5 Mistakes People Make While Buying a Book Rack (And How to Avoid Them)

A good book rack is more than just a piece of furniture. It helps you keep your home organized, protects your books from damage, and also adds style to your room. Whether you are buying a book rack for your living room, bedroom, study, or kids’ room, the right choice can make a big difference.

But many people make common mistakes while choosing a book rack. Later, they realize the rack is too small, not strong enough, difficult to maintain, or simply does not match the space. The good news is that these mistakes are easy to avoid if you know what to check before you buy.

In this blog, we will discuss the 5 biggest mistakes people make while buying a book rack and how you can avoid them. This guide will help you make a smart and long-lasting purchase, especially if you want a book rack that looks great and works well for years.

Mistake #1: Not Measuring the Space Properly

This is one of the most common mistakes. Many people buy a book rack just by looking at pictures online or seeing it in a store. They assume it will fit in their room. But when the rack arrives, it may look too big, too small, or awkward in the available space.

Why it’s a problem

• A large book rack can make a room feel cramped.
• A small book rack may not store enough books.
• Poor placement can block walking space or doors.
• It can ruin the overall look of the room.

How to avoid it

Before buying a book rack, take proper measurements of:

• Height (from floor to top)
• Width (side to side)
• Depth (front to back)

Also measure the area around it. Think about:

• Will you be able to open nearby doors?
• Will it block windows or switchboards?
• Is there enough space to pull books out easily?

Pro Tip: Keep at least 2–3 inches of space between the rack and the wall for better airflow and easy cleaning.

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Material (Only Based on Price)

Many buyers focus only on price and ignore the material quality. A cheap book rack may look attractive at first, but it can start bending, wobbling, or peeling within months.

Why it’s a problem

Books are heavy. Even a small collection can put a lot of weight on the shelves. If the material is weak, the book rack may not handle the load.

Some low-quality racks may:

• sag in the middle
• crack at joints
• lose shape over time
• get damaged by moisture

How to avoid it

Choose a book rack made with strong and durable materials. Common options include:

• Engineered wood (MDF/Particle board): Budget-friendly, but quality matters a lot. Always check thickness and finishing.
• Solid wood: Strong and premium, but usually more expensive.
• Metal: Very strong and modern-looking, but may not match all interiors.
• Combination (wood + metal): Good balance of strength and style.

If you want a long-lasting book rack, always check:

• shelf thickness
• weight capacity
• finishing quality (laminate, paint, polish)
• edge banding (helps prevent chipping)

A quality brand like DeckUp focuses on both durability and design, which makes a big difference in daily use.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Shelf Size and Storage Needs

A book rack should match your storage needs. Many people buy a rack that looks stylish but does not fit their actual book sizes or storage requirements.

Why it’s a problem

Not all books are the same. Some are small paperbacks, while others are large textbooks, coffee table books, files, or notebooks.

If the shelf height is too small:

• large books won’t fit
• books may get damaged
• you may have to store them sideways

If the shelves are too wide and unsupported:

• they may bend under heavy books

How to avoid it

Think about what you will store in the book rack. Ask yourself:

• Do you mostly have novels or textbooks?
• Do you want space for decor items too?
• Will you store files, magazines, or school books?
• Do you need extra compartments?

A smart approach is to choose a book rack with:

• multiple shelf heights
• adjustable shelves (if possible)
• strong middle support for wider racks
• extra closed storage for items you don’t want visible

Pro Tip: If you are buying a book rack for kids, choose lower shelves for easy access and better safety.

Mistake #4: Not Checking Stability and Safety

This is a mistake people often realize only after using the rack for a few days. A book rack that is not stable can be dangerous, especially in homes with children or pets.

Why it’s a problem

A book rack becomes top-heavy when filled with books. If the base is narrow or the build is weak, it can tip over easily.

Unstable racks can:

• wobble while placing books
• damage the floor
• fall and cause injury
• break books and decor items

How to avoid it

Always check for:

• strong back panel support
• wide base design
• anti-topple features (wall-mount option)
• sturdy joints and screws
• good weight distribution

If you are placing the book rack in a kids’ room, safety becomes even more important. Choose racks with:

• rounded edges
• stable design
• wall-mounting option
• smooth finishing

Also, make sure you place heavier books on lower shelves. This improves balance and reduces the risk of tipping.

Mistake #5: Choosing Style Over Practical Use

Yes, looks matter. A modern book rack can upgrade your room instantly. But many people buy a book rack only because it looks good in photos, without thinking about how it will be used daily.

Why it’s a problem

A rack may look stylish but may not be practical. Some design issues include:

• too narrow shelves
• uneven compartments
• difficult to clean corners
• open racks that collect dust easily
• racks that don’t match room décor

Also, the wrong style can make the room look messy instead of organized.

How to avoid it

Choose a book rack that balances:

• design
• storage
• durability
• ease of use

Here are a few practical style tips:

• For a modern living room, go for sleek open book racks with clean lines.
• For a bedroom, choose compact racks that don’t take too much space.
• For a study room, pick tall racks with more shelves and strong support.
• For a kids’ room, choose colorful or minimal racks with safe edges.
• For a small apartment, consider corner book racks or vertical designs.

A good brand like DeckUp offers book racks that are designed for modern Indian homes, where space and storage both matter.

Bonus Tips: What to Check Before Buying a Book Rack

To make your purchase even easier, here are a few important checks you should always do:

1. Check Assembly and Installation

Some racks are easy to assemble, while others can be complicated. If you are buying online, check:

• whether installation is included
• the quality of assembly instructions
• customer reviews about fitting and stability

2. Consider Maintenance

If you live in a humid area, choose a book rack with moisture-resistant finishing. Also, check if the surface is easy to clean.

3. Think About Future Needs

Many people buy a small book rack and later regret it. If you are someone who keeps buying books, choose a rack with extra space for future storage.

4. Read Reviews and Product Details

Online images can be misleading. Always read:

• dimensions
• material details
• weight capacity
• user reviews

Final Thoughts

Buying a book rack may seem like a simple task, but a wrong decision can lead to daily inconvenience, wasted money, and even safety issues. The good news is that you can easily avoid these problems by focusing on the right details.

To recap, the 5 biggest mistakes people make while buying a book rack are:

1. Not measuring the space properly
2. Choosing the wrong material based only on price
3. Ignoring shelf size and storage needs
4. Not checking stability and safety
5. Choosing style over practical use

When you avoid these mistakes, you can choose a book rack that looks great, stores your books safely, and lasts for years.

If you are looking for a durable, stylish, and space-friendly book rack, DeckUp offers a wide range of options designed for modern homes. The right book rack can help you build a clean, organized, and beautiful space—one shelf at a time.