Aldi is releasing a children's bookshelf next week that closely resembles higher-priced alternatives from Dunelm and Argos, at a significantly lower cost. The Sohl Children's Bookshelf, priced at £19.99, will be available in stores from Thursday, October 8, as part of the supermarket's Specialbuy range.
Design and Dimensions Nearly Identical to Dunelm Model
The Aldi bookshelf is nearly identical in design, size, and functionality to the £40 Kids Harley Bookcase sold by Dunelm. Both feature a three-tier open design at a low height, allowing young children to easily reach and organise their picture books. The Dunelm version measures 80cm high, 58cm wide, and 18cm deep, while the Aldi version stands at 81cm high, 59cm wide, and 18cm deep.
Both are made from durable wood composites, have rounded safety edges, and require flat-pack assembly. Aldi's product description states: "Keep books tidy, organised, and always within reach with this beautifully crafted wooden bookshelf. Designed for little readers, it encourages independent book selection while adding a stylish touch to any playroom or bedroom."
Pricing and Availability Differences
The primary difference is price and availability. Dunelm sells its bookcase permanently for £40, with multiple colour options including white, grey, pink, and sage green. Aldi's version costs £19.99, exactly half the high-street price. However, as a Specialbuy, the Aldi bookshelf is only available during specific seasonal events, and stock is strictly limited, typically selling out within days.
On Dunelm's website, the £40 bookcase has an average rating of 4.8 stars out of five. One reviewer said: "This is a lovely bookcase for my kids bedroom. It was easy to assemble and holds lots of books." Another wrote: "Perfect for our living room. Doesn’t take up too much room." A third commented: "Sturdy, easy to assemble, well priced. Needed it to fit a small space and the dimensions were accurate so fits perfectly!" However, one shopper was less impressed, saying: "Hard to build. Very tacky. Don’t even think about painting it. Cheap and nasty."
Also a Cheaper Option Than Argos Model
The Aldi bookshelf can also be seen as a budget-friendly alternative to Argos' Home Maine Bookcase, which costs £72. Both have a white frame and wooden bars, though the Argos version is taller at 118cm. Argos describes its product: "With its sleek and sturdy design, this bookcase also doubles as a stunning feature in any child's bedroom, adding both style and functionality. The GLTC Classic Bookcase is the perfect blend of practical storage and stylish design, ensuring that your child's room stays tidy and organised while allowing them to easily access their favourite books."
