5 adjustable and non-adjustable shelves let you create the right look for your space
Narrow construction makes it easy to add to smaller spaces
Use as an accent to the corner of any room
Assembly instructions linked below under the "From the manufacturer" section
Description
Add timeless style to any room with the Carson Narrow Bookcase from Threshold™. This narrow bookshelf has clean lines and a traditional style that easily mixes with your existing decor. Use in a nursery to display milestone photos and baby books or in a living room to create a space for plants and accent pieces. The mix of fixed and adjustable shelves let you customize it to your needs. with narrow design this bookcase is easy to add to smaller spaces in your home.
Overall width: 18” Overall height: 72” Overall depth: 13.6” Overall width (at floor): 12.2” Width of shelves: 16.3” Depth of shelves: 12.2” Distance between shelves: 11.3” Maximum shelf weight: 65 lbs.
If you’re not satisfied with any Target Owned Brand item, return it within one year with a receipt for an exchange or a refund.
Number of Pieces: 1
Dimensions (Overall): 72 Inches (H) x 18 Inches (W) x 13.6 Inches (D)
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 75 inches length x 16 inches width x 6.8 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 53 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO, Alaska, Hawaii
This item ships in its manufacturer’s packaging, revealing what’s inside. ·
Return details
This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 365 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
Q: Can this be secured to the wall to make it baby/toddler safe?
submitted by MamaQ - 9 years ago
A: Hi MamaQ - Thanks for asking! This attractive Threshold™ bookcase can be mounted to the wall and comes with the hardware to do so. A great option for displaying some of your favorite things. Have a great day! - Shelly
submitted byShelly H - 9 years ago
Target staff support
A: Yes it comes with the safety harness to secure to the wall.
submitted byWgibbs - 3 years ago
A: Yes, it came with a strap to secure it to the wall.
submitted byMalic - 9 years ago
A: If you're not going to strap it to the wall then it is not toddler safe. I'm selling mine because I don't want to screw it into the wall and it most definitely would fall over with minimal effort from her.
submitted byleigh0319 - 7 years ago
A: As far as I can recall, no. I do not recommend this unit for a household with toddlers simply due to its height and number of shelves that can be climbed. I would however, recommend purchasing your own straps and screws and attatching them at the back corners of the unit on each side because the back of the tower is very thing particleboard and the screw can be ripped out.
submitted bytallproblem - 9 years ago
Q: Can you assemble this without the back cardboard so you can have an open bookcase?
submitted by Sks77 - 8 years ago
A: Absolutely. I didn't put on the back panel, and it's very sturdy, no wobbling at all.
submitted bywrs - 8 years ago
A: I would have to say that there is nothing to prevent you from leaving the back panel off. It's just a thin particle board and is installed last... nailed around the perimeter of the unit. I do think the back panel probably offers extra stability to the unit, though the book case seemed pretty sturdy on it's own. I use these pieces in my hobby room, some with baskets in the spaces to hold various items, and have been pleased with their performance.
submitted byJAK - 8 years ago
A: Hi Sks77 - What a lovely bookcase! This bookcase was designed to have the back installed. Thanks for stopping by! - Andrea
submitted byAndrea - 8 years ago
Target staff support
Q: I am wanting to lay this on its side and store vinyl records; and make a bench out of it.
Would it be safe for a person to sit on??
submitted by Nancy - 10 years ago
A: I would think if you place a board on top of the side that faces up and either paint the same color or upolster it, then that would give the strength you need. The shelf by itself, no.
submitted bySigp27 - 4 years ago
A: Absolutely NOT strong enough to use as a bench. While the frame and shelves are sturdy, the side panels and back are barely more than 1/8th inch particle board or some such material. These are very nice looking and they are great for use holding books, binders, craft or decorative items or something like that. And standing as it is meant to it would hold your record albums just fine. The shelves above and below the center shelf are adjustable. But to lay on it's side and sit on it as a bench? No way is it sturdy enough for that. You should also note that the legs are part of the frame - they don't come off - and they would look rather odd sticking out from one end of the bench. ;-)
submitted byJAK - 10 years ago
Q: Has anyone tried to put electronics on this(Cable box, DVD player, etc.)?
submitted by KuhlSarah2020 - 7 years ago
A: We have our DVR, etc on it, but wanting open shelves, we didn’t put the backing piece on the unit, so the power cords, etc. are behind the shelves. Works great as long as you do it all at the same time as putting the bookshelf in place on the wall.
submitted byCH - 6 years ago
A: Hi KuhlSarah2020 - This bookcase is a great place to showcase some of favorite things. It has a backing to add sturdiness, but it doesn't include hole for cords. Hope this helps, thanks! - Shelly
submitted byShelly - 7 years ago
Target staff support
Q: Where can I find assembly instructions for this bookcase. The package did not have any.
submitted by Anita - 7 years ago
A: Hi Anita - We're here to help! A PDF copy of the instructions can be found on the product page under the 'From the manufacturer' section. Thanks for your patience! - Alli
submitted byAlli - 7 years ago
Target staff support
A: Hi Anita, If you are not able to find the assembly instructions on the product page, please reach out to support@mytgthome.com, they can promptly assist you with a PDF version if needed.
submitted byToo Furniture Expert - 7 years ago
Brand expert
Q: Does anyone know which shelves are adjustable and which ones are fixed?
submitted by Jennifer - 8 years ago
A: The bottom shelf is fixed. The top shelf is fixed. The shelf that is about 1/3 from the top is fixed and the other three are adjustable. just put my carson narrow 72" tall bookcase together.
submitted bylbme - 8 years ago
A: Hi Jennifer - What a great looking bookcase! The top and bottom shelves are fixed and the others are adjustable. We hope it works well for your space. -Terra
submitted byTerra - 8 years ago
Target staff support
Q: Is this product black or espresso?
submitted by Mary - 9 years ago
A: Hi Mary - This narrow bookcase is a fantastic solution for keeping things tidy in a tight space. The dark color option is marked as "Black". Hope this works for your home, thanks for asking. -Michael
submitted byMichael - 9 years ago
Target staff support
A: The question refers to the color- is it black or expresso?The one I ordered was white, so I cannot comment.
submitted byCher - 9 years ago
Q: Hi - understand that some of the shelf heights are adjustable. If divided relatively evenly, what is the average height between shelves? I want to accommodate 4 shelves of items, each is 16" high.
submitted by MLAKE1 - 9 years ago
A: The shelves if evenly divided are about 11 inches. You may be able create a couple of 16 inch, but then the remaining shelves would be shorter.
submitted byBobbiB - 9 years ago
A: Hi MLAKE1 - Glad to hear your question on this Threshold™ bookcase. The bottom and the top shelf of the unit is fixed and the rest are adjustable. Hope this helps! - Jenny
submitted byJenny - 9 years ago
Target staff support
Q: How much weight will each shelf hold? 25 lbs?
submitted by JamCake - 9 years ago
A: Hi JamCake - Thanks for asking about this Threshold™ Carson Narrow Bookcase. Each shelf can hold a maximum of 65 lbs. - Julie
submitted byJulie - 9 years ago
Target staff support
A: I am not using it for books, and can't answer specifically, but it's very sturdy, and I have quite a lot on each shelf.
submitted bygranny - 9 years ago
Q: Is this solid wood, or is it MDF/plywood etc...?
submitted by gt - 9 years ago
A: Hello gt- Add timeless style to any room in your home with this Threshold bookcase! This bookcase material is a mixture of MDF, plywood and hardwood. Thanks for stopping by! -Erinn
submitted byTarget Team Member - 9 years ago
Target staff support
A: not solid wood. probably a mixture of ply and mdf
This bookshelf offers a stylish solution for various spaces, combining functionality with an appealing design. Many guests appreciate its easy assembly and adjustable shelves, making it versatile for different needs. However, concerns about quality and durability have been noted, particularly regarding packaging and material sturdiness. Despite some negative experiences, many guests find it a good fit for their homes, especially in smaller areas.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
4.2
4.2 out of 5 stars
785 star ratings
4.2 out of 5 stars with 785 reviews
design
4.5 out of 5
design: 4.5 out of 5
ease of assembly
3.9 out of 5
ease of assembly: 3.93 out of 5
quality
3.9 out of 5
quality: 3.86 out of 5
value
4.1 out of 5
value: 4.08 out of 5
85% would recommend
424 recommendations
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
29 April, 2026Verified purchase
broken frame and backboard
ordered online and shipped. shipping package had a single dent, not enough to do this much damage with the amount of foam packaging it came in. frame broken in half on both sides, back board with huge dent exposing the cardboard. side board separated from frame and bent.
Erin
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
26 April, 2026Verified purchase
Bad quality
Extremely poor quality, it’s a bulky item so I can’t return. But I don’t recommend this book shelf at all. Cheap materials and very flimsy
SalmA
design
3.0 out of 5
design: 3 out of 5
ease of assembly
1.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 1 out of 5
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
5 February, 2026Verified purchase
White book case just right size
LOVE it but took 4 hours to assemble and anchor to the wall Thanks for the bag of spare hardware was one screw short used it out of spares
Steven
design
5.0 out of 5
design: 5 out of 5
ease of assembly
4.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 4 out of 5
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
2 out of 5 stars
10 January, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
I really needed a slim cabinet for the corner of my room, I bought this years ago with many cracks and broken cardboard , I gave it another chance because the size is perfect and it looks expensive. This time it came without drilled holes in certain areas and it took much longer to figure that out and fix it on our own to still try and save it.
Kt
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
3 November, 2025Verified purchase
Worth the money
Easy to put together and looks beautiful. We’re using this as a book shelf in my daughter’s room.
Karli
design
5.0 out of 5
design: 5 out of 5
ease of assembly
4.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 4 out of 5
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
26 October, 2025Verified purchase
Poor Quality, disappointed
This is the 5th Carson Threshold shelving unit we have purchased for our home. This is by far the worst quality piece we have ever received from Target in any brand. The finishes do not match the wider Carson bookshelf that that we already had. The back piece was cracked down the middle. We called target customer service and they were very helpful. They sent another piece, but this one was completely broken into two pieces. As for the rest of the shelf, the pieces don’t come together well and you can see white in the seams where they meet. There’s also other cracks in the wood on the side. We have not called target back yet about the second broken piece. We are debating taking this thing apart, shoving it back in the box and taking it back to them. Also, the packaging was not great. They put the lightest piece underneath all the heavy pieces and did not have enough cushioning around it to protect it. It seems like target has either changed manufacturers or really lowered their quality standards over the past few years. I would not recommend this piece. It is not a good value for the money - the price for this is comparable to other quality furniture they sell but the cheaper Brightroom shelves are better than this.
Rsquared
design
3.0 out of 5
design: 3 out of 5
ease of assembly
4.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 4 out of 5
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
24 August, 2025Verified purchase
Not as nice quality as it used to be
I have 2 of these bookshelves. One that I ordered a few years ago and the 2nd I ordered recently. The first one is excellent. It has a smooth, polished laquer-like finish. The new is clearly different and of lower quality even though price is higher. First off, the box was delivered with a giant gash in it and the product was damaged. There is a large crack on the side panel. The finish is also different, more of a wood grain, and looks and feels much cheaper. It’s very noticeable if the 2 bookshelves are side by side. If the quality was the same as my first bookshelf I would recommend this product. But it’s changed for the worst and Target is clearly having shipping issues because this is not the only shipment I’ve received where the box was damaged.
curlywavy
design
4.0 out of 5
design: 4 out of 5
ease of assembly
5.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 5 out of 5
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
15 May, 2025Verified purchase
Works but Target just increased price $30!
Bookcase fits the space well and is holding up. Fairly sturdy too. However, I just purchased one for $150 full price and I need another and it’s $180 now!
rlm
design
5.0 out of 5
design: 5 out of 5
ease of assembly
4.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 4 out of 5
quality
3.0 out of 5
quality: 3 out of 5
value
2.0 out of 5
value: 2 out of 5
5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
20 April, 2025Verified purchase
No
The sides of the bookshelf are uneven, the screws don’t match up. Horrible!
kmich97
design
1.0 out of 5
design: 1 out of 5
ease of assembly
1.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 1 out of 5
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
4 out of 5 stars
5 August, 2024Verified purchase
Shelf
We use this in the bathroom. I t works and does look nice but it does have a bit of a cheap feel to the wood and we did have issues with assembly due to some pieces not aligning properly
wmenglandd
quality
4.0 out of 5
quality: 4 out of 5
ease of assembly
3.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 3 out of 5
value
3.0 out of 5
value: 3 out of 5
design
4.0 out of 5
design: 4 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
15 July, 2024Verified purchase
Just what I was looking for 🙂
There is nothing to dislike. It was so easy to assemble, and directions were very clear. I wish more companies sorted hardware parts like Target.
shannon
Did you find this review helpful?
3 out of 5 stars
10 July, 2024
Discontinued
I'm really upset that this item, and all the furniture except the main bookcase, was discontinued in the walnut color. It makes it impossible to even out my bookshelves.
Maddi
10 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
16 February, 2024Verified purchase
New shelf
Perfectly completed my set
Jinxy
ease of assembly
5.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 5 out of 5
design
5.0 out of 5
design: 5 out of 5
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
22 January, 2024Verified purchase
Good enough
Back panel was torn upon arrival (see photo). Took longer to put together than anticipated. Lighter in weight than anticipated - Def need to install the anti tip if there are young children around the shelf. We like that some of the shelves can be adjusted for height of objects on the shelf. We got white so it is easy to touch up with a white paint or furniture marker. Would have liked white circle stickers to cover up the hardware.
drpiano
design
5.0 out of 5
design: 5 out of 5
ease of assembly
4.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 4 out of 5
quality
4.0 out of 5
quality: 4 out of 5
value
4.0 out of 5
value: 4 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
3 January, 2024Verified purchase
Cute laundry room shelf
Looks great! Quality is a little cheaper but so is the price.
MommyDuck
design
5.0 out of 5
design: 5 out of 5
quality
3.0 out of 5
quality: 3 out of 5
value
5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
ease of assembly
5.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 5 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
30 December, 2023Verified purchase
Bookshelf
This bookshelf fits perfectly beside our chest of drawers in the corner of our room. Easy assembly with a Philips screwdriver; simple, easy to follow pictorial instructions but be sure to follow and complete each step before proceeding. The hardware is provided in blister-packaging and is individually sectioned by step. This is so helpful and saves so much time sorting out hardware.
Bookshelf
design
4.0 out of 5
design: 4 out of 5
ease of assembly
5.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 5 out of 5
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
4.0 out of 5
value: 4 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
21 December, 2023Verified purchase
Espresso Narrow Bookcase
It arrived in perfect condition. I was concerned because FedEx is notorious for delivering banged up boxes, but it arrived unharmed. It's exactly what we wanted, and matched another espresso bookcase that we bought previously from Target. Totally satisfied with this purchase.
4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
21 November, 2023Verified purchase
Great Bookcase, Packaging Not Substantial
We purchased this bookcase to store our daughter's Lego builds. The box was delivered with a few dings and the end flaps open. Surprisingly, only the back panel was damaged. My husband put it all together and by that time it wasn't worth taking it apart and going through the hassle of returning. Hoping to cover the back panel with wallpaper to hide the damage. Product itself is sturdy and looks great, just wish the packaging was better.
smalltowngirl
design
5.0 out of 5
design: 5 out of 5
ease of assembly
5.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 5 out of 5
quality
4.0 out of 5
quality: 4 out of 5
value
4.0 out of 5
value: 4 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
6 November, 2023Verified purchase
Not worth the price horrible quality
I have other items from this collection. This item was delivered damaged and the box was in shambles. The back was a thin vaneer and was damaged on the corner a well as bizarre holes all over it so it was unusable. I assembled the shelf without the back and it’s wobbly. I tried to return it but my only option was to bring it back to the store and that was not an option for me and my small car! Awful
Kjshane
design
1.0 out of 5
design: 1 out of 5
ease of assembly
1.0 out of 5
ease of assembly: 1 out of 5
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
17 September, 2023Verified purchase
Wobbles and Unsteady
Very disappointed in this bookcase. Was easy to assemble but very unsteady. Bookcase wobbles. Also had a shelf that would not fit and needed to be sanded down. Have already taken piece apart and returning it.