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Explore our list of wall shelf designs, shapes and styles that can work in different spaces
Whether you need extra storage or a space to display beautiful plants, artwork, photographs and decorative items, every home needs some type of shelves. Depending on your space and décor style, there are a myriad of wall shelf designs to choose from. Some of the options below are based on the type of installation like fixed bracket wall rack, floating shelves, built in wall shelf, freestanding pieces and hanging shelves. Others are based on design or style like crescent moon wall shelf, triangle or hexagon shelves, asymmetrical organisation of the compartments within the unit, etc. Some of these designs can work with a variety of installation types. For instance, a kitchen corner shelf can have a floating or fixed bracket installation or wooden corner shelves for the living room design or bedroom could be built-in or a freestanding unit. We’ve picked out fifteen popular and favourite options for modern wall shelf designs and a variety of shelf types for different spaces in the home.
● Unique Wall Shelves That Make Storage Look Beautiful
1. Fixed Bracket Wall Shelf are Timeless
2. Floating Shelves for a Minimal Aesthetic
3. Built in Wall Shelves for Great Use of Space
4. Hanging Wall Shelf for that Extra Flair
5. Crescent Moon Wall Shelf Design for that Boho Vibe
6. Asymmetrical Organization for a Modern Wall Shelf Design
7. Black Accent Unit for Chic Modern Wall Shelf Design
8. Go Rustic with a Live Edge Wall Shelf
9. Industrial Wall Pipe Shelf Set
10. Free-standing Shelves for Versatility
11. A Ladder Wall Shelf Brings in an Element of Fun
12. Open and Closed Wall Shelves for a Mix of Display and Storage
13. Contemporary Round Accent Shelf
14. Bohemian Style Wall Shelf for a Breezy Vibe
15. Go in for Unique Shapes like Triangle or Hexagon Shelves
16. Lightweight sturdy wall shelf design for an industrial-style balcony
17. Planter shelf to incorporate greenery
19. Sustainable glass shelves built into a niche of a small bathroom
20. Accessible and elegant spice shelves in compact kitchens
21. Grid wall to wall shelving ideas for vegetables and fruits
22. Vertical wall shelf design to keep your books
24. Long Wooden Floating Shelves
25. Shelves Above Desk for utility
● Costs for different wall shelves
● How Can Beautiful Homes Help You With Designing Wall Shelves For Your Home?
The fixed bracket wall shelf design is one of the most popular options for wall mounted shelves. It is also a very safe option as the shelves are secured on the bottom to brackets that are screwed into the wall. Usually made from metal, these visible brackets come in a myriad of ornamental designs which add to the appeal of the decorative wall shelves. You can have two brackets, one on either side, or add more in between to hold greater loads. This makes these kinds of shelves great for display purposes or even provide extra storage. If you are looking for wall shelves for the living room, tiered fixed bracket shelves are a great option.
Floating wall shelves are a great option if you are going in for a clean, minimal aesthetic. Elegant in design, the simple lines of these decorative wall shelves make them an extremely popular option. They are attached to the wall via a support hidden within each shelf with no visible brackets or hardware. This gives the impression that each is an extension of the wall, hence ‘floating’. If you are looking for something inconspicuous, you can go in for a simple wall shelf design with a basic plank that can even match the colour of your wall. Floating shelves also come in a variety of colours, shapes, materials and sizes, including corner shelf designs; the key here is that none of the support or hardware is visible. You can even get options which include concealed LED lighting within these wall mounted shelves to illuminate the area below.
A great way to utilise areas like alcoves, awkward nooks or unused space is to customise built in shelves. Think of that space under the stairs or an empty nook that would be perfect for a corner wall shelf unit; built in shelves could work perfectly in these spaces by being literally built into these recesses using existing walls for support. The design of the shelving unit is completely up to you with as many or little compartments as you like depending on the space you have. You can leave the unit open or craft doors to enclose the shelves. You can use these kinds of decorative shelves as room dividers; the shelves can have a backing to block the view to the other room or be completely open to create a semi-partition with an open feel.
Suspended from ropes, pipes, decorative brackets or other forms of support, hanging wall racks aren’t just functional as they also add a decorative element to the wall shelf design. For a Bohemian vibe, try a wood wall shelf suspended by ropes; to emulate an industrial chic feel try black metal pipes for the hanging shelves; or add metallic highlights to minimal décor via simple suspended wire brackets. This versatile hanging shelves design can be used anywhere in the home but its decorative nature makes it best suited for wall shelves for the bedroom and living areas.
While low on the storage aspect, a crescent moon shaped wall mounted shelf is perfect for those who love the boho look. It could also be a great wall shelf for a bedroom for young kids or teenagers. Placed next to a wall mounted mirror, the duo can turn into a fun dressing area.
Whatever the installation – floating, built-in, freestanding or wall mounted shelves – an asymmetrical design to the shelving unit can add a modern aesthetic to the space. Depending on the design, these wall racks can be a bit awkward for storage purposes hence, better suited to display decorative items, small plants or books.
Great for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and even bathrooms, the shelving unit has a black frame with wood, glass or mirrored shelves. Creating a fun accent to the room, these can be wall mounted shelves or even a free-standing unit as seen in this image. For the bathroom shelving, you can even use an empty corner to create a wall mounted unit that has glass corner shelves and a towel hanging rail.
To take your wooden wall shelves up a notch, try a live edge on the shelves. The term live edge refers to the natural edge of the wood left on the display side rather than cutting it down to a clean, sharp line. Along with the wood grain, a live edge retains the natural beauty of the wood and adds a rustic feel. You can also look for wooden shelves that replicate the tree bark on the displayed edge or even a wood tree stump design for the decorative wall shelves.
If you are looking for a simple wall shelf design with a touch of drama, try this wall pipe shelf set with wooden shelves and black pipes as the supporting frame. This wall shelf design works perfectly in industrial style décor which is inspired by old factories and industrial spaces and features elements like exposed pipes and brick as well as salvaged or recycled wood and metal.
Just as the name suggests, these units are pieces of furniture that are freestanding i.e. they are not attached to the wall. However, for safety reasons, especially in a home with toddlers or pets, we do suggest some form of anchoring to make sure the unit does not tip over. The most common use for a freestanding wall shelf unit is as a bookcase or display unit for decorative items, plants, etc. These can come with open shelves, enclosed shelves or a combination of the two. Some are designed to be used in a horizontal or vertical orientation. Freestanding shelves don’t have to placed against a wall. Just like built in shelves, they can be used as room dividers. In the horizontal orientation, they could also double as a sideboard.
Resembling a ladder leaning against the wall, these can come in a variety of materials though the most common is a wooden wall shelf. Some come with shelves placed at equal distances while others have the distance between each shelf decrease with height so taller items can go on the bottom shelf and shorter items on the top shelves. A tall, narrow ladder wall rack can even work instead of a bedside table for a unique effect. As with freestanding shelves, we suggest anchoring ladder shelves for extra security.
Whether it is a built-in, floating or freestanding type, you can opt for units that combine open and closed shelves which can be used for both display and storage purposes. These units are perfect as wall shelves for the bedroom, home office or a child’s room though they can work very well in living rooms, kitchens or bathrooms if planned well.
An accent wall rack is a great way to bring a layer of visual interest to a space and a round shape makes for a perfect modern wall shelf design. You can opt for a simple wall shelf design of thin metal frame with wooden shelves or one with a mirrored shelf backing perfect for tiny entryways that cannot accommodate a console.
If you want to add a touch of that breezy Bohemian vibe to your space you can’t go wrong with softer wood finishes paired with natural materials like rope or a frame made from macramé for hanging shelves.
From choosing just one to stand out to creating a gallery wall of sorts with different shapes, there is so much you can do with these decorative wall shelves.
To create a modern, industrial look in your balcony, consider installing a lightweight yet sturdy wall shelf made of a combination of metal and wood. The metallic element can provide a rustic, industrial touch, while the wooden part adds warmth, making it a perfect blend for any outdoor space. You can use this shelf to display potted plants, lanterns, or even your collection of ceramic artefacts. Remember, the key to achieving the industrial-style lies in the raw, unfinished look, so choose materials that reflect this aesthetic.
A planter shelf is a fantastic way to incorporate more greenery into your home, especially if you're short on floor space. It's essentially a shelf designed with space to hold pots or planters. You can opt for a floating design for a sleek, modern look, or a tiered one if you have a large collection of plants. Place it near a window or a spot that receives ample natural light. Not only will this shelf give your plants a beautiful home, but it'll also serve as a striking visual element in your room.
Wooden wall shelves offer a timeless appeal and versatility that can complement any room's decor. From solid pine to warm walnut, the variety of wood types allows for a broad range of styles and finishes. A simple, straight-edged wooden shelf can bring a minimalist, Scandi-style vibe to a room. Alternatively, a rustic, reclaimed wood shelf can add a cosy, farmhouse touch. For a more unique approach, consider geometric wooden shelves or circular wooden shelves. These can function as both storage solutions and statement pieces.
In the realm of bathroom design, sustainable glass shelves built into a shower niche can be a game-changer, especially for small spaces. These shelves are not only eco-friendly but also offer a sleek and modern aesthetic. They provide ample space to store your bath essentials without cluttering the area. The transparency of the glass allows light to pass through, creating an illusion of more space and contributing to a clean, uncluttered look.
For those with compact kitchens, accessible and elegant spice shelves can be a lifesaver. Ideally placed near your cooking area, these shelves allow easy access to your array of spices while adding a stylish element to your kitchen decor. Consider using a tiered design to make all jars visible or magnetic options for a modern touch. The key is to combine functionality with aesthetics to create a kitchen space that's both practical and pleasing to the eye.
A grid wall shelf can be a unique and creative way to store and display your fruits and vegetables. Not only does it keep your produce off the countertops, but it also serves as an artistic focal point in your kitchen. You can arrange the fruits and vegetables by colour for a visually appealing display. Moreover, having them in sight can encourage healthier eating habits.
Vertical wall shelves are a fantastic solution for book lovers who are short on space. They utilise the wall space efficiently, allowing you to store and display your favourite reads without taking up floor space. Depending on your preference, you can opt for a simple, minimalist design or a more elaborate, decorative one. Besides being practical, vertical wall shelves can also serve as a statement piece in your room, showcasing your personal style and love for books.
Dark brown pantry shelves can add a touch of sophistication and warmth to your kitchen. These shelves, often made from rich, dark woods like mahogany or walnut, offer ample storage space for your canned goods, baking supplies, and more. The dark colour is not only elegant but also practical, as it tends to hide stains and wear better than lighter shades. Pair these shelves with lighter walls or accessories for a balanced, inviting look.
Long wooden floating shelves are a great choice for those who love clean lines and minimalist design. These shelves, which appear to hover on the wall without visible brackets, create a sleek, modern look. They're perfect for displaying decor items, books, or photo frames. Choose a wood type and finish that complements your existing decor - light woods like pine or ash can create a Scandi-style vibe, while darker woods like walnut or mahogany can bring a sense of warmth and luxury.
Shelves above the desk can significantly enhance the functionality of your workspace. They provide additional storage for books, stationery, and tech devices, keeping your desk clutter-free. You can also use them to display personal items like photos or art pieces, creating a workspace that is both practical and personalised. Consider adjustable shelving systems for flexibility or go for a fixed design for a more streamlined look.
Hanging wall shelves is a straightforward process that can dramatically increase your storage and display options. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Decide the Position- First, determine where you want your shelf to be. With the help of another person, hold the shelf against the wall. Use a level to ensure it's straight, then lightly pencil in the position on the wall.
Find the Wall Studs- Next, find the wall studs, which are the strong parts of the wall that can support the weight of your shelf. If you can't locate the studs, you can use wall anchors or a plywood backing for added support.
Prepare Your Shelf- Once you've marked the position and found the studs, prepare your shelf. If you're using a floating shelf, attach the wall mount to the back of the shelf. If you're using a bracketed shelf, attach the brackets to the shelf first.
Install the Shelf- Now you're ready to install the shelf. Align your wall mount or brackets with the marks you made on the wall, then drill your screws into these spots. If needed, use wall anchors for extra support.
Check the Level- Finally, once your shelf is installed, recheck the level to ensure it's straight. If not, make necessary adjustments.
A 1 ft long wall shelf, suitable for displaying small items like photo frames or small plants, could start from around ₹119. The price may rise depending on the design and material used.
A slightly larger 1 ft 5 inch long wall shelf provides more space for your items. Prices for these shelves can fluctuate broadly, with some options available from around ₹2,499.
A 2ft long wall shelf presents ample space for books, decor items, and more. You can find such wall shelves starting from around ₹2,999.
Ideal for showcasing larger items or collections, 3ft long wall shelves can start from around ₹10,800 for wooden options.
A 4ft long wall shelf offers an abundance of space for various items. These larger shelves can be a bit pricier due to their size, with prices starting from around ₹12,500 for wooden options.
Wall shelves made from HDF (High-Density Fiberboard) and HMR (High Moisture Resistant) are favoured for their durability and moisture resistance. The cost of these shelves can swing greatly based on their size and design, but they are generally a bit more expensive due to their high-quality materials.
With these stylish wall shelving ideas as a starting point, you might have a better sense of what you want. Wall shelves fulfil both storage and display purposes, hence the design should be well thought out to fit the space and storage needs. If you are unsure about how to customise the perfect decorative shelves for any space in your home, reach out to the Beautiful Homes Service by Asian Paints.
The panel of design experts work out every detail and are with you every step of the way to make the process of home interior design easy, enjoyable and hassle-free. You will get the benefit of a panel of designers, seasoned contractors as well as a dedicated project manager to work out each step of the way. You can also peruse the Beautiful Homes online shop or retails stores in various cities for an exceptional range of furniture, lighting, home décor, accessories and wallpapers. Go through the website for more wall to wall shelving ideas including shelf decorating ideas or tips on styling your bookshelves.
Whether you need extra storage or a space to display beautiful plants, artwork, photographs and decorative items, every home needs some type of shelves. Depending on your space and décor style, there are a myriad of wall shelf designs to choose from. Some of the options below are based on the type of installation like fixed bracket wall rack, floating shelves, built in wall shelf, freestanding pieces and hanging shelves. Others are based on design or style like crescent moon wall shelf, triangle or hexagon shelves, asymmetrical organisation of the compartments within the unit, etc. Some of these designs can work with a variety of installation types. For instance, a kitchen corner shelf can have a floating or fixed bracket installation or wooden corner shelves for the living room design or bedroom could be built-in or a freestanding unit. We’ve picked out fifteen popular and favourite options for modern wall shelf designs and a variety of shelf types for different spaces in the home.
Will you be living in your space during the renovation ?
DEC 2023
Please Select Date and Day
Appointment Date & time
17 Oct 23, 03.00PM - 04.00PM