Shelving Ideas for Each Room: The Ultimate Guide

Shelving is one of the simplest ways to add storage, personality, and structure to your home — but not all shelving works in every space. The right style depends on the room, what you’re storing, and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for.

Here’s your room-by-room guide of shelving ideas that are both practical and stylish.

Living Room Shelving

Your living room needs a balance of display and storage.

Best options:

• Floating shelves — clean, modern, perfect above media units or fireplaces

• Alcove shelving — ideal for creating symmetry

• Chunky wooden shelves — add warmth and texture

What they suit: books, photos, decorative pieces, plants.

Kitchen Shelving

Kitchen shelving needs to be strong, wipeable, and practical.

Best options:

• Open shelving — keeps everyday items within reach

• Plate racks — classic and stylish

• Lipped shelves — stop items slipping off

Kitchen floating shelves

Kitchen wooden floating shelves

Kitchen custom-built shelving unit

What they suit: plates, jars, cups, cookbooks, decor.

Bathroom Shelving

Bathrooms need moisture-resistant materials and clever storage.

Best options:

• Sealed oak shelves — durable and luxurious

• Niche shelving — built into the wall

• Floating shelves — minimal footprint in small bathrooms

What they suit: toiletries, towels, plants, candles.

Bedroom Shelving

Shelving can help with both storage and personal touches.

Best options:

• Built-in shelves near wardrobes

• Bedside shelves (instead of tables in tight spaces)

• Picture ledges for artwork or decor

What they suit: books, accessories, framed prints.

Hallway Shelving

Hallways are often overlooked, but good shelving can completely change them.

Best options:

• Slimline floating shelves

• Key & post shelves with hooks

• Over-radiator shelves

What they suit: keys, small decor, shoes (with deeper shelving), bags.

Home Office Shelving

The right shelves make your workspace feel organised, professional, and calm.

Best options:

• Wall-to-wall shelving for maximum storage

• Floating shelves to keep your desk clear and to match your business needs

• Built-in overhead units

Spa shelving unit

Custom-built home-office desk

Custom-built home-office bookcases

What they suit: files, books, stationery, equipment.

Want to discus some shelving ideas?

The right shelving is more than just storage — it’s how you bring style, organisation, and personality into each room. With bespoke carpentry, your shelves can be made to fit perfectly, match your interior style, and handle exactly what you need them to.

If you’re planning shelving solutions for your home, we can help design and build something perfectly tailored to you.

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