10 Easy Pieces: Wall-Mounted Shelving Systems

The advantages to wall-mounted, modular shelving systems are myriad: They can be engineered to fit any space, and unlike built-ins, they can be disassembled and reinstalled if you relocate. Here’s a roundup of our finds.

Above: The classical String shelf modular system was designed in 1946 by Swedish architect and designer Nils “Nisse” Strinning. The full String Modular Shelving System – Living Room G show above is available at Nest; the systems are also sold in separate parts and as a whole via String. Above: The iconic Vitsoe [product id="599933"]606 Universal Shelving System[/product], designed by Dieter Rams in 1960, is a favorite of design aficionados. The system offers infinite configurations: various shelf widths and lengths, drawers, and desks available to suit any storage needs. An aluminum E-track and pin enables the shelves and cabinets to be easily hung and configured as needed. The Vitsoe is an investment, but it’s a system you can add to over the years; head to Vitsoe to browse. Above: Ikea’s Bergshult/Pershult Wall Shelves are the ideal choice for the minimalist on a budget: $147 for the unit shown above. Above: The Royal System Shelving Three-Bay from Danish co. DK3 is available in oak and walnut; from $3,216.50 at Design Within Reach. Above: The Helix 96″ Walnut Wood Wall Mount Bookshelf, shown here in a pair, can be used solo or hung in a group; $499 each from CB2. Above: The Aliante Shelving System by Rodolf Dordoni for Capellini is available with polished chromed nickel supports and shelves in oak or mahogany. The shelves are available via Hive Modern from $4,548. Above: The wall-mounted Eiermann Shelving Unit was designed in 1932 by German architect Egon Eiermann. Now produced by Richard Lampert, the Eiermann shelves feature stainless steel supports and shelves available in white melamine, solid oak, and white powder-coated finish. The [product id="603474"]Five-Shelf Eiermann Shelving Unit[/product] is available at Twenty Twenty-One; pricing begins at £1,610.  Above: Made in Newburgh, New York, the Atlas Industries as4 Shelving System can be fully customized and made to order from walnut, white oak, maple, or cherry and with cold-rolled steel or bronze supports. Head to the Atlas Industries site for more. Above: From Rejuvenation, the Hart collection features wall-mounted shelves in a variety of combinations. Shown is the Hart Modular Walnut Double-Eight Shelf with 36-Inch Desk, currently on sale for $2,396.99. Above: Favored by architects and widely used in university settings—as well as iconic spots like the MoMA Design Store and the Center for Fiction in New York—the straightforward, well-engineered [product id="599941"]Rakks System[/product] offers well priced, durable shelving manufactured in Needham, Massachusetts. Components and pricing available at Rakks, or start with the Rakks Starter Set.

See more storage ideas in our posts:

• Build Your Own Storage: Modular Aluminum Shelving by Studio Moto of Belgium
• 10 Easy Pieces: Side Tables with Hidden Storage
• Scandi Storage for Every Room: Reform Expands Beyond the Kitchen

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran way back on May 19, 2010 and has been updated with new products, pricing, and links.