Flip-up Folding Shelves

• Practical and good-looking, flip-up folding shelves are a creative way to store books and other items, and they can be folded up against a wall in the event you don't need them. If you have a limited amount of space, you can put folding shelves up in small sections that are 12 inches wide. The shelves are made from cherry wood slats of equal lengths, mounted edgewise and close together, that are attached to a dowel running through the wall end of the slats. You can rotate as many as you need down to form a shelf surface, and leave the others upright against the wall.
  
  

Magnetic Shelves

• For a sleek, highly contemporary look, try hanging magnetic shelves for your books. Magnetic shelves are constructed of a piece of sheet steel attached to the wall, and birch plywood boxes that mount to it. The back of each box is attached to a piece of foil magnet that adheres to the sheet steel in any direction you like. Use the boxes for storing books or anything else you would put in a cupboard.
  
  

Creative Recycling

• Convert items you love but no longer have a use for into hanging book and storage shelving. Remove an exterior wall from an old doll house or several bird houses and attach to your wall for a funky, creative recycled storage space. Attach fancy metal or wood brackets to the bottom for support and to add dimension to the overall look.
  
  

Bendable Plastic Shelving

• Thin plastic shelving that can be bent and curved makes for an interesting design statement. The shelving is strong and can be made into any shape you like, such as a wave pattern or a spiral. The shelf attaches to wooden wall supports that can each support about 20 pounds. This type of shelving is wonderful for creating shelving in small spaces and doubles as an artistic statement, giving your walls a modern, upscale look.
  
  

Skateboard Shelf

• For skateboard enthusiasts, this shelf is designed from several skateboards hung on a wooden wall support. With or without wheels, it's a kitchy, artistic statement for your room. It's a terrific shelf for kids or skateboarders and holds books, toys, games and other storage items.
  
  

Ceiling Shelves

• Ceiling shelves are built into beams of an open ceiling, and make excellent storage in a room where there is little space. Access them with a fancy painted step ladder or a library ladder. These do-it-yourself bookshelves are easy to make, merely by attaching boards horizontally to the underside of your ceiling beams. Prevent books from falling by adding a small lip to the edge of the shelves to give support.