Blog

Jul 03, 2023

15 Best Shelving Units For Living Rooms

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Keep everything right where you can see it.

Repeat after us: a place for everything and everything in its place. If that sounds good to you, then you're sure to appreciate the appeal of a stylish shelving unit.

Display shelving units are the perfect way to show off all of your favourite homeware pieces and most-loved decor. Shelving units include more than enough shelf space to keep a small to large collection of ornaments on display, and sometimes – depending on the design – handy concealed shelves or drawers, which is why they're sometimes referred to as display cabinets.

We've rounded up 15 of the best shelving units for you to browse – there's something to suit every home and every budget.

Practical as they are stylish, shelving units help to keep all your most prized possessions on display, and more importantly, out of harm's way. For those of us who like order and organisation, they also help to keep clutter to a minimum by providing a dedicated place for displaying decor.

Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps, is a fan: 'Decorative and functional, display shelving creates an opportunity to add a design flourish to any room in the home. From kitchens to living and dining spaces, carefully thought-through shelving provides prime space to display your most beautiful finds, from ceramics and glassware to beautiful books, art or decorative pieces.'

'The size of the unit depends on the space, as well as the intentional use,' explains Jonathan Clark, creative director for Shelved. 'Firstly, consider the size of the room, as well as the architectural features, as this will often dictate the size and structure of a display unit.

'Not everyone has the luxury of a large living room, meaning that floor space can be precious. In this instance, it's best to seek out a shelving system that has a slim frame and features minimal footprint.'

Case in point, we've included a range of shelving units to suit all spaces – from wide designs to more narrow styles to fit into a corner or alcove.

Display cabinets and shelving units offer plenty of opportunities to get creative with styling, as well as endless options for adding new pieces. But be careful: 'Try not to overcrowd each shelf and allow your display room to breathe,' Rachal advises.

Jonathan adds: 'One of the many benefits of a display unit is the creative freedom to continuously reimagine it. To get started, think about the positioning of the items you want to display, then play around with the height and size to add interest and character. Mix up the objects, from books to records, plants, ornaments, and candles – whatever your preference, use your shelving to let your personal style shine through.'

We love the Scandinavian-inspired design of this solid oak display unit – the neutral wooden finish makes it ultra-versatile and perfect for minimalist interiors. Better still, a cabinet at the bottom conceals anything you don't want on display.

An arched frame and stylish two-tone colour palette give this bookcase its eye-catching yet minimalist appeal. We think this makes a brilliant display unit for whatever you fancy.

With five-star reviews, this shelving unit offers a subtle injection of colour with four shelves (two fixed, two adjustable) and a handy storage drawer. It'll suit contemporary homes, including Scandi-inspired interiors, and the curved edges give the frame a softer, more organic look.

The best-selling Brunel range at Heal's is aimed at 'design savvy city dwellers who are short on space and accessibility but big on style'. Enter this lean to display shelving unit, designed by Rob Scarlett, which combines industrial style with mid-century Scandinavian design. The modern 'lean to' design can be stabilised by securing your shelves to the wall with a supplied fittings kit.

Simple and practical, this pared-back display unit doesn't waste any space. Tall and slim, it's ideal for filling gaps and corners.

If you prefer having the option of tucking your decor away, a display cabinet with doors is a must-have. We love this stylish option, especially the tempered glass doors and sophisticated black finish.

If you're looking for a model that's smaller in height, then this low shelving unit – made from a combination of high-quality MDF and poplar wood – from John Lewis will do the job. It's sleek, modern and due to its low height, won't dominate your space. The shelves are wide too, so there's plenty of surface area for decorative items.

Industrial at first glance, on further inspection you'll notice that this metal display unit features shelves with a distressed gold finish. We love the stripped-back, ultra-fine (but sturdy) frame.

Designed as a flexible home office solution, this shelving unit features eight storage areas, three of which are concealed behind walnut veneer panels. The matt grey painted finish and walnut detailing adds a fresh, sophisticated touch.

If you're just as obsessed with bobbin furniture as we are, then you'll adore this vibrant green display shelving unit from Oliver Bonas. It features bobbin detailing and tapered feet, with four shelves and one drawer to house all your treasures.

We love the way this display unit combines the natural, tactile aspects of rattan with an industrial metal frame. The neutral finish makes it a brilliant choice for understated interiors.

If you're contending with an awkward space, a modular shelving unit could be the solution. This design is easy to assemble and can be paired with another set to double up your surface space.

Featuring on-trend cane doors, this tall display unit is a stylish addition to any modern home. Three wide shelves provide all the space you need to show off your favourite ornaments, plants, and photos.

This shelving unit in walnut veneer with chrome support is slim enough to work in compact spaces. For the design-led, it'll make a bold, sleek statement in area of your home. It can be used freestanding or against a wall.

Constructed from durable steel, this white display unit will keep your space feeling light and airy thanks to its simple design. Two concealed drawers are a handy extra touch.

15 best ladder shelves

Leaner mirrors to make your bedroom more glamorous

The best sideboard styling on Pinterest

Our pick of the best LED candles

13 best children's bookcases for 2023

5 ways houseplants can elevate your interior

The best photo frames for a stylish home

25 Easter ideas to upgrade your celebrations

Where to buy an Easter tree

17 small sideboards for compact spaces

17 stylish nest tables for your home

17 practical and beautiful magazine racks to buy