The Coolest Way
to Show Your Stuff

When outfitting their place, most men start with the essentials and work their way out. After you've gotten your entertainment system in place and a comfortable couch to sit on, you might invest in a lounge chair and a few side tables. But lately, when visiting the homes of my male friends, I've noticed something missing: shelving. Maybe it's the Marie Kondo effect. Or how comfortable we've gotten reselling stuff we don't want anymore. Unnecessary clutter is one thing, but what about the stuff we do want to keep and maybe show off?

You don't have to have a big wall of built-ins, but some well-stocked shelves speaks volumes about a man. A few stacks of books and a unique item you've brought back from a trip serve as a reminder—both to yourself and anyone who visits—that you're well-read, worldly and interesting. According to interior designer Phillip Thomas, these tall shelves (known in the design world by their French moniker, étagères) are as versatile as they are handsome. He uses them in living rooms to display objects, as well as bedrooms in place of nightstands. They can also work as room dividers. But which one is right for you? There are a lot of variables to consider, from budget and space to material and style. So we scoured brands big and small to bring you the best options to buy right now.