Living Room Shelving Units

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A great option if you’re always losing everyday items or are sick of constant clutter, a living room shelving unit will solve all of your issues. They are especially helpful for smaller spaces due to their multi-purpose use. Just because they count as storage, it doesn’t mean they can’t look good, and the ones we’ve chosen below are fashionable and functional in one.

25 Recommendations and 139 Ideas

Updated 18/05/2023
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1
5-Tier Bamboo Shelf

5-Tier Bamboo Shelf

WFX Utility™

Perfect For: Adding ample storage to various rooms in the home

What We Like: Eco-friendly and versatile design

Our 5-Tier Bamboo Shelf offers a simple and elegant solution to your storage needs. Crafted from environmentally-friendly bamboo, this durable and solid shelf features a stable frame and a smooth, moisture-proof surface. Its five spacious tiers provide copious storage capacity, allowing you to display and organize items with ease. The lightweight design and bamboo color make it a seamless addition to your living room, bedroom, balcony, bathroom, or kitchen.

$95.99 $99

Designer Advice:

To enhance a cohesive decor, use matching bamboo or complementing wood furnishings in your chosen space, and accessorize with plants and decorative accents for added visual interest.

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2
Easy-Assemble Wire Storage Shelves

Easy-Assemble Wire Storage Shelves

WFX Utility™

Perfect For: Maximizing storage space in any room

What We Like: Simple and tool-free assembly

These Easy-Assemble Wire Storage Shelves provide ample storage while occupying minimal floor space. With a straightforward setup process that requires no tools, you can have this sturdy wire shelving unit assembled in just 15 minutes. It offers a significant amount of storage, ideal for organizing a wide variety of items in any room of your home, office, or garage. Its efficient design allows you to create additional storage without any hassle.

$54.99 $114.99

Designer Advice:

Arrange heavier items on the bottom shelves and lighter items on the top shelves to maintain stability and avoid overloading the unit, ensuring safe and long-term usage.

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3
Multi-Function Large Freestanding Shelving Unit

Multi-Function Large Freestanding Shelving Unit

17 Stories

Perfect For: Organizing and displaying items in various spaces

What We Like: Versatile open-shelf design and impressive weight capacity

This freestanding shelving unit boasts a generous size and multi-functional capabilities, making it suitable for your office, living room, or balcony. The open-shelf design allows for easy access and versatile storage, while its E1 level manufactured wood provides sturdiness, and its robust metal frame supports up to 40 lbs per shelf. Its modern and simple style complements any existing furniture, and the waterproof and rust-free materials make maintenance a breeze.

$162.99 $192.99

Designer Advice:

For increased stability, we recommend leaning the unit against a wall. Further customize the look by adding decorative elements, storage boxes, or a mix of books and cherished items to create a personalized display.

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4
Minimalist Industrial 5-Shelf Unit

Minimalist Industrial 5-Shelf Unit

South Shore

Perfect For: Showcasing decorative objects and organizing essentials

What We Like: The sleek and functional design

Embrace the minimalist trend with this stunning 5-shelf unit, featuring a unique X-shaped structure on the back for a touch of originality. Designed with clean lines and an open concept, it adds a breath of fresh air to your decor. Equipped with versatile and sturdy shelves, this industrial piece can be used in the office, living room, or reading nook, catering to your exact needs.

$289.99

Designer Advice:

To enhance the industrial appeal, try pairing it with raw materials such as concrete or exposed brick walls. Use metal or wooden accessory pieces to complement the shelf's aesthetic.

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5
5-Tier Retro Industrial Bookcase

5-Tier Retro Industrial Bookcase

Latitude Run®

Perfect For: Showcasing books and other decorative items in your living space

What We Like: The fusion of retro industrial and modern minimalist styles

This 5-tier bookcase is a stylish mix of retro industrial and modern minimalist design elements. Featuring smooth lines, right-angle borders, and a beautiful color to match any interior, it's made of high-quality MDF board and steel frame for added durability. Each shelf can support up to 80 lbs, with a total capacity of 400 lbs. An anti-falling device allows you to screw it to the wall, while adjustable pads ensure stability on uneven ground. Choose from different colors to match your space.

$226.99 $369.99

Designer Advice:

This versatile bookshelf can be used not only to store books, but also to showcase decorative items like framed pictures and potted plants. Consider styling it with a mix of both for an appealing, well-balanced display.

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6
Multi-Functional Large Shelving Unit

Multi-Functional Large Shelving Unit

Mercer41

Perfect For: Organizing and displaying items in various spaces

What We Like: Versatile usage and open shelf design

This multi-functional large shelving unit is perfect for those who need a spacious and versatile storage solution. It can be used as a bookcase in the office, display rack in the living room, or even as a plant stand on the balcony. The open shelf design makes it easy to store and organize items, while the E1 level manufactured wood and thick metal provide a weight capacity of 40lbs per shelf. Not only is this unit water-proof and easy to clean, the rust-free metal ensures durability and longevity.

Designer Advice:

Lean the shelving unit against a wall for added stability and coordinate it with both modern and simple furniture styles for a seamless look.

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7
Sturdy Multi-Function Bookshelf

Sturdy Multi-Function Bookshelf

Loon Peak®

Perfect For: Organizing and displaying items in various rooms

What We Like: Thoughtful details for item protection

This sturdy and stable bookshelf boasts ample storage space for your books or other displays. The smooth painting makes it easy to maintain and clean, while the perfectly spaced bars and horizontal supports prevent accidents and ensure proper organization. Its modern design and strong practicability make it ideal for use as a storage shelf, display shelf, or even as a flower stand for balconies, gardens, and flower shops.

$75.99 $79.99

Designer Advice:

Place this versatile bookshelf in your living room, home office, or even kitchen for an organized and stylish display. Don't hesitate to mix books with decorative items for a personalized touch.

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8
Fan-shaped 5-Tier Corner Shelf

Fan-shaped 5-Tier Corner Shelf

17 Stories

Perfect For: Maximizing storage in limited spaces or odd corners

What We Like: Multi-functional and stylish art design

This fan-shaped corner shelf merges home art design with multi-functionality to make your life organized and chic. Its 5-tier shelves design optimizes limited spaces, providing additional storage for small items or knickknacks. Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, kitchens, hallways, balconies, and bathrooms, this sturdy corner shelf serves as a small bookshelf, display shelf, plant stand, or flower rack.

$83.99 $95.99

Designer Advice:

Enhance your corner shelf by adding vibrant potted plants, succulents or decorative items that reflect your personal style, creating a charming and functional decor piece.

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9
Glam Art Deco Open Shelving Unit

Glam Art Deco Open Shelving Unit

Etta Avenue™

Perfect For: Showcasing accent pieces and books in a stylish and modern living space

What We Like: The luxurious combination of gold metal and marble white shelves

Infuse your living room or home office with a touch of glam as you display your accent pieces, books, or trays on this stunning Art Deco open shelving unit. Featuring a gold metal frame and four floating square marble shelves, this unit offers both elegance and practicality. The gold stoppers on the base protect your floor from scratches, and the welded construction ensures a long-lasting, sturdy design. Best of all, it arrives fully assembled, letting you embrace glamour effortlessly.

$285.99 $475.5

Designer Advice:

To elevate the glam vibe, pair this unit with plush textures, dazzling details, and sleek finishes for a sophisticated and luxurious home style.

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10
Farmhouse Wood Shelf with Scrolling Patterns

Farmhouse Wood Shelf with Scrolling Patterns

Kelly Clarkson Home

Perfect For: Enhancing rustic style dining spaces and maximizing storage

What We Like: Felt or rubber stoppers at the base for furniture protection

This farmhouse wood shelf features a distressed white finish and scrolling patterns on the side of the top two shelves. Made from solid wood materials, it provides a sturdy structure with five spacious shelves, supported by turned style slender posts. Its felt or rubber stoppers at the base prevent scratching surfaces and sliding. Ideal for any rustic dining space, this shelf adds charm and extra storage while preserving floor space.

$439.99 $624.5

Designer Advice:

Style this shelving unit with rustic dinnerware and décor, use wicker baskets to organize smaller items, and incorporate greenery to create a cozy, farmhouse atmosphere.

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11
Rotating Multi-Purpose Shelving Unit

Rotating Multi-Purpose Shelving Unit

Williston Forge

Perfect For: Versatile storage and display solutions

What We Like: Innovative 360-degree rotating shelves

The Orkney Rotating Shelving Unit is a distinctive multi-purpose piece that allows for multiple levels of personalization. Its angled sections and 360-degree rotating shelves offer endless display options, while the sleek design adapts effortlessly to a room divider or functional storage. Made with an antiqued steel metal frame and driftwood oak veneer, the elegant shelves also feature guard rails for added support and style, perfect for any office or family room.

$919.99 $1889

Designer Advice:

Pair the shelving unit with bold, decorative accents to truly showcase its versatility, and optimize its functionality by using it as a room divider in open-concept spaces.

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12
Heavy Duty Five-Tier Boltless Storage Rack

Heavy Duty Five-Tier Boltless Storage Rack

Rebrilliant

Perfect For: Organizing and storing heavy equipment or supplies

What We Like: Solid laminate shelves and adjustable height

This heavy-duty storage rack boasts high-quality, durable riveted steel construction, making it more stable and long-lasting than wooden kitchen shelves. Its powder-coated finish offers rust resistance and extended product life. The solid laminate shelves are perfect for holding items that might tip over or fall from regular wire or vented shelves. Designed for versatile use, this five-tier boltless shelving unit can be adjusted in 1.4-inch increments, allowing for customizable storage spaces in kitchens, living rooms, warehouses, offices, trade shows, supermarkets, garages, or industrial environments.

Designer Advice:

Place heavier items on lower shelves for additional stability, and make use of the adjustable shelf heights to accommodate items of different sizes while maximizing storage space.

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13
Geometric Shelves for Living Room

Geometric Shelves for Living Room

17 Stories

Unique and very cool, this geometric shelving unit will elevate your living room to the next level. You can choose from a rustic brown, black, or white frame, but whatever you choose the steel base will keep things sturdy.

Designer Advice:

Curved inwards to create an interesting and abstract shape, this unit would be perfect for adding vitality to your room, and the floating half-shelves give you a major opportunity for organization. Add some plants to the very top shelves to recreate a stunning country-style paradise. 

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14
Sculptured Solid Oak Plank Shelving Unit

Sculptured Solid Oak Plank Shelving Unit

AllModern

Perfect For: Modern homes with a natural touch

What We Like: Its simple, airy design with plenty of space

Our sculptured solid oak plank shelving unit creates an effortlessly stylish space for books, knick-knacks, and other essentials, adding a natural modern feel to any living space. With its open, airy design, this shelving unit is perfect for showcasing your favorite items while keeping them organized and within easy reach. Made from high-quality oak, this piece is not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting.

$1810.38 $2302

Designer Advice:

For a cohesive look, pair this shelving unit with other solid oak furniture pieces, or use it as a statement piece by contrasting it with minimalistic or industrial-style decor.

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15
Black Metal Outdoor Shelf with Floral Design

Black Metal Outdoor Shelf with Floral Design

Red Barrel Studio®

Perfect For: Enhancing traditional or rustic home decor and indoor gardens

What We Like: The bold shapes and decorative metal flower sculptures

Bring a touch of elegance to your space with this large, black metal outdoor shelf featuring decorative pink and purple metal flower sculptures. It showcases a scalloped silhouette at the top, accompanied by long stems and leaves that effortlessly blend style and functionality. With four spacious rectangular metal rack shelves, you'll have ample storage and display options for flowers, plants, and home accessories. This stunning shelf is an excellent addition to traditional or rustic-themed homes and indoor gardens or sunrooms.

$101.99 $126.99

Designer Advice:

Place it in a sunlit corner of your living room or sunroom, and use it to exhibit your favorite potted plants and other decorative items, enhancing both style and greenery in your space.

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16
Floating Design Bookcase with Natural Legs

Floating Design Bookcase with Natural Legs

Wade Logan®

Perfect For: Enhancing the look of any room or office

What We Like: Versatility as a bookcase or pantry storage

This sleek floating design bookcase features white cubbies with natural-colored legs, making it both practical and attractive. The contemporary design ensures it will complement any existing décor in your home or office. Use it as a bookcase to showcase your favorite reads or as pantry storage to keep your kitchen essentials organized and readily accessible.

$169.99 $218.63

Designer Advice:

For an eye-catching look, style the cubbies with similarly colored or themed items, and pair the bookcase with comfortable seating for an inviting reading nook.

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17
Corner Shelf Unit

Corner Shelf Unit

17 Stories

If you are struggling with where to potentially place your shelf unit, this unit will solve all of your problems. Designed especially to slot into that pesky abandoned corner, it features five wood shelves and a metal frame.

$86.99 $95.99

Designer Advice:

This unit has a charming rustic look and is available in white or vintage brown. It would fit in seamlessly with a farmhouse or country-style living room with distressed wood furniture. Stick to classic farmhouse colors like cream for a cozy look.

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18
Wide Shelving Unit

Wide Shelving Unit

Measuring seventy-eight inches tall and seventy-five inches wide, this shelving unit is for those who wish to make a grand statement. Crafted from solid and manufactured wood, it has an open cube-style design with floating shelves.

Designer Advice:

Pick from traditional color choices and finishes like brown or chestnut, or go for more modern gray. Whichever you choose, this unit would look amazing in a room with taupe walls and a rug with a subtle pattern to really bring out the natural wood grain it has. 

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19
Solid Wood Living Room Shelving Unit

Solid Wood Living Room Shelving Unit

With an unusual curved design and a frame made entirely of solid wood, this living room shelving unit has five shelves with a weight capacity of 22lbs each.

Designer Advice:

The rich mid-brown color of this unit would pair really well with distinguished darker colors such as navy blue or burgundy – achieve this look with cushions on your sofa, a feature wall, or a decorative vase placed on your unit shelves.

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20
Narrow Living Room Shelves and Cabinet

Narrow Living Room Shelves and Cabinet

Red Barrel Studio®

Narrowly sized at just over thirteen inches wide, this shelving unit has four deep-set shelves that will easily fit books or plants. Crafted from wood, it is a natural espresso color and has a clean openwork design for an understated look.

$93.99 $114.99

Designer Advice:

Due to the darker wood color, we recommend contrasting these living room shelves with lighter colors for a welcoming vibe. Warm neutrals like cream, taupe, or even off-white will complement the espresso finish perfectly, or you could opt for gray if you want something that is more cool-toned and contemporary. 

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21
Cube Shelving Unit

Cube Shelving Unit

Rebrilliant

Another understated shelving unit, this one is made up of six separate cubes, meaning it would be a good choice if you like to put items into sections. With an openwork wire frame so you can see everything, it comes in black, silver, and white.

Designer Advice:

We think this unit would work best in a modern living room due to its simple and uncluttered vibe. Go for silver or white if you want it to blend in to the background, or choose the black option if you want your living room to have a little bit of an edge. 

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22
Shelving for Living Room on Wheels

Shelving for Living Room on Wheels

Rebrilliant

Available in bright white, this shelving for your living room is innovative and fresh. Standing on wheels, it is portable and easy to maneuver around, ideal if you change up your living room often.

Designer Advice:

Measuring just under sixteen inches wide, this shelving is another option if you don’t have much space to work with. While the matte white shelves and metal frame look chic and stylish, bear in mind that they will get dirty earlier, so this unit might not be the best choice if you have pets or children. 

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23
Steel Living Room Shelves

Steel Living Room Shelves

WFX Utility™

Made from high-durability steel with a thin wire design, these living room shelves can store books, games, CDs and much more. Measuring sixty-one inches high, they are available in gray, white, or black.

$56.99 $114.99

Designer Advice:

The minimalistic look of these shelves means they will blend in easily no matter your décor style – they would look good against brighter feature walls, wallpaper, or you could pair them with classic neutrals to achieve a calm and minimalist look. 

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24
Adjustable Bamboo Living Room Shelf

Adjustable Bamboo Living Room Shelf

Rebrilliant

Cool and contemporary, this set of three living room shelves can be adjusted to your preference. Made from 100% bamboo with rounded corners for safety, it has an overall weight capacity of 30lbs, meaning it’s best for smaller items.

Designer Advice:

The light brown color and stripped-back industrial look of this unit would look lovely on a wooden floor, and the differing height of the shelves means you can order items in order of importance – i.e. keys on the top and books on the bottom. 

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25
Living Room Shelf Unit for Small Spaces

Living Room Shelf Unit for Small Spaces

Rebrilliant

The smallest on this list, this living room shelf unit only has two shelves. However, they will hold a lot due to the wide spaces. Moreover, the shelves are adjustable so you can slot them depending on what you want to store.

$34.99

Designer Advice:

Depending on the amount of floor space you have, you could even place this shelving unit on top of a cabinet or underneath a coffee table. Featuring white shelves and a manufactured walnut brown wood exterior, its simple and up-to-date design would look lovely with neutral colors.

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Jump to More Ideas
Living Room Shelving Units

Buying Guide

The best materials for large shelving units are wood or metal. Which you choose depends on what you will be placing on the shelves, how often you will be moving the shelving unit, and your interior decor.

Large living room shelving units allow for storing or showcasing more items. They can also hold more weight than smaller units. For this reason, you want a solidly built shelving unit made of solid wood, steel, or a combination of the two.

Wood shelves are stylish and durable. Certain types of wood are more rigid, limiting the sag that can occur when additional weight is added. Look for shelving units made of hickory, oak, maple, cedar, and other strong hardwoods.

You can also go with a straight metal shelving unit if it blends in better with your room’s decor. Choose powder-coated steel or galvanized aluminum; these materials are not only strong but also corrosion-resistant to prevent rust.

If you think you’ll be moving your shelving unit frequently, consider a lighter material such as plywood and composite woods, such as MDF, or opt for a model with lockable casters on the base. If you plan to use your shelving unit for lightweight items, you can also go with plastic or glass.

A living room shelving unit should be relatively small to allow as much space for movement as possible, so each one is typically no larger than 12” x 48” x 72”. This is big enough to allow room for books, DVDs, toys, decorations, and other essentials in your living room.

You can also use multiple smaller shelving units to create the same amount of total storage capacity. Using various tiny shelves may be more aesthetically pleasing if you have a small living room, as a single long shelf can overwhelm the space. Try low and wide shelves around the edges of the room, especially if you have low ceilings.

Living room shelving units can hold various decorative and functional items, from photos to vases to digital media players; however, you need to check the unit’s weight capacity to ensure you don’t overload the shelf.

A freestanding or full-length anchored living room shelving unit can hold a larger quantity and more diverse range of items, making them ideal for placing either side of your TV to create an entertainment center.

Stack books, DVDs, and gaming discs on the lower shelves, digital players toward the center, and lighter items, such as small house plants or keepsakes toward the top. This ensures that the items’ combined weight is distributed evenly along the unit and reduces the risk of toppling.

Best Ideas

Living room shelf unit

Shelving units that are suitable for effective organization of small living rooms. These wooden shelves finished in neutral color look nice in any interior design. They are suitable for books, decorations and other items.

Art deco bookshelf

Add geometry to create visual interest on an otherwise blank wall when organizing your books and collectibles: arched art deco bookcase with asymmetric shelves hits the point of funky contemporary furnishing.

Shelving units living room

A perfect example of a clean, minimalistic contemporary living room design. The smooth, wooden shelves are a great replacement for a chunky entertainment unit, and the beautiful leather sofa gives an excellent contrast to the dark back wall.

Room divider shelving unit

Practical and minimalist living room shelving unit designed to offer an array of compartments for all your collectibles. The piece offers a strong metal frame, finished in industrial black, an array of wooden shelves, and incredible crown molding at the top as well.

Living room shelving unit 1

This is exactly the entertainment center that i would want. Caitlin Creer Interiors: Parade of Homes

Organize It All Organize It All Ebonized 97215W-1 5 Tier Square Shelf

Slender square shelf made of metal with black powder finish. Allows to organize everything within minutes. Five shelves accommodate books, magazines and other items. Tubular steel construction meets sturdiness requirements.

Stylish shelving units

Aesthetic large traditional standing units with hutches made of wooden materials entirely finished in white. They have crown tops, arched aprons and full bases. Side units are a bit recessed. Door cabinets have small black metal knobs.

Glass shelf unit living room

Built in bookcase is perfect solution for big, spacious living rooms to use the wall space. In white color, with a lot of shelves will help you keeping order. There is a space for a wide screen TV too.

Wall shelving unit furniture sets for living room interior zig

wall shelving unit furniture sets for living room interior ZIG ZAG

Alexandria 3-Tier Shelf

Alexandria 3-Tier Shelf

Living room shelving unit

Entertainment center with a lot of cabinets and open shelves for storing needed items. Construction is made of wood. Ideal for storing books, TV components or display decorations.

Eclectic vintage modern farmhouse kitchenlight fixtures shelving and heads at

Eclectic Vintage Modern Farmhouse KitchenLight fixtures shelving and heads at side of doar for hanging

Wall shelving units for living room

Fixer Upper: A Craftsman Remodel for Coffeehouse Owners | HGTV's Fixer Upper With Chip and Joanna Gaines | HGTV

Room divider shelf unit

Make your own shelving unit with some help from a couple of wood boards and ensure that your place is bursting with style and originality, while also adding a splash of color and storing your books neatly.

Painted room divider

The luxurious combination of details, a slim coffee table, modern corner floating chairs and an impressive sofa make this unique and ultra modern living room a delight. Beautiful details, perfectly blend in the interior bring a cozy atmosphere.

Living room shelving unit

Corner shelving unit. SEARS offers this item. - To connect with us, and our community of people from Australia and around the world, learning how to live large in small places, visit us at

Living room shelving unit

This amazing, eclectic construction is a geometrical shelving unit, which serves here the role of a room divider. A very solid, wrought iron construction, which delights with its light, modern shape.

Living room shelving unit 1

IKEA Readies Two New Collections for February Launch — Design News | Apartment Therapy

Living room shelving

A stunning shelving unit with media storage. It features bottom cabinets and open shelves at the top. The central part is a special place for your plasma TV set. A pure white color and subtle lighting fixture create an elegant look.

Living room shelving units

Separate the living room from entry way by this lovely shelving unit. Smart solution for one-room apartments to create an impression of privacy for your guests. You can also use it for storage by putting there decorative boxes.

Natural wood floating shelves

A floating unit for indoor use, that hangs on powder-coated metal fastenings. It is consisted of 4 thick shelves with intricate edges, made of sturdy hardwood in a natural finish; excellent for displaying your beautiful knick-knacks.

Sitting room shelving units

How To: Make a Modern DIY Corner Shelving System » Curbly | DIY Design Community

Wall shelving units for living room

Modern multi-functional wall unit built-in wall. It is made of blanched wood. It has few drawers, cabinets and two bookcase. It will be perfect to your bedroom or gabinet, because you can use it as a desk and to storage items.

Living room shelving unit

IKEA Hackers: Big Besta Built-ins