The Modular Design Trend Is All About Convenience – Try It Out With These Shelves

Modular design is continuing to rise in popularity as homeowners are looking for ways to simplify their lifestyles and scale back their possessions. In a modular design, spaces are flexible and pieces can be easily moved around or adapted to accommodate a new situation. Miami designer Ania Agárdy is a fan of the trend and believes modular furniture can easily be integrated into a variety of design styles. "From a design perspective, modular furniture offers both versatility and functionality. Their customizable layout allows you to adapt the seating arrangement to fit the space, whether you are working with a small apartment or an open-concept living area," Agárdy told Better Homes and Gardens. In particular, modular storage shelves are trending in 2026.

Modular pieces are often customizable, allowing homeowners to add features that serve their own preferences and needs. Consider the way a modular design could change how you organize your closet by allowing you to determine whether your closet is built with rods, drawers, or shelves. If you want to find out if a modular design is right for you but don't want to commit to purchasing all new furniture or redesigning your closet, you can try the trend on a much smaller scale. YouTuber Michael Soledad used two Wall Cockpit by Balolo modular shelves to stylishly organize his sleek, modern garage. The Wall Cockpit is a slim wooden shelf that can be customized by adding additional features like hooks and hanging shelves. 

The Wall Cockpit modular shelves can be stacked on the wall with different features added to provide even more storage. This creates a cohesive unit that can be easily adapted at any time by moving the accessories as the need arises. Include a phone charger to hold the phone vertically and allow for more storage on the shelf. In an office, it can include a clip that holds your tablet, or a laptop dock. Take customization a step further by adding your own storage features, such as gripper clips or a magnetic strip.

These shelves could be easily replicated using shelving you may already have. For an upgrade to your bathroom storage, for example, a small rail added to the bottom of shelving offers an attractive place to hang a hand towel, or add hooks for hanging small items within easy reach. Screw hooks can be installed under the shelf for hanging keys, and small hanging shelves underneath can store towels and washcloths. The key to making these shelves as functional as they are stylish is deciding how you want to use them. Do you want to display something, for example, or do you need to keep items within easy reach? If you crave more organizational space, consider displaying small woven baskets that can double as storage. For ideas on how to style your modular shelves, here are 16 shelfie ideas to display your favorite accessories.