10 Clever Configurations for Modular Shelving
Give your storage some flexible style with these simple and stunning ideas
Amanda Pollard
5 June 2017
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
Modular shelving is easy to install, extremely flexible and right now it’s on-trend to boot. If you like the idea of trying a system of brackets and ledges in your own home, check out these images for inspiration on how to make sure it looks seriously stylish.
1. Blend in with the walls
The shelving and storage in this system have been painted the same colour as the walls. The silver brackets add a subtle series of lines, but don’t contrast too much, so the whole unit is chic and unobtrusive. To keep the look pared-back and minimal, the owners have displayed their items neatly and have even left some of the shelves fairly clear to give a feeling of space.
The shelving and storage in this system have been painted the same colour as the walls. The silver brackets add a subtle series of lines, but don’t contrast too much, so the whole unit is chic and unobtrusive. To keep the look pared-back and minimal, the owners have displayed their items neatly and have even left some of the shelves fairly clear to give a feeling of space.
2. Add in extras
This craft room’s wall unit shows just how versatile modular shelving can be. The wire framework has been designed to fit normal shelves in any configuration, as well as plastic trays, metal boxes and even a magazine rack.
In your own home, think carefully about how you would want to use the shelving unit and what exactly you want to store. Consider including hooks for hanging pots to store your craft gear.
This craft room’s wall unit shows just how versatile modular shelving can be. The wire framework has been designed to fit normal shelves in any configuration, as well as plastic trays, metal boxes and even a magazine rack.
In your own home, think carefully about how you would want to use the shelving unit and what exactly you want to store. Consider including hooks for hanging pots to store your craft gear.
3. Create your own with piping
These kitchen shelves were created using copper piping and rough timber boards. The pipes have been made into practical frameworks for the rough wood to slot into. To add even more functionality, the designers have added hanging rails below each unit with hooks to hold cups and pots of herbs.
To make something similar at home, you can buy copper piping and joints at large DIY stores. Use pipe cutters to ensure your pipes are the right length and glue the pipes and joints together using epoxy resin. You can also attach the unit to the wall with pipe holders. For more information, follow one of the easy tutorials online.
See more open shelving in the kitchen
These kitchen shelves were created using copper piping and rough timber boards. The pipes have been made into practical frameworks for the rough wood to slot into. To add even more functionality, the designers have added hanging rails below each unit with hooks to hold cups and pots of herbs.
To make something similar at home, you can buy copper piping and joints at large DIY stores. Use pipe cutters to ensure your pipes are the right length and glue the pipes and joints together using epoxy resin. You can also attach the unit to the wall with pipe holders. For more information, follow one of the easy tutorials online.
See more open shelving in the kitchen
4. Put up some scaffolding
This bookshelf also has some serious industrial-chic credentials as it’s been made with piping and reclaimed scaffolding planks. Colour has been used to great effect too, with the colour-coding of the books and painting the alcove wall a dark grey to tie in with the piping.
This bookshelf also has some serious industrial-chic credentials as it’s been made with piping and reclaimed scaffolding planks. Colour has been used to great effect too, with the colour-coding of the books and painting the alcove wall a dark grey to tie in with the piping.
4. Go as far as you can
The beauty of a modular shelving system is that it can be as big or small as you like. In this loft space, the brackets go all the way up to the ceiling, higher even than the mezzanine floor. To reach the higher shelves, the owners have installed an adjustable ladder in the same bright white as the walls and shelves. They’ve kept the styling quite minimal, but there is still bags of room here for storage.
The beauty of a modular shelving system is that it can be as big or small as you like. In this loft space, the brackets go all the way up to the ceiling, higher even than the mezzanine floor. To reach the higher shelves, the owners have installed an adjustable ladder in the same bright white as the walls and shelves. They’ve kept the styling quite minimal, but there is still bags of room here for storage.
5. Create a whole media area
Modular shelving also comes as freestanding units, like the ones here. You can find similar systems to this at a number of retailers, so choose a design you like and add to it as you go along. This one includes shelves and cupboards, as well as a TV unit and even a desk unit.
It’s not usually possible to adjust the shelves along brackets on a system like this, but it offers the same type of versatility.
Modular shelving also comes as freestanding units, like the ones here. You can find similar systems to this at a number of retailers, so choose a design you like and add to it as you go along. This one includes shelves and cupboards, as well as a TV unit and even a desk unit.
It’s not usually possible to adjust the shelves along brackets on a system like this, but it offers the same type of versatility.
6. Ramp up the design
Add interest to simple shelves by arranging them in a quirky pattern. Here, the designer has positioned them in a staggered pattern to turn them into a real feature of the room.
The last – and longest – shelf acts as a desk.
Add a standing desk and improve your health
Add interest to simple shelves by arranging them in a quirky pattern. Here, the designer has positioned them in a staggered pattern to turn them into a real feature of the room.
The last – and longest – shelf acts as a desk.
Add a standing desk and improve your health
7. Pop in some cube shelving…
For an extra element on your modular shelving, mix things up with the addition of box shelves. Here, a row of rectangular shelves with sliding glass panels adds a cool design feature.
You don’t have to use glass-fronted shelves; instead go for classic cube shelves that are available from many retailers. Line books up along the top, and use the box to frame a vignette of ornaments.
For an extra element on your modular shelving, mix things up with the addition of box shelves. Here, a row of rectangular shelves with sliding glass panels adds a cool design feature.
You don’t have to use glass-fronted shelves; instead go for classic cube shelves that are available from many retailers. Line books up along the top, and use the box to frame a vignette of ornaments.
… or some drawers
Don’t fancy box shelves? Try slimline drawers instead. These ones look neat in the space and the extra wood adds warmth to the room. They’re also the perfect place to hide your knick-knacks, while leaving space on the shelves for more attractive objects.
Don’t fancy box shelves? Try slimline drawers instead. These ones look neat in the space and the extra wood adds warmth to the room. They’re also the perfect place to hide your knick-knacks, while leaving space on the shelves for more attractive objects.
Take over a wall
The modular shelving unit here is simple, stylish and extremely practical. The designer has installed a classic system right along the wall for the owners to use as they wish. Smaller gaps at the bottom are perfect for small books and CDs, while larger spaces at the top are for taller tomes and displaying ornaments. The brackets allow the shelves to be moved up and down whenever necessary, so the whole thing is wonderfully flexible.
20 fabulous feature wall ideas
The modular shelving unit here is simple, stylish and extremely practical. The designer has installed a classic system right along the wall for the owners to use as they wish. Smaller gaps at the bottom are perfect for small books and CDs, while larger spaces at the top are for taller tomes and displaying ornaments. The brackets allow the shelves to be moved up and down whenever necessary, so the whole thing is wonderfully flexible.
20 fabulous feature wall ideas
Organise your cook space
This clever kitchen really makes the most of a modular shelving system. The white tiled wall is the perfect backdrop for a simple framework of wire and plywood. The versatile wire slots hold shelves for tableware, storage jars and utensils, as well as a sloping ledge to read recipes. Along the bottom, the unit has space for a kitchen table and sliding-door cabinets.
The shelving system is a great alternative to traditional kitchen units and can be taken with you when you move.
Your turn
If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation!
More
Read more stories about storage
This clever kitchen really makes the most of a modular shelving system. The white tiled wall is the perfect backdrop for a simple framework of wire and plywood. The versatile wire slots hold shelves for tableware, storage jars and utensils, as well as a sloping ledge to read recipes. Along the bottom, the unit has space for a kitchen table and sliding-door cabinets.
The shelving system is a great alternative to traditional kitchen units and can be taken with you when you move.
Your turn
If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation!
More
Read more stories about storage
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that way you also don't need to worry about having brackets in awkward spots because of where the studs are located.
The color coded bookshelf is great!