Sustainable Bookcase Finds for Our Treasured Tomes
A reliable bookcase is a staple of most living rooms, dining rooms, and home offices. Despite this, far too many bookcases on the market are made of flimsy plywood and coated in finishes with toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. If you wouldn’t want it in your home or near your body, you probably don’t want it sitting in a landfill, either. Fortunately, there are sustainable furniture options out there that tick the right boxes (and none of the wrong ones). Let’s take a closer look at some of our favorites!
What is a Sustainable Bookcase? Why Get One?
If you want a sustainable bookcase, look for products that are handcrafted or made to order, made with sustainably sourced materials, and certified to guarantee their safety. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-Certified wood, for example, is carefully selected from trees in responsibly managed forests. You also might want to look for the things you don’t want to see in a bookcase. This may include questionable adhesives, finishes, or sealants.
The 5 Best Sustainable Bookcase Product Finds: How We Chose
As we looked for the best sustainable bookcase product finds on the market, we looked for brands with an established reputation for producing sustainable goods. We also considered the materials and labor that go into the bookcase. Durable and ethically sourced products got top priority. Each of our picks comes from a seller we believe in and promises to bring plenty of value to your home.
Full List: Where to Buy Sustainable Bookcases
Shop each of our top sustainable bookcase brand picks to discover even more furniture and product finds.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Medley
Certifications | FSC |
Sustainability Highlights | Locally-made, handcrafted |
Materials | Solid hard white maple, American walnut, low-VOC maple or hardwood plywood |
Price Range | Varies by product; $800 – $5,000 |
For simple and classic eco-friendly bookcases, look no further than Medley. Choose from short bookshelves and other storage furniture to spruce up your space without harming the environment.
Highlights
We like that Medley relies on solid hardwood to create its furniture, especially given the price range. These pieces are sturdy and made to last. You can rest assured you’ll be investing in something you can enjoy for years or even decades.
Things to Consider
As of right now, Medley doesn’t have a wide range of bookshelves to choose from. Your options are very limited, at least if you’d like a typical standing shelf. Fortunately, Medley offers a 30-day trial period that you can use to test out your new furniture and see if it fits your needs.
2. West Elm: Sustainably Sourced Collection
Certifications | FSC, Fair Trade, GREENGUARD Gold |
Sustainability Highlights | Fair labor practices, sustainably sourced materials |
Materials | Solid wood, reclaimed wood |
Price Range | $100 – $2,000+ |
West Elm is a great source for sustainable furniture of all kinds. The brand’s sustainably sourced collection has some real standout pieces. Plus, they’re made without toxic materials or cheap plywood.
Highlights
All of the bookcases and other items in this collection use FSC-Certified wood, which is sustainably sourced and has a minimal impact on the health of our forests. West Elm’s products are made in Fair Trade factories. You can feel good about supporting a brand that cares about its workers.
Things to Consider
If you’re not in love with your West Elm purchase, you can send it back for a return within 30 days. The brand does charge a flat rate delivery fee for furniture orders. A white glove delivery service is also available.
3. Burrow
Certifications | Not listed |
Sustainability Highlights | Adaptable, durable solid wood, safe and easy assembly |
Materials | Solid ash wood |
Price Range | $699 – $2229 |
If you’re a fan of the modular look but still want to purchase a sustainable bookcase, try this collection from Burrow. The shelves are made with real solid ash wood and can be adjusted or customized to your liking.
Highlights
Choose your favorite shade and style to create an eye-catching piece that doesn’t hurt our planet. You won’t find any adhesives or frustrating assembly instructions here; just good, clean designs that look and perform beautifully.
Things to Consider
If you’re not ready to splurge on several bookcases to create the setup of your dreams, no worries. You can always return to Burrow to purchase more shelves and add them to your existing display at any time.
4. Masaya & Co.
Certifications | Not listed |
Sustainability Highlights | Handcrafted, supports reforestation efforts |
Materials | 100% sustainably sourced hardwood |
Price Range | $645 – $1,750 |
Masaya & Co. is a leading provider of sustainable wood furniture, and you don’t have to look hard to see why. The brand’s pieces are gorgeous, timeless, and, above all else, ethical.
Highlights
Choose the bookshelf style you like, or opt for a wall shelf or storage piece. Whatever your furniture needs look like Masaya & Co. can help you bring your vision to life. It’s a great brand to turn to for other home essentials, like seating, accessories, and more.
Things to Consider
Explain return/warranty policies (if there are any) and any other relevant details. What are some potential downsides of the product?
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, we can offer a refund (minus the value for shipping) within 7 days from receipt of the product. A restocking fee of 15% based on the retail value of the item will be applied to cover return shipping costs. All returned items will be subject to 15% restocking fee and shipping is non refundable.
5. Budget Find: Etsy Reclaimed Wood Bookcases
Certifications | Not listed |
Sustainability Highlights | Supports small businesses, minimal waste |
Materials | Reclaimed solid wood |
Price Range | Varies by seller and product |
Not a fan of the price tag that comes with traditional bookcases? Save some money while still shopping sustainably with a reclaimed wood bookshelf from Etsy. Hundreds of sellers offer unique pieces that are handcrafted with reclaimed wood and ready to find a new home.
Highlights
Not only are Etsy’s reclaimed items (mostly) handcrafted, but they’re also unique. Some pieces may even be one-of-a-kind! You don’t have to fork over thousands of dollars to get a bookcase that fits your needs, and you can support small business owners by shopping with them directly.
Things to Consider
Since you’ll have to choose from the options that different sellers are offering, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to find bookcases of a certain size, style, or wood type. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and remember that what you see now might not always be available.
How to Find the Right Sustainable Bookcase
Ready to bring home a brand new sustainable bookcase? As you shop your options, make sure you look out for things like:
- Materials: Solid wood is usually the best option for a bookcase. You might see other sustainable materials, like recycled plywood, come into play.
- Certifications: Does the seller you’re considering have any environmental or safety certifications? If not, do they make an effort to give back to the planet in some way?
- Supply & Labor Practices: Will your bookcase be produced using ethical supply and labor chain practices? Is it made in the USA?
With these brand recommendations and key considerations in mind, you’re well on your way to finding the right bookcase for your home. Happy shopping!
Feature image via Burrow