41 Best Wall Shelf Ideas (Every Room Covered)

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How on earth do we keep our home neat and clutter-free AND store lots of items at the same time?! Most of us leave stuff lying around without properly organizing them, and the next you know, the house is a mess.

This is where wall shelves come in. Wall shelves are a great way to declutter and organize every room in your house. They’re also a great way to add some extra storage space. With so many varieties of shelves available in the market today, it can be tough to figure out what type of wall shelf would work best for your specific needs and space.

To help you make a better choice, we have covered detailed information on the different types of wall shelves available and how to install them in any room of your house. On top of that, we have also covered some of the best wall shelf design ideas as per the room of your house.

Types of Wall Shelves

1. Fixed (Mounted) Shelves

The shelves that cannot be moved and are fixed in one place upon installation are called fixed shelves. They are attached to the wall using metal brackets that support them and keep them intact. These unadjustable shelves are ideal for storing items that are uniform in height, like books, plates, CD Cases, photo frames, etc.

You can really store any small or medium-sized item you want unless it’s not too heavy. Fixed shelves are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials.

2. Floating Shelves

Yep, they float. That’s it. Magical shelves. These extremely rare shelves are not available in the market, but it’s said that the angels above bless the chosen ones with these.

Just Kidding. They do float, but floating shelves are regular, fixed shelves, and are installed in such a manner that the wall fixings they are attached to appear hidden within the shelf board, so no brackets are visible—hence the name. This gives them overall a clean and minimalist look, and you can use them for whatever you want, though they are a great choice for display purposes.

3. Built-in Shelves

Built-in shelves are custom-made shelves that are built as a part of your interior. They can be integrated with the wall, built around a fireplace, or around the TV in the living room—there are many options; you can construct them to fit in as per your current interior organization.

Individual shelves connected with each other in a pattern form a cluster of built-in shelves. They are fixed in place but do not have brackets.

4. Corner Shelves

These are designed to hang or sit at a point where two walls meet—the corner. This way, you end up using a space that is not ideal for placing other furniture pieces but can accommodate small-sized items. In addition, you can enhance the decor by giving life to a boring old corner.

You can buy corner storage shelving units, a corner bookcase, or corner floating shelves. There are many other kinds of innovative corner storage shelving options available you can get your hands on.

5. Top Hung Shelves

As the name suggests, these are hung from the top. Usually used in places like kitchen and storerooms, these are used to display items like kitchenware and books among other things. You must remember having seen these in restaurant kitchens. They have metal sections that are mounted to the wall from which droppers and shelves are hung.

Their only problem is that they are not ideal for lightweight walls.

6. Freestanding Shelves

Unlike fixed shelves, freestanding shelves give you the liberty to shift them to whatever place you like as per your need, as they are not attached to the walls but rather just sit on the floor like any other piece of furniture. You can use them for storage or display, and they come in different sizes and varieties.

A. Wall Shelf Ideas For Kitchen

1. Stainless Steel Wall Shelf

This all-in-one stainless steel wall shelf is specifically designed with kitchen storage needs in mind and offers a lot of storage space. Such organizers usually have three to four large to medium-sized shelves; large shelves where you can store relatively bigger dishes, and another one to store smaller dishes and bowls.

In addition, there are open mesh racks to store plates vertically (you can immediately put the dishes here after doing them to speed up drying) along with hooks to hang pans, mugs, spoons, etc.

2. Rustic Handmade Shelves

This one is an amazingly innovative combination of two racks—one to store wine bottles, the other to store glasses upside down. This stemware shelf can hold up to 8 stemmed glasses, and the bottle shelf can hold 8 standard 750 ml bottles.

Also, this rack offers free space on the top which can be used to store anything you like, from plants to photo frames! Handmade with pinewood, this rustic shelf will surely be a surefire addition to your kitchen wall.

3. Three Tier Pipe Wall Shelves

If you’re a sucker for rustic-styled accessories, this Pembroke three-tiered industrial iron pipe wall shelf will please your vintage-loving soul to the core. The iron pipes attached to wooden shelves are a perfect recipe for industrial aspired aesthetics; not only that, it’s as functional as it’s fashionable.

You can store anything from cookbooks, potted herbs, utensils to spices.

4. Mounted Storage Shelves

This set of two wall-mounted shelves come equipped with a metal bar to prevent your items from falling off. The bottom shelf features a thin towel rod attached below it so you can hang your kitchen towel and use it whenever you need it.

You can even add hooks to the towel bar to hang light items like smalls pans, spoons, mugs, etc.

B. Wall Shelf Designs For Bathroom

5. Above the Door Rack

Using that extra space above your bathroom door becomes easy with this above-the-door bathroom rack, which also features hooks for hanging items like a loofah or hand towels. Use the rack to store your freshly cleaned folded towels.

6. DIY Toilet Paper Shelf

This easy-to-make minimalist DIY toilet paper storage shelf will guarantee the proper use of your valuable bathroom wall space without making it appear cramped. You can keep things like your phone, magazines, etc. over here.

A toilet paper holder with a small shelf above it to store whatever we want is just what we needed, anyway!

7. Wall Mounted Bathroom Shelf with Charging Outlet

Is your idea of chilling listening to songs while bathing? Well, the speakers and chargers definitely take up counter space—free it up by using this wall outlet shelf.

All you have to do is install this over the existing outlet and place your device on the shelf. It supports up to 9kg of weight, so don’t worry about it breaking it. It also features built-in cable management with a cord storage area.

8. Adhesive Bathroom Shower Shelf

Declutter your sink counter and store every item you need while showering on this shelf storage organizer! You won’t have to go through the fussy process of drilling because it’s adhesive and hence easy to install.

In addition to the shelf to store your shampoo bottles, it also comes with a thin towel rod and another one equipped with hooks, so you can hang all your bathing essentials like loofahs and foot scrubbers. It also features a small phone holder so you can play songs or tune into your favorite shows while bathing.

Also, it has holes so that the gunk does not get caked inside and the holder remains clean. This is a must-have!

C. Wall Shelves For Bedroom

9. Rustic Wood Floating Shelf

Pep up your boring old bedroom wall and convert it into a pretty place to display your valuable showpieces, photo frames, books, and even tiny succulents with this cute, circular decorative wall shelf. It is designed using torched finish wood and metal frames.

This sturdy three-tiered piece comes with all the mounting accessories along with a little tool so you can hang it up yourself easily without wasting much time.

10. Corner Shelf

So what if you don’t have enough space for a bedside table? This corner shelf made out of laminate and composite wood will do the job just right. It will definitely change the way you look at bedroom corners by transforming them into a functional storage and display space.

It’s a great alternative for bedside tables, because hey, more foot space! And it’s strong enough to hold up to 30 lbs of weight and is easy to install as it comes inclusive of all the needed hardware and instructions.

11. Invisible Floating Bookshelf

This invisible floating bookshelf will satiate the bookworm in you—install it near your headboard and arrange your favs, turn on the lamp before going to bed, curl up with a mug of hot cocoa and read away. Ahh, heavenly!

Also, this heavy-duty crystal clear wall shelf does not call for a lot of cleaning as it doesn’t let dust collect, and moreover is kid-friendly.

12. Three-tiered Gold Mounted Shelf

This elegant-looking three-tiered wall-mounted shelf is made up of a gold-colored solid metal frame and high-quality white-colored MDF boards. They will instantly add to the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom, giving it a dash of charm.

The shelves are adjustable and well suited to store items of different sizes. You can place succulents, photo frames, toys, scented candles, books, etc. It comes inclusive of a detailed guide and mounting accessory kit, and each shelf has a load capacity of 5kg.

D. Wall Shelf For Living Room

13. 4 Cube Intersecting Wall Mounted Floating Shelves

Add more style to your living room by installing this chic decorative 4 cube intersecting floating shelf made out of MDF laminate. It comes with a smooth espresso finish that goes with all decor, is easy to mount, and comes with the necessary hardware.

The best quality of this piece is its gracefully glamourous design, which is equally functional to store your precious collection of curios and showpieces.

14. Triple Hanging Wall Shelf

This rustic, vintage-looking Askerby metal brackets wall shelf is a great choice for decor display and looks much like decor all by itself. It has a smooth wooden finish and can be hung anywhere. The design is sturdy and pretty easy to install as well.

15. Criss Cross Intersecting Floating Shelves

This set of 2 criss-cross intersecting shelves is made out of MDF laminate and has an elegant espresso finish, so it will fit in with your interior. Yet another stylish AND functional design by Greenco, this piece has a modern look and comes with the needed mounting accessories.

16. 5 Tiered Zig Zag Corner Shelf

Decorate your living room corner with this smoothly designed 5 piece corner shelf made out of manufactured wood which features a zig-zag pattern. The small shelves can be used to store books or showpieces or whatever you want, really! The fact that you can up the style of your living room corners with this creative piece is a huge plus.

It comes in a variety of colors, from white to gray to black, and requires shelf assembly prior to installation.

E. Wall Shelf Ideas For Dining Room

17. Ladder Shelf

This leaning ladder shelf, which holds a lot of storage capacity, can be used in your dining room. With a rustic look, this will blend in with your dining room decor. This shelf can be used to display your collection of recipe books, or dishware, or anything you want to put in your dining room. You can even use it to store spices and sauces.

18. Rustic Industrial Freestanding Shelf

Put your fancy glassware and dishes on display using this freestanding 6 tiered wall shelf. Each shelf can store up to 75 lbs, so you can place the items you want on display without the risk of tipping the racks.

The tall shelf is sturdy, with a framework made out of metal with X-frame backing along with a metal support tube under each individual shelf. There is an adjustable leg pad at the bottom which prevents wobbling in case it stands on an uneven floor.

19. Wall-Mounted Spice Rack

This three-tiered bronze spice rack is the perfect addition to your dining room wall. With an elegant look and highly functional build, it can hold a lot of items effortlessly. It needs to be mounted on the wall and comes with all the required mounting hardware for the same.

With a depth of 3.5 inches, it can hold jars/bottles up to 3.1 inches in diameter.

20. Basic Wall Mounted Wood Shelves

Take a look at these particleboard wall-mounted shelves. These durable thick rustic boards with powder-coated metal brackets will add an industrial look to your dining room. You can mount these on the wall and display your bone-china, or other priceless dishwares that look so antique and pretty that you NEVER want to use them.

F. Wall Shelves For Mudroom

21. Floating Shelf with Hooks

Made out of white laminate, this floating shelf with four cubbies in addition to the shelf space and hooks attached at the bottom is a great functional option to install in your mudroom.

Put in small baskets with socks, wallets, handbags, etc. in the partitions. Use the hooks to hang coats and bags. Place succulents, books, and small vases on top of the shelf.

22. Wall-mounted Shelf with Coat Rack

This vintage-looking shelf coat rack with a rugged white finish comes with six metallic black iron double hooks. Place a vase with fresh flowers on the shelf, and use it to keep your keys and wallet upon entry/exit. Use the hooks to hang purses, coats, and jackets.

23. Octagon Metal Mirror with Shelf

Made out of a sturdy metal frame in an octagon shape, this rustic farmhouse mirror features a wooden shelf that can be used to place candles, keys, and any other items you deem fit for the mudroom.

The black finish gives it a classy look, which paired with the wooden shelf gives vintage vibes. The mirror will lighten up your mudroom, act as wall decor, and most importantly, let you check yourself out when you’re leaving the house (wink wink).

G. Wall Shelf Solutions for Hallway

24. Long Box Wall Shelf

Hallways are the perfect place to display family photos. And for that, we need the best shelves. Take a look at this funky boxed shelf. Crafted out of alder wood radiating a walnut finish, this rustic shelf is a great option to show off your photo collection.

The best feature is that you can place photos inside as well as on top.

25. Wooden Floating Shelf

This pretty little basic wooden display shelf made out of manufactured wood will add to your hallway’s aesthetic appeal, and if it doesn’t have any, well it will create some! Add some succulents and small showpieces, you can even use it to place your keys and wallets.

26. Two-Piece Floating Shelf

With a lipped front edge, this space-saving floating shelf (set of 2) lets you display your photos with ease without your having to fear them falling down. Made out of manufactured wood, these shelves need to be assembled prior to installation.

Since hallways are already slim, this shelf makes sure you can walk by easily without bumping into them.

28. Three Piece Floating Shelf Set

Made out of manufactured and solid wood, this set of shelves has a rectangular silhouette with lipped edges and beautifully molded sides. It is sturdy and long-lasting and hangs with drop-in keyhole brackets.

These minimalist shelves can be used to store your small-size curios, antiques as well as showpieces. Put whatever appeals to you on this, obviously not too big in size.

H. Foyer/Entryway Wall Shelf Ideas

29. Shelf cum Coat Rack

This multifunctional freestanding shelf also doubles as a coat rack, so you can place it in the corner and use it to hang purses, coats, jackets, and use the open shelves to display photos, plants, or store shoes. It has a rich, dark brown espresso finish and comes with four metal hooks to hang your scarves, hats, jackets, etc. Pretty innovative huh?

30. Standing Shelf/ Shoe Rack

This 7 tiered freestanding shelf can go in the corner of your entryway and be used for shoe storage. It is vertical and doesn’t really take up a lot of floor space, which is what makes it so amazing. It’s not necessary that you have to use this shelf just as a shoe rack—you really can store anything from CDs to photo frames and other different items.

31. Wrought Iron Wall Shelf

This multipurpose shelf has space for you to stack your mail, metal hooks to hang coats, keys, purses, scarves, etc. AND free space above the shelf for you to put items on display. It has multiple features and is a great choice for an entryway, as you need a place to put away mails and hang keys as soon as you enter the house.

32. Handmade Magnetic Key Shelf

This floating shelf comes fitted with four magnets, so all you have to do is just place your keys under them and snatch them as you leave the house! Each magnet can hold up to 20 keys, and the shelf can hold up to 10 lbs of weight. Use it to place your sunglasses, keys, and other usual stuff needed when exiting.

I. Wall Shelf for Kids Room

33. Dollhouse Bookcase

Put this cute dollhouse shelf in your kids’ room to store their miniature toys and action figures. It comes with a set of three storage bins to add extra storage. Made out of manufactured wood, this piece requires assembly prior to installation and comes with the necessary tools and hardware.

34. Cloud Shelf

Made out of manufactured lumber, this adorable cloud-shaped shelf will prove to be a great addition to your kids’ room. It comes equipped with holes at the back for easier mounting. You can keep your children’s favorite books and soft toys on this sturdy shelf for easy access.

35. Freestanding Shelf with Cubbies for Toy Storage

This freestanding shelf with 8 large cubbies makes putting your kids’ toys and book away so much easier! You can even use it to store books and snacks. It’s made of durable materials and its stylish design will surely go with the interiors of the room.

36. Step Bookcase

This steel step bookcase with 9 cubbies has a frame made out of steel and shelves made out of plastic. It’s the best to store your children’s books or toys and is easy to assemble.

You can also use it to store their clothes, shoes, and other accessories as well.

J. Wall Shelf Ideas For Home Office

37. 12 Cube Organizer Storage Shelf

This freestanding shelf comes with 12 cubbies for storage, but the best feature is that these are adjustable—you can change the size according to your storage needs. You can store all your files, stationery, books, and papers on this large shelf which is easy to install and disassemble too.

38. Wooden Bookcase with 1 Drawer and 5 Shelves

This modern storage wooden shelf with a smooth sliding drawer along with four shelves offers a lot of storage space for your office supplies like files, books, magazines, stationery, etc. You can even use it to display electrical appliances and other small showpieces to enhance your office space’s aesthetic appeal.

Made out of environment-friendly laminated particleboard, it has an oak woodgrain finish which makes it corrosion and water-resistant. It comes with all the required hardware and is easy to install.

39. Freestanding Storage Cabinet Ladder Shelf

With a rustic brown look alongside a solid black metal frame, this sturdy ladder shelf has three drawers paired with three racks for you to store your office supplies. The drawers can hold up to 10lbs of weight and will look great in any corner of your office.

It is easy to assemble and comes with labeled pieces and a set of instructions.

40. Tree Bookshelf

With a novel, space-saving design this 9 tier tree bookrack does not take up a lot of floor space and lets you store your books in style! It can fit into corners easily and can hold up to 5-10 books per shelf. It has a retro brown finish and comes equipped with an anti-tipping device.

K. Shelves For Garage

41. Water Jug Holder

Store all your water jugs with ease using this water jug storage shelf especially made for 5-gallon bottles. It is portable, lightweight, and comes with a black paint finish. It has 5 parts in total and can be easily set up in less than 2 minutes.

Because of its short height, this rack makes lifting and placing your jugs easier without giving you back pain.

42. Garage Wall Shelf

This easy to mount garage wall shelf comes with an installation template. The brackets won’t bend or fall thanks to the buckle design with velcros. Store cleaning supplies, paints, heavy tools among other garage items with ease.

43. Industrial Freestanding Shelf

This adjustable industrial storage shelf comes with 3 metal wire decks strong enough to hold up to 1500 lb each. It has nylon footpads, so your floor doesn’t get damaged. It also has support straps—each shelf is braced with 5 support straps to avoid spreading or twisting.

How to Install Wall Shelves? A step by step guide:

Step 1: Gather the required tools and materials

These include the brackets, screwdriver, pencil, hammer, drill, hammer, standard level, stud finder, drywall anchors, and a tape measure.

Step 2: Figure out the placement and mark positions

1. Keep in mind the weight of the shelf you’re going to install when you determine the placement.

2. For a denser/heavier shelf, use a stud finder to know if there’s a stud in the area you have chosen.

3. If there are no studs, you can also use drywall anchors.

4. Hold the shelf against the wall, and use a standard level so it’s placed in a straight line. Mark the wall with the pencil on each side.

Step 3: Drill Holes

Make use of a drill or a screwdriver and drill stater holes with the screws onto the markings

Step 4: Install Brackets and Anchors

Install the Brackets and Anchors: Remove screws and put the brackets one by one into place and tighten them.

Step 5: Final

Place the shelf on top of the brackets.

FAQs

How much weight can wall shelves hold?

Although this is partly dependent on the material of the shelf and whatever you’re going to place on it, this table gives a rough idea of their capacities as per their size:

1. Open End to Open End

2. Wall to Open End

3. Wall to Wall

* Based on recommended installation methods. Load capacity will vary depending on specific applications.

What is a good shelf depth?

You can figure out the required shelf depth by the size of the items you’ll be placing on it. Usually, it falls within the range of 6 to 24 inches. Shelf depth for a regular bookshelf usually falls between 10 to 12 inches.

How high should a shelf be from the floor?

Shelves should be hung at eye level, i.e. about 4 to 5 feet from the floor. If you’re installing it above furniture, hang it about 10 inches away from its top.

We hope this comprehensive guide on wall shelves helped you find the right kind of shelf perfect for your home. So go ahead and choose the one you like after deciding all the specifications!