12 best bookcases for children under $200 that your little readers will love!

One of the most fundamental, yet crucial, pieces of furniture in a child's room is a bookcase. The ideal bookcase or bookshelf balances storage, a fashionable appearance, and practicality. It is also a convenient location to keep your children's books. 

Giving your child a bookshelf puts them in control of their educational process and gives them the freedom to read anything they want, whenever they want, for however long they want. Therefore, if you are finding the best bookcase for children under $200, there are some wonderful picks for you to consider.

Below is a list of the best bookcases for children under $200 that we’ll review in detail:

• Best overall bookcase for children under $200: Mind Reader GIBOOK-WHT Bookshelf

• Best affordable bookcase for children under $200: Badger Basket's Combo Bin Storage Bookcase

• Best cheap bookcase for children under $200: Kids Bookcase with Montessori Alphabet

• Best performance bookcase for children under $200: ECR4Kids Bookcase - Birch Streamline 2-Shelf Storage Cabinet Without Back 

• Best value bookcase for children under $200: 3-Tier Truck Display Bookshelf

 1. Mind Reader GIBOOK-WHT Bookshelf

The first bookcase to land on our list of best bookcases for children under $200 is the Mind Reader GIBOOK-WHT Bookshelf. It is ideal for children who have an abundance of both books and toys, as it doubles as toy storage. Their books can be placed directly on top of the three shelves of this sizable organizer. 

With a few cute animals on the front, the storage containers will have a little extra flair. They may be taken out if necessary, allowing you to make more room for your child's expanding book collection. Your kids' favorite books and toys are kept neatly and tastefully organized on the Mind Reader GIBOOK-WHT Bookshelf. 

What we like about this bookcase is that its open design and detachable storage bins make it fast and simple for you and your children to take books and toys from the shelves.

This traditional white bookshelf with vibrant storage bins will enhance the design of your children’s room or play area.

Pros:

• Space-saving design

• Fun & stylish look

• Versatile and multi-purpose: 3-tier organizer for toys and books

Cons:

• No detailed installation steps

2. Badger Basket's Combo Bin Storage Bookcase

Another multipurpose bookshelf that we are going to review is the Badger Basket's Combo Bin Storage Bookcase. It is perfect for storing a variety of products neat and organized. Three baskets in two different sizes; two amply sized open shelves; and three cubby bins coming with this bookcase will allow you to have open compartments as well . 

This functional bookcase can be used in the nursery, kids' rooms, playrooms and game rooms, foyers and entryways, and family spaces where books, magazines, toys, linens, DVDs, video games, and other items are conveniently stored on shelves. Furthermore, you can use the baskets to store things like documents, building blocks, action figures, mittens, wires, and cables. The three open containers are perfect for classifying and dividing objects like dolls, craft supplies, and other toys. It's excellent for storing books, Chromebooks, and other homeschooling supplies.

This bookcase is easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent and also includes bright colors and whimsical designs to appeal to kids' imaginations.

Pros:

• Solid panel construction

• A versatile unit with shelf, basket, and bin storage

• Be able to pair 2 or 3 units together for larger spaces

• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Common particle board material

3. Kids Bookcase with Montessori Alphabet

Next on our list of the best bookcases for children under $200 is the Kids Bookcase with the Montessori Alphabet. This bookcase is a cute and entertaining place to keep books and other little treasures for your kids. There are three shelves that can hold books, toys, and ornamental things at a height that your children may easily reach. 

What is more, this bookshelf’s durable wood structure guarantees years of use for this. It is obvious that this bookcase will be successful every time. This bookcase will "fit in" well in any of your kids' rooms thanks to its unique design and vibrant color. 

Pros:

• Durable wooden construction

• Whimsical puzzle piece design adds fun to any room

• Bright red, blue, and green add color to any décor

Cons:

• Uncomfortable paint smell

• Assemble instructions are not mentioned in the sales page

4. ECR4Kids Bookcase - Birch Streamline 2-Shelf Storage Cabinet Without Back 

The ECR4Kids Bookcase - Birch Streamline 2-Shelf Storage Cabinet Without Back is our next item on our list of the best bookcases for children under $200 as it offers the most storage space, even in the smallest room. These sturdy birch wood storage cabinets on  two roomy shelves that come with this bookcase can provide plenty of room for your kids’ books, toys, and other items. 

What we like about this bookcase is its safety, with minimal chemical emissions into indoor air and rounded wooden edges that will ensure your children’s safety. It is also a simple design, open on both sides in the natural color, that will complement your home. 

This bookcase is user friendly as it is easy for you to assemble with all the necessary hardware and instructions included. With a damp cloth or sponge using warm water and mild soap, wiped dry, you can clean it with ease.

Pros:

• Streamline Design

• Certified and Safe

• Easy to Clean

• Easy to Assemble

Cons:

• Non-adjustable shelves: not fit tall books

5. 3-Tier Truck Display Bookshelf

This adorable wooden truck-shaped bookcase from Fantasy Fields will provide you with extra storage in a cute design. It is ideal for a kid's room with a car, train, or airplane theme. This three-tier bookcase makes it simple for your kids to locate their favorite books. 

If you have a larger book or you want to display a toy, a large storage area is provided next to the shelves, with a cubby area for storage concealed behind the book display. The bookcase is supported by "wheels," and the blue vehicle has a glass front. 3-Tier Truck Display Bookshelf will be the best bookcase for your kids who like vehicles. 

Pros:

• 3-tier display shelving space

• Paper roll storage space

• Toy and decor display areas

• Truck shape design

Cons:

•  Having small parts. 

• Not for children under 3 years.

What to look for when buying a child’s bookcase?

When choosing a bookshelf for children, it's a good idea to keep the storage low to the ground and keep the height under three feet. Your youngster will be able to quickly access their favorite books without running the risk of the bookcase falling over. Another crucial element to think about is size, because it will affect how your child's room will look and work.

How does a bookcase support your child to read?

A bookshelf aids in individualized study. Your child will learn to read in their own special way and know what they are ready for. Your child's particular reading demands are not merely a result of physical variances in their brains. It changes from day to day and from moment to moment depending on their unique experiences, desires, and whims. They are able to read at their own pace when using a bookcase or bookshelf.

Is it cheaper to build a bookcase?

Before you decide to purchase a bookcase, calculate the cost of making one yourself and compare it to the cost of hiring a carpenter. Approximately, building a basic bookcase yourself will cost you $275 as opposed to employing a carpenter, which will cost you $978.

Invest time in project planning and abide by the proverb "Measure twice, cut once," as a mistake or miscut might significantly increase your costs when choosing to build a DIY bookcase. Therefore, if you are not a professional carpenter as well as feeling expensive when hiring a carpenter, then buying a bookcase is a good option. There are many of the best bookcases for children under $200 recommended in this article that suit your child well.

How to organize children's books on a bookshelf?

Heavy items, such as art books or storage containers, should be on the lowest shelves. Paperback books and other lighter items should be placed higher up. Moreover, you can organize books by color, but if you have a lot of books, you might wish to arrange them by category or alphabetically to make accessing them easier.

What to put in your child’s bookcase?

Choosing which books to put in your child's bookcase might be challenging because there are so many fantastic books available. Young children generally like books that have the three R's: rhyme, rhythm, and repetition. Choose books for your child that are the appropriate length and that reflect their shifting interests. They should read and seek out a variety of books and printed materials. Change the books when your child approaches preschool age.

If you need more information, our bookcase buying guide might be helpful.

Creating an inviting reading space for your child is important to developing their passion for reading. A bookshelf is a great addition to use to create this space. It can be as simple as a few books on the floor and a brightly colored basket filled with toys. Or it can be as elaborate as a bookshelf filled with books where your child can complete homework. 

Whatever reading space you choose, make sure it’s something that your child loves the most! We found several great options for kids’ bookcases under $200. One of them is the Mind Reader GIBOOK-WHT Bookshelf, Badger Basket's Combo Bin Storage Bookcase, Kids Bookcase with Montessori Alphabet, ECR4Kids Bookcase, and 3-Tier Truck Display Bookshelf, which we rated as the best bookcases for children under $200.