These Living Room Shelving Ideas Will Make Your Organizing Dreams Come True

Do you have a doorway that’s naked? A.k.a. nothing is around it. Then you, too, can create shelving nirvana in the form of a bookcase that frames a doorway. People love them because they look bespoke and cool and are perfect for small spaces. Case in point, this super nice 950-square-foot bungalow’s living room that feels airy and uncluttered thanks to the wraparound.

Got kids that need to access stuff? Go with low shelving and baskets for a relaxed, easy-to-do solution in the living room, like in this lovely space designed by the Property Brothers. If you choose to forgo the baskets, beware: it’ll get messy fast!

High ceilings and original mouldings were a draw in this gorgeous century home, which has a stylish, idiosyncratic feel thanks to the homeowners’ artwork collection. Simple shelves are functional and play a supporting role to the eye-catching art.

Chunky white shelving is a smart way to corral clutter (and display gorgeous pieces of artwork) like in this glamorous Vancouver home designed by Gillian Segal Design. Tucking in a console behind the sofa means more shelves to hold those doodads we all can’t seem to pass up.

Designer Jillian Harris created a captivating living room where a soft palette and comfy furnishings feel timeless and inviting. The fireplace has a small built-in desk and wood shelves for contrast that make use of a space that’s often an afterthought.

Rooms that offer sightlines into other rooms are a perfect opportunity to get creative. You can do it with paint – go bold in the space beyond to lure the eye. Or you could go practical with tons of shelves. Add a cool ladder for the hard-to-reach ones at the top!

Are you a clutterbug? Then maybe shelves with doors are for you. Steal this look from Joanna Gaines. In the designer’s shiplap-clad living room, matching mid-height shelves feature vintage glass doors that we are loving.

Less is often more, as in the case of this shiplap-clad living room by Joanna Gaines. Two mounted metal shelves pop against the white backdrop and have a rustic-modern feel that play off the coffee table and other black accents in the room.

Modern-meets-traditional in this gorgeous living room in Vancouver, revamped by Oliver Simon Design. The designers removed the central TV cabinet that was there before, adding more shelves to fill out the space. Today, it’s a sophisticated scene-stealer festooned with antiques and books.

Clerestory windows capture the ivy outdoors in this beautiful beach house in B.C., designed by Margot Keate West of Keate & Co Designers. The millwork stretches the length of the wall to mimic the windows for a pleasing look. Keeping everything white feels crisp and clean.

A well-designed living room excels when it feels symmetrical and in proportion. Could that be why we’re swooning over this living room? Mounted open shelving flanks the fireplace and is cleverly styled with knickknacks you can actually appreciate because they can breathe (read: don’t stuff those shelves).