Blog>Ideas>20 corner shelf ideas: Squeeze extra storage into every room
Last updated: 8 November 2024
20 corner shelf ideas: Squeeze extra storage into every room
Looking for corner shelf ideas? From bigger bookshelves to more pantry storage, we show you how to make the most of awkward and unused corners, whether you're a competent DIY-er or need to hire a carpenter.
Lara Sargent
Lara loves writing about every aspect of the home – from the latest colour trends to emerging designs. She has a lot of experience writing about home trends and interior advice for leading titles such as The Telegraph, Metro, and Homes & Gardens.
Corner shelf ideas are one of the best ways to utilise every inch of space in your home.
Indeed, it seems that we can never have enough storage for our stuff. And if you thought you’d eked out every usable nook and cranny, browse these stylish and practical corner shelf designs for more.
It's easy to see why awkward corners are often underused spaces. However, with a few ingenious corner shelf storage ideas you can transform a bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen.
Corner shelf ideas are great for clearing the clutter and creating good organisation. Or perhaps you want corner shelf designs for display purposes, to show off a treasured collection of vases or books.
Either way, consider your corner shelf ideas wisely:
Do you want open shelves or closed cupboard storage?
Do you want modern corner shelf designs or a more rustic look?
Do you need special fixings to accommodate a corner space?
For bathrooms, any corner shelf ideas must be waterproof and be able to withstand steamy conditions
How about understairs corner storage ideas? We've got an entire blog dedicated to getting the most out of this redundant space
Corner shelving is a job you can tackle yourself. But for really tricky spaces, big jobs, and a super professional finish we always recommend hiring a local carpenter.
Pop your details in the handy search bar below to find an experienced tradesperson who has been recommended by people in your area.
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Corner shelf ideas
From home office space-savers to bedroom display shelves, let's explore the untapped opportunities of corner shelf designs.
1. Fit in small corner bookshelf ideas
In single-space living every last inch of space counts. So, if you're looking for a place to store your growing pile of reading matter, consider an unused corner.
Hanging a column of slim, unobtrusive floating shelves butted up to the corner is perfect. It'll get the books off the floor and add a nice decorative touch too.
Plan out the optimal height between each shelf to accommodate your library. And don't forget, the wall end of the shelving will act as a natural bookend.
Learn how to put up shelves in five steps.
2. Go for simple corner office storage
Good storage is crucial in home offices and study rooms. So, a budget-friendly hack to increase shelf space for a productive and tidy work zone is to erect a pair of freestanding shelves in a redundant corner.
Easy to install - so good for most DIYers - you can pick up freestanding shelves and racks on the high street. Just make sure they're robust enough for your needs. Whether that's boxes, files, printers, or other office kit.
For extra stability and safety, we recommend attaching shelving units to the walls using sturdy metal brackets.
Look at our home office storage ideas for more ways to bump up your 9-5 productivity.
3. Sneak in clever kitchen corner shelf ideas
Magic Corner kitchen units should be your shelving hero, especially in compact cooking spaces.
These clever storage cupboards swing out from corner base units, allowing you to access the entire contents of what's inside.
Say goodbye to rummaging around in a dark corner. Instead, the shelving concertinas out so you have an unhindered view of what's being stored, whether that's pots, pans, or dried ingredients.
It really is one of the best ways to optimise dead kitchen space.
Get in touch with a kitchen designer who'll be well-versed in Magic Corner units and loads more clever storage solutions.
4. Fit out alcoves with modern floating shelves
Alcoves are design features that are traditionally set back into either end of a wall - and that includes an unusable corner or two.
To squeeze more functionality out of these architectural features and redundant corner spots, try floating shelves recessed into the alcoves.
Use these corner shelf designs to store and display books in any room in the house. Or use them for decorative perches with integrated LEDs to spotlight vases, vessels, and pretty ornaments. It's sure to add an eye-catching design feature to a neutral living room, especially on either side of a central chimney breast.
Discover a selection of top alcove ideas in our handy blog - and get prepped to look at your home's unused corners and nooks in a brand-new light.
5. Go bespoke with loft conversion corner shelf designs
A loft conversion is an amazing asset for your home. Not only does it add an extra bedroom or living space, a loft conversion are a good investment for your property.
However, you might be faced with awkward corners and sloping ceilings in a newly-converted loft space.
Recessed corner shelving can help. Fitted unobtrusively into a corner alcove or recess, a series of corner shelves can be used as a bookshelf or neat shoe storage.
These tricky corner spaces often need a bespoke solution. So get in touch with a recommended carpenter who can help.
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6. Make a feature of corner bookshelf ideas
Seek out gorgeous corner bookshelf ideas that add design impact as well as storage to living room walls.
This classic oak and metal shelf unit stretches right up to the ceiling, utilising vertical space to the max.
Why not combine open and closed storage in one for the best of both worlds? The open bookcase shelving keeps the small lounge light and airy while cupboard doors can hide away any mess in an instant.
You might be lucky enough to find a freestanding shelf unit that fits perfectly into your corner. If not, have you considered commissioning a bespoke design from a professional carpenter or cabinetmaker?
7. Squeeze in mini kitchen spice shelves
Regardless of its size, your kitchen is your workhorse.
But transforming unused corners in compact cooking spaces is particularly important. Look out for clever ways to introduce small storage zones that won't overpower your kitchen walls.
That means rethinking unused corners created by kitchen wall units. For example, these mini floating shelves create the best corner storage hub for stashing spices. Alternatively, pile up bowls, plates, cereals, and utensils for an informal breakfast nook.
Make sure your small corner shelf ideas look visually pleasing by sticking to the same palette of colours - white and neutrals work well. And decant dried foods into matching glass or ceramic storage jars for an organised aesthetic.
8. Stretch out corner storage with fitted wardrobes
Fitted wardrobes are transformative for bedroom storage. And that includes any awkward corners which generally end up as a dumping ground for bags, shoes, and anything else without a home.
So if you're planning to overhaul your boudoir and reorganise your clothes, try wall-to-wall built-in wardrobes. A bespoke, fitted wardrobe will optimise every inch of space along one wall - and get rid of unused dingy corners forever.
It's a brilliant space-saving solution for compact bedrooms and box rooms. And if you fancy something a little more swish, try a walk-in wardrobe or closet. For empty-nesters, it's a luxurious idea to make the most of a redundant spare bedroom.
9. Try wrap-around modern corner shelf designs
Optimise a corner wall in an office or living room with modern, wrap-around shelving. These are likely to be a bespoke design so you'll need to hire a carpenter.
Otherwise, seek out modular wall shelving systems that can be adjusted in height and width. If you're a confident DIYer you might be able to tackle this sort of project yourself.
However, to save on time and stress we recommend hiring a professional tradesperson. They will make sure your load-bearing shelves are safe and secure - and that any awkward corner zones look stylishly harmonious.
10. Max out with a corner pantry cupboard
We love larder rooms and pantry cupboards - especially when these floor-to-ceiling storage units transform a redundant corner in your kitchen.
Decide what you want to stash in your corner cupboard before it's built. That way, shelf measurements can be tailored exactly to your storage requirements.
Get in touch with a kitchen designer who can factor in a corner pantry cupboard if you're thinking of having a new kitchen. Otherwise, a carpenter or cabinetmaker can upgrade an existing kitchen with this useful corner feature.
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More corner shelf designs: practical, space-savvy, and stylish storage for every room
11. Decorate an uninspiring corner
Use ladder-style storage to add interest to an unused corner in a contemporary living space. Store and order just got super stylish!
12. Try industrial racking for corner shelf storage ideas
Robust metal racks and shelving units create tough wall-to-wall storage in a garage or pantry. An efficient storage hub for stashing jars, bottles, and larder supplies.
13. Go for bespoke storage wall
Banish awkward corners and unusable gaps with a bespoke storage feature wall. Create tailormade storage including cubbyholes and corner shelf ideas that really work.
14. Modern corner shelf designs in a teenage den
Embrace modern corner shelf designs in muted pastel hues for a cool, modern look in a teenager's den. A super stylish way to display all their stuff.
15. Explore rustic corner bookshelf ideas
Celebrate the nooks and crannies of cottages and barn conversions by building shelves into an unused corner. Rough-sawn timber shelf ideas are spot on for a modern rustic silhouette.
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Corner bathroom shelf ideas
Splashproof and stylish ideas for all sorts of corner bathroom shelf ideas.
16. Invest in waterproof wire racking for a corner shower shelf
17. Introduce a corner recess shelf in matching tiles
18. Squeeze in discreet cubbyhole corner storage
19. Display indoor greenery on simple floating corner shelves
20. Build a bespoke towel storage cupboard into a redundant corner
Ready to put your corner shelf ideas into action?
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FAQs
Are corner shelves a good idea?
Corner shelf ideas are an excellent storage and display feature for every room in the house. From Magic Corner cupboards in the kitchen to freestanding ladder storage in the living space. There are so many ingenious ways to tackle an unused and unloved corner. An experienced carpenter will design and build corner shelf ideas for every possible scenario.
How do you support a corner shelf?
A corner shelf that spans across two walls in a triangular shape can be supported in different ways. If you are putting up a shelf yourself, you'll need to secure it with either wooden batten wall supports or metal angles. These aluminium angles form ledges to support the shelving. Contact a local tradesperson for more advice.
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