Modular shelving – our pick of the best

Looking for modular shelving? From smart oak bookshelves to industrial-style steel, we’ve picked a selection of our favourite new modular shelving.

Modular shelving is the perfect choice for storage if you want to create a contemporary living space. Low-level modular shelving can be used as a modern alternative to a sideboard in the living room, which is perfect for table lamps, photo frames and coffee table books. Alternatively, choose smart bookshelves in oak, white or walnut to fit into alcoves, or to divide areas in an open-plan space. Cube shelving can be used in sets of three or four to provide much-needed storage solutions, or opt for wall-hung shelving to create an attractive display when filled with your favourite accessories. Add a little colour to a neutral scheme with powder-coated steel shelving, or perhaps try wire shelving for a contemporary twist. Both these types of shelving can be stacked for an eye-catching modular arrangement. Be inspired by our selection of the best designs.

Antonn Low Walnut/Black Shelving Unit, modular with black panels and an assortment of shelves in different sizes

(Image credit: Habitat)

1. Antonn Low Walnut/Black Shelving Unit

Specifications

Dimensions: H100 W156 D34cm

Modern shelving unit that offers chic, contemporary storage for books and a showcase for treasured objects. The narrow frame creates a minimalist feel and would provide stylish storage in a variety of living spaces. Made with a walnut veneer frame and black lacquered inserts and back panels.

Antonn Low Walnut/Black Shelving Unit, £395, Habitat

Content by Conran Elmari Balance Low Shelving minimal design in a light wood

(Image credit: Furniture Village)

2. Content by Conran Elmari Balance Low Shelving

Specifications

Dimensions: H69 W120 D30cm

Neat and compact, this is a great shelving unit that will suit a contemporary living room. Its innovative minimal design makes it the perfect accent piece whilst providing plenty of storage space. 

Content by Conran Elmari Balance Low Shelving, £399, Furniture Village

Bradshaw Small Shelving, wooden frame with three white shelves

(Image credit: Marks and Spencer)

3. Bradshaw Small Shelving

Specifications

Dimensions: H78.6 W80 D30cm

This white shelf unit has been designed for smaller spaces and would provide great extra storage or display space slotted into an alcove. Smart, simple design with oak leg frames. 

Bradshaw Small Shelving, £129, Marks and Spencer

Done By Deer Square Metal Shelving set of two in a light green blue colour

(Image credit: Smallable)

4. Done By Deer Square Metal Shelving

Specifications

Dimensions: Largest shelf is H30 W30 D23cm

Create a contemporary look and add a splash of colour with this set of two square handy metal shelves designed by Done By Deer. Also available in Coral and Pink. 

Done By Deer Square Metal Shelving, £43, Smallable

Content By Terence Conran Balance Alcove Shelving vertical with five alcoves in a light oak veneer finish

(Image credit: John Lewis)

5. Content By Terence Conran Balance Alcove Shelving

Specifications

Dimensions: H180 W70 D30cm

Reminiscent of a stack of books, the slim Balance alcove shelving unit is a modular design with perfect poise. Its original design is very versatile allowing you to position it against a wall or in the middle of a room: either way, the open design creates space while offering a unique mode of storage and display. Finished with a hard-wearing oak veneer, the unusual silhouette provides maximum storage space while using up minimum floor space. Oak veneer. 

Content By Terence Conran Balance Alcove Shelving, £499, John Lewis

Hay Woody Shelving System with wooden frames and nine different steel shelves in pink, white, blue green and brown

(Image credit: Clippings)

6. Hay Woody Shelving System

Specifications

Dimensions: H85.5 W205.5 D44.5cm

This Danish-designed shelving system began life as a tradeshow display for internal use, and is now available in five versions for various purposes with shelves that you can slip into the frame and combine as you please. Powder-coated steel. 

Hay Woody Shelving System, £409, Clippings

Sebra Storage Unit consisting of a larger cube at the bottom, medium cube in the middle and smaller cube on top, all in a pastel shade of pink

(Image credit: Houseology)

7. Sebra Storage Unit

Specifications

Dimensions: Largest shelf is H35 W35 D22cm

Set of three modular storage shelves created by Danish children's interior designers Sebra. The colourful, graduating cubes are hand-crafted from paulownia wood and the inside of each is finished in a gorgeous pastel shade. Available in Pink and Blue. 

Sebra Storage Unit, £119, Houseology

Axis Sideboard with six alcoves with an oak grain finish

(Image credit: Made)

8. Axis Sideboard

Specifications

Dimensions: H84 W175 D40cm

Keep your books and accessories on show, or tuck them away. This clever storage option lets you accessorise your own way. With a strong structure, it features a subtle oak grain-style finish and coated in clear lacquer for extra protection and durability. Pair with a contrasting bookshelf from the collection. 

Axis Sideboard, £289, Made

Kallax Shelving Unit, four equal storage cubes in a light oak effect finish

(Image credit: Ikea)

9. Kallax Shelving Unit

Specifications

Dimensions: 77cm square

Choose whether you want to hang the Kallax shelving unit on the wall or stand it on the floor. Available in seven finishes, shown here in Oak Effect. 

Kallax Shelving Unit, £30, Ikea

Mini Stacked Shelf, four white cubes and rectangle box shelves on a wall containing a selection of books and items, a black surface underneath also containing a selection of books

(Image credit: TBC)

10. Mini Stacked Shelf

Specifications

Dimensions: Largest unit H49.8cm W24.9cm D26cm

Versatile modular shelving that is great for your kitchen, office, children's room - or anywhere else where you need a flexible and beautiful storage solution. Hang on the wall or stack one on top of another on the floor. 

Mini Stacked Shelf, £355, Made in Design