Bookshelves

Here's a terrific way to create storage and a focal point using less than 12 inches of floor space. A wall of bookshelves stretches up to the ceiling and brackets a pair of French doors


Built-in bookcases have a sedate, cohesive look to them. These feature a cupboard unit underneath for storage of non-decorative items



Make good use of an awkward area by filling it with custom bookshelves. These span the area to the left of the fireplace, then turn the corner to fill an adjacent wall.



Yet another version of wrap-around shelving, these bookshelves have been arranged with books on the bottom and decorative items on the top, making for a somewhat heavy look



Infuse bookshelves with a touch of style by adding molding or other details. On these bookcases, one shelf has an arch detail that echoes the slightly arched doorway nearby. A wood display shelf cuts the look of the all-white cabinetry.



book collection on shelves stands behind the beds in this library guest room. Swing-arm lamps offer a reading light for all of the treasures waiting to be found in books.



Bookshelf units can be purchased in any of a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. These feature blond wood and clean lines, perfect for this contemporary home office.



Here's a look that can sometimes be achieved using ready-made bookshelves. Fit them together along a wall, attaching each one securely to the others and to the wall. Trim out the top with molding to get a built-in look.



Here's a classic use of bookcases built to surround a fireplace. This look keeps a mantel from protruding so far into the room, making it appear as part of a detailed wall.

2021 Ideas For Storage in Charming Displays

Change your storage style with these creative displays that not only look good but are fully functional.

Picture Ledge Organization

Use corner space by wrapping a picture ledge around two walls. Use the shelves to display photos and dishes. A vintage wine or soda crate doubles storage capacity by holding pretty glassware, candles, or CDs.

Open Shelving Storage 

Give an old table a new look. Transform a console table from a surface where clutter gathers into a functional table packed with storage opportunities. Two big baskets hold coffee table books, while a throw and a box of games rest on the bottom shelf. Remotes and spare keys go in the small top drawer.

Alcove Organization

A recessed nook is the perfect place to show off your favorite art and display your collections. Remove a section of drywall to reveal a 4- to 8-inch-deep niche between wall studs. Consult a contractor to make sure it's safe to remove any horizontal bracing elements. Then add shelves.

Display and Store Headboard

This 12-inch-deep headboard allows for a large ledge space to display pretty flowers and candles. The side cubby holds other nighttime necessities such as books and magazines.

Mounted Bookcase Storage

For a fresh, modern twist, mount a ready-to-assemble bookcase directly to the wall and a few feet off the ground. Store books inside and decorate with flowers, picture frames, and candles. The divided shelves make organization easy.

Artsy Storage

A vintage rolling medical or drafting cabinet is the perfect space to store art supplies so they can travel all over the house. Paintbrushes, colored pencils, and pens are stored in miscellaneous containers on top. Larger supplies such as paint and glue guns are kept in the drawers.

Bedside Storage 

Refinish an old wooden vegetable bin and use it as a nightstand. Folded clothes stack neatly in each cubby. Or encourage quick cleanup and use it to sort small toys.

Headboard Storage

A reclaimed-brick wall serves as a secondary headboard and provides above-bed storage. Keep your favorite books and pottery in the small recess.

Peekaboo Storage

Repurpose an old desk as a new storage unit. Store party dishes on the bottom shelf and keep napkins and other linens in a wicker basket for easy access. Hide the shelf behind a festive curtain, and your buffet combines function and fashion.

Island Storage

Transform a basic table into a multipurpose work surface. Hang wine racks and baskets to store utensils under the surface, and build a lower shelf to hold larger items such as mixing bowls and cutting boards.

Frame Organization

Picture ledges make rearranging, adding, and changing favorite photos a snap. Vary the sizes and shapes, but keep the color neutral to make the collage look artsy, not cluttered. Rest some frames on the ledges and hang others for more dimension.

Dishware Storage

Glass shelves suspended by wires from the ceiling give the illusion that pottery is floating in midair. The display can be viewed from either side and has room to store dishes, vases, and glasses.

Chic Side Table Storage

Repurpose wood closet shelving as a storage-packed end table. A chic CD cabinet sits on top, and crafts supplies are easily stored below in thin, flat boxes. Keep ribbon accessible and untangled in a box with organizational holes. When you want to conceal the storage solutions, attach coordinating panels to the scalloped coverlet with hook-and-loop tape.

Armoire Storage

Make storage look like art in a glass-front armoire. The varying shelf heights leave room to display everything from large works of art to small books and vases. Layering the art and books in front of and behind each other makes the display pop and adds a touch of whimsy.

Slanted Storage

Diamond-shape cubbies instead of flat shelves in this wall unit decoratively store books and magazines diagonally. Angled organization holds rolled-up throws and other round memorabilia without letting it roll away.

2021 Ideas For Storage in Charming Displays

Change your storage style with these creative displays that not only look good but are fully functional.

Picture Ledge Organization

Use corner space by wrapping a picture ledge around two walls. Use the shelves to display photos and dishes. A vintage wine or soda crate doubles storage capacity by holding pretty glassware, candles, or CDs.

Open Shelving Storage 

Give an old table a new look. Transform a console table from a surface where clutter gathers into a functional table packed with storage opportunities. Two big baskets hold coffee table books, while a throw and a box of games rest on the bottom shelf. Remotes and spare keys go in the small top drawer.

Alcove Organization

A recessed nook is the perfect place to show off your favorite art and display your collections. Remove a section of drywall to reveal a 4- to 8-inch-deep niche between wall studs. Consult a contractor to make sure it's safe to remove any horizontal bracing elements. Then add shelves.

Display and Store Headboard

This 12-inch-deep headboard allows for a large ledge space to display pretty flowers and candles. The side cubby holds other nighttime necessities such as books and magazines.

Mounted Bookcase Storage

For a fresh, modern twist, mount a ready-to-assemble bookcase directly to the wall and a few feet off the ground. Store books inside and decorate with flowers, picture frames, and candles. The divided shelves make organization easy.

Artsy Storage

A vintage rolling medical or drafting cabinet is the perfect space to store art supplies so they can travel all over the house. Paintbrushes, colored pencils, and pens are stored in miscellaneous containers on top. Larger supplies such as paint and glue guns are kept in the drawers.

Bedside Storage 

Refinish an old wooden vegetable bin and use it as a nightstand. Folded clothes stack neatly in each cubby. Or encourage quick cleanup and use it to sort small toys.

Headboard Storage

A reclaimed-brick wall serves as a secondary headboard and provides above-bed storage. Keep your favorite books and pottery in the small recess.

Peekaboo Storage

Repurpose an old desk as a new storage unit. Store party dishes on the bottom shelf and keep napkins and other linens in a wicker basket for easy access. Hide the shelf behind a festive curtain, and your buffet combines function and fashion.

Island Storage

Transform a basic table into a multipurpose work surface. Hang wine racks and baskets to store utensils under the surface, and build a lower shelf to hold larger items such as mixing bowls and cutting boards.

Frame Organization

Picture ledges make rearranging, adding, and changing favorite photos a snap. Vary the sizes and shapes, but keep the color neutral to make the collage look artsy, not cluttered. Rest some frames on the ledges and hang others for more dimension.

Dishware Storage

Glass shelves suspended by wires from the ceiling give the illusion that pottery is floating in midair. The display can be viewed from either side and has room to store dishes, vases, and glasses.

Chic Side Table Storage

Repurpose wood closet shelving as a storage-packed end table. A chic CD cabinet sits on top, and crafts supplies are easily stored below in thin, flat boxes. Keep ribbon accessible and untangled in a box with organizational holes. When you want to conceal the storage solutions, attach coordinating panels to the scalloped coverlet with hook-and-loop tape.

Armoire Storage

Make storage look like art in a glass-front armoire. The varying shelf heights leave room to display everything from large works of art to small books and vases. Layering the art and books in front of and behind each other makes the display pop and adds a touch of whimsy.

Slanted Storage

Diamond-shape cubbies instead of flat shelves in this wall unit decoratively store books and magazines diagonally. Angled organization holds rolled-up throws and other round memorabilia without letting it roll away.

New Ideas For Storage Solutions By Using Baskets

Baskets are storage workhorses. They provide easy organization solutions plus they're stylish and can add warmth to any room in the house.

Grab a Seat 

Create an entryway bench from a coffee table, seat cushions, and a catchall basket. Use the basket to collect keys, mail, books, and other items that pile up by the door. The large basket gives the area a polished look without requiring a lot of organization from the homeowners.

 Baskets in a Row 

Open shelves do more than create a fashionable presentation, they also ensure often-used items are easy to access. Identical baskets are perfect for organizing linens and other kitchen items.

Casual Style 

Woven side chairs, a slipcovered sofa, and crisp white draperies give this living room a casual look. Baskets round out the decor by repeating the texture from the side chairs and bamboo shades. The baskets also add storage to the coffee table.

Underbed Storage 

Create an instant linen closet with a large woven basket. Stack sheets, pillowcases, and extra blankets in lidded baskets that you can stash under the bed. Prevent scratching floors or snagging carpets by adding stick-on furniture sliders.

Task-It Baskets 

Organize household files with flair by trading a clunky metal file cabinet for a woven lidded chest. Be sure the basket's inside measurements will fit your letter- or legal-size files. The interior measurement of this chest is 12x12 inches. To securely hang letter or legal-size files inside, add an adjustable hanging file frame from an office supply store.

Control Station

Corral coffee table runaways with a basket organizer. This simple basket is stylish enough to sit out on the table and it keeps everything in one spot so when you want to change the channel, you'll always know where to find the remote. Look for a basket with compartments, like a utensil organizing basket.

Kitchen Counter Basket

Use a shallow basket to organize cooking oils and spices. Line the bottom of the basket with a metal cookie sheet to making cleaning up inevitable spills easier

 Kitchen Helper 

Baskets can be helpful for organizing kitchen supplies. Place a basket with handles on a pull-out drawer for easy access to contents. Use one basket for different kinds of tea and another for baking supplies.

Wall Decor 

Baskets can be part of your wall decor. In this bathroom, a wire basket adds architectural interest and towel storage above the toilet.

Storage Meets Decor

In the bathroom, storage solutions are often part of the display. Matching woven white baskets hold supplies and coordinate with the bathroom's color palette. X-shape open shelves and glass-front cabinet doors add architectural interest to the vertical storage.

Tidy Shelves

Keep your bookshelves in check with baskets and bins. Use baskets to corral loose items, such as fabric samples, paint swatches, and project folders. Add labels to each basket to identify its contents and give your shelves more personality. To make labels, attach gift tags to each basket with ribbon and use rub-on alphabet decals.

Hamper Basket

Does throwing bed pillows on the floor every night make you cringe? Toss pillows in a wicker hamper at bedtime to help keep them clean and off the floor.