Shelving ideas for living room walls
16 beautiful ways to display books and trinkets |
(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth / Kitesgrove / Albion Nord)
Living room shelving is a great way to add extra storage space to the main room, as well as wow factor.
The right freestanding shelving unit can transform a whole living room. It’s a place to store your collections as well as display your treasures. Whether you want a striking statement unit that will provide a focal point or a more discreet design that will blend in effortlessly, there’s a model out there to suit your space and style.
Below we explore our favorite living room shelving – perfect for adding impact and intrigue to living room ideas and blank walls.
16 living room shelving ideas – maximize space and add interest to a blank wall
'When it comes to designing a living room, efficient storage ideas are one of the most important factors to consider, in order to keep your living room organized and a place in which to relax and spend time with loved ones,' says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director, Kelling Designs.
'Built-in joinery in the form of shelving is ideal for making the best use of oddly shaped rooms, alcoves and recesses as not only does it use the space to its best potential, but it also gives you ample storage for everyday items, as well as decorative elements too.'
From alcove shelf ideas to bookshelf ideas, we’ve put together some stunning living room shelving ideas, and asked the experts for their advice on decorating shelves that are perfect for your here and now.
1. Pick the best materials – and color scheme
(Image credit: Future)
The materials and living room color scheme you opt to use for an open shelving unit can really make a difference to the overall scheme. Consider combining pale and dark timbers, or a using a timber and painted finish combination, or even incorporating other materials such as wallpaper or fabric, which can make interesting back panels.
2. Light your living room shelving
(Image credit: Future / Matthew Williams)
Good living room lighting ideas are also key to the success of living room shelving.
The advent of LED options has opened up new possibilities for discreet and subtle effects – especially as the fittings themselves are small and no longer run the risk of getting hot. A beautifully lit display shelf will add drama and scale.
3. Go for an open shelving display
(Image credit: Richard Powers / Future)
Open shelving can create a real statement in a neutral living room and is both practical and visually pleasing. It is also a more economical option than a fully enclosed storage unit. It is particularly suited to small recesses in areas such as either side of a chimney-breast, helping to visually correct uneven proportions.
Kitchens and bathrooms are also areas of the house where open shelving can create an appealing display. Don't be afraid to be bold, mixing fun, witty pieces with functional items that are used every day.
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)
Try mixing large statement pieces with smaller items grouped together.
When grouping, consider the shape that the objects create collectively and play with color and form to keep things interesting. Glass lidded pots will look more enticing if filled with colorful props, whether they be functional or decorative.
5. Consider size and appearance
(Image credit: Simon Bevan / Future)
Think carefully about the thickness you want each shelf in your living room to be. If you’re using wood, it pays to choose a chunky option, giving a strong, clean, confident appearance. Think too about whether you’d like shelves with adjustable heights to allow for flexibility.
6. Go for an entirely bespoke option
(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)
'Commissioning your living room shelving or built-in cabinet ideas for family rooms from a furniture maker will make the very best use of a space,' says Richard Williams, Richard Williams Furniture .
'A joiner will work around awkward shapes in walls and conceal service pipes or wall boxing.
Large pieces will be fixed and scribed to the shape of the wall and skirting, which gives a very neat finish. If shelves are to be adjustable, look for neat and unobtrusive methods of adjustability such as 5mm shelf pegs with a limited number of peg holes for each shelf.’
7. Use living room shelving to create 'zones'
(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)
Adequate living room storage is essential in an open plan living room as streamlined spaciousness is key to the look. Sleek, wall-hung shelves that appear to ‘float’ are the smart, modern option and you can also use furniture to divide the space into zones.
Proportion and balance are important considerations – you want to avoid feeling hemmed in by wall-to-wall shelving units.
8. Invest in shelving for books
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)
Notebooks and Kindles may be de rigueur for modern living rooms but most still hold a sizeable collection of good old fashioned books too.
Alcove shelving will successfully house your tomes in a small living room where narrow shelves along one wall – just a book-width deep – will not hamper space. Alternatively, look at arranging such shelves around a doorway for added intrigue.
9. Curate a display that dazzles
(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)
Floor-to-ceiling shelving makes an arresting focal point, particularly on a blank living room accent wall. It can be used to enhance the sense of height in the room and create the illusion of space. Painting cabinetry a bold shade can have a dramatic effect, whilst white or off-black are effective backdrops for display.
Create a focal point by ordering items for impact: color-code novels; showcase oversized books and vinyl records front-on to draw the eye; and cluster collections of similar items – ceramics, glassware or trinkets – for a carefully curated look.
10. Consider freestanding shelving
(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)
Create instant shelving with lean-to or freestanding shelving units, perfect for adding storage to a free wall space in your living room.
A design more suited to contemporary homes – with an easy living feel to them – it’s an ideal solution for those who like to change the layout and décor of their room frequently – and it’s easy to take with you should you move home.
11. Create a focal point behind a sofa
(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)
The wall space behind the sofa is a natural place to display a large artwork in a living room – but rather than hang a traditional painting, why not decorate shelves with shapely vessels for a beautiful, alternative focal point? For best results be sure to choose a mix of heights, sculptural shapes and surface textures.
When it comes to styling a shelf, 'it is important to consider the spaces you leave empty just as much as the spaces you fill,' explains Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune . 'Try to avoid lots of small objects and instead concentrate on more considered items that have presence and form.'
12. Mix closed storage with open storage
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
When planning living room shelving made-to-measure, bespoke joinery is often the best way to make the most of your space, plus consider a mix of closed and open shelving as this will help balance practical storage with space for decorative displays.
‘It’s important to make a space feel relaxed and not sterile or unliveable. Try to create storage for the pieces that don’t need to be on show but make sure to celebrate and show off the things that bring you joy,’ says Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord . ‘We like to mix high level open shelving with concealed storage. Open shelving to display books, art, photos and concealed storage to hide things that don’t need to be on show.’
If you have a large expanse of shelving hanging a graphic artwork is a great way to conceal eyesores like cables whilst also creating a visual break.
13. Decorate shelving with plants
(Image credit: Future / Mary Wadsworth)
Ask any interior designer or stylist for their tips for styling shelves and plants would be near the top of the list. Not only do they bring numerous benefits for health and wellbeing, plants and greenery brings interiors to life and can look beautifully decorative too.
'Plants will bring an element of softness and freshness to any shelf, especially those that trail,' says Simon Temprell.
'Succulents have architectural style and demand very little attention, so they can be useful for filling the gaps where objects feel a little too rigid.'
Of course when it comes to choosing house plants for shelves it all depends on their specific light needs, but adding them to a living room partition, even if it's just faux plants, can be a really handy tool for helping to soften harsh angles and bring color and interest while keeping the space feeling open and airy.
14. Choose floating shelves
(Image credit: Kitesgrove)
If you're looking to create a minimalist living room or have a small living room then consider floating shelves.
Fixed to the wall with hidden brackets, floating shelves are perfect for creating an airy, streamlined look as demonstrated in this space by Kitesgrove , and will help create the illusion of space.
15. Opt for a display cabinet with shelves
(Image credit: Future/Jon Day)
Fixed shelves can limit living room layout options, so if you're looking for a more flexible storage solution consider a glazed cabinet, not only are they easy to reposition, they help protect collectibles and prevent the need for constant dusting, too.
'A glass fronted cabinet is far more versatile than built-in storage – it can be easily moved between rooms and taken with you if you move home,' says Dani Taylor, product and creative director at Cox & Cox. 'A combination of glass fronts and solid doors is often most desirable, so you can really get the most of it.'
If you're using your cabinet to display china, consider a using vibrant paint idea on the interior to make the pieces really pop.
16. Add alcove shelving
(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)
Fitting floating shelves into alcoves is a brilliant way to create additional storage or display space without encroaching on valuable floor space, plus, it can be a lovely way to highlight an architectural feature within a room.
Alternatively, recessed shelving can be fitted retrospectively into a room. While this will reduce the overall footprint, the result will be a streamlined space which feels airy and spacious.
Made from solid timber, these alcove shelves help bring texture and warmth to this white living room design by Kitesgrove, as do the metallic wall lights and marbled fireplace.
Where should shelving be placed in the living room?
If you are planning open shelving, work to the full proportions of the living room to create maximum impact. A floor-to-ceiling unit, with sturdy, adjustable shelves and minimal fixtures will offer a strong, enticing look and act as an excellent anchor and display.
In smaller rooms, including living areas, shelving can be an effective way of creating storage without appearing to eat too much space. Consider the look you are opting for, whether traditional, featuring detailed joinery, or sleek and unfussy with a contemporary edge. And think carefully about what you are displaying – this will ensure each shelf is made to allow sufficient depth and to carry weight without warping.
How do I organize my living room shelves?
'Keeping your living room shelves organized is vital,' says Anne Haimes, Anne Haimes Interiors . 'Items placed in groups or in lines of threes, fours or fives will prevent the shelves looking untidy.
When choosing the overall look, decide if you want the shelves to be made in a material which is a statement in itself, or if you want them to have a less prominent role, allowing your display to do all the talking.’
‘More and more, we’re seeing shelving used as a feature in a room,’ says Ian Weddell, USM Modular Furniture . ‘In loft apartments, it can be used as a room divider idea to 'zone' a large space; and shelving can be used to display not only books, but also vases of flowers, sculptures or artwork.’
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
10 Best Living Room Shelving Ideas
Not sure what to do with that blank wall? Living room shelves add storage and style. Read on for 10 options for you to consider.
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
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Courtesy of @pionierehome
Simple Floating Living Room Shelves
These simple floating shelves by Pioniere Home provide wall decor and book storage while balancing the visual weight of the TV. To achieve a similar look, stack three floating shelves (like these, or build your own) and keep your styling understated. Try varying the heights of your accessories using stacks of books. Looking for more styles? Here’s our list of different types of shelves to organize your home.
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Courtesy of @tinyterrace25
Modern Living Room Shelving Unit
A large modern shelving unit like this from @tinyterrace25 makes a big statement in any living room. (Check out this similar piece and this one you can build.) When it comes to filling the shelves, anything goes, but you can never go wrong with plants. The organic shapes pop against the hard lines of the geometric shelves.
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Courtesy of @katherinecharltondesign
Streamlined Built-In Living Room Shelves
Built-in shelves add a custom look to your living room, elevating the whole space. These sleek built-in shelves by @katherinecharltondesign put a fresh spin on traditional, ornate built-ins next to the fireplace.
By using white floating shelves against white vertical shiplap, the decorative accessories take center stage.
Built-ins not in your budget? Substitute a white bookcase next to your fireplace for a similar effect.
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Courtesy of @hass_khalfan
DIY Ladder Living Room Shelves
This DIY ladder shelving unit by @hass_khalfan was made with lumber and a few pieces of hardware! A piece like this is a work of art on its own. Adding plants, personal décor and books makes it a true showpiece. (This store-bought version is also beautiful but will cost you a lot more.)
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Courtesy of @jackie.hoyte
Picture Ledge Living Room Shelf
Don’t overthink your living room wall shelves. Sometimes all you need is a single, long picture ledge, as proven here by @jackie.hoyte.
The ledge displays photos and art in the same way a gallery wall can, but makes it much easier to rearrange and swap out frames when needed.
This picture ledge is a generous 60 inches wide, giving you plenty of display room. Or you can make a picture ledge shelf any size you want.
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Courtesy of @thecoefam
Farmhouse Living Room Shelving Unit
No matter your style, there’s a shelf for that. The wood and metal farmhouse-style bookshelf blends perfectly with this gorgeous cottage living room by @thecoefam. And just because it’s a bookcase doesn’t mean it has to hold books. Leaning artwork, vintage accessories and handmade ceramics provide the perfect balance of décor and function.
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Courtesy of @spaceshackldn
Wall of Living Room Shelves
If a few shelves are good, why not a whole wall of shelves? That’s the philosophy behind this cozy living room by @spaceshackldn. It’s a great solution if you have a lot of books or a large collection of items you want to display, or if you just love the maximalist look.
Check out this extra large unit that, when placed against your wall, will give you a similar effect.
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via wayfair.com
Budget-Friendly Etagere
An etagere-style bookcase has open shelving that doesn’t add a lot of visual bulk, which makes it a good choice for a small living room. Plus, because of its minimal design, you can find an etagere at an affordable price. You can snag this elegant version for less than $200!
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Courtesy of @jointhebandd
Navy Living Room Shelf Built-Ins
Get a moody, sophisticated vibe with dark living room shelves like these navy built-ins by @jointhebandd. (Here’s a navy bookcase for a similar look, especially if set against a navy-painted wall.) When styling dark shelves, be sure to use light-colored books, decorative accessories and baskets so they pop against that dark backdrop.
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via wayfair.com
Wall-Mounted Ladder Shelf
We love how this ladder shelving unit combines the look of a free-standing bookcase and wall-mounted shelves. It frees up floor space underneath, but still has the visual impact of a bookcase. The simple sleek design fits well with any style living room decor. Happy Wayfair reviewers love the sturdy construction and easy assembly.
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Originally Published: May 11, 2021
Shelving in the living room: the best ideas and solutions
Interior itemsRooms
The living room is the main place in the house. Here we gather with the whole family, meet friends or just relax watching TV shows or reading books. Therefore, the design of the living room should be as thoughtful as possible, so that a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere always reigns here, and the space is tastefully decorated.
Particular attention should be paid to the choice of such large pieces of furniture as a rack. We have prepared for you some simple tips to help you make your choice, but do not forget to keep the open shelves beautiful and tidy - otherwise the room will look untidy, and all your efforts to create a cozy, stylish interior will go down the drain. nine0003
Project by Room Design Buro. The bookcase in the living room is custom-made from plexiglass.
- Photo
- OLGA SHANGINA
- Style
- EKATERINA NAUMOVA
Floor-to-ceiling shelving
Effective solution - open shelving from ceiling It is not necessary to use it exclusively for books: you can (and even need to!) Combine different types of decor on the shelves. For example, put pictures, photographs, souvenirs brought from travels, vases, sculptures or designer ceramics next to your favorite art albums.
The richer the exposition, the more attractive your living room looks! And besides, there is always a reason to talk with friends: you can always discuss a new figurine from the island of Java or an African mask. nine0003
Loft in Brooklyn. Designed by José Alvarez and Brooke Hammel.
Wall-to-wall shelving
Shelving can occupy not only part of the wall, but the entire wall. So that the composition does not look boring, in this case it is better to make shelves of different shapes, combining vertical and horizontal modules.
Studio in a former industrial building in Stockholm.
Apartment in Moscow. Project by Leyla Bagirova.
Compact mini shelving unit
Just the opposite, a compact mini shelving unit without a top shelf. This option is well suited for small living rooms with low ceilings. On the upper shelves you can put vases with flowers, pots of plants, a collection of paintings or photographs. nine0003
Apartment in Moscow. ON studio project.
- Photo
- Kirill Bondarev
- Photo
- elledecorationse
House in San Francisco. Designed by Jamie Bush.
Apartment in Tribeca, New York. Designed by Olivia Stutz.
Shelving unit to match the walls
An effective way to visually enlarge the space is to paint the shelves in the color of the walls. Thanks to this solution, the room will look solid, and the rack will “merge” with the surrounding background - the more expressive the decorative objects on its shelves will look! nine0003
House in Sydney. YSG studio project.
- Photo
- Prue Rousko
Apartment in the center of Paris.
Project by Double G bureau.
Apartment in Moscow. Designed by Angela Konevnina.
- Photo
- Mikhail Loskutov
White on white
If you are one of those who love white walls and a lot of light in the house, this option is for you. Bet everything on white and you won't go wrong! Open white shelving is an elegant and simple solution for any interior. nine0003
House in Australia. Designed by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects.
- Photo
- Anson Smart
Project by Irina Kireeva and Anna Piskun.
Wooden shelving unit
Despite the abundance of different shelving models on the market, wood is still one of the most favorite materials for designers. And no wonder. Solid wood shelving is an "eternal classic" that will never go out of fashion and will serve you faithfully for decades.
nine0003
Apartment in Moscow. Project by Oksana Alekseeva. Living room. The rack and the coffee table are made according to the sketches of the designers by the furniture factory Ariyana.
- Photo
- SERGEY ANANEV. Style: NATALYA ONUFREYCHUK
Apartment designed by Tatiana Stratu. The rack is the work of the carpentry workshop of Timofey Pronkin.
Bookcase with shelves in different shapes and sizes
The most original solution - shelving with shelves in different shapes and sizes, which will make your living room bright and unforgettable. Don't be afraid to experiment! Who said that the shelves must be arranged horizontally? You can place them vertically or even diagonally! nine0003
Project by Elizaveta Bydreevskaya.
Designed by Kirill Sakharov.
Tags
- Living Room
practical and beautiful ideas from ReRooms
How to organize storage space in the living room and also make it beautiful and stylish? A variety of racks will help you.
And we will help you choose the right one for your interior.
The main advantage of shelving is that the shelves are open and there are no doors. This design adds space and space to the living room, especially if the shelves are not crammed with things. Shelving is perfect even for small spaces. And the variety of their shapes and types will allow you to choose this piece of furniture for any room design. nine0003
Showcasing ten beautiful living rooms with unconventional shelving with an interesting look. They are also practical - so take note.
1. With "unfinished" shelves
This shelving unit will make the living room visually more spacious, because its shelves are not completely closed, and therefore they look wider and larger than they really are. The wall where you place this rack will remain as empty as possible due to the thin back of the product - this will also have a positive effect on the visual space of the living room.
And the unusual shape of the "snake" will add a kind of zest to the interior. nine0003
Photo: hoff.ru
2. With modular design
Modular shelving, assembled from individual blocks, opens up scope for creativity. In the living room, you can assemble a storage system of any shape from such a designer, changing its style at will at any time. A modular rack made of blocks of two different colors will look very contrasting and expressive - for example, white and dark brown.
Photo: pm.ru
3. With partially closed shelves
This design is universal. Due to the many open shelves, the rack will not overload the room even with large dimensions, and the interior will remain free and light. And partially closed compartments will allow you to hide unnecessary things that clutter up the living room. In the photo below, they are not concentrated in one place, but are dispersed throughout the rack and therefore do not catch the eye.
Photo: barons.ru
4. Ladder-shaped
An open ladder rack will make your living room more creative and highlight the main interior decorations: they can be placed on the upper “steps” so that they are not covered by a shelf above. Shelving in the form of a ladder will serve as a functional partition for a combined living room or small studio. It takes up less space than a rectangular wardrobe up to the ceiling, and is not as bulky - so the room will remain visually spacious. nine0003
Photo: ideastore.ua
5. In the form of a tree
You can use the rack not as a partition, but as an independent decorative ornament. For this purpose, for example, a creative storage for books and magazines in the form of a tree trunk with branches is suitable. This is an expensive option, but it will make the living room very original. Such a rack will fit perfectly into the interior in Scandinavian or eco-style.
Photo: odingeniy.com
6. Suspended and narrow
If the rack is needed not for storage, but for placing small things and jewelry on it, choose the most narrow design - it will look the most elegant. In this case, not only floor, but also hanging options are suitable: such a rack can be placed both on the wall and on the side of the cabinet. nine0003
Photo: hoff.ru
7. Transforming rack
A very convenient option for the living room is a universal rack that opens and closes like a book. When closed, it looks like a classic cabinet, and when open, it transforms into a creative storage system with double the number of shelves. You can always adjust its size, appearance and capacity. It can open up the entire width of the wall or fit compactly in the corner of the room, as in the photo below.
Photo: sparkofvisual.club
8. With sloping shelves
Shelving with diagonal shelves looks much more interesting and creative than the classic one.
