Other wall-mounted shelving has graduated from the decorative ledges that have been popular for some time. Modular is back, but many of the cubes we’re seeing are different from those popular in this country in the 1970s. Options allow you to configure in pleasing arrangements, sometimes in contrasting colors or finishes, with some systems, such as those from Ligne Roset, that complete the look with consoles — i.e., cabinets with doors.

In addition, there are intriguing unorthodox shapes, such as the flexible design from Kartell called Bookworm. It, too, can be arranged as you like, from a snail-like spiral to an undulating curve stretched across a wall, nearly 27 feet in the largest size.

Circular frames also are adding to the mix. One called Bulls Eye from cFc, crafted from metal, houses conventional shelves. Lines, a bookshelf from Ligne Roset, is defined by what resembles a fat picture frame. Further distinguishing it are shelves that sit at angles, which sets up dynamic displays.

On the AllModern website, you’ll find hexagon shapes that can be stacked (the Brant from Hokku designs), and one bookcase called Cloud from Cappellini that looks like conjoined bubbles.

Dimensional play also adds movement to some bookcases. Boogie Woogie, which comes in black and white as well as an arresting red, has an undulating surface that’s reflective as well because of its high-gloss finish.

Some wall-mounted 3-D shelves read more like sculpture on the wall.

Curiously, a pair of low bookshelves from the manufacturer Julian Chichester, use flat shapes for the suggestion of sculpture. Inspired by classical, mid-century designs, the one sports simple quarter-sawn oak shelves that are divided by busts made out of gesso. The silhouettes depict Athena, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Another version has pineapples with scored surfaces that pop against black limed oak shelves. Both seem whimsical and sophisticated at the same time.

You can always shake things up a bit with color. With more and more hues showing up in home design, it’s no surprise that there are options for bookshelves as well. At Room and Board, there’s Slim, delicately scaled powder- coated steel bookshelves available in 10 colors, including blossom (pink), ocean, green, navy, yellow and orange (five weeks by special order). The powder-coated natural steel bookshelf measures 24 inches wide by 15 inches deep and 72 inches tall.

Huppe offers color options (like bright yellow) to team with American walnut veneer for its Lyrics modules, which include open and closed storage, both wall-mounted and base pieces, making a variety of layouts possible.

Even larger entertainment systems are mixing up materials or finishes, as well as configuration, for more interest. At French Heritage, combinations of wood and metal can be rustic or modern in a Belgian industrial or loft look. The newest entertainment system at Habersham has a graceful arched pediment in the center, good proportions and cross-shaped boxes that create central focal points, and contrasting picture molding on the back panels.

Whether you prefer something streamlined or wall- mounted, symmetrical or off-balance, there are plenty of styles, materials, finishes and colors for bookshelves — whether you have books or not.

CAPTIONS AND CREDIT

H-1: An engaging customizable system of storage from Ligne Roset called Book and Look, designed by Pagnon and Pelhaitre, includes cubes with a depth of 11 inches, which in multiples as seen here create an artistic presentation. Chests, shelving with 1/2-inch thick panels, and cubes can be configured as you wish, with contrasting back color also lending to the graphic statement, starting at $700. Credit: Ligne Roset