The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
We’ve gathered our friends and families around sustainable furniture for years. These are our favorite bookshelves that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and made to last.
It’s no surprise we’re big bookworms here at The Good Trade — we’ve covered our favorite book club subscriptions, ways to read more, and even how to build your very own home library. And since we can’t add one more book to our TBR piles (seriously, it will fall over), we’ve decided it’s time to find some bookshelves for our homes.
Like most furniture, bookcases can be a major investment — especially when shopping for long-lasting sustainable wood shelves (FSC-certified over particleboard, please). That’s why almost all of the below brands have payment options. Of course, for the most affordable (and eco-friendly) option, secondhand is the way to go!
What materials should I look for when shopping for a sustainable bookshelf?
When shopping for a sustainable bookshelf, it’s all about choosing materials that are kind to the planet and built to last. FSC-certified or reclaimed wood is a great choice since it ensures responsible sourcing and gives new life to old materials. If you’re going for engineered wood, choose low-VOC plywood or MDF to avoid harmful chemicals. And don’t forget about the finishes! Water-based sealants or natural oils are the way to go for a healthier home and cleaner air. With these materials, you’ll get a stylish, sturdy bookshelf that’s good for you and the environment.
Our criteria:
Our editors have filled our homes with safe, sustainable furniture for over a decade. We’ve selected our favorite bookshelves that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and made to last. We regularly add new options to this list when they meet the following criteria.
- AFFORDABLE | A new bookshelf can be a big investment. We’ve included at least one option that’s easier on your wallet.
- SUSTAINABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY | The brands on this list are taking measures to reduce their environmental impact while providing you with safe, nontoxic bookshelves. We’ve noted the relevant certifications that back them up. You’ll find options here that are FSC-certified, Climate Neutral, and registered B Corps, and that’s just the start.
- QUALITY MATERIALS | The options on this list use natural, organic, and high-quality recycled materials whenever possible, meaning they’re naturally durable and will age beautifully.
If you are doing a full living room upgrade, check out our sustainable couches and nontoxic rugs to really tie the room together. Here are also our 99 favorite books for when you don’t know what to read next!
If you end up finding a bookshelf, tag us (@thegoodtrade) with a photo — we’re always sourcing more inspo for our own home libraries! Happy reading and decorating, fellow book lovers.📚
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Unique
1. Sundays
Best For | Stackable storage shelves
Sustainable Materials | Solid wood
Size Options | 14″H x 25″W x 16″D — 70″H x 55″W x 15″D
Price | $280 — $2,025
Sundays is all about beautiful, functional, and family-friendly furniture that moved and grows with you. This is evident in their Keep Stacking System, which is a modular storage unit that lets you mix and match pieces to create the perfect setup — whether you need a bookshelf, sideboard, or media unit. Choose your configuration, whether you’re looking for open units or hidden units with sleek, minimalist doors. Thanks to its clever hidden channels, the pieces connect seamlessly without the need for hardware, making assembly (and reassembly) a breeze. Whether you stack them high, spread them out, or rearrange them as your needs change, this award-winning design makes book organization effortless and stylish.
Customer Review | “Moving this piece around my space and finding it is solving so many problems. The proportions are so good and love the ability to stack or make a bench. Obsessed with this system.” – Allison M. (Read all reviews.)
2. Thuma
Best For | Spacious shelves
Sustainable Materials | Real upcycled wood
Size Options | 30″H x 33″W x 12″D — 38″H x 99″W x 19″D
Price | $825 — $3,150
The Nest Shelving and Pillar Bookshelf units from Thuma are versatile, sustainable storage solutions. Made from 100% upcycled wood with natural grain patterns and an oil-based finish that ages beautifully, these GREENGUARD Gold bookshelves are designed for easy, tool-free assembly. The Nest Shelving offers a built-in look with modular flexibility, while the Pillar Bookshelf provides endless configuration possibilities, making it perfect for creative displays. Both are durable, adaptable, and backed by a lifetime warranty for long-term use.
Customer Review | “The bed and other items were just as promised. Fast delivery. Smart protective packaging. Easy setup. Attractive and comfortable bed. Headboard comfy to lean against, reading. Would absolutely order again. I also like the nightstand, shelf, and side table. Now please go on to develop a kitchen/dining room table and chairs.
“ – Anonymous (Read all reviews.)
3. Etsy
Best For | Upcycled and custom shelves
Sustainable Materials | Natural, upcycled & reclaimed wood
Size Options | Varies
Price | Varies
The beauty of Etsy is that you can find thousands of pre-made and custom options in one place, including this stunning handmade Tree Bookshelf from South Designs Co. and this Mid Century Bookcase from Furniture Unfinished. (Custom designs also mean they make great gifts!) The online marketplace is run entirely by renewable energy and offsets all carbon from orders — including global ones — so no matter what, your purchase will be a carbon-neutral one.
Customer Review | “I bought the tree shelf for my daughter, and she was up past midnight decorating and adding books. She loves it…I was impressed in the amount of thought that went into shelf assembly, and the instructions were simple.” – William (Read all reviews.)
4. Medley
Best For | Shelves handmade in the USA
Sustainable Materials | FSC-certified solid wood, low-VOC wood finish
Size Options | 52″H x 52″W x 14″D
Price | $2,995
Medley creates sustainable quality furniture made just for you, right in the heart of California. From sofas to mattresses to — yes, shelving — nearly every item is made-to-order! The Iris Shelf in particular comes with four different wood options, all FSC-certified and finished with a low-VOC protective. We love Medley for its thoughtful details (like brass leg caps — swoon!), lifetime warranty, and promise to plant three times the number of trees used in its products. This is the heirloom kind of furniture your grandparents told you about.
5. MasayaCo
Best For | Hospitality-grade shelves
Sustainable Materials | FSC-certified teak
Size Options | 37.8″H x 37.8″W x 14.2″D — 61.4″H x 53″W x 14″D
Price | $675 — $1,495
MasayaCo creates beautifully handcrafted piece designed to last a lifetime — no fast furniture here! Made from solid, sustainably grown teak, these storage shelves are both stylish and durable, perfect for displaying books, electronics, or your favorite decor. With a hospitality-grade build, it’s made to handle everyday use while keeping your space looking effortlessly chic. Plus, every purchase helps grow forests — MasayaCo has planted over a million trees through their reforestation efforts. Available in four wood finishes and crafted to order, these bookshelves are a sustainable, high-quality investment that only gets better with time. 🌿
6. Burrow
Best For | Tall bookshelves
Sustainable Materials | Natural wood, MDF
Size Options | 66″H x 32.7″W x 12.5″D — 75″H x 90″W x 16.5″D
Price | $749 — $2,199
Burrow‘s shelving systems and bookcases are perfect for anyone looking for smart storage solutions. Whether you’re on the market for a modular design that allows you to easily connect or separate units without special add-ons, or a classic solid ash wood shelving unit, the brand has you covered. Each shelf is simple to assemble, requires no extra tools, and can be expanded to create an entire library wall. Plus, Burrow’s shelving systems include anti-tip hardware for safety and offer fast, affordable shipping — so you won’t have to wait long to start organizing your space!
Customer Review | “The Index Bookcase Walnut exceeded my expectations! The material is stunningly good and solid, providing both durability and a premium feel. It was incredibly easy to assemble thanks to the clear instructions provided. The design is timeless, adding a luxurious yet classic touch to my studio. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a high-quality and stylish addition to their space!” – RMC (Read all reviews.)
7. Numi
Best For | Heirloom quality, modular shelving
Sustainable Materials | FSC-certified wood, eco-solvent finishes
Size Options | Each unit measures 24.75″H x 28″W x 10″D; modular shelves range from 1 – 16 units
Price | $439 – $7,022
If timeless, functional design is your jam, you will love NUMI‘s modular shelving. Inspired by Japanese woodworking, these beautiful shelves are made from FSC-certified wood and eco-solvent finishes, by a small team of artisans and designers in California. Choose from one to sixteen units and four gorgeous finishes to create the perfect sustainable shelf that will grow with you anywhere you go.
Customer Review | “Shelves came quickly just like with the previous order. Nice sturdy solid wood shelves that are easy to carry and rearrange as you please. Definitely something you can keep with you for years to come as they are stylish, and functional.” – Yuki (Read all reviews.)
8. West Elm
Best For | Mid-century modern styles
Sustainable Materials | FSC-certified wood
Size Options | 18″sq. x 75″H – 168″W x 13.6″D x 72″H
Price | $329 – $7,305
West Elm makes sustainable mid-century style more accessible. This socially responsible company sources FSC-certified wood, partners with Fair Trade certified factories whenever possible, and collaborates with nonprofits like the Human Rights Campaign. We especially love these bookshelves for larger spaces — buy two to balance out a space or place side-by-side for a wall-to-wall library! As a bonus, many come with storage so you can showcase the books you loved and hide the ones you didn’t. 😉
9. Urban Natural Home
Best For | Mid-century modern styles
Sustainable Materials | FSC-certified wood
Size Options | 18″sq. x 75″H – 168″W x 13.6″D x 72″H
Price | $329 – $7,305
Urban Natural Home is all about high-quality, sustainable furniture that are safe for your home and the planet. The marketplace prioritizes ethically sourced, handcrafted furniture made from natural, non-toxic materials, ensuring durability and reducing waste. They also collaborate only with workshops that meet strict environmental and ethical standards, using FSC-certified wood and organic materials. Most of their partners are based in the USA, helping lower carbon footprints while supporting skilled artisans. Whether you’re looking for a stunning, heirloom-quality bookshelf or a piece that aligns with eco-conscious living, Urban Natural ensures you get furniture that’s as responsible as it is beautiful.
Customer Review | “Absolutely gorgeous. When it arrived, it was completely flawless. This is definitely an heirloom piece.” – Jennifer S. (Read all reviews.)
Featured image is from Etsy
