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

Deb Goncalves
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Deb's work has appeared on Moms, Babygaga, and WorldAtlas. When she's not working (that's hard to say about a Capricorn), she…
How to choose a coffee table for your small living room
These coffee tables ideas are perfect for small spaces
modern glass table in living room

A living room's coffee table is an important piece. Not only does it bring the whole room together, but it's also a functional part of a living room. Your coffee table holds beverages on family movie night, game boards and puzzles, and your laptop on work-from-home days.

When you have a small living room, you may be tempted to forgo the coffee table in favor of more floor space -- but don't. The right side table won't make your room feel too cramped. In fact, it can actually make the room feel larger if the placement and size are right. You just need to know how to choose a coffee table that works with your small space. We're here to show you how.

Read more
Make the most of your living room/dining room combo with these stellar tips
Watch your living room/dining room combo shine with these tips
Gray monochrome living and dining room

Many contemporary homes have open-concept living, meaning fewer walls and shared space between rooms. It's a great idea for those who entertain or want minimal disruption between spaces. It's also good when you have small children and want to keep an eye on them while you're cooking, folding laundry, or watching TV. If you have one large area for your living room and dining room, there are some things you can do to get the most out of each room.

Of course, there's a lot to consider when it comes to which colors to choose, how to arrange furniture in a living room/dining room combo, and what wall and other decor can be used to blend the spaces together. Here's how to find the right mix that works in one collective space.

Read more
6 modern cabin decorating tips you need to know to avoid a kitschy design
Try these amazing tips to modernize your cabin decor
modern log cabin living room and dining room interior design

Cabins radiate a sense of coziness, warmth, and comfort for the lucky homeowners who get to experience their atmosphere. However, there is a tendency for these spaces to become dark, kitschy, and overwhelming when improperly decorated.

With so many earthy textures and dark tones to work with in the design, it can be challenging for homeowners to create a gorgeous, modern space. What you truly need is a fresh take on traditional cabin decor that will brighten the room and restore that sense of comfort and coziness that you adore.

Read more