20 Shelf Ideas for the Living Room (2024)

Room Design

Living Rooms

• 01 of 20

  Flank Your Fireplace

  

  Make the most of that awkward space on either side of your fireplace with built-in shelves. Go the custom route for built-ins that are designed specifically for your space, or create some DIY built-ins using these expert-approved hacks.

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• 02 of 20

  Pair Cabinets With a Floating Shelf Unit

  

  Instead of going all-in on built-ins, consider pairing base cabinets with a floating shelf unit for a lighter and more minimal look. For this project, the designers at Interior Impressions chose dark paint for the back wall to add eye-catching contrast and depth to the space.

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• 03 of 20

  Style a Glass Display Cabinet

  

  Glass display cabinets are both stylish and functional. They can give some added protection for delicate or sentimental objects that you want to display, while also providing plenty of storage space. Plus, if you are renting and drilling into the walls isn’t an option, a glass display cabinet is a great alternative.

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  See Also

  20 Built-In Ideas to Make Your Living Room Beautiful and Functional20 Beautiful Built-In Shelving Ideas to Maximize Space In Your Living RoomLiving room bookshelf ideas – 10 stylish ways with living room bookshelves8 Living Room Built-in Ideas for Beauty and Function - Decorilla Online Interior Design

• 04 of 20

  Add Floating Shelves

  

  Floating shelves are a great choice for any space. They are easy to install, affordable, and available in many different shapes and finishes to suit any design style. In this boho-style living room, Arbor & Co. added slim hexagon-shaped floating shelves to display small trinkets and artwork above the living room couch.

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• 05 of 20

  Add Asymmetrical Built-ins

  

  If you’re working with a smaller space that doesn’t have room for built-ins on either side of the fireplace, don’t fret! Try an asymmetrical look by installing built-ins on just one side.

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• 06 of 20

  Utilize Unexpected Spaces

  

  Not everyone has the space for large, wall-to-wall built-ins. The designers at Prairie Interiors gave their client built-in storage by utilizing an unexpected place—the space underneath the staircase. This ingenious design proves that where there’s a will, there’s a way.

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• 07 of 20

  Add Bookcases

  

  You can’t go wrong with good old bookcases. Add some much-needed storage to your space with a pair of bookcases on either side of a window or TV. Use them to showcase books, family photos, or decorative accents.

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• 08 of 20

  Combine Wall Shelf Units

  

  Wall shelves are a great way to add some extra storage without taking up valuable floor space. Group multiple shelf units together to create a large installation and then fill it with books and sentimental knick-knacks and artwork.

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• 09 of 20

  Install Room-Dividing Shelves

  

  Studio HA/WA used large shelving units to help create a division between their client’s entryway and living room. The use of both open and closed shelving creates the opportunity for decorative elements to be displayed, while clutter is easily hidden away. Plus, light can easily flow through the space which helps it feel nice and open.

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• 10 of 20

  Create a Moody Accent Wall

  

  Make your built-in shelves pop by painting the whole wall a contrasting color to the rest of your space like this living room by Whittney Parkinson Design. Add a couple of dedicated wall sconces to the display to really make the wall pop.

  See Also

  Modern Living Room Ideas: 20 Design Essentials for Cosy Snug

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• 11 of 20

  Create an Arched Alcove

  

  Arches are having a moment in interior design right now and are a great way to soften up any space. Try adding shelves to an arched alcove for a seriously stylish and artistic finish.

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• 12 of 20

  Add Ultra-Thin Built-ins

  

  Don’t be afraid to use your living room shelves to add to the artistry and design of the room. For this contemporary living room, thin built-in shelves on either side of the fireplace became a primary display space to carry color throughout the room.

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• 13 of 20

  Add a Floating Mantel

  

  Use a floating shelf above a fireplace or an electric insert to create a DIY floating mantel. It’s the perfect way to add some extra shelf space while also adding some serious style and warmth to any space.

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• 14 of 20

  Create a Wall-to-Wall Display

  

  Create a wall-to-wall shelf unit and media console using a combination of open shelving and cabinetry as seen in this living room by Caroline Kopp Interior Design. Try installing the shelves at varying heights so you have room to store books, artwork, or a minibar tray for afternoon co*cktails.

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• 15 of 20

  Add Built-ins Behind Your Couch

  

  Sometimes you have to get creative when it comes to adding shelving to your space, particularly if you’re working with a small living room. Don’t be afraid to use up that dead wall space behind your couch by adding built-ins like DMAR Interiors did for this project.

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• 16 of 20

  Add Display Shelf Units

  

  Add some display shelf units to showcase all of your favorite artwork, books, and decorative accessories. Design studio TIEK BYDAY added two black display units to either side of the living room couch to create a stylish and moody living space.

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• 17 of 20

  Create a Wall-to-Wall Bookshelf

  

  Turn your living room into your very own home library space with some wall-to-wall bookshelves. Consider stacking your books horizontally and vertically to provide some contrast and movement to the overall display.

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• 18 of 20

  Add Picture Ledges

  

  Picture ledges are thin floating shelves with a lip to hold artwork, photos, and picture frames securely. They are great for people who like to switch up their photos and artwork frequently. Cottino Design used picture ledges to display some of their client’s records.

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• 19 of 20

  Stack Wall Shelves

  

  No built-ins? No problem! Mimic the look of a bookcase by stacking wall shelves on top of one another for a stylish and open display. The use of delicate gold brackets in this living room by Caroline Kopp Interior Design brings some added style and personality.

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• 20 of 20

  Add Long Floating Shelves

  

  Add some stylish open shelving to your space with long floating shelves. Use them above cabinets as seen in this living room by Tamara René Designs, or utilize a blank wall to create a shelving display.