The Top 74 Wall Shelf Ideas
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.
When you picture a corner shelf, you probably picture one tucked into a room’s inner-corner. But you can mount floating shelves around protruding corners, as well.
Choose low-profile shelving and keep decor to a minimum — the shelves are plenty decorative in and of themselves.
3. Decor Wall Shelf Ideas
Curating a beautiful wall shelf setup isn’t just about the shelves themselves. The whole point of hanging a set of shelves is to display and store items.
Books are a classic decor choice. If you’re not keen on using bookends, set each book on its side for more stability. Small potted plants can be scattered across shelves to bring the whole look together.
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If your shelf is large enough, lean a framed print or mirror up against the wall. Place small items in front to break up the design without blocking the view. Store miscellaneous items in baskets to keep your shelves organized and looking their best.
On the other hand, opting for the most basic shelf option possible could be doing your home decor a disservice. Take the time to find the perfect shelf to elevate your room’s design as a whole. You can find shelves inspired by geometric shapes and motifs to fit any personal style.
4. Small Wall Shelf Ideas
When framed art prints and photos aren’t to your taste, it can be hard to decorate an empty wall. Use small wall shelves to fill up bare space and display your most cherished decor.
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Floating shelves are a great way to tidy up furniture that has a tendency to collect miscellaneous decor. Layer several shelves to create a gallery wall — mix in other multimedia decor to give your design a professional touch.
Filling small shelves requires some careful planning. Place standalone items like candles, potted plants, and figurines on your shelves. While each shelf will only hold one or two items, you should still choose coordinating decor for a cohesive arrangement.
5. Cube Wall Shelf Ideas
Upgrade your floating shelf to a stylish cube. Cube shelving looks its best in sets rather than alone. Arrange cube shelves into a mismatched gallery wall or line them up single-file.
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Cube shelving is best for showcasing one or two of your favorite items. Avoid cluttering up each shelf — if you have multiple items to display, hang multiple shelves. Remember to use the entire cube shelf to display your favorite decor. Put simple items on top of your cube shelving to accent the main attraction placed inside.
If you have a thing for vintage decor, check out your local antique shop for a wall-mounted cubby set. This is a great way to store odds-and-ends in any room. Use your one-of-a-kind shelf to organize fashion accessories, herbs and spices, toiletries, or something else entirely.
6. Free Hanging Wall Shelf Ideas
Free-hanging, or floating, shelves are a great way to supplement storage in awkward or hard-to-reach areas. You can hang just one or two shelves for a stripped-down design. You can also use an entire set to replace a bookshelf or other shelving unit.
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If maximizing storage is a must, choose shelves with built-in organization solutions. Many shelves feature a coat rack, storage hooks, and more already built in. Wire shelves are a great choice for the laundry room or anywhere else you want to customize your storage options.
Free-hanging shelves are simple by nature. But that doesn’t mean you should throw design to the wind. Decide whether you want your wall-mounted shelf to stand out or blend into its surroundings. For example, a white floating shelf will practically disappear against a white wall. The same is not true for a dark, reclaimed wood shelf.
7. Modern Wall Shelf Ideas
Since modern decor is all about combining highly functional items with head-turning style, stay away from bare-bones shelving solutions. Instead, your wall-mounted shelves should be a statement piece all on their own.
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Plain floating shelves work well in modern design because of their clean lines. However, don’t completely discount funkier shelf styles. Something like a ladder shelf can be both visually intriguing and packed with tons of useful storage space.
While you’re planning out your wall shelf design, think about the role lighting will play. Under-shelf lighting can immediately transform an otherwise basic design.
8. Kitchen Wall Shelf Ideas
Open shelving is a favorite in contemporary kitchen design. Whether you’re looking to show off your finest china or keep pantry goods close at hand, a floating wall shelf is probably your best bet.
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Choose a deep storage shelf with plenty of room for bulky kitchen staples and decorative items. Hang a set of hooks underneath your shelving to store mugs, measuring cups, utensils, and more.
Use an open shelf to fill awkward gaps in your cabinetry. If you plan to use this open shelving for storage, make sure it’s within reach of your sink or stovetop. There’s also no reason not to extend your kitchen shelving idea into the dining room.
The kitchen is one room where you’ll definitely want sturdy shelving. Take the time to hang your bracket shelves in a stud. If no stud is available, your best option is to pick a different spot or install additional support.
9. Rustic Wall Shelf Ideas
Rustic-inspired shelving benefits from an eclectic mix of decor. Choose shelving with tons of texture and color variation. For a contemporary aesthetic, avoid clunky hardware in favor of streamlined floating shelves.
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Natural wooden shelves can warm up an otherwise simple room design. You can also include leather and worn metal accents to give the space a more inviting atmosphere. Or place potted plants on a small shelf for a bit of life. Faux plants and wreaths are great alternatives — no one will know the difference if you put them on a high-up shelf.
As far as mounting your shelves, try to stick with a traditional layout. Hang a floating shelf over your fireplace as a makeshift mantel. Or mount several along one wall of your kitchen for an open-air pantry.
10. Living Room Wall Shelf Ideas
Every living room needs comfortable seating and an inviting atmosphere. Leaving your walls blank will make achieving the latter incredibly difficult.
Open shelving is ideal for holding framed photos and other family keepsakes. As always, ensure your shelves are securely mounted into the wall. Purely decorative shelving can be installed close to the ceiling to keep everything out of the way (and out of reach of grabby hands).
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Many living rooms double as a work or study space. If this applies to your home, invest in a hanging shelf unit that also serves as a desk.
Don’t be afraid to use your favorite floating shelf idea as a fireplace mantelpiece. Or create an all-in-one entertainment wall with floor-to-ceiling shelves framing your fireplace or TV.
11. Bathroom Wall Shelf Ideas
When it comes to the bathroom, no amount of storage is ever enough. From a spare powder room to your master bath, shelving is an easy way to supplement the room’s available storage space.
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Look around your bathroom for vacant walls. If you plan to use your new bathroom shelving primarily as storage, be sure the chosen spot is within reach. A few good mounting locations include above the toilet or bathtub. Hang multiple small shelves rather than one large one to avoid a cluttered appearance.
A floating shelf with a recessed design will keep small bottles and tubes from rolling off. If you’re going to store washcloths or hand towels, look for shelving with built-in hooks or bars. Of course, you can always install your own towel rack to the bottom of your favorite shelves for additional storage in a small bathroom.
12. DIY Wall Shelf Ideas
Chances are, you don’t need anything crazy to give your wall decor a stylish upgrade. Building a DIY shelf out of reclaimed wood or regular lumber is quick and easy if you have a few simple tools.
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Technically, all you need for a DIY floating shelf is some brackets and a wooden plank. Keep your new shelf minimalistic or invest in some trendy brackets for support. Building wooden crates or honeycomb shelves from a few pieces of two-by-four will provide even more interesting wall storage.
For a rustic DIY project, display your favorite decor on a pallet shelf. There are tons of great build plans out there for beginners and experienced craftsmen. Pallet wood is affordable and easy to find. Look for reclaimed wood with lots of color and textural variety or give everything a uniform finish with some paint.
13. Office Wall Shelf Ideas
Adding a shelf to your office can help make the space more personal or more functional. When installing wall shelves in a home office, you need to ask yourself whether they will serve as storage or decor first and foremost.
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Any shelving you plan to use for additional desk storage should be hung within easy reach of your workspace. Choose shelves that offer plenty of room for storing heavy hardcover books, desktop electronics, and more.
Decorative shelves can be mounted anywhere your office walls need a little livening up. Adorn small shelves with one or two pieces of decor each. If your office can accommodate long, wall-to-wall shelving, space items sporadically for a clean and organized aesthetic.
Wall Shelf FAQs
The general rule of thumb is that wall shelving should be hung at eye level. In most cases, this ranges from between four and six feet from the floor. If you’re hanging multiple shelves, average out the heights to this level.
Of course, you can play around with the height of your wall shelves to spice up your home design. Hanging shelves higher or lower than expected can freshen up your decor as a whole.
You should secure your floating shelves to a wall stud whenever possible. Even if you don’t plan to place heavy decor on your shelving, using a stud will prevent accidents from happening in the future.
If you cannot hang your shelves in a stud for some reason, use heavy-duty drywall anchors for additional support. Avoid placing even moderately heavy decor on drywall-mounted shelving.
A shelf’s span limit is the maximum length an unsupported shelf can be without bowing. Shelf brackets should be placed closer together than this measurement. If you’re building your own floating shelves, look up the recommended span limit for your chosen material.
The Best 14 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Aaron Brown Leather Bomber
The Aaron Brown Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for that traditional bomber look. This awesome jacket features a slim cut and ribbed cuffs and waist. It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, goatskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Aaron is that it shirks the classic pouch pockets on the lower half of the jacket, opting for two buttoned patch pockets on the chest instead. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most bombers, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Lavendard Brown Leather Bike Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
7. Airin G-1 Black and White Leather Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. The Jacket Maker’s Airin G-1 Bomber will have ready to strap into the cockpit, ready to fly over Europe on a midnight air-raid. It has a thick polyester-lined collar as well as ribbed cuffs and waist for a nice, snug fit that keeps the wind at bay.
The Airin is made with real sheepskin, so it’s soft but super durable, making it a great choice for almost any type of casual wear. The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
8. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
9. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
10. Dean Black Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest.. A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
11. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
12. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
13. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
14. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
