I think these are perfect for a small space.  The width is only about a foot and they are pretty tall, so while not a lot can fit on a single shelf, for what they promise to do, these shelves deliver.  I am a pianist, and use these to store all my music scores, which does mean I only get 4 shelves instead of 8.  If you want to use all 8 shelves, they fit media (cds, dvds) or smaller books, such as paperbacks and slightly taller than that.  But there are many books I own that don't fit, so just be mindful of that and measure your needs prior to ordering.