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.
The Aliante Shelving System by Rodolf Dordoni for Capellini is available with polished chromed nickel supports and shelves in oak or mahogany.
The classical String shelf modular system was designed in 1946 by Swedish architect and designer Nils “Nisse” Strinning.
The iconic Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System, designed by Dieter Rams in 1960, is a favorite of design aficionados.
The Ikea Svalnäs Shelves remind us of midcentury design (see High/Low: Wall-Mounted Midcentury Modular Shelving).
Favored by architects and widely used in university settings, the straightforward, well-engineered Rakks System offers well priced, durable shelving manufactured in Needham, Massachusetts, by the Rangine Corporation.
The Royal System Shelving Unit C from DK3 is available in oak and walnut; $5,950 at Design Within Reach.
Ikea’s Algot Wall Upright/Shelves in white are $188 and can be applied to any room.
The Helix White Oak 70-Inch Wall-Mounted Bookcase features four fixed blond quartersawn oak veneer shelves on a squared metal tube frame of powder-coated carbon that can be mounted across a wall. Each ladder is 30 inches wide and 70 inches in height; $219 from CB2.
Made in Brooklyn, the Atlas Industries as4 Shelving System is available in white oak, maple, and walnut with sturdy steel brackets (custom color paint is also an option).
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.
A budget option from the Container Store, the Driftwood and Platinum Elfa Living Room Shelving is $394.69 (as shown above), also available with individual components.