Modern Wall Bookshelves With Intricate And Unexpected Design Features

Corner shelves are designed to fit into the corners of a room. They’re an excellent way to maximize storage and to take advantage of these unused spaces. They can be fixed or adjustable and they come in lots of styles.

Wall shelves or shelving units are great when you want to fill up a space in your living room or when you need just a little bit of extra storage space somewhere in your home.

Types of shelves

Floating shelves

Glue the 3 pieces of wood together to give the shelf a ledge and a U shape. Reinforce the shelf with nails and then paint it.
Another simple and versatile system of open shelves is the Loop. It has a series of bamboo shelves with brass features and black steel rods that keep them up straight and attached to the wall. They can be used as standalone pieces or they can be used in groups of two, three or more, depending on your storage needs and on the space that you want to fill.

Built-in shelves

Corner shelves

Don’t fill the shelves with books. Leave room for a few decorative objects. You can use things like vases, collectibles, small planters, picture frames and so on.
Bookcases are between 10’’ and 12’’ deep (26-31 cm). Some can be 6.5’’ (17 cm) deep and are used for paperback books and novels. Bookcases deeper than the average (14’’ or 36 cm) are used for large book formats and for records.

Hanging shelves

Freestanding shelves

Wall bookshelves come in a variety of forms and styles and in addition to those you can always just get some custom-designed that specifically fits your space, storage requirements and style.

Adjustable shelves

Items look better when displayed on shelves in groups. Arranging items in odd numbers also helps to create a more balanced look.
Bookshelves look better when only filled partially. Use the two-thirds rule when arranging the books and leave some empty space.

Under stair shelves

Arrange most of the books vertically and some of them horizontally. You can use the horizontal book stacks as display platforms for some decorations.

How To Style Bookshelves

The overall impression is that of a lightweight structure which, despite its very specific and unique look can blend in in a lot of different spaces and settings, whether it’s a modern, an industrial or even a rustic space.
If you’re more of a function-oriented person consider organizing your books by genre or alphabetically. You can also come up with a custom organizing system. Use a system that makes it easy to find a book when you need it.

Start with the big items

Don’t align all the books the same way. Store some vertically, some horizontally, some at an angle and so on. Add diversity to your book piles to make the shelves look interesting.

Add diversity to your book piles

This piece has five roomy shelves for storing and organizing lots of different things on. It can be a companion for your living room sofa but also a practical addition to a home office or even a bedroom.

Layer the items

Add decorative items

Add potted plants

Another very interesting design is that of the Mixage shelving unit by Frederic Saulou. The cool and interesting thing about it is the fact that it combines a frame of open shelves with a few closed off cubbies nicely spread on each level. The cubbies are juxtaposed with the shelves giving the unit a very original look.

Group up similar items

The retro-industrial look is very popular at the moment which makes furniture pieces like the Ironck bookshelf a really great option for a lot of different homes and offices. The slender metal frame gives it a simple and lightweight look and the wooden shelves soften the design with their natural warmth.

How To Arrange Books On A Bookshelf

Believe it or not, you don’t have to keep all the books that you read. Book collections grow over time. You’ll reach a point when you’ll need space for new books. It’s a good time to edit your book collection and get rid of some of them.
Freestanding shelves don’t need to be attached to any surface. They can be sued as is and moved around as needed. They come in different styles, shapes and sizes and can serve various purposes.

Get rid of some of the books

Fendi Casa offers some interesting designs as well when it comes to furniture, including wall bookshelves. This particular one is quite simple but it is elegant and stylish. There’s something a bit more formal about it compared to other designs which are mostly casual or more eye-catching.

Take everything off the shelves

Put the larger items on the shelves first to get an initial layout. This will also help you balance the design in the later stages.

Play with color

Start by measuring the wall space. Decide how long you want the shelf to be and cut the wood to the appropriate size.

Use a practical organizing system

Layer the books

This is Rocky,  a credenza designed by Charles Kalpakian.  Its design is pretty unusual in the sense that it creates a cool optical illusion that isn’t quite what you’d expect it to be. The unit features a geometric form with angular lines and was created as a 3D representation and variation of a classic pattern used by cabinet makers. The shape and look change depending on the viewing angle.

Leave some empty space

They’re versatile and they can really stand out and look eye-catching if you want them to.

Alternative orientation

Create patterns

This shelving system designed by Bashko Trybek is called Climb. Its design is really simple but at the same time the system impresses with its versatility and graphical appeal. A nice little detail is the fact that the wood shelves that actually make up the unit are beveled on all edges, They’re made of solid wood and they’re connected by tension wires that become a part of the design.

Bring the books forward

Floating shelves, especially the very simple ones, are super versatile. These ledge shelves right here come in sets of two and you can have several sets that you can then play with and combine in all sorts of cool and stylish ways. They’re very versatile and can be added to any room. They look very chic in the bathroom and can also enhance spaces like hallways, entryways and of course living rooms.

Highlight your favorite books

The design of the Kate and Laurel Vista wall shelves is also very simple but in a different way. You can get the she shelves in black, gray, walnut brown and white and all these colors go really well with the brass-colored hanging bracket system. It’s a very stylish combination, both subtle and eye-catching at the same time.

How do you hang floating shelves?

Move the books to the front of the shelves to make them more visible. This way you can also make them look uniform even if they have different proportions.


Use a level to make sure the holes are aligned. Screw the brackets in, if your shelf has brackets. If not, use the appropriate hardware. Hang and secure the shelf. Step back and asses your work.

Wall Bookshelves Design Ideas

The ladder-like Verso Shelf

This is a nice way of making your bookshelves look less flat when seen from a distance. Arrange the books in piles or stacks and place an item on top of them. You can also organize the books on multiple rows.
Hanging and even building floating shelves is easy. Picture ledge shelves are a good example. You can make these from scratch using wood and a few basic tools.

The elegant Zig Zag shelf

The color combination is classic and timeless, adding even more versatility to this lovely design. It’s easy to envision a use for these shelves in one’s own home so you can’t really go wrong with them.

Kate and Laurel Vista hanging shelves with brass details

The design of the Frisco shelving unit is a bit contrasting. The unit is created by Hugues Weill. Its form is unusual and with a strong geometric and graphical allure. On one hand the design is pretty simple structurally speaking. On the other hand, the whole unit has an intricate design which makes it stand out.

The Versatile Rodi wall shelves

These are shelves are built into a space such as alcoves for example. They’re very simple and space-efficient. Their dimensions are dictated by the size of the recess in the wall and have to be designed or chosen accordingly.

The Zig Zag sheld by deFORM comes in several sizes. This is the low version with only 3 tiers of shelves. It can double as a console table or a bar. It can also fit in most rooms and be used to store and display all sorts of items.

Floating ledge shelves

The name says it all. This is the XI bookshelf. It’s called this way because it actually has this particular form. The unit is available in oak or walnut and comes in a flat box. You can assemble it like a puzzle. This part is pretty fun and when you’re done with it you can enjoy its quirky features and their impact on the overall decor.

Mcnail cubby shelves

You can also find a lot of bookshelves that are very versatile and can fit in lots of different spaces. The Boluo shelves which are made of MDF and steel fit into this category. These three floating shelves are complemented by a sleek stainless steel frame with a gold finish. It’s simple but also chic and if you prefer an all-white design that option is available as well.

The Berry Ave tree bookshelf

They’re great both for storage and display purposes. Floating shelves come in lots of shapes and sizes and they fit in most types of spaces. The hardware used to secure floating shelves to the wall is hidden. This gives the shelves a clean and stylish look.
If you’re a fan of graphical furniture designs and geometric forms and patterns, you must definitely check out the Levya wall bookcase. It has an interesting latticework structure made out of tubular iron rods.

Boluo shelves made of MDF and steel

To hang the shelf, drill screws through the back directly into the wall. Use a level to make sure the shelf is not slanted.

Large retro-industrial shelving unit

If you prefer a more cozy look and you want the wall decorations and accent pieces to reflect that, something like the Mcnail cubby shelf can fit nicely into the décor. It has a great warm wood kind of feel and a farmhouse-inspired design but it’s also simple and modern in a way. It adds a subtle rustic vibe to the space around it and it’s also very practical for storing and displaying a variety of items.
Make your book piles look stylish by adding some decorative items on top of them. For example, you could place a candle or a small box on top of some books to create layers.
Related: 50 Shelving Ideas For Every Space, Decor And Style

Tiered MyGift hanging bookshelves

The Hardy wall bookcase was designed in 2011 by Andrea Parisio. It looks very graphical and it combines modern and industrial characteristics. It resembles a grid and it fits nicely in a variety of spaces and decors from offices to living rooms and even bedrooms. Use it as a regular bookcase or as a storage and display unit for things like collectibles or boxes.

Shelves can be classified according to materials, installation type, purpose and various other criteria. This gives you lots of types of shelves to choose from. Here’s some of the most popular ones

The Rocky bookshelf credenza

We enjoy versatility and flexibility in interior design. The ability to change elements in the decor whenever you feel like it and to be able to accommodate various different situations is pretty wonderful. That’s pretty much what the X2 smart shelf offers. Made of solid wood, the shelf is fully customizable. You can position it in any way you want and you can always have fun creating new storage compartments.

Super slim Climb shelves by Bashko Trybek

Unless you want to organize your books based on another criteria, consider grouping them by color. This way you can make the bookshelves look beautiful even if all they hold is books.

It’s easier to redesign a bookshelf when you take everything off first and you start with a clean slate. This also gives you an opportunity to only keep the books that you actually love or need.

The Loop bamboo wall shelves

Ever wondered how some people make their bookshelves look so stylish when yours just look basic and boring? Check out these tips if you want to learn how to style your bookshelves.
A bit of greenery always cheers up a décor. Include a few potted indoor plants on your shelves and add some color to this area. You can put them in cute and stylish pots for more visual appeal.

Fully customizable X2 smart shelf

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The XI wooden bookshelf

Books have different heights and this gives you the opportunity to create patterns with them. On one shelf you can have the taller books on the left and shorter ones on the right. On the shelf below it you can do the opposite.

The Alliteration shelving unit by Marie Christine Dorner

Speaking of modern and minimalist designs, the Rodi shelves are yet another beautiful and versatile option. They come in pairs of two and with three different finish options, namely rustic brown, black and white. Each is a two-color combination that you can match to your home’s décor in various different ways.
When hanging a bookshelf on the wall use quality screws that go deep enough. This ensures the bookshelf won’t fall off. Decide where you want the shelf to go and mark the spot where the screws should go.

The modern-industrial Hardy bookcase

Smaller bookshelves can also be super useful in a home office, not to mention they would fit just as nicely in any other room of the house as well. The MyGift hanging shelf features a 3-tier design with black metal brackets and thin wooden shelves with a white finish.
These shelves are designed to hang from high surfaces like the ceiling or the bottom of a cabinet. They’re useful in kitchens where they can hang above the island as well as in other rooms. Pay attention to the maximum allowed load when storing and displaying things on hanging shelves.

Elegant bookshelves from Fendi Casa

These systems have vertical rails and brackets and are a flexible storage option. The shelves are made of metal or wood. Adjustable slotted shelves are best suited for garages and pantries.
Tree shelves are a really cool way of displaying and organizing books. There are many different types and styles to choose from. If you want something small and simple that could fit in your reading corner or that you can casually place in a corner, check out the Berry Ave tree bookshelf. It features nine tiered shelves that can hold several books each.

Geometric Frisco wall shelves by Hugues Weill

Even when only storing books on the shelves there’s still some things you can do to make them look better. For example, consider the following:

Linear Mixage shelving unit by Frederic Saulou

Dedicate a shelf or a section of the bookcase to your favorite books. This lets you express your unique style and gives you something nice to focus on when looking at the bookcase.
The Verso Shelf designed by Mikko Halonen has a ladder-inspired look and is super practical. It’s great for anyone seeking casual storage options or short on space. It leans against the walls so there’s no need to drill any holes – great news for those who are renting.

The graphical Levya iron wall shelves

The shelves are excellent for displaying things like picture frames, small potted plants, candles, books and various decorations.
Shelving stairs are a way to maximize storage and are often found in small homes. They’re installed in the spaces underneath staircases but can be a part of the stairs themselves.
Related: 60 Ways To Make DIY Shelves A Part Of Your Home’s Décor

FAQ

How deep is a bookcase?

How do you hang a bookshelf on a wall?

This is the Alliteration shelving unit, a piece designed by Marie Christine Dorner. It has a very unusual and nontraditional design, even though it may not seem that unusual at first sight. The design is based on a simple concept. It’s a series of vertical and horizontal panels arranged in a grid. They appear to decrease in size as they reach towards the ceiling and this creates an unexpected look.