Remodelista

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. For more ideas, check out Erik Heywood, who writes an excellent blog about shelving, books, bookstores, and libraries.

Above: The Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System, designed by Dieter Rams in 1960, is a design-world favorite. The system offers infinite configurations: various shelf widths and lengths, drawers, and desks available to suit any storage needs. Available in black, off-white, or beech, exclusively in the US through Vistoe's New York shop. Vitsoe's restrained style does not come cheap; a modest desk-and-shelf setup will run you about $5,000.

Above: The Atlas Industries as4 Shelving System is available in white oak, maple, walnut, or custom-painted solid wood with sturdy steel brackets. The 5-by-8-foot configuration white oak configuration shown above is $1,186 per linear foot, or approximately $6,722. Components are priced individually; the full pricing list is available on the Atlas site. NB: Check out Atlas's Online as4 Builder Guide.

Above: Sticotti Shelving by Argentinian architect Alejandro Sticotti is made from South American hardwoods; the vertical and horizontal mounts are crafted of solid lapacho, and the shelves are made with cerejeira veneer. Pricing begins at $1,200 from DWR.

Above: Ulm Shelving System by Enzo Mari for Zanotta features aluminum alloy brackets and sheet steel shelving; prices start at $110 at Unica Home.

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, or white powder-coated finish. The Five-Shelf Eiermann Shelving Unit is available at Twenty Twenty-One; prices range from £964 to £2,791, depending on width and finish. Contact Richard Lampert for details and retailers.

Above: The Aliante Shelving System by Rodolf Dordoni for Capellini is available with satin or chromed nickel supports and shelves in oak or wenge. Prices range from $3,367 to $3,922 at Unica Home.

Above: Favored by architects and widely used in university settings, the straightforward, well-engineered Rakks System components from the Rangine Corporation are manufactured in Needham, Massachusetts.

Above: From CB2, the Kickstand Wall Shelf features four high-gloss white lacquer fixed shelves with an independent drawer. The frame is nickel-plated steel tube with steel plate shelf supports. Includes wallmounting hardware; $349 for each 23.75-inch-wide unit.

Above: The simple Elfa Storage System, available at the Container Store, offers preset configurations or individual components available in several different finishes.

Above: For a straightforward industrial look, consider the galvanized steel Broder System from Ikea, available in several configurations. The two-section L-foot configuration shown above is $282.50 at Ikea.