10 Stylish Shelves That Double As Decor

published Jun 17, 2022
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Credit: Minette Hand

If you’ve been trying to spruce up your home, you might’ve considered adding some wall art, getting a new plant or two or leaving some decorative trinkets around the place for a personal touch. But you might not have put as much thought into the furniture on which you plan to display said ornaments. Sure, bookcases and shelves are super practical, but why stop there? This is your opportunity to check out some pieces that are just as, if not more, eye-catching than anything you’ll find in the decor section. And, as you likely already know, shelving helps reduce clutter, which is essential for living in a small space. Keep objects out of the way yet easily accessible by placing them on a rack or wall-mounted ledge. Read on to see our top shelving picks for any apartment.

1 / 10
Anthropologie
$598.00

Who said rigidity is de rigueur? It's all about curved lines with this 5-shelf, cherry wood bookcase. Not only is the Corbyn shelving unit a pretty showpiece, but it also has a clear lacquer seal to prevent against moisture and bubbling. Its design might distinctly be mid-century, but it's clean enough to blend well with a variety of decor styles.

2 / 10
Bed Bath & Beyond
$79.99

If you're not in need of a bookcase with a large tier count, opt instead for some floating wall shelves. This three-piece set boasts a solid construction of wood and steel, and the two materials play off each other well to achieve an industrial look. Despite its limited shelf count, this set still has plenty of prime real estate for displaying picture frames, souvenirs and whatever else your heart desires.

3 / 10
Urban Outfitters
$349.00

With 92 percent of buyers recommending this metal bookshelf, it's virtually a no-brainer. Swooping curves direct the eye to four compartments on which you can store literary favorites and other home goods. The shelf comes in white, black and gold, and each color option looks equally fashion-forward thanks to the design's '60s flair.

4 / 10
Wayfair
$23.99
was $33.99

For less than $25, this three-piece shelf set will help add a minimalist ambiance to your living space. Mounting right into the wall, the shelves create a floating effect. Their depth of less than five inches makes them better for storing decorative objects, such as candles, succulents or perhaps a jewelry holder, as opposed to more heavy-duty items.

5 / 10
Bed Bath & Beyond
$254.99

Metallics are a great way to add pizzazz to your bedroom or living area. This modular bookcase is characterized by a metal frame with a gold finish, not to mention faux marble shelves that add an element of subtle glamour. You can, of course, use the piece for its intended purpose of holding books, but you could add some greenery and gold-accented knickknacks onto the shelves to dress them up.

6 / 10
Amazon
$169.99

Although this cabinet-like bookcase comes in four colors, opting for a more unusual hue, like the Tiffany green shade, is a surefire way to brighten any room. A few buyers placed this piece in their children's rooms, which makes perfect sense. There are technically three tiers to this bookcase, but ten cubbies break them up, which can also be helpful when deciding what to put in each section.

7 / 10
Urban Outfitters
$59.00

Go for an earthy sensibility with this wall shelf made of sustainable mango wood. If you're not super crafty, you'll be happy to learn that no assembly is required; simply mount the shelf right onto your wall. Urban Outfitters never fails to carry the trendiest home furniture, and this piece is no exception.

8 / 10
Wayfair
$194.99

Arch you glad to see such an elegant bookcase? No but really, the metal framing, which comes in black or gold, and glass shelves of this storage must-have are bound to elevate whichever room you place it in. At nearly 33" wide and 6' tall, the bookcase provides ample space for plenty of mementos.

9 / 10
West Elm
$425.00

Many of the shelving units in this list work best in the bedroom or living room, but this wall shelf could also be useful in the kitchen. Its metal construction makes it easy to clean and thus practical for storing spices or dinnerware. Wherever it goes, the shelf's streamlined style will simultaneously fit in well with the rest of the space and add an element of interest.

10 / 10
Amazon
$27.95
was $34.97

We like this two-piece floating shelf set for the bathroom, thanks to its sleek design and built-in towel rack. It comes in seven color and hardware combinations, so mismatched metals won't be a problem. For some decor inspo, check out the reviews for this product to see how previous buyers adorned their own shelves. We love to see the creativity!