Shelving units have come a long way since milk crate chic. The following images rethink what a bookcase or other shelving unit is, and they all deliver a remarkably innovative product.
Whether it is the same sex concept piece, or upcycled tin drums being used to store your personal belongings, the following pieces are quirky and creative.
What is really interesting about these shelving units is that they can serve not only a functional role within the home, but they are also without question artistic pieces. Their shapes, use of color or simply the execution of their overall concept, will make you want to toss out that bookcase that came with your place in favor or something more visually appealing.
40 Quirky Shelving Space Savers
Amazing Shelves, From the Upcycled to Intentionally Skewed:
Christopher DeLuca — May 12, 2011 — Art & Design
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Sustainable Stackable Shelves
The Dany Gilles 800g Library Makes Interlocking Eco Storage
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Space-Saving Escritoires
The 'K Workstation' Exploits Your Wall and Not Your Floor
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Anti-Gravity Furniture
Designer Florian Gross Creates Modern Shelving System for Konnex
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Whimsical Shelving Systems
String Furniture Features Stylish Storing Units
35
Modern Entertainment Centers
The Acerbis TV Wall Unit is a Smart Design for the Idiot Box
34
Forest Novel Shelving
These Tree Branch Shelves are Adorable and Creative Pieces of Decor
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Super Skinny Housing
The Mount Fuji Architects Studio Near House is Ultra Slim
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2D Illusion Shelving
The Bias of Thoughts Bookshelf Takes on a Three-Dimensional Personality
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Quirky Mix'n'Match Shelving
'Half of Retail' Shelves Have Formal and Functional Versatility
30
Windswept Shelves
The Saba Italia 2010 Collection Will Make You Calm and Content
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Honeycomb Wall Shelves
The Bookshelf Comb is Both Creative and Practical
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Seat-Topped Shelves
Younes Duret's Ransa Sofa Compromises Between Space and Storage
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Organically Tilting Furniture
The 'Twin Shelves' are Inspired by Voronoi's Tessellation
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Branching Transformer Shelves
The IVY Modular Shelving Systems Seamlessly Change Shape
25
Suspended Bookshelves
Adrien De Melo's Upside Down Library
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Sound System Shelves
The Finite Elemente Hohrizontal 51
23
Geeky Gamer Shelves
Sharon Romang's Tetris Shelves are Fun and Reconfigurable
22
Tactile Retail Shelving
Aesop Saint-Honore Display by March Studio Adds Artful Layers of Space
21
Soft Bookworm Storage
The Silicone Catalyst Shelf Has a Built-In Bookmark
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Upcycled Oil Drum Cabinets
These Schrank Oil Can Cupboards Create Industrial Chic Storage
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Bookwork Wing-Back Shelves
The 'Tatik' by Tembolat Gugkaev is Designed to Seat and Store
18
Feline-Friendly Bookshelves
The Corentin Dombrecht Cat-Library is the Perfect Perch for Puss
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Miniature Bag Cabinets
The Home Traveller by Anne Lorenz Saves Spaces
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Recycled Magazine Shelves
The National Geographic Shelf is an Adventurous Creation
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Snazzy Digital Shelving
These Parametric Bookshelves by Caterina Tiazzoldi Will Rock Your World
14
Wheelbarrow Bookshelves
Nils Holger Moorman Creates Fun Designs for Book Lovers
13
Vice Clamp Bookshelves
Francesco Polare Designs the Newton Bookshelf, Adding Art to Shelving
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Flatpack Flexible Shelving
The Matthias Ries Piegato Shelves are Interactive Protruding Perches
11
Cushioned Open Cabinetry
Succession Shelves by Fredrik Farg Offer a Soft Interior Style
10
Minimalist Modular Furniture Sets
Collin Schaelli Designs No Frills Furniture Sets
9
Strap-On Bookshelves
The Read-Unread Bookshelf Encourages You to Read More
8
Space-Saving TV Shelves
The Able Bay Screendeck Turns Your Entertainment Space into Storage
7
Intentionally Skewed Shelving
The Ivy Shelf from Thomas Bernstrand
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Illuminating Bookshelves
Piastra by Flussocreativo Shines a Spotlight on Your Book Collection
5
Techie Wine Racks
The Wave Ultra Sonic Wine Ager & Refrigerator Tells You if Your Wine is Spoiled
4
Boat-Like Bookcases
With the Canoe Bookshelf, Books Won't Have to Sink or Swim
3
Adjustable Kiddie Bookshelves
The Bookend Shelf by Kerri Lee is an Eco-Friendly Design
2
Split-Legged Shelves
The Ballerina Shelf by Both Left is a Super-Flexible Storage Solution
1
Same-Sex Bookshelves
The Equal Opportunity 'I Love You Library' by Samaldesign
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Upcycled Waste Material Furniture
This Cardboard Furniture Design by Lee Lin is Modular
Space-Saving Foldable Desks
Friday Furniture's Clamshell Desk Has an Appealing Design
Minimal Shoe Rack Concepts
Joao Teixera Designs the New Multifunctional Tokyo Shoe Rack Concept
Modular Tool Storage Systems
The ToughBuilt StackTech Tool Storage System is Customizable
Transforming Stool-Integrated Tables
The 'Quartet' Side Table Hides Four Stools Within
Modular Decor Shelving Systems
The halblang 'Blendend' Shelving System is Adaptable
Invisible Furniture Capsules
IKEA's Invsbål Campaign and Capsule are a Playful April Fool's Joke
Modular Storage-Equipped Pet Sofas
The Conceptual Grid Sofa from Sunriu Design is Multifunctional
Modular Workstation Organizer Accessories
This Hanging Desk Organizer Doesn't Require Installation
Inconspicuous Pet Furniture
Pilar Pirez Manfredi Designs the TAIPEI Pet Furniture Collection
Friend-Founded Home Decor Lines
Nook Theory is an Affordable and Quality Home Decor Brand
Mid-Century Modern Furnishings
Todd Hewitt Adds Four Designs to the Last Ditch Series
Curvaceous Bench-Style Coffee Tables
The 'Shell' Table by Deniz Aktay is Chic Yet Strong
Retro Vibrant Furniture Series
IKEA Unveils the Nytillverkad Collection Nodding to its Past
TV Packaging Seating Solutions
The 'Cuna' Furniture by Valeria Coello is Made Out of Cardboard
Splintered Storage Console Tables
The Flitter Console Table by Deniz Aktay is Stylishly Functional
Modular Working Desks
The Tabs Desk by Pelin ÖZbalcı Streamlines Organization & Productivity
People-Pleasing Office Furniture
Form Us with Love's Cubicle System is Minimalist and Interesting
Modular Grid-Style Shelving
The Bend Shelf by Spenser Atlas Was Designed with Jim Isermann
Storage-Centric Minimal Furniture
Julian Topor Designs the KURVE Furniture with Storage Spaces
Bent Steel Coffee Tables
The 'Creu' Coffee Table by Luis Gimeno Has a Geometric Inspiration
Elegant Tonal Table Collections
Studiopepe Designs the Silos Collection of Furniture
Curvaceous Storage-Focused Nightstands
The 'Cozy Night Stand’ Satisfying Holds All Essentials
Rolling Leather Bookshelf Desks
The Stretch Desk by João Teixeira Allows for Customization
Twisting Donut-Shaped Bookshelves
The Hullabaloo Bookshelf by Deniz Aktay is Perplexing
Modular Bin Organizer Accessories
The 'BINGANIZER' Comes in Three Different Designs
Playful External Hard-Disk Designs
Seongmin Ha and Hanyoung Lee Design the Cargo Hard Drive
Sleek Multipurpose Crib Furniture
Zhipeng Qiu and Yufeng Lin Present a Unique Chair-Crib Design
Bookshelf Board Games
These Classic Board Games are Disguised as Vintage Books
Extreme Space-Saving Architecture
A 74-Square-Foot Apartment is Redefining Urban Living
Sophisticated Upcycled Home Sculptures
Origin Made Boasts the Exquisite Barco Basket Sculptures
Compact Portable Dish Racks
This Progressive Dish Rack Springs Up and Collapses Down
Cat-Friendly Minimal Desk Concepts
Liam de la Bedoyere Desgisn the Cat Cubby Desk Concept
Removable Plate Shelving Systems
The Gere Multifunctional Crockery Shelf by Florian Beser is Chic
Funky Colorful Storage Units
Pavel Vetrov's Funky Storage Units Capture Attention
Air-Circulating Laundry Racks
This Clothes Drying Rack Concept by Seungbin Lee is Stylish
Minimalist Clutter-Free Desk Designs
The Parallel Work Table by Eldho T Jai Enhances Productivity
Striking Storage-Friendly Poufs
The 'Berliner' Pouf by Tugce Sonmez Evin is Multifunctional
Upcycled Book-Made Marbled Furniture
Willem Zwiers Designs the Tranformed Remnants Series
Stackable Home Fragrances
Bakic Group's Modular Room Fragrance Plays with Sculptural Scents
Minimalist Book Storage Tables
The 'Pocket' Coffee Table by Deniz Aktay is Split Open
Functional Everyday Object Collections
Goux Studio Showcases the New Modular Plus Collection
Multifunctional Glass Food Containers
These Containers Are Shatterproof, Stackable and Stylish
Abstract Triangular Side Tables
The Triangle Side Table from SouleWork Holds Books and More
Minimal Desk Accessories Concepts
The DESKRISK Series Organizes the Working Space
Cabinet-Concealed Modern Designs
Makepeace Tapped Foris to Design the Obelisk 3
Movable Room Divider TVs
The Conceptual 'Trolley' TV Divides the Room When Not in Use
Storage-Attached Chair Designs
The 'Grid Chair' from SUNRIU Design is Thoughtfully Constructed
Ultra-Minimalist Metallic Coffee Tables
The 'Whisk' Coffee Table by Deniz Aktay is Chic and Simple
Sustainable Concise Furniture Series
Joyf and Rostyslav Sorokovyi Design the Tube Collection
Fridge-Decorating Trend Guides
The Takeout Published a Professional Chef's Guide on Fridgescaping
Versatile Curvaceous Side Tables
Teixeira Design Studio Designs the Proust Side Table
Box-Like Innovative Apartment Designs
Photon Studio's Designs the Box in the Box Apartment
Sliding Wintery Landscape Bookshelves
This Manhwabang Bookshelf by Jisu Kim is Whimsical
Biblical-Inspired Sculptural Furniture
Niamh Barry Presents a Range of Dynamic Lighting
Transforming Imaginative Furniture Designs
The Kiddie Couch Encourages a Sense of Play
Modular Flatpack Furniture Designs
The 'OPO=O' Multifunctional Furniture Piece Works in Many Ways
Upcycled Circular Design Products
Cyrc Designs Expansive Products with Sustainable Themes
Curvaceous Shelf-Paired Mirrors
The Wave Mirror by Joao Teixeira Has an Abstract Silhouette
Eco-Friendly Hardwood Accessories
Grovemade Creates a New Series of Affordable Desk Organizers
Wooden Textural Furniture Series
Hanneke Lourens Designs the Corrugated Furniture Capsule
Aesthetic Interior Fridge Trends
Country & Town House Published a Guide to 'Fridgescaping'
Bookshelf-Incorporated Coffee Tables
The Overlap Table by Deniz Atkay Boasts Multiple Purposes
Storage-Equipped Restaurant Chairs
The RACK Chair Design by Zhiyuan Fang is Multifunctional
Quirky Structural Clothes Hangers
The HANG / WE Hanger Emphasizes a Sense of Individuality
Modular Configuration Shelving Units
The 'Repisa 01' Shelf by Lorenzo Vega Suits Any Needs
Artful Hanging Contemporary Mirrors
Bower Studios Presents the Ready to Hang Series
Retro-Inspired 3D-Printed Storage
Scott Yu-Juan Designs the Organized Macintosh Studio
Design-Forward Interlinked Storage Units
Raphael Kadid Developed the Chic & Versatile ISU Concept
Modular Wooden Desk Trays
Teixeira Design Studio Creates the Modular Track Concept
Minimalist Monochromatic Desk Designs
The Arqus Desk Prioritizes an Airy Feel
Interlocking Living Room Furniture
Mirlay Özlem ER's The Cube is Elegant and Space-Saving
Minimal Four-Legged Wooden Cabinets
ÆTHER/MASS Presents the Exposure Cabinet in Brussels
Stylish Storage-Equipped Side Tables
The 'Basso' Side Table by Manuel Amaral Netto is Fashionable
Adaptable Mobile Professional Desks
The Airy Office Desk by Ivana Wingham Suits Any Needs
Minimal Storage Tray Concepts
Ping-Lun Chung Designs the Spiral Tray Concept for Organizing
Pod-Inspired Bulbous Furniture
One Week Presents Its New Pod Collection of Furniture
Organized Gaming Storage Cabinets
Bauhutte Presents a Special Cabinet for Game Accessories
Modular Modern Wooden Bookshelves
Kengo Kuma Designs the Marumarushikaku Shelf for More Trees
Folding Steel Shelving Systems
TIPTOE Designs the Customizable PLI Steel Wall Shelf System
Toy Block-Inspired Wooden Bookshelves
Waiting Woood Designs the New Rotating Picture Book Rack
L-Shaped Stacked Shelving
The LOFT Shelf for GOODS Can be Assembled at Various Heights
Bright Whimsical Home Accessories
Blue Balcony Design Studio Delivers a Range of Vibrant Decor
Sleek Artful Accessible Furniture
ThirdKind Presents its Abigail Collection of Furniture
Cozy Storage-Focused Furniture
The Pocket Chair by Blå Station is Designed by Stone Designs
Floating Stacked Storage Boxes
UTIL Designs the Vibrant KGT Wall Unit for Storage
Toy-Specific Storage Systems
Step2 Debuts a Toy Storage Box for Developing Organizational Skills
Book-Shaped Transparent Bookmarks
TENT Unveils the Uniquely Shaped Book on Book Bookmark
Sandbox-Like Modular Storage Cabinets
Roee Magdassi Channels Childhood Whimsy for Poventura
Sustainable Modular Desk Trays
A Team of Designers Join on a Minimal Tray Collection
Modular Stacked Furniture Series
MOTO Introduces the Bright STACK Furniture Collection
Modular Office Furniture Series
Form Us with Love Presents String Furniture for the Office
Upcycled Plastic Furniture Series
Kasper Kyster Presents the Crafting Plastic Series
Premium Wine Storage Solutions
Wine Racks America Has Introduced the GrandCellar™ Collection
Modern Convertible Shelving Systems
halblang Designs the Blendend System with Easy Adaptibility
Library-Converted Modern Sheds
The Act of Quad Creates the Light Box in Mumbai, India
Storage-Conscious Clothing Hangers
Simone Giertz Creates the Space-Saving Coat Hingers
Chunky Office Furniture
Nienkamper's Beam Collection is an Example of Chic Chunky Furniture
Cat Tree Furniture Concepts
Ricardo Sá Designs the Slash Cat Tree Concepts for the Home
Curved Minimal Chair Exhibitions
Studio Booboon Unveils the Playful Reappropriation Exhibit
Modular Organized Shelving Systems
TIPTOE Designs the Contemporary UNIT Shelving System
Tubular Metal Furniture Collections
Tim Teven Designs the Tube Collection of Furniture
Versatile Sideboard Desk Solutions
The Hideaway Swing Desk by Bisley is Space-Friendly
Adaptable Office Storage Solutions
Form Furniture Introduces the Versatile Stash Series
Locally Focused Visionary Tableware
IKEA's Design Lab Presents the New Products of Place Campaign
Bent Multi-Functional Coffee Tables
The Shell Table by Deniz Atkay has a Curved Structure
Japanese Woodwork-Inspired Shelving Units
Cozey Presents the New Altitude Shelving Line
Wilderness-Inspired Furniture Series
Name Place Animal Thing Designs the Habitat Collection
Vibrant Dynamic Wall Plant-Hangers
Izabela Serej and Aleksandra Majdzik Design the FLOOS
Modular Beam-Themed Furniture
The Beam Collection by Adam Weir has a Harmonious Structure
Space-Saving Cookwear
All Clad's Stackable Cookwear Will Save Unorganized Drawers
Stylish Oakwood Storage Furniture
Priyan Doshi Designs the Moose Cabinet with a Whimsical Look
Vinyl Storage Shelving Units
The New Toneoptic rpm is a new Take on Vinyl Storage
Guitar-Holding Benches
Yamaha Design Lab Created This Unique Place to Sit
Bench Wall Furniture Systems
Form Us With Love Designs the Cubicle Furniture System
Thoughtful Wheeling Cabinets
Anna Søgaard's Cabinet on Wheels Emphasizes Mobility in the Everyday
Storage-Managing Desk Extenders
The Peg-Mag System Doubles Desk Space in a Clever Design
Blocked Modular Furniture Systems
The Vank Cube System by Anna Vonhausen Adapts to Any Space
Curved Stacked Wooden Boxes
Studio Entrandan Designs the Box Set with Wooden Details
Personality-Enhancing Side Tables
The ORDO Book Side Table Features Organized Nooks
U-Shaped Power Strip Concepts
Michael Kritzer Designs the New Magnet-Like Power Strip Concept
Home Mobility Accessible Furniture
Capella Design Creates Furniture that Blend Style and Function
Organizational Home Storage Products
EVEREST Unveils a New Collection of Storage Solutions
Contemporary Clean-Line Furniture
Magis Presents the Officina Bookcase and Riace Sofa
Vibrant Custom Storage Systems
Cliik by Ally Dayon Optimizes Storage Using Magnets
Bright Artful Cabinet Collections
Muller Van Severen Introduces the Bridges Collection
Bright Modular Office Furniture
Form Us With Love Created the Center Center Series for String
Curvaceous Floating Illusion Furniture
Fantin Tapped Designers to Create the Wave Collection
Parisian Building-Inspired Bookends
Ezra Feldman Designs the New Colorful Paris Bookend
Pink Tonal Shelving Units
Andrés Reisinger Introduces a New Reisinger Pink Palette
Upcycled Down Furniture Series
Christoph Kurzmann Breathes New Life to Old Furniture
Artful Creative Kitchen Collections
Reform Launches The Atelier Collection in Two Parts
Mounted Colorful Shelving Units
Mustard Made Introduce the Ledge Shelf as Everyday Storage
Modern Modular Shower Organizers
Quiet Town and Brad Ascalon Join Forces to Design the Spot
Artful Seaweed-Inspired Bin Magnets
Alixe Ronchi Designs the Magnetic Edition of Vipp's Bins
Miniature Sanitized Cabinet Concepts
Yujin Lee Designs a New Cabinet for 210 PD.GROUP
Plus-Shaped Wall-Mounted Designs
Goux Studio Introduces its Minimal Plus Collection
Organically Shaped Furniture Capsules
Kelly Wearstler Deisgns the Echo Collection of Furniture
Rustic Industrial Valet Trays
The Puebco Recycled Steel Valet Tray Has a Rustic Finish
Artisanal Interior Storage Systems
Alexandre Dubreuil Creates the Dice Design System