Lack of storage is probably the most common problem in a small room— well hell, even in a big room it's tough! It's hard enough finding a free wall for a sofa much less for a bookshelf. But these inspiring shelving options that work around existing architectural elements have me rethinking the dilemma in a whole new light.

Before coming across these examples, I tended to think of bookcases as rather inflexible boxes, but I quickly learned that floating or simple plank shelving with brackets can be made to fit almost any space: between slanted ceilings, under stairs, next to fireplace, around windows and door frames— the sky's the limit! While some versions will probably require the expertise of a carpenter (pictures 4, 5, 7), the others are simple enough to recreate with the help of a handsaw, miter, stud finder and basic brackets.

Images: 1: Design*Sponge, 2: VT Wonen, 3: House Beautiful, 4: Better Homes and Gardens, 5: Wood Workers Workshop, 6: Martha Stewart, 7: House to Home

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