This Is the Storage Meta-Trend You Didn’t Know Your Home Needed

Maximalists out there, take note! There’s a new trend popping up for those of you who can’t get enough decorative objects, tchotchkes, or travel souvenirs in your decor: “shelves on shelves,” or as I like call it, “meta shelving.” Basically, this kind of statement storage consists of mini shelves and smaller cubby units that can be layered on top of or are sometimes built into consoles, desks, sideboards, and other surfaces, providing extra room for all of your things.

Not only do these cubby shelves create more space for knick-knacks, candles, and vases, but they also add height to your vignettes and can bring an extra pop of color or texture to a room. Want a few pointers on where to find and use these guys? These 7 options top my list and all cost less than $200.

Introduce a trendy arch motif to your sideboard, desk, or countertop with this Roma cubby. Fill the curved slots with tiny vases, jars of miscellaneous supplies, or candles, adding a little more visual interest to your vignette. With this particular design, you can choose between a dark forest green or a white cubby color, and you can even mount this baby on the wall if you don’t want to sacrifice your tabletop space.

Buy: Roma Cubby Wall Shelf, $149.00 from Urban Outfitters

If your desk doesn’t have enough drawer space or you just want more oomph on your desktop, then this organizer has you covered. You can fill up the slots with books, notebooks, and fun gadgets that will make working from home a little more organized and Instaworthy.

Buy: Jerry & Maggie – Desktop Organizer Office Storage Rack, Starting at $23.99 from Amazon

Sure, this little greenhouse can store your humidity-loving plants, but it can also double as a display case for some of your curiosities. Add one to a windowsill or even an entry table to give a few of your favorite things a pride of place.

Buy: SOCKER Greenhouse, $19.99 from IKEA

Rather than installing this floating shelf on the wall, place it on a sideboard or credenza to add more vertical space to decorate on. This particular cubby gives you three boxes to highlight some of your favorite finds and a whole top shelf to create a tableau with plants and mini works of art.

Buy: Danya B. Triple Cubed Floating Shelf in White, $45.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond

Inspired by the geometric paintings of artist Piet Mondrian, this wrought-iron piece can showcase everything from your favorite reads to pretty photos and vases. I especially love the (included) wooden cube in the piece’s right hand corner; it’s the perfect spot for a plant baby.

Buy: Cubist Wall Display, $52.00 from West Elm

For those who have a more minimal aesthetic but still like the idea of “shelves on shelves,” these acrylic cubes are for you. Their ultra-modern, clear design recedes into space, making your books and knick-knacks appear to “float” in space.

Buy: Now You See It 2-Bin Acrylic Shelf Bookcase, $99.00 from Crate&Kids

This one is for all the traditional and farmhouse style lovers out there: This hand-distressed mahogany cubby display offers ample room to display your favorite rustic pieces on. If you’re worried about having this tip over when placed on top of a sideboard or counter, just add Command strips to the back or base to secure it in place.

Buy: Handcrafted Wooden Cubby Display, $199.00 from Pottery Barn