Shelves only have so much space, so shelf organizing ideas are a bit of an art. Not to mention, your belongings are all out in the open! So, you want to make sure they look good too.

In other words, shelf organization is the ultimate balancing act of form and function. Don’t despair, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make any shelf look perfect.

In this list, I’m summarizing twenty-one clever shelf organizing ideas you can use to make sure your shelves strike the perfect balance between form and function.

1. Plate Rack Shelves

Source: @crystal_tara

Plate racks are useful for so many things, not just plates. They’re the perfect choice for kitchen shelving, especially if you’re working with a small space.

Display chopping boards, greenery, plates, and even cookbooks in these functional shelves.

2. Corner Floating Shelves

Source: @extraspace

I’m a big fan of floating shelves in general, but corner floating shelves might take the cake. They’re a super functional use of space, and can look absolutely beautiful when styled.

Pot plants, books, frames; whatever you like will find its spot on this type of shelf.

3. Multi-Purpose Corner Shelves

Source: @organized_planet

For a renter-friendly option, this multi-purpose corner shelf is the perfect way to add some extra storage to your room.

Corner shelves take up very little space, and this one doesn’t need to be mounted.

4. Rustic Ladder Shelf

Source: @henwoodsonline

One of my favorite recent trends is the inclusion of natural textures in the bathroom! This rustic ladder shelf is a perfect example of how well that works.

Not only is this great for storage, but a rustic shelf like this is the perfect place to store small goods.

5. Sectioned Laundry Shelving

Source: @kmarthackqueen

Looking for a cost-effective way to organize your laundry shelves? Dollar store or Kmart supplies are the perfect way to bring some order to your built-in laundry shelves.

You can pick up some jars like these to put the finishing touch on your organization!

Check out these other ways to organize a small laundry room.

6. Greenery as Decoration

Source: @corstonarchitecturaldetail

Adding a touch of greenery to your shelves is a great way to make them feel more decorative without cluttering or crowding the space. Small pot plants, especially dangling ones, are ideal.

This way, you can decorate your floating shelves while still using them to store vital supplies, such as dried goods or books.

7. Book Cubby

Source: @vitsoe

Using floating shelves in the right configuration can turn any corner of your home into a custom book cubby in the blink of an eye.

No need to buy complex setups, just pick up a few floating shelves!

8. Small Corner Shelf

Source: @kmarthackqueen

In tiny spaces, such as small apartment bathrooms or even kitchen nooks, small bamboo corner shelves like these are a great way to add some extra storage space.

Make sure to find shelves made of the right materials. Bamboo shelving isn’t ideal for laundries or bathrooms because it can grow mold, but metal would be perfect.

9. DIY Coffee Nook

Source: @_.house2homely._

Are you a coffee fiend working with limited kitchen space? Create a dedicated coffee nook in the corner of your kitchen with a simple hanging shelf.

The key is to pick a shelf with hooks on the bottom so you can hang your favorite mugs in pride of place.

10. Skincare Shelves

Source: @theglowlogic

An organized shelf is an organized life, and in this case, staying organized is as easy selecting floating shelves with a small lip.

This clean, minimalistic look is perfect for anyone with a lot of skincare to store and not a lot of space to do it in.

11. Essential Oil Shelving

Source: @the.wild.june

Whether you’re an essential oil fiend or a lover of candles, you have an opportunity to display your favorite aromas. This gives you easy access to your entire collection.

On top of that, you’ll always be able to see what you’re running out of. A simple wooden shelf like this is all you need.

You also need to see these effective junk organization solutions.

12. Wooden Kitchen Shelves

Source: @oursotohome

Floating kitchen shelves are a great way to add some additional storage next to your existing cabinetry.

They serve a dual purpose, adding décor and space for vital supplies at the same time.

13. Ladder Shelving

Source: @your_organized_life

I’ve always been a fan of ladder shelves. They’re a cute, effective way to introduce more storage into awkward spaces like bathrooms. Not to mention, they’re renter-friendly!

Try including some storage bins like this to keep small items that get easily cluttered.

14. Over-Toilet Shelving

Source: @karinreyes29

One of the most neglected storage opportunities in your home might just be hiding above your toilet. Don’t worry, there’s an easy fix.

Store toilet paper, aroma diffusers, and decorative plants on a couple of floating shelves to free up space elsewhere.

15. Hanging Bar

Source: @thegosfordmama

If you like to keep a small bar in your home, there’s no better place to make one than your wall! Floating shelves are perfect for storing and displaying your liquor collection.

Just make sure to use shelves with appropriate bracing, and hang them on the studs so the shelves can handle all that extra weight.

16. Reclaimed Wooden Shelves

Source: @inside_number56

You might not even need to go out and get a shelf if you already have some reclaimed wood lying around at home. With a quick sand and some oil or varnish, it will be perfect!

Complete the picture with some iron braces like these or a hanging rod installed beneath the floating shelf for your favorite mugs or a set of keys.

17. Mounted Bookshelf

Source: @thehomingtonhome

A wall-mounted floating bookshelf offers so much in the way of storage and decoration. Dress your shelves for a decorative element, or use them for book storage to save some space.

These shelves are best mounted on the studs in your wall, as the weight of them might tear out your drywall without proper support.

18. Make-Shift Vanity

Source: @littlepeacottage

If your bathroom has a low shelf with a lot of space above it, you can use braced shelves like these to create some additional storage. This functions like a built-in, and looks just as sleek!

This is a great spot to store rolled-up towels, toilet paper, and a variety of other bathroom essentials.

19. Standing Laundry Storage

Source: @kmarthackqueen

If you don’t have any existing storage in your laundry, but you’re blessed with a little bit of extra floor space, this pro organizing idea is the idea for you.

Bring in a standing shelf like this one to store all your essentials.

20. Rustic Chunky Shelving

Source: @woodenulike

When most people think of floating shelves, they think of the sleek or minimalistic pictures all over Pinterest. But this rustic chunky version is perfect for lovers of the farmhouse style.

Two simple shelves will do so much for any room you’re in, from your living room to your kitchen!

21. Kitchen Styled Shelves

Source: @thecraftycoupleltd

Finally, anchor your kitchen’s style by dressing your wooden shelves with dry goods, your favorite dishware, and a collection of your best jars and preserves.

Make sure they’re well-supported, as the weight can build up quickly!

Check out these wall organizer ideas next!