There are things to love about ladder bookshelves, and things to be wary of. Let's talk about the good and bad of these leaning bookshelves.

Ladder Bookshelves - What's Nice About Them

First, a ladder bookshelf is very easy to assemble. Because they make use of their design for stability, there are not a ton of materials to put together. Additionally, since the bookcase is at an angle, it prevents confusion as to "up" vs. "down" when putting the pieces together.

They are very sleek in design, and because they take up less space than traditional bookshelves, a leaning bookshelf can be perfect for small apartments or flats. They help create an open feel in the room.

What's Not-so-nice about a Ladder Bookshelf

There are two main concerns about these shelves. First is safety. If there are young children in the house, they may be tempted to climb the shelf, or pull on it, which can pull them over.

The more common concern is leaving marks on the walls. These leaning bookshelves do, in fact, actually lean against the wall. If you can, it may be best to adhere some type of soft material or padding on the back of the shelf where it makes contact with the wall. This is especially true when you are first positioning the shelf, or if you have a shelf that you use alot (shaking it slightly by taking books off and putting them back).