The shelves are really small so you need to lay most books flat on their side. As the other reviews mention, its small overall and the cover photo can be deceiving. It also is not sealed and the wood feels like balsa. But I got it for black friday and paid about 1/4 of what I would have for another bookcase so I got what I paid for and it works as a short term solution. Would probably be better for small decorations/ limited number of books or as a towel shelf in a bathroom.