Top 12 Modern Shelf Ideas for Stylish Storage

Vertical and horizontal, large and small, geometric and organic; our favorite modern shelves are practical storage solutions with style and versatility to spare. Whether roomy or small-scale, classic or cutting-edge, these modern designs will appeal to pack rats and minimalists alike, presenting a whole heap of reasons for injecting shelf life into your modern interior space.

With a stunning combination of strong oak wood and light loop-shaped brass brackets creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, this simple, yet striking shelf adds a tasteful touch to your home decor.

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Crafted from FSC-certified wood for an eco-friendly design
  • Easy to install
  • 100% Recyclable at the end of its life cycle
This unique set of shelves can be used to create an eye-catching display that doubles as storage. Including two large and two smaller shelves, each can be mounted upwards or downwards, individually or as part of a grouping.

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Totally customizeable, can be used alone or as a group
  • Shelves can be installed with lip up or down
  • All mounting hardware included
Inspired by the shelf fungus, which grows horizontally on trees, this modern shelf makes an ideal perch for those random collectibles that deserve a space of their own. A range of wood finishes complements any interior scheme.  

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Sustainably crafted from solid wood
  • Silhouette inspired by nature
  • All mounting hardware included
Featuring a metal structure balanced with richly finished, wooden shelves, this wall-mounted bookcase offers an expanse of space to store books, decor, and other essentials in your living room or office.

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Crafted with FSC-certified wood for an eco-friendly design
  • Offers four spacious shelves for displaying and storing
  • Made in Italy
Wall-mounted powder coated steel struts support stained wood or lacquered wood shelves--and includes one "shelf" that extends out several inches more to act as a useful laptop and work surface, great for small apartments or compact work spaces.

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Neutral color options suit every interior
  • Multifunctional design is ideal for small homes and spaces
  • Space-saving design includes compact desk space
Cloud is a modular, double-faced bookcase that adds visual lightness as a storage piece or space divider. The distinct shape allows for either horizontal or vertical orientation, and the module can placed individually or combined with others to form a larger configuration.

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Made in Italy
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • Outfitted with pressure clips to join modules
Crafted from oak veneer, this shelf brings a natural touch to walls as a practical landing spot for daily essentials or as a decorative base for favorite objects. It can be flipped for use as either a deep tray or shallow shelf and multiple can be suspended in rows for ample storage and a striking aesthetic.

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Each side features a different depth
  • Sustainably crafted with quality materials
  • Made by hand
Nothing selfish about this cool contemporary shelf by Kartell, which offers ample room for arty sundries. Chunky lucite and a choice of 5 colors allows Shelfish—available in 2 sizes—to segue into the most stylish interior space seamlessly.  

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Made in Italy
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • 9 Chic colors to choose from
Nothing showy about this modern shelf's good looks. This delicate shelf can be used to store all your favorite trinkets and collectibles. Made of beech and birch plywood and hangs from a leather string.

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Leather string adds an elevated touch
  • Lightweight and easy to hang
  • All mounting hardware included
What you see is what you get with this modern shelf from Ubabub, which showcases a perfectly transparent, minimal form for displaying books, toys, and artwork. Kids and grown-ups alike will take a shine to Booksee.

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • High lip ensures books stay on the shelves and don’t fall forward
  • Transparent design makes it easy to see all books
  • Slim profile reduces the chances of bumps and knocks
This simple steel shelf turns any wall space into an attractive modern storage solution. Two sizes make for a convenient platform in an office, bathroom, or bedside. Signature Blu Dot hues add inspired contemporary style.

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Minimalist design suits any interior
  • Signature Blu Dot colors blend with any decor scheme
  • Felt non-slip backing protects wall when installed
The perfect floating shelf for refreshing a wall with a whole new look, use a single shelf or pair multiple together to create a dynamic look that imbues your space with straightforward, Scandinavian style.

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Hidden brackets make for a seamless look
  • Crafted from sustainably-sourced solid wood
  • 100% Recyclable at the end of its life cycle