25 Unique And Functional Shelving Ideas That Will Maximize Space In Your Home

When living in a small house or apartment, it can be difficult to maximize your available space. Sometimes it can feel like there's just not enough room for all your possessions. If this is the case, you may want to think about decluttering some of your items. However, even after you've decluttered, you may find that you're still in need of some creative storage solutions.

A great way to maximize the space in a small area is with unique shelving. According to Lake Homes Realty, shelving is necessary for staying organized when living in a cramped home. Whether you choose to hang your shelves on the wall or sit them on the floor, these units will create more storage solutions while adding to the overall appearance of your home. Additionally, they can also make small rooms appear much larger.

If you're wanting some shelving inspiration, below are 25 unique and highly functional designs you could choose from.

If you have limited wall space, try putting a bookcase in the middle of a room to divide it into multiple sections. This could make an open floor plan or a studio apartment feel more cozy and homey. 

A unique shelf option you could choose is one with an asymmetrical design, where one side has more shelves than the other. If you have limited wall space, this could be a great solution. 

Another way to save space is by hanging a bookcase on the wall. This will allow you to place another piece of furniture beneath it. 

If you want something extra unique, choose a shelf with an interesting style. This could become a standout feature in your space while also acting as a functional shelving unit. 

A shelving unit with diamond cubbies could be placed on the floor or hung on the wall. Best for holding books, these shelves could also store plants or other knick knacks. 

Another eccentric design is a shelving unit that looks like stairs. If you're limited on space, this design could be placed in the corner or used as a side table.

To add more storage space in the kitchen, install a shelf underneath your cabinets. This will give you the perfect mix of both closed and open storage. 

Placing bookcases on either side of your fireplace will give your home a symmetrical appearance and allow you to maximize vertical space. 

You could also add a tall bookcase (or multiple) to the corner. This is a great solution for those who have limited wall space. 

Floating shelves save space because they typically don't have bulky hardware and can be placed anywhere in the house. 

To maximize the functionality of your floating shelf unit, choose one with hooks on the bottom. This will allow you to hang things like mugs, towels, keys, etc. 

A bookshelf could also be placed along an entire blank wall. Perhaps you have an empty wall in the hallway that you could cover with a large shelving unit. 

To make your shelving unit really stand out, you could create a pyramid design with multiple triangle shelves. This could be placed on the floor or hung on the wall. 

To maximize your storage space, choose a unit that has both closed and open shelving. This will allow you to store unsightly items behind closed doors and put your more aesthetic items on display. 

If you have a wall with an indent and you're not sure what to do with it, add floating shelves. They will look extra intentional in your room's design. 

To add more storage space to your entryway or mudroom, include a bench with cubbies or shelves. This will give you more space to store outerwear, mail, and other items. 

Ladder shelves are great space-saving solutions because they're typically tall and skinny, meaning they won't take up a lot of space. 

The above grid style shelf is extra unique and could be placed anywhere in the home. This shelf will not only create more storage but also act as a fun art feature. 

A great place to add shelves is above a desk. Office spaces almost always need more storage, and placing the shelves above your desk will save you wall and floor space. 

Choosing a tall and thin bookcase will create lots of storage without taking up too much wall space. These could easily be placed in the corner of any room. 

To add more bathroom storage, add a floating shelf above your sink or toilet. While a great place to add decorative items, these shelves could also hold things like toilet paper rolls, cotton balls, and q-tips. 

Another area in the home that almost always needs more storage is the laundry room. Tuck a small shelving unit next to your washer and dryer. 

To mix aesthetics with usefulness, choose a unique design that appeals to your tastes. For instance, the above bookcase has a fun arch that adds personality without taking away functionality. 

A low design will allow you to use more of your vertical space for wall decorations. You could also mount a television or add additional shelving above a low unit. 

For those who have curious pets or young children, a shelving unit with glass doors may make the most sense. While being both interesting and functional, this style will also keep your family (and possessions) safe.