The 9 Best Bookends for 2023

Best Overall

Main + Mesa Marble Geometric Bookends with Wood Inlay

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Constructed from white marble and espresso-toned wood, these chic Main + Mesa bookends will complement collections big and small. The smart, almost triangular design gives you the flexibility to position them vertically or horizontally. Plus, you can angle the bookends to reveal the wood stripe or keep it subtly hidden. We could see these fitting in with multiple decor styles, including minimalist, modern, traditional, and coastal-inspired spaces. A second style is also available from Amazon's Main + Mesa line, too (it's a bit pricier, and features a brass inlay instead of wood).

These bookends will look great and keep your books solidly in place—just keep in mind that marble can chip. A handful of buyers even mentioned flaws from shipping, although those reports were rare. We think this set has the potential to elevate all kinds of bookshelves, whether in a living room, bedroom, office, or personal library.

Price at time of publish: $40 per pair

_{Dimensions: 4 x 3 x 6 inches | Materials: Marble, wood | Weight: 7.27 pounds (combined weight of both)}

Best Budget

Shikaman Decorative Metal Book Ends

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These fun Shikaman bookends have a tongue-in-cheek design that spells "book" on each side. Even if you don't need reminders of what your bookshelves hold, they're a cute and clever way to bring some charm to your space. With four colors to choose from (black, white, blue, and pink), you can easily pick a set to match your current style.

They're constructed with metal so while they are a sturdy choice, they're not as hefty as other designs (so plan your book layout accordingly). You don't have to worry about the metal scratching your shelf, though, since small foam pads are adhered to the bottom corners to help keep them in place and protect your surfaces. At roughly $5 per piece, they're a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly addition to their library.

Price at time of publish: $10 per pair

_{Dimensions: 5.1 x 4.9 x 5.4 inches | Materials: Metal | Weight: 0.7 pounds (combined weight of both)}

Best Modern

Crate & Barrel Lava Resin Stone Bookends

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If you're having a hard time deciding between bookends that are made of natural or man-made materials, then you may want to sit down for this one. This gorgeous Crate & Barrel set features dark lava stone, black resin, and light limestone, all layered in tiers for an attention-grabbing design that's unique yet versatile. We love the blend of textures and colors so much that if our bookshelves weren't already bursting, we might be tempted to display them alone as statement pieces.

While their striking design will be a draw for some, it may be a bit much for more neutral spaces or decor styles that lean rustic or country. Still, for other spaces and styles, we think it's well worth your consideration.

Price at time of publish: $50 per pair

_{Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.15 x 5.5 inches | Materials: Limestone, lava, resin  | Weight: Not listed}

Best Vintage

West Elm Stepped Brass Metal Bookends

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These brass bookends from West Elm have a mid-century modern vibe, and we think they're an excellent choice if you're looking for a vintage-inspired accent. With a shape that channels jukeboxes and retro theater signs, the curved corners and layered look of each piece are a refreshing contrast to the clean lines and sharper edges we often see on modern decor. Plus, they're constructed from stainless steel with a brass finish, so they should be durable and sturdy.

Though we love these as a vintage call-back, they'll suit contemporary spaces as well, depending on how you style them—so they'll likely feel stylish for years to come, and even through design updates. These are on the pricier side of our bookend picks, but we think their versatility and luxe design make them a worthy investment.

Price at time of publish: $62 per pair

_{Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 5 inches | Materials: Stainless steel, brass | Weight: Not listed}

Best Unique

Artori Design Hidden Metal Bookends

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If you like a bit of motivational messaging with your bookends, this set from Artori Design is the one for you. With a detailed silhouette in the shape of your character of choice (we're partial to the superhero woman), you can set them up to remind yourself (or a friend, family member, or lucky gift recipient) that they've got this. How do they work? A hidden magnetic stand tucks inside the cover of the book that you position at the end of the stack. The hero figure then bonds to it thanks to a second magnet. It's simple, yet guaranteed to grab the attention of guests and visitors, too.

If we could change anything about this set, we'd make multiple sizes so you can opt for larger versions, too. Currently, the manufacturer recommends using just five to eight books, as well as making sure to use a paperback for the front to allow the magnets to reliably connect. Also, the bookends might not be the best fit for precious books you don't want to sit at an angle, which could potentially damage the spines over time. Still, even with these limitations, we're here for this set.

Price at time of publish: $27 for set

_{Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.8 x 6.7 inches | Materials: Metal | Weight: 0.53 pound (combined weight of both)}

Best Minimalist

Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia Set of 2 Wedge Bookends

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The simplicity of these wooden Hearth & Hand bookends is what sets them apart. The earthy texture and elegant design ensure they'll match a variety of spaces. The wood construction gives them oh-so-timeless appeal, and the wedge shape gives them a sturdiness that manages not to feel too bulky or heavy. We think they'd be a lovely pair to organize your novels, photo albums, magazines, and more.

One thing to consider is that you shouldn't expect the wood grains to be identical in both pieces. While we see that as part of their charm, it's possible that the bookends could feel mismatched to anyone who would prefer a pristine and precise look on their bookshelves.

Price at time of publish: $25 for pair

_{Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 5 inches | Materials: Wood | Weight: 3.52 pounds (combined weight of both)}

Best for Heavy Books

Office Depot® Brand Heavy-Duty Bookends

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Be warned, these sturdy, metal Office Depot bookends might give you nostalgia for your elementary school library. And speaking of schools: They're a great option if you're looking for some of the best bookends for textbooks or binders. And if you're wondering about your heaviest cookbooks? They're great for those, too.

These bookends are made of sturdy steel, and they have rounded edges and an enamel coating that saves them from feeling too utilitarian. Subtle foam padding on the bottom protects your shelf surfaces from scratches or marks—and it helps the bookends stay in place, too. While they're made of relatively thin metal, they're on the heavier side for this style of bookend. Their dimensions are also quite large, and while their measurements are a key factor for their overall durability, we wouldn't mind seeing more sizes. After all, smaller books can sometimes need extra reinforcement, too.

Price at time of publish: $24 per pair

_{Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 10 inches | Materials: Metal | Weight: 3.43 pounds (combined weight of both)}

Best Agate

West Elm Agate Stone Bookends

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These striking West Elm bookends will be the gems of your shelves. The agate of these bookends is dyed in shades of green or blue to enhance the lines and texture of the rock. The interior cross-section is polished for a stunning and smooth effect, while the outer shell of the stone appears untouched. You might even say there's a metaphor to be made here about the inner beauty of these agate bookends and the treasures inside our favorite books, too.

We're glad to see that you can buy them as a single bookend or a pair, since that gives the flexibility of using the wall or edge of your shelf to lean your books, too. Plus, these are on the pricier side of our chosen favorites, especially if you pick up two.

Price at time of publish: $34 apiece

_{Dimensions: 2.5 x 2 x 3.5 inches can vary | Materials: Agate stone | Weight: Not listed}