Skip to main content

Living room shelving ideas for the modern home

Are you looking to improve your living-room design using shelves? Or are you aiming for contemporary living room shelving ideas? Maybe you want something more unique. Something more creative. Something that’s never been done before. Or maybe you want something straightforward and traditional. Something that will simply give you the comfortable organization you desire. We present you with great shelving ideas that will suit your needs. They will show you how to cleverly declutter your living room while instilling a comfy look in it.

Living room in with furniture, shelves, and large TV
Home Decor Interiors/Pexels.com

Reverse the idea of chimney alcoves

This shelving idea basically helps you create a chimney look. It allows you to cleverly design a wood-burning “fireplace” sitting in a sleek, gray platform that is flanked by two shelving units on either side. It sits in the alcove while the shelves are protruding. This shelving idea will definitely add some character to your living room.

Recessed shelving

This idea of shelving does not intrude into your living room, which is typically cutting into the wall, leaving a lovely and neat solution. Recessed shelves can either be blended into the wall or made into a distinct feature. Usually, it is manufactured to have an unusual shape. Make sure it is painted a contrasting color, so it stands out as a practical and striking feature.

Hidden storage with open shelves

Drawers and cupboards provide a lot of storage. However, an entire wall of them often looks overpowering. Break it up a little by placing some open shelves in the center of them that will add character and charm. It will provide a unique design statement. Cute DIY Projects says, “Whether it’s a floorboard, secret cabinet or just false bottom drawers, having a storage space that’s hidden in sight lets you have a great deal of peace and security.”

Color-code to prevent clutter

Are you thinking of an eclectic look? Make sure that the items placed on the shelves are neatly arranged based on color coding. It will complement the living-room wall color and keep the overall look from looking cluttered.

Style up your staircase

If your stairs leads to the living room, it makes sense to turn them into a feature. You can make use of a floor-to-ceiling shelving unit that replaces the usual banister as part of your living room. This provides ample storage and looks fantastic.

Ladder shelf

If you want to add some attractive freestanding storage, you can’t beat a ladder shelf. It always provides a simple and elegant design. And, its angled shape makes it unobtrusive. A pair of ladder shelves can be tucked into a corner of your living room, providing a useful storage feature that doesn’t block light from the window. Collective Gen suggests building one yourself and provides a step-by-step.

Room divider

If you’re looking to carve out a separate space, installing an open-shelf bookcase can effortlessly divide a room. This is seen in many loft-like rooms or studio apartments. The use of divider shelves is practical and seamless. It lets light flow from one part of the room to another, and it allows a distinct function in each space. Open-shelving room dividers can be tall (almost to the ceiling) or low (creating a mid-wall separation). In either case, curate them with items that suit both spaces by coordinating the color and type of objects on each shelf.

Living room divided by large bookshelf
Karl Solano/Pexels.com

Media wall

TWDAZ explains, “A media wall is a special wall in your home that can house your audio, video and gaming equipment, as well as artwork, photos, books, trophies or other special possessions. You can design this wall in any style, from sleek and contemporary to a rustic country feel to anything in between.”

Selective shelving can turn you’re that boring TV wall in your living room into a stylish multi-functional feature. Use shelves around your flat-screen TV for a modern feel. It affords you the ability to store small media gadgets and stylishly display items to balance out the technical aspect of your living-room wall. Objects should be carefully selected and streamlined so they’re not competing for attention with the TV itself.

Living-room shelves are great for dividing your room and come in different sizes, tiers, styles, and designs. Use them for floating decorative display racks or functional, standalone shelves. Be sure to select one that perfectly suits your needs.

Editors' Recommendations

What colors go with purple? 8 captivating shades for your home
Curious about purple decor? Here's how to decorate with and find colors that go with purple
Living room with purple couch and walls

Purple represents royalty, mystery, peace, and much more, depending on who you ask. So, why can’t you decorate with purple? There are many ways to work it in if purple is your thing, from purple color combinations to purple accents.

Research shows that people who decorate with purple are most likely to say their home makes them happy and Pantone's color of the year in 2022 certainly celebrated the shade. If you already love purple, this is definitely the read for you, but if you need some convincing, this just may be the thing that convinces you that purple is the right choice for remodeling your space.

Read more
The do’s and don’ts for a gorgeous, classic midcentury modern bedroom
These tips and tricks will deliver a gorgeous midcentury modern bedroom
Midcentury modern chair and table in bedroom

Midcentury modern is a classic style that has quickly risen to popularity (again) in the past few years. Pairing well with minimal aesthetics and those looking to introduce subtle pops of color, the midcentury modern craze brings a welcome splash to interior design. To get you started with this design, we’ve gathered some of the most important do’s and don’ts for a timeless and gorgeous midcentury modern bedroom.

What to know about color palettes for a midcentury modern bedroom
Before you jump right into purchasing all of your midcentury modern furniture to suit your new aesthetic, it’s important to nail the proper color palette.
Do use warm colors throughout your palette
Above all, you’ll want to stick with warm colors throughout your color palette. Midcentury modern bedrooms look best with warm tones like rust, orange, mustard, red, maroon, or deep brown. Try to opt for a warmer color palette and blend in cool tones to help maintain balance. When choosing cool tones to help balance the color palette, we recommend opting for a modern white or pale cream for a natural look.
Don’t go too crazy with pattern
While midcentury and retro design trends interior designers never want to see return are well known for their use of pattern, it’s vital your modern take does the same with subtlety. Pick one or two patterns to accompany your design. Geometric styles work best for a midcentury modern look, especially squares and circles, which will allow you to match your furniture pieces in an organic way.

Read more
How to bring your farmhouse living room into the new year: 5 ingenious ideas
Don't give up all of your farmhouse decor - just update it
Farmhouse living room with dad and kid

The farmhouse look has been in style for home decor for quite some time now, but one of the best things about home decor is that it can evolve. If you’re looking to bring your farmhouse living room into the new year with some fresh new touches, look no further. Farmhouse decor for the new year will be less cold neutral colors and more warm neutrals and will also feature more pops of color and personality. Keep reading to find out more about how to bring your living room into the new year.

Pottery and rustic planters
One farmhouse design trend moving in for 2023 is pottery that feels weathered or has a handmade look. Anything that looks like you found it in an old barn will do (you can probably find great pieces at yard sales or flea markets). Mason jars have definitely outstayed their welcome in the farmhouse decor world, so consider replacing any mason jars that you currently have with terrain pots to update your current farmhouse living room. Also, filling a few pots with indoor plants will help bring some life and pops of color to the room.

Read more