In modern times, when cities are getting dense and homes are getting tinier, it has become crucial to come-up with flexible storage solutions at home. There are hundreds of shelving designs out there, but not all of them fulfill needs of modern homeowners, and for that matter, different interior styles.
However, modular shelving units are an exception as they fluently adapt to specific needs and available space. They are highly flexible and can be configured in a variety of ways to create personalized storage spaces.
Modular shelving systems consist of separate modules that can be stacked on, against, or alongside each other to function as bookshelves, room dividers or side tables. No doubt, the minimalist aesthetics and the high degree of flexibility make modular features popular among people.
To get your hands on the buzzy “shelfie” culture, have a look at the following modular shelves that would amazingly transform your home interior.
Freestanding Modular Shelving Units for Inspiration
# Nobuko modular shelving system
Danish designer Mette Degn has designed the Nobuko shelving system for Broste Copenhagen. It consists of only two types of modules– shelves and legs in four different lengths. You can combine these modules as per your needs.
Image: Broste Copenhagen
# Industrial modular bookshelf from West Elm
It is a freestanding shelving unit made with richly-grained mango wood and is supported by blackened steel frame and legs. Combining industrial essence with natural hues of mango wood, this shelf offers simple yet sophisticated looks.
Image: West Elm
Image: West Elm
# Minima 3.0 by Bruno Fattorini
This minimalist, freestanding shelf is reinterpretation of the iconic Minima shelf from Milan-based furniture company MDF Italia. It consists of three components: shelf, frame and containers. The new shelf is made of extruded aluminum material and fibreboard for better structural and aesthetic performance.
Image: Minima
Image: Minima
Build by Movisi
Designed by Jack Godfrey Wood & Tom Ballhatchet, this creative shelving system consists of multiple lightweight modules made of expanded polypropylene. With a unique form and ability to be changed outright, it becomes a beautiful and flexible storage solution. Each unit sits neatly on the top of the another and can be assembled or disassembled easily. They can be mounted on walls or used separately as room dividers or seating.
Image: Movisi
Image: Movisi
# Albury modular shelving by Made Design
Designed by Drop Innovation, this honeycomb-shaped modular shelving system has both wall and floor support. There is freedom to configure the bookcase in different combinations. The modular design also reduces packaging and simplifies storage and transportation.
Image: Made Design
# USM Haller modular shelving unit
The Haller shelving system can be customized to meet specific needs of the user. Whether placed as a freestanding room divider or precisely outfitted into the architecture, it effortlessly brings mid-century modern charm to any space. The chromed ball joints and the chrome tubing further highlight the design.
Image: USM
Image: USM
Also Read: Super Amazing Superhero-Themed Shelving Designs
# Infinity by Antonio Citterio
Designed to be elegant and functional, this freestanding metal shelving is composed of some fixed and freely stackable modules that are fastened together with an invisible steel bolt. The stackable modules offer infinite compositional possibilities.
Image: Flexform
Image: Flexform
# +X by Niu Lei
+X is an innovative modular shelving system made up of several flexible components that offer unlimited modification possibilities. Due to its diagonal orientation, the shelves are slanted at an angle of 45-degrees, which allows users to store books without using any bookends.
Image: Core77
Image: Core77
# Plane shelving by Sebastian Bergne
If you’re looking for something different from regular cube-shaped shelves, the Plane shelving may appeal you. You can fasten as many rectangular units as desired, accosting to your storage requirements. It can be placed against walls or as a freestanding unit in any empty space.
Image: Sebastian Bergne
Image: Sebastian Bergne
Modular shelf from Lozi Designs
With several combinations, this carefully shaped shelving suits different kind of interior styles effortlessly. It adds both form and function to your home, since there are options to add as many units as needed, according to the specific needs.
Image: Lozi Designs
Image: Lozi Designs
# SO.05 by Soto-Lab
SO.05 is a versatile modular shelving and cabinet system from Istanbul-based studio Soto-Lab that can easily be reconfigured according to changes in living spaces. The screwless assembly makes the installation super easy. There are a variety of finishing options including white or black painted metal sheet to match different interior styles.
Image: Soto-Lab/Burak Erdener
Image: Soto-Lab/Burak Erdener
# X2 smart shelf
Designed by Laurindo Marta for WeWood, this classy modular shelving unit consists of two parts that are further made of 48 wooden slats each. By moving these slats, they can be configured in a various ways. Also they can be assembled or disassembled easily.
Image: WeWood
Image: WeWood
# Molloy modular shelving unit by Adam Goodrum
The beauty of the Molloy shelf is its slim aluminum frame with rounded joinery, which not only makes it look aesthetic but also simplifies assembly/disassembly of the unit. You can combine one or multiple units of Molly, depending on your own taste and preferences.
Image: CultDesign
Image: CultDesign
# Kubik by Askala
Designed by Joonas Riisalu, the Kubik modular shelving system consists of pinewood glue boards and two different types of metal plates. It is designed to store books, magazines, and wine bottles, while its unique angular shape is enough to make it stand out in any of interior space.
Image: Askala
Image: Askala
# Dot modular shelving system from Dot.Home
The metal frame of Dot shelf has a number of holes for effortlessly plugging in shelves, pegs, and other accessories. The white plywood shelves can easily be adjusted, which makes it ideal for small living spaces. Apparently, it is a revised version of Dot.Home’s earlier Dot frame.
Image: MyDotHome
Image: MyDotHome
# Bing modular shelf by Christoph John
Inspired by traditional Chinese window screen art, this freestanding shelving system consists of uniquely-shaped modules that are connected through metal connectors. There are unlimited possibilities for customizing the form factor of the shelf.
Image: Christoph John
Image: Christoph John
# Stri-Cube by Dany Gilles
Made from double-crimped corrugated cardboard, Stri-Cube is a trendy minimalist storage module for modern homes. You need no glue or other tools to set it up, as all units get fastened using an interlocking system. If you love going green, you can try to make one by yourself from unused cardboard boxes at home.
Image: Dany Gilles
Image: Dany Gilles
Wall-Mounted Modular Shelves
# Kurio wall-mounted modular shelving
This award-wining modular shelf is ideal for small apartments. Each unit follow simple plug-n-play system that transforms a black wall-mounted board into shelving and wall art. You need to insert the powder-coated steel modules consisting of shelf plates and pins into the base plate on the wall without any tools.
Image: Von Morgen
# The Flapps System by Ambivalenz
Each module of this spectacular shelving system functions as a standalone shelf, and can also be combined with each other to function as a bigger storage unit. The interesting feature is that all the shelves can be folded up when not in use.
Image: Ambivalenz
Image: Ambivalenz
# Anywhere modular wall shelving unit
Designed by Danish duo Oooja, Anywhere is a simple yet striking Scandinavian style storage furniture piece that consists of multiple wire cubicles. From wall-mounted and free-standing units, there are a number of choices for modules to suit your needs.
Image: Korridor Design
Image: Korridor Design
# Sticotti wall bookshelf
Available in different variants, this wall-mounted modular shelving system offers sufficient flexibility and freedom to expand storage facilities at home. There are unlimited possibilities for configuring the shelf – you just need to combine bracket systems and shelves.
Image: Alejandro Sticotti
Image: Alejandro Sticotti
# Jory wall-mounted modular shelf
With this creative retro-styled shelving system, you can mix and match different components in order to create storage space that suits your specific needs. From cabinets and drawers to open shelves, it includes all of them which will solve most o your requirements for storage.
Image: Made
Image: Made
# Antologia 6
It is a kind of wall-mounted pipe shelf that consists of a range of different modules which can be mounted in desired ways. Thanks to the specially designed shelves, it offers enough space to display books, ornaments, photo frames and other accessories including TV and wall lamps. Each shelf also has a drawer to store things out of sight.
Image: Mogg
Image: Mogg
# Modular shelving by Urban Outfitters
Made by Georgia-based global retailer Urban Outfitters, this wall-mounted shelving features a perforated metal design that not only lends the furniture piece an attractive appearance but also offers quick and simple installation.
Image: Urban Outfitters
Image: Urban Outfitters
# K2 from Expand Furniture
This easily expandable modular shelving unit consists of multiple panels that can be connected to each other through L, T and X joints. It can be mounted on the wall vertically or horizontally, depending on available space and storage needs.
Image: ExpandFurniture
Image: ExpandFurniture
# Fishbone by Favaretto & Partners
It is a uniquely-shaped modular wall shelf designed to resemble herring fish bones. Each unit features an L-shaped design and multiple units can be formed together as per the user’s desire. The back panel is made of multi-layered wood while shelves are made of thin metal sheets.
Image: Favaretto/Partners
Image: Favaretto/Partners
# The Plantashelf
The Plantashelf from Prieto Studio, gives homeowners a chance for growing an indoor garden on their wall-mounted shelves. Each unit is made from resilient and lightweight ABS, and there are specific sections for placing planters or other things. All planters have a built-in drainage system and removable storage cubicle which makes it a hassle-free prospect.
Image: Plantashelf
Image: Plantashelf
# Köllen modular bookshelf
This classic Nordic style-inspired bookshelf boasts modular functionality and dynamic looks. It consists of a set of birch plywood strips that can be organized in different ways to place objects. According to the position of these decorative strips, it can be used as a shelf or a hanger.
Image: KollenDesign
Image: KollenDesign
# Alog Regal By Nordic-Studio
Add a touch of creativity to your home with this beautiful wall shelf. It consists of a wall-mounted block and easily detachable T-shaped shelves. Inspired by a grid pattern, its modern and geometric design adds a unique twist to any living space.
Image: Nordic-Studio
# NEW Shelf 11.2 by Olivier Chabaud
This wall-mounted modular shelf features an angled design, with ends of each shelf slanting at slight angles to form a stylish display at home. The angled design interestingly gives it a distance from the wall while fine edges enhance the overall looks. Its multiple shelving units can be arranged according to personal creativity and desires.
Image: Olivier Chabaud
Image: Olivier Chabaud
Modular Shelves with Both Freestanding and Wall-Mounting Options
Stacked shelving system from Muuto
Designed by Julien De Smedt, this modular shelving system consists of multiple cubes that can be placed on the floor or mounted on the wall as storage units. They can be used as bookshelves, room dividers and even as side tables.
Image: Muuto
Image: Muuto
Panton Wire modular shelf
This easy-to-use, modular wire shelving unit is made as a tribute to the veteran furniture and interior designer Verner Panton. There are separate modules that can be used individually or can be combined for larger storage. It can be mounted on a wall or can be placed on the floor as room dividers. Furthermore, it can also be turned into a side table by adding a glass or marble top.
Image: Montana
Image: Montana
Image: Montana
