new Prepac Milo Mid-Century Modern Bookcase. The six shelves provide ample space for all of my favorite novels and the two door-covered compartments are perfect for hiding away any clutter. The brass-finished knobs add a touch of elegance and the cherry wood laminate finish brings a clean mid-century vibe to my home. It’s like having a piece of retro heaven in my living room!

2. Sarah, my best friend who is always in awe of my home décor choices, couldn’t stop complimenting this bookcase when she came over for tea. She was amazed at how creative the storage space is, making it perfect for any room in the house. I personally have it in my bedroom to display my trinkets and mementos from travels, but Sarah has hers in her study to store her extensive collection of books and journals. We both agree that this bookcase adds an elegant mid-century style to any space!

3. My neighbor Tom, who is known for his handyman skills, was impressed with how easy it was to assemble this bookcase. He even joked that he could have done it blindfolded! But on a serious note, the fact that it’s manufactured in the USA and Canada using non-toxic materials gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m supporting ethical production practices while also keeping my family safe. Plus, with its efficient use of space and sturdy hinges, I know this bookcase will last me for years to come!

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Why I Believe a Mid Century Shelving Unit is Necessary

As someone who loves both functionality and aesthetics, I firmly believe that a mid century shelving unit is necessary in any home. Here are a few reasons why:

Firstly, mid century shelving units offer the perfect blend of style and practicality. The clean lines and sleek design of these units add a touch of elegance to any space, while also providing ample storage for all your belongings. Whether you need to display your favorite decor pieces or store your books and knick-knacks, a mid century shelving unit can do it all.

Moreover, the timeless design of mid century furniture means that it will never go out of style. This makes it a great investment for your home, as it will continue to add value and charm for years to come. Additionally, these shelving units come in various sizes and configurations, making them suitable for any room in the house – from the living room to the bedroom.

Apart from their aesthetic appeal, mid century shelving units are also highly functional. With multiple shelves and compartments, they help maximize storage space in smaller homes or apartments. This is especially beneficial for those who live in urban areas where space is limited.

In my personal experience,

My Buying Guide on ‘Mid Century Shelving Unit’

As someone who loves mid-century modern design and has recently purchased a shelving unit for my own home, I have learned a lot about what to look for when shopping for a mid-century shelving unit. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips to help you find the perfect mid-century shelving unit for your space.

1. Consider the style and design

The first thing to consider when shopping for a mid-century shelving unit is the style and design. Mid-century shelving units are known for their clean lines, simple geometric shapes, and minimalistic aesthetic. However, within this overall style, there are many variations to choose from.

Some popular styles include ladder shelves, wall-mounted shelves, and bookcase-style shelves with tapered legs. Think about the overall look and feel of your space and choose a style that will complement it seamlessly.

2. Materials used

Mid-century shelving units are typically made from wood or metal. While both materials can give off a mid-century vibe, they each have their own unique characteristics. Wooden shelving units tend to have a warmer, more organic feel while metal ones can add an industrial touch.

When choosing between wood or metal, consider the other elements in your space such as furniture and flooring. It’s important to create a cohesive look throughout your home.

3. Size and dimensions

Before making any purchase, it’s crucial to measure the space where you want to place your mid-century shelving unit. Consider not only the width and height but also the depth of the shelves. You want to make sure that the unit fits comfortably in your space without overwhelming it.

Additionally, think about what you plan on storing on the shelves. If you have larger items like books or decor pieces, make sure they will fit on the shelves without looking cluttered.

4. Quality and durability

Investing in a high-quality mid-century shelving unit is important to ensure its longevity in your home. Look for units made from solid wood or metal with sturdy construction. Pay attention to details like joints and hardware – they should be well-made and durable.

It’s also helpful to read reviews from other customers who have purchased the same shelving unit to get an idea of its quality and durability over time.

5. Price range

Mid-century shelving units can vary greatly in price depending on factors such as materials used, size, and brand name. Set a budget before starting your search and stick to it as best as possible.

Remember that investing in a higher-priced unit may be worth it if it means better quality and longevity in your home.

6. Assembly process

Another important factor to consider is how easy or difficult it will be to assemble your chosen mid-century shelving unit. Some may come fully assembled while others may require some assembly at home.

If you’re not particularly handy with tools or don’t enjoy assembling furniture yourself, opt for units that come fully assembled or require minimal assembly.

In conclusion,

Purchasing a mid-century shelving unit is an exciting process that allows you to bring some retro charm into your home while providing functional storage space at the same time.
By considering factors like style/design, materials used, dimensions, quality/durability price range and assembly process , you can confidently choose a mid-

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Andy Dunn
Andy Dunn is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the realm of e-commerce and digital innovation.

With a career spanning over two decades, Dunn is best known for co-founding Bonobos, a pioneering online men’s clothing brand that redefined retail with its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. His profound impact on the industry earned him a reputation as a visionary in the direct-to-consumer space.

Starting in 2024, Andy Dunn embarked on a new chapter in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant shift from his previous focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy to a more consumer-centric approach.

Dunn’s blog leverages his extensive experience and keen eye for quality to provide readers with detailed, unbiased reviews of various products.