Shelving ideas – 10 of the best

If you need a place to put something, then you need a shelf. We have a great range of space-saving and clever shelving and storage ideas, from freestanding to wall-hung and modular and floating shelves. Create a more organised and streamlined living environment.

Plan exactly what you need before you put up the shelves, including the height of books, and keep shelves an even distance apart. Think of unusual places to put shelving in the home, for example dead space above a window.

Make the most of a hallway by installing a long narrow bookshelf to add a stylishly scholarly edge to any home.

For a gentleman’s club feel to a living room add symmetrical bookshelves on either side of the fireplace – marrying shelf height with the architrave detailing in the room.

Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves look so stylish and make ultimate use of wall space. Create a relaxed reading area with comfy chairs – add a chaise longue if you want to and extra touch of decadence. Add a small table and directional reading light and escape into a world of words.

Smart fitted shelves in a bedroom are a timelessly chic feature. Fit shelves to alcoves on either side of the chimney breast. Paint the shelves the same colour as the walls to create a solid block of colour.Display quirky accessories and fine china that reflects your personal style.

Open shelves are a practical and stylish solution in the kitchen. Display china and glassware, so that they are easily accessible. Try running a fixed rail below the bottom shelf to hold utensils with hooks for saucepans.

If your family dining room is running riot with books and games, organise a cluttered space by adding practical floor-to-ceiling wooden shelving and adding baskets to store plastic toys, games and Lego.

Smart display shelving unit

Try displaying treasured possessions in a simple, painted wooden unit. Here, a collection of ceramic and earthernware pieces is artfully arranged within a rustic living-room scheme.