Freestanding bookshelves and hutches have fallen out of fashion. In their place, home design trends have turned to floating wall shelves. Why? Wall shelves are simple to install with just a few household tools. They’re typically more affordable than standalone furniture. And they look great.

Keep reading for some of our favorite wall shelf ideas curated to fit any space or personal style!

1. Contemporary Wall Shelf Ideas

Contemporary design is hard to pin down, mostly because it’s constantly changing with the trends. If you want your wall shelf to look hip and current, play around with unexpected materials and unique shapes in your design.

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Glass shelves are undeniably contemporary without being too trendy. Any shelf can be elevated with one-of-a-kind brackets. Skip a traditional black or silver finish in favor of vibrant yellow or rose gold.

Don’t neglect the wall behind your shelving, either. Painting a geometric shape around your wall shelf will turn it into the room’s focal point. Also, experiment with where you hang your shelving. “Randomly” scattering floating shelves across an open wall is a great way to strip your design of unwanted symmetry.

2. Corner Wall Shelf Ideas

Look for a floating corner shelf with a personality all its own — antique shops are a great place to start your search. Floor-to-ceiling corner shelves are a great alternative to a full-size bookcase. Cube shelving can be hung in the corner to hold decor or as extra storage space.

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While corner shelving can be a stylistic choice, it’s also quite practical. Corner shelves are less likely to get bumped into or crowd the space as a whole.

Hanging your wall shelf in a corner can also add stability. If you want to utilize a free-hanging shelf in your room design but are a bit too nervous, place your new shelf in an unoccupied corner.