Our wall tree bookshelves are 30 to 70 inches tall and often 40 to 60 inches wide, with shelves 8 to 10 inches deep; our largest tree bookcase reaches 90 inches tall. Pick a tree about two-thirds the width of your wall, leave room above the top branch, and fix it into wall studs, not drywall alone.
A tree bookshelf is part shelf, part sculpture, so size matters twice: it has to hold your books and plants, and it has to look right on the wall. This guide gives the real dimensions of the tree bookshelves we make, simple rules for choosing a size, and a step-by-step way to hang one so it stays level and secure.
Tree bookshelf sizes at a glance
These are the real size ranges of the tree bookshelves in our collection. Width is measured across the widest branches, height from the base of the trunk to the highest branch.
| Type | Typical size | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch floating shelf | 20" to 40" wide | Above a desk, bed or small console | Branch Floating Shelf |
| Corner tree shelf | 15" to 30" tall | Empty corners and narrow walls | Corner Driftwood Bookshelf |
| Wall tree bookshelf | 30" to 70" tall | Living rooms, reading nooks, kids' rooms | Live Edge Wall Tree Bookshelf |
| Large tree bookcase | 60" to 90" tall | A full feature wall or double-height space | Handcrafted Tree Bookshelf |
| Tree bookshelf with bench | 60" to 90" tall | Entryways and reading corners with seating | Tree Bookshelf Set with Curved Bench |
One design in four sizes
Our Live Edge Wall Tree Bookshelf shows how much the footprint changes from size to size:
| Size | Width x height x depth | Fits a wall about | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 40" x 30" x 8" | 60" wide or more | $1,380 |
| M | 50" x 40" x 8" | 75" wide or more | $1,780 |
| L | 50" x 60" x 8" | 75" wide or more | $2,390 |
| XL | 60" x 70" x 8" | 90" wide or more | $2,890 |
Our larger Handcrafted Tree Bookshelf comes in four sizes from 62" W x 60" H to 92" W x 90" H, all 10" deep. The "fits a wall" column uses the two-thirds rule below. Prices were checked on the date in the editor's note; see our tree bookshelf price guide for every type.
How to choose the right size for your wall
1. Use the two-thirds rule
A tree that spans about two-thirds of the wall's width looks intentional. Edge to edge feels crowded; much smaller can look lost. For more ways to balance a big wall, see our large blank wall ideas.
2. Leave headroom
Keep at least 10 to 12 inches between the highest branch and the ceiling so the branches have space to read as branches.
3. Clear furniture below
Over a sofa or bench, leave about 8 to 12 inches between the furniture and the lowest shelf so heads and elbows stay clear. Over a desk, allow 15 to 18 inches to clear a monitor and lamp; see our home office ideas. Planning a seat beneath it? See how to create a reading nook with a tree bookshelf and a bench.
4. Check light switches and outlets
Mark switches, outlets, thermostats and vents before you choose a size. Branches should frame them, not cover them.
5. Think about what goes on it
At 8 to 10 inches deep, our tree shelves suit paperbacks, small plants and decor. Oversized art books may need a larger tree or a standing bookcase.
6. Test it with tape
Outline the tree on the wall with painter's tape and live with it for a day. It is the easiest way to see the scale before you order. Fitting one into a corner? See how to measure a corner for a tree bookshelf.
How far it comes off the wall
From the side you can see that shelves and branches stand out from the wall. Our tree shelves are 8 to 10 inches deep, so allow that much clear space in walkways, behind doors and beside windows that open inward.
How to hang a wall tree bookshelf safely
A solid wood tree bookshelf loaded with books is heavy. Fix it into wall studs or solid blocking wherever possible, use anchors rated for the load where you cannot, and follow the hardware and instructions that come with your piece. If you are not comfortable drilling into walls, hire a handyman. For a full step-by-step, read how to install a wall tree bookshelf safely. For a child's room, read our guide to tree bookshelves in nurseries and kids' rooms.
- Gather your tools. A stud finder, a level, a drill, a tape measure, a pencil and painter's tape.
- Find the studs. In most US homes, wall studs sit about 16 inches apart. Mark them lightly so you know where the strongest fixing points are.
- Mark the layout. Tape the outline of the tree, then mark where the trunk and each shelf will sit. Line up as many fixing points with studs as you can.
- Level as you go. Set the main trunk or lowest shelf first and check it with a level, then work upward branch by branch.
- Fix it firmly. Use screws long enough to bite into the stud. On drywall without a stud, use heavy-duty anchors rated for the weight you plan to place on the shelf.
- Load gradually. Add books and plants a few at a time, heavier items on the lower shelves and closer to the trunk.
Common mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | Why it matters | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing by photo alone | A tree that looks small online can fill a whole wall | Tape the outline on your wall first |
| Hanging into drywall only | Plain drywall is not made to carry a loaded shelf | Use studs, blocking or anchors rated for the load |
| Skipping the level | Slightly tilted shelves are easy to see and let items slide | Level the first shelf, then each one after |
| Heavy items on the tips | Weight far from the trunk puts more strain on the fixing | Keep heavy books low and near the trunk |
| Placing it over a heat vent | Hot, dry air can dry the wood unevenly | Choose a wall away from vents and radiators |
Style the tree from the trunk outward: a few heavier books close to the trunk, then lighter pieces such as small plants or ceramics toward the branch tips. Leaving some shelves half empty keeps the shape of the tree visible.
Browse wall tree bookshelves, standing tree bookshelves and corner tree bookshelves. Some designs can be adjusted for your wall, so send us your measurements before you order. For care tips that keep the wood stable, read why solid wood cracks and how to prevent it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tree bookshelf do I need?
Choose a tree about two-thirds the width of your wall, with 10 to 12 inches of space above the highest branch. For a 75-inch wall, a tree about 50 inches wide is a good fit.
How deep is a wall tree bookshelf?
Our Live Edge Wall Tree Bookshelf is 8 inches deep and our larger tree bookcases are 10 inches deep, which suits paperbacks, small plants and decor without taking much space in the room.
How big is the largest tree bookshelf?
Our largest tree bookcase is 92 inches wide, 90 inches tall and 10 inches deep, and our tree bookshelf sets with a bench reach about 90 inches tall.
How do you hang a tree bookshelf on drywall?
Find the wall studs with a stud finder and screw into them wherever you can. Where there is no stud, use heavy-duty drywall anchors rated for the load, and always follow the instructions that come with your shelf.
How high should a tree bookshelf be hung?
Leave 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling and, over furniture, about 8 to 12 inches between the furniture and the lowest shelf. On an empty wall, center the tree slightly above eye level.
Can a tree bookshelf be made to fit my wall?
Some of our designs can be adjusted for a specific wall or corner. Send us your wall width, height and any switches or outlets, and we will confirm what is possible.
Editor's note: Sizes and prices are from the tree bookshelves listed on woodfurnist.com, checked on October 9, 2026, and may change. Placement guidelines are common rules of thumb; always follow the hardware and instructions that come with your piece. Photos show a tree bookshelf test-hung in our Da Nang workshop.
