Best Wall Shelves: Floating and Modular Systems

When it works, wall-mounted shelving can be the key to organizing a small space. The problem is that it's often poorly made, it sags and warps over time, or it's just not effectively designed. These products are ones we've been tracking for a long time, and some of them have been around since the 60s. They run the gamut from high to low, but they're all useful in different ways.

Vitsœ: Designed by Dieter Rams in 1960, this is a classic modern design: simple, modular, and stripped of unnecessary detail. It's long-wearing, can adapt to your home as it changes, and it's expensive, but worth the cost. They have a NY showroom and online shop.
Scandinavian Design Center: Like Vitsoe, String shelves are modular and modern. Mounted on a side panel track, they can range from wall-to-wall shelves to the tiny String Pocket (€ 100). These Swedish shelves are sold through Scandinavian Design Center, which ships internationally.
Atlas Industries: Atlas' AS4 shelving system is a more contemporary, organic version of the Vitsoe. They're not cheap, but are hand-crafted from solid wood with a steel framing system. Expect to pay around $3,000 for a full bookshelf, more for a more complex arrangement.
At Work Design: We first saw Blu Dot's Wonder Wall shelves ($300) in person last year at Chicago store At Work Design, and they actually looked better up-close than in photos. The shelf frame is made of powdercoated steel, so it's strong, and the backs are made from walnut veneer.
Umbra: Umbra's Conceal Shelf ($14) is a smart design that's perfect for a bedside table. (For inspiration, check out the way Apartment Therapy readers Emily and Craig used one in their home.)
ISS Designs: This system is a little different, since shelves can be mounted from either wall-mounted tracks or compression poles. They're based in California and they sell nationally through their website. Prices are mid-range, and they're a lot less expensive than Vitsoe or Atlas systems.
Mash Studios: Mash Studio's LAX wall mounted shelf ($690) is a really nicely made piece crafted from birch or walnut with aluminum doors that slide on a track. You can buy it through Design Public or At Work Design.
Generate Design: The Waveform Shelf is a really simple, beautiful design by John Paul Plauché. These are expensive ($1,300 for set of 4) but they're sturdy and sculptural enough to double as a desk or a breakfast bar. Made of sheet metal, they're available online through Generate.
IKEA: In our opinion, IKEA's aluminum Bjarnum brackets ($15) and Ekby shelves ($15) are a step above the ubiquitous Lack shelf in terms of style and substance. The metal brackets make the shelves a little sturdier.
Design Public: It's funny that we're adding a CD shelf to this list, when people aren't really even buying CDs anymore, but Offi's Duoplane Shelf ($89) is so well-designed that it's got a lot of other uses. Made from powdercoated steel, the depth and form feel very modern, and it's a good size for a small area like an entryway.