Explore 100+ Charming Living Room Open Shelves Most Outstanding In 2023

If you're looking to add some stylish and functional storage options to your living room, open shelves are the way to go. Not only do they provide a place to display your favorite items, but they also help to keep your space organized and clutter-free. Here are 10 open shelving ideas for your living room that will elevate your decor game.

1. Floating Shelves with a Rustic Touch

Add some character to your living room with floating shelves made from reclaimed wood. This budget-friendly option adds a rustic touch to your space and provides a great place to display your books, plants, and other decorative items.

2. Industrial Pipe Shelves

For a modern and industrial look, consider installing open shelves made from metal pipes. These shelves not only add a unique element to your living room, but they also have a sturdy and durable design that can hold heavier items.

3. Built-In Bookshelves

If you have the space, built-in bookshelves are a great way to add open shelving to your living room. This option allows you to customize the size and design of your shelves to fit your specific needs and style.

4. Hanging Wooden Crates

For a budget-friendly and creative option, consider using wooden crates as open shelves in your living room. You can find these crates at thrift stores or yard sales and hang them on your wall for a unique and functional storage solution.

5. Glass Shelves

If you want to add open shelves to your living room without taking away from your existing decor, consider glass shelves. These shelves provide a sleek and minimalistic look while still giving you a place to display your items.

6. Corner Shelves

If you have a small living room, utilizing corner shelves is a great way to add storage space without taking up too much room. These shelves can be customized to fit into any corner and can hold a variety of items, including books, plants, and decorative pieces.

7. Open Shelving with a Pop of Color

If your living room could use a pop of color, open shelves are a great way to achieve this. Paint your shelves in a bold or complementary color to add some personality to your space.

8. Ladder Shelves

If you're looking for a unique and space-saving option, consider using a ladder as open shelving in your living room. Not only does it add a rustic and bohemian touch, but it also provides a place to store your items without taking up too much floor space.

9. Open Shelving with Lighting

To make your open shelves stand out, consider adding lighting to them. This can be achieved by installing LED strip lights under your shelves or adding overhead lighting above them. Not only does this add a dramatic effect, but it also helps to showcase your items.

10. Displaying Art on Open Shelves

Who says open shelves are just for storage? You can also use them as a place to display your art and photographs. This adds a personal touch to your living room and allows you to switch out your art pieces whenever you want.

Now that you have some ideas for open shelves in your living room, it's important to consider how you will style them. Here are some tips to help you achieve a cohesive and stylish look:

1. Mix and match different types of shelves for a unique and eclectic look.

2. Group items in threes or odd numbers for a visually appealing display.

3. Use a variety of textures, heights, and shapes to add dimension to your shelves.

4. Incorporate plants to add a touch of nature and life to your shelves.

5. Display books both vertically and horizontally to add interest to your shelves.

6. Use baskets and bins to store smaller items and keep your shelves organized.

7. Add personal touches such as photos, trinkets, or souvenirs to make your shelves feel more personal and homely.

If you're feeling crafty, you can also create your own open shelves for your living room. Here's a simple DIY project for open shelves using wooden crates:

Materials:

- Wooden crates

- Sandpaper

- Stain or paint

- Paintbrush

- Screws

- Drill

Instructions:

1. Sand the crates to create a smooth surface.

2. Stain or paint the crates in your desired color.

3. Once dry, stack the crates on top of each other and secure them with screws.

4. Using a drill, attach the shelves to the wall.

5. Style your shelves with your favorite items and enjoy your DIY project!

One of the main benefits of open shelves is that they can help you maximize space in your living room. Here are some tips for making the most out of your shelves:

1. Utilize vertical space by installing taller shelves or stacking crates on top of each other.

2. Use the entire wall by installing shelves from floor to ceiling.

3. If you have a small living room, consider using shallow shelves to avoid taking up too much space.

4. Use the top of your shelves to display items as well, such as small plants or photo frames.

When it comes to storage options in your living room, you may be torn between open shelving and closed cabinets. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide:

Open Shelving:

Pros:

- Adds a decorative element to your living room.

- Makes it easier to see and access items.

- Can help to maximize space in a small living room.

Cons:

- Requires regular dusting and cleaning.

- May not be suitable for cluttered or mismatched items.

- Can make your living room feel less private if items are on display.

Closed Cabinets:

Pros:

- Provides a clean and organized look to your living room.

- Keeps items hidden and out of sight.

- Can help to reduce clutter and create a minimalistic feel.

Cons:

- Can be expensive to install or purchase.

- May take up more space in your living room.

- Requires maintenance to keep items organized and avoid clutter.

Plants are a great way to add some life and color to your living room open shelves. Here are some tips for incorporating plants into your shelves:

1. Choose plants that thrive indoors and require minimal maintenance, such as succulents or pothos.

2. Mix and match plant sizes to add interest to your shelves.

3. Use hanging planters to add a unique element to your shelves.

4. Consider using artificial plants if you don't have a green thumb or want a low-maintenance option.

To keep your open shelves organized and clutter-free, utilizing baskets and bins is a great option. Here's how you can use them:

1. Use baskets to store smaller items such as remotes, magazines, or coasters.

2. Use bins to store larger items such as blankets, pillows, or board games.

3. Choose baskets and bins that match your living room decor to add a cohesive look to your shelves.

Open shelves can also help to create a cozy and inviting vibe in your living room. Here are some tips to achieve this:

1. Use warm, earthy tones for your shelves and decor.

2. Incorporate soft and textured items such as blankets, pillows, and rugs.

3. Add personal touches such as photos or sentimental items.

4. Use warm lighting such as string lights or table lamps to create a cozy atmosphere.

If you have a small living room, you may be wondering how to decorate your open shelves without overwhelming the space. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Keep it simple by using a few carefully chosen items rather than overcrowding your shelves.

2. Use light-colored shelves to create an illusion of more space.

3. Incorporate mirrors on your shelves to reflect light and make the room feel bigger.

4. Use vertical and horizontal displays to add interest and avoid a cluttered look.

5. Choose shelves with slim and minimalistic designs to avoid taking up too much space in your living room.

Open shelves are a great way to add style and functionality to your living room. Whether you opt for a DIY project or purchase pre-made shelves, there are endless possibilities for how you can incorporate them into your decor. Use these ideas and tips to create a beautiful and organized living room with open shelves.