13 Built In & Floating Shelves for Living Rooms

Living rooms need good storage that looks beautiful. I love how shelves can transform a space completely. 

Built-in options create a custom, finished look. Floating shelves add modern style without taking floor space. Both types help organize books, decor, and daily items. The right shelves make any living room feel more complete. 

These 13 ideas will inspire your next home project.

1. Corner Built-In Shelves

White built-in shelves wrap around the corner seamlessly. Books line the middle shelves in neat rows. Small plants sit on the top shelf near the window. A soft throw pillow rests on the bottom shelf. The corner feels finished and purposeful now. Natural light hits the white shelves perfectly. This corner storage solution looks completely custom made.

2. Wall-to-Wall Built-In Storage

The entire wall features matching white built-in shelves. Books fill most of the compartments in organized sections. Small decorative bowls sit between the book collections. A few framed photos rest on the middle shelves. The shelves reach from floor to ceiling completely. This wall storage creates a library-like feeling. The room looks balanced and thoughtfully designed.

3. Floating Shelves Above the Sofa

Three floating shelves hang above the gray sofa. Small framed art pieces sit on each shelf. A trailing plant drapes over the middle shelf edge. The shelves have clean, straight lines throughout. The wall behind stays simple and uncluttered. This arrangement draws the eye upward naturally. The floating design feels light and modern.

4. Built-In TV Unit with Shelves

The black TV sits centered in white built-in shelves. Books fill the left side compartments completely. Small decorative objects sit on the right shelves. The center opening frames the TV perfectly. All cables stay hidden behind the unit. This setup creates a clean entertainment center. The built-in design looks professionally installed.

5. Floating Kitchen Pass-Through Shelves

Two floating shelves span the kitchen pass-through opening. White dishes sit neatly on the upper shelf. A small potted herb plant rests on the lower shelf. The shelves connect both rooms visually together. Natural light flows through the open space easily. This design makes the kitchen feel larger. The floating shelves keep the opening light and airy.

6. Recessed Built-In Bookcases

The built-in bookcases sit perfectly flush with the wall. Books fill every shelf from top to bottom. The recessed design creates no visual bulk. The shelves look like part of the wall itself. A small reading lamp sits on the bottom shelf. This storage solution feels completely seamless. The room maintains its clean, uncluttered appearance.

7. Floating Shelves in Reading Nooks

A comfortable chair sits beside a tall window. Two small floating shelves hang on the nearby wall. Current books rest on the lower shelf. A small plant sits on the upper shelf. The shelves keep reading materials within easy reach. Natural light fills this quiet corner space. This nook feels perfect for afternoon reading sessions.

8. Built-In Window Seat Storage

A cushioned window seat stretches across the wide window. Built-in shelves sit directly underneath the seat. Folded blankets fill the left compartment neatly. Books stand upright in the right compartment. The window seat cushion lifts for easy access. This design maximizes the window area completely. The storage stays hidden but remains very accessible.

9. Asymmetrical Floating Shelf Groups

Five floating shelves hang at different heights and lengths. A small vase sits on the shortest shelf. Books rest on the longest shelf below. Small decorative objects fill the middle shelves. The arrangement creates visual movement on the wall. This modern design feels fresh and artistic. The varied heights make the display more interesting.

10. Built-In Fireplace Surround Shelves

White built-in shelves frame the brick fireplace perfectly. Books line the left side shelves completely. Small decorative items sit on the right shelves. The fireplace sits centered between both shelf units. A soft area rug lies in front. This design creates perfect symmetry in the room. The fireplace becomes the main focal point.

11. Long Floating Shelves for Collections

Two long floating shelves span the entire wall. Books fill both shelves from end to end. The spines create colorful horizontal lines across the wall. A small plant sits at one end. The shelves maintain perfect straight lines throughout. This simple arrangement showcases the book collection beautifully. The long design makes the wall feel wider.

12. Built-In Desk Area with Shelves

A small white desk sits between matching built-in shelves. A laptop rests open on the desk surface. Office supplies fill the shelf compartments neatly. A small desk lamp sits on the right shelf. The chair tucks under the desk perfectly. This workspace feels built into the room naturally. The shelves keep everything organized and accessible.

13. Floating Shelves Above Console Tables

Three floating shelves hang above the long media console. Small decorative bowls sit on the upper shelf. A trailing plant drapes over the middle shelf. The TV sits on the console below. The shelves add height to the entertainment area. This vertical storage maximizes the wall space completely. The arrangement feels balanced and purposeful.

Conclusion

Built-in and floating shelves bring order to living spaces. They display favorite items while keeping rooms organized. The right shelf design fits any home style perfectly. These thirteen ideas offer solutions for every living room. Storage becomes beautiful when it serves a purpose. Your home feels more complete with thoughtful shelf placement.