21 Shelving Ideas to Enhance Your Space

If your wall could use a little something, shelves are a great way to liven up a blank space and show off your favorite items. Stylish and functional, these organizational wonders can be the showstopper in a room or a subtle accent.

With the ability to change the design on a whim, it’s no wonder shelving systems are a must. Try one of these unique shelving ideas to bring style and storage into your space.

Planning Shelves to Fit Any Space

Shelving can take on many different forms, and it can be overwhelming to find the perfect, seemingly simple, ledge for your space. Whether you’re styling your teen’s room or a large game room with empty walls, there are endless options. Focus on the size of the room, the depth of the shelf and if you’d prefer a free-standing shelf or floating shelves.

 

Open Shelving Concepts

Source: @dwellbycheryl

Open shelves are the perfect solution to awkward shaped rooms because they come in all shapes and sizes. Try one of these open-shelving concepts to add interest to your space.

1. Textured Floating Shelves

With their hidden supports, floating shelves are the perfect wall display to hold your favorite knick knacks without the visual distraction of brackets.

2. Suspended Hanging Shelf

Suspended shelves attach to the wall with ropes or cables. For a boho twist, find a shelf that has macrame hangers.

3. Live-Edge Shelving

These deceptively simple shelves are the perfect way to incorporate nature in your home in a modern way. The natural wooden edges add a rustic appeal.

Full-Length Standing Organizers

Source: @janraddesigns

Full-length organizers are the perfect shelving solution for those who change their minds often. Because they’re free-standing pieces, they can be easily moved without the need for power tools.

4. Ladder Storage

Ladder storage is the perfect shabby-chic solution that can be placed anywhere while adding dimension to the walls. Hang blankets on it in the winter, or add your go-to accessories.

5. Regal Gold Bookcase 

Bookcases don’t need to be packed with books. Take advantage of negative space and add accents like plants and art.

6. Room Divider Shelf

Great for studios or shared rooms, this shelving idea will help divide the space in a natural way. Choose a divider that has open shelves to provide ample light without compromising storage space.

 

Corner Shelf Ideas 

If you’re working with a small space, it’s important to make the most of it. Add a corner shelf to an area that would otherwise go unused.

7. 3-Tiered Shelves

Tuck these three-tiered shelves into your corner to house books and other study essentials. They even can double as a nightstand if your bed is nearby.

8. Zig-Zag Wall Mount Shelf

Add visual interest with zig-zag wall shelves. These are mounted in the corner, so can easily fit above a desk or table.

9. Corner Inlay Built-In Storage

Built-in storage is flush with the wall, creating a nook that’s more subtle than stand alone shelving units. Store a few goodies in glass containers to amplify the polished design.

 

Concepts for Small Spaces

Source: @timmdolley

Small spaces tend to clutter quickly. Turning existing alcoves and nooks into functional storage shelves to reduce clutter and maintain the aesthetic.

10. Industrial Style Drawer Shelves

Secret storage is the crux of well designed small spaces. These industrial style drawer shelves are the perfect blend of cool and functional. Plus, a tv or wall art can be hung above them.

11. Custom Shelf Organizer

Customization is key to keeping your small space fresh. Level up your library with this sturdy modular shelving collection, all of which can be arranged to your liking.

12. Narrow Cubby Shelves 

Great for narrow spaces, this thin bookcase is a perfect way to display your possessions without requiring power tools.

 

Vanity-Styled Shelving 

Create a luxe primping station in your teen’s room or bathroom. These shelving ideas will keep odds and ends off the counters.

13. Jewelry Organizer

Mount this jewelry organizer next to a dresser or vanity to display your teen’s favorite accessories. Getting ready just got that much easier.

14. Storage for Beauty Tools

Hot styling tools don’t have to be difficult to store if you have the right shelving. This wall sectional has liners that protect from the heat, so your teen can put their curling iron away when they’re done.

15. Metal Cubby Wall Storage

If there’s no room to squeeze a cabinet into your bathroom vanity space, metal cubbies are the perfect solution. Whether you’re storing toilet paper or magazines, deep drawers leave room for all the bathroom necessities.

 

Creative Closet Solutions

Rifling through your teens closet for their cleats before practice is never fun. These simple closet shelves can help maximize closet space for easy organization that even your teen can keep up with.

16. Shoe and Hat Organizer

These organizers mount directly to the wall, allowing your teen to display their favorite hats and shoes. If your teen is into sports, include a hat from their favorite sports team.

17. Over the Door Hanging Shelves

Add extra storage to a space that isn’t typically used by hanging these shelves on the back of a closet door. They have large and small pockets so the little things don’t get lost.

18. Full-Length Open Shelving

For wider closets, floor to ceiling shelving provides easy access for clothes that you don’t hang up. No more rummaging through drawers to find your favorite sweater.

Sporty Shelving 

For the teen who loves sports, these displays can feature their favorite jersey, autographed ball or game day tickets.

20. Freestanding Goalie Shelves

The subtle net on the back of these goalie shelves can tie a soccer-themed room together. Score extra points with this shelving idea.

19. Hockey Stick Hooks

These hockey stick hangers lay flat against the wall and can be used as decor or to hang their team’s jersey.

21. Sports Gear Organization Solution

Sports gear is arguably one of the most difficult things to organize. These gear shelves will make sure everything is accounted for when you teen is ready to head to practice.

Make a statement in the entrance of your home, or find the perfect storage solution for those hard-to-organize items around the house. These bookcases and shelves will provide you with endless design possibilities.