Shelving

When choosing shelving, consider how the piece will be used, where it will be placed, and what it needs to hold. Important factors include shelf size, depth, materials, stability, visual style, and whether the shelving is intended for books, display, storage, or dividing a space. Learn more about decorating shelves for visual appeal. 

BDI offers modern shelving designed for display, storage, and room organization. Options include leaning shelves, open bookcases, expandable shelving systems, and designs that combine open display with enclosed storage.

A leaning shelf is a shelving unit designed with an angled frame that rests against a wall. It provides open display and storage while maintaining a lighter visual footprint than many traditional bookcases. BDI’s Eileen leaning shelf, for example, can be used alone or grouped with multiple units to create a larger wall system. 

A modular shelving system uses individual shelf units or extensions that can be combined to create a larger configuration. This allows the shelving to adapt to different wall sizes, storage needs, and room layouts. BDI’s Linea shelving, for example, can be used as a single shelf, a preconfigured design, a wall system, or a room divider. 

Yes. Open shelving can help define areas within open-concept rooms, studios, or multi-purpose spaces without fully closing them off. A shelving system can provide storage and display while helping create visual separation between living, dining, office, or lounge areas.

Yes. BDI shelving is designed to support both open display and everyday storage. Open shelves can showcase books, artwork, collectibles, plants, or decorative objects, while select designs include enclosed storage for items that you prefer to keep out of sight. Learn more about decorating shelves for visual appeal. 

Some BDI shelving designs include enclosed lower storage with soft-close doors. This creates a useful balance between open display and concealed organization, allowing everyday items, supplies, or technology accessories to be stored neatly while keeping the overall design visually open.

Some BDI shelving designs include cord management features that help route cables out of sight. This can be helpful when using shelving for lamps, speakers, charging accessories, small electronics, or office equipment. Linea shelves, for example, include a lower cabinet cutout designed for organized connections and cord management. 

Yes. Shelving can be especially useful in a home office for organizing books, supplies, binders, décor, and equipment. Open shelving keeps frequently used items visible and accessible, while enclosed compartments can help reduce visual clutter.

Yes. BDI shelves are well-suited for living rooms, offices, lounges, and multi-purpose spaces. Their open structure can make a room feel lighter while adding useful storage and display. Many BDI shelves are also designed to coordinate naturally with media, storage, and office collections. 

BDI shelving may include materials such as hardwood veneers and tempered glass, depending on the design. These materials are selected for durability, everyday use, and a clean, modern appearance. For example, Eileen and Linea shelves both feature wood finishes paired with tempered glass shelves. 

Open shelves can be styled by combining books, artwork, decorative objects, plants, and personal items in a balanced way. Varying height, shape, color, and texture can add visual interest, while leaving some open space helps prevent the shelves from looking crowded. BDI’s shelving styling guidance recommends considering shelf size and proportion, mixing horizontal and vertical book arrangements, and using a clear theme or common thread to create a more cohesive display. Learn more about decorating shelves for visual appeal.