Top 5 Modular Shelves for Board Game Storage

By Ciarán Laverty

While I do consider myself a board game enthusiast, I wouldn’t qualify as a collector based on the number of board games I have. As such, the space my meagre collection occupies is enough that I could probably stick every one of them into a single set of shelves somewhere in the house. Like I said though, I’m an enthusiast, I enjoy playing the games I have as often as possible and so they’d need to be readily accessible and preferably easy to see. I also want them to be sturdy enough to last and withstand frequent interaction. Modular shelves have become quite popular for the purposes of storing collections because you can repurpose and rearrange to your heart’s content. So, here are some of the best modular shelving units I could find that fit my parameters. Please note, any prices are adjusted from the pound or euro exchange rate as of the third of February 2025 (02/03/25).

5. Amazon Basics 6 Cube Wire Grid Stackable Storage Shelves

A shelf with books and a dog on it Description automatically generated

The ideal materials are pretty much always going to be metal, wood, or acrylic plastic – these are good, hardy materials that will outlive anyone. However, I do find that wireframes are prone to denting and bending, especially with a lack of adequate support. I used to work with metal a lot, and the slightest bit of pressure in the moment will turn even the strongest looking wire into putty, so I’d be hesitant to go buying something made entirely from metal wire with a few plastic joints. Over time, weight would surely exert itself negatively on the structure and I’d end up with warped shelves. On the plus side, it’s a cheap option, at only $29.69 (plus shipping) it’s the cheapest option on this list. The worry I’d have is that the price is reflective of the durability.

4. AWTATOS Cube Storage Organizer

A white shelves in a room Description automatically generated

Much like the first option on this list, this one has only six storage shelves, although the layout of this one allows for a greater surface area by leaving the tops of three of the cubes exposed. It’s acrylic, so maybe a tad sturdier than the wireframe, and marginally more expensive at $30.35 (plus shipping). This is more in the direction I’d err as it affords greater space and can blend nicely into a room’s décor with its translucent white frame. However, I do have to fret again about the rigidity of those acrylic shelves. Plastic is still malleable after all, and the fact the entire structure is all one material puts me off somewhat.

3. Simple Deluxe 5-Shelf Wire Shelving Unit

A shelf with books on it Description automatically generated

While the shelves on this unit are made from wires, the frame consists of metal rods that afford a lot more strength than a fully wireframe build. It’s almost double the price of some of the previous options at $64.50 (plus shipping) but it certainly ticks a few more boxes for me. There’s a fully open design, allowing for access from either side, as well as from the front, and there’s ample space on all the shelves to fit about six to eight game boxes. There’s also the option to attach wheels to the stands, allowing for some mobility, although I’m not sure what I’d do with a mobile game shelf. Perhaps take up a travelling lifestyle, spreading the joy of collaborative storytelling on street corners or enraging strangers in a café with a ten-hour run of Monopoly. Get creative with it, the possibilities are endless.

2. IKEA Kallax

A white shelving unit with books and a lamp Description automatically generated

Everyone’s standard go-to for any furnishing solution is IKEA. Their products don’t afford much in the way of customisability, but they’re reliable and affordable; with this particular and very popular shelf coming in at $117.97. The wooden frame is probably the sturdiest of all the options thus far, albeit somewhat more restrictive than the previous shelves as well. The individual shelves afford enough space for horizontal or vertical storage, so there’s some versatility afforded by the design. IKEA stands out as a premium brand that assures quality and longevity, and that’s reflected in the price. Still, it leaves something to be desired from my gaming storage standpoint because it doesn’t afford much in the way of displaying the games. If storage is all I were after then this would suit, but I would rather something a bit more open and with more room for expansion and customisation.

1. The BoxKing Gaming BoxThrone

A group of shelves with games on them Description automatically generated

Of all the options I’ve listed out so far, this is the only one that was explicitly designed with board games, and the mentality of an enthusiast like me, in mind. It’s on the pricier side at $307.24 (plus shipping) but there’s a lot to like about it. The open design affords plenty of accessibility, the mixture of metal and acrylic materials assures a high degree of sturdiness, and there’s even a bevy of accessories and extensions available from BoxKing Gaming to suit any kind of gamer. What it suits best is someone like me who wants their games to take pride of place in a dedicated gaming room or space. The shelves can be adjusted and removed to suit the variations in game box sizing, and if you’ve got a larger collection then there are taller and wider units like the BoxLegend available too. Like with IKEA, it feels very much like I’d be paying for the premium of a product built to last with the added bonus of its specifications being designed by a gamer for gamers.

So, to sum up: I’m always going to prioritise accessibility, display, and longevity when I’m buying a set of modular shelves. By their very nature, they’re meant to come apart, so you want a unit that’s going to do it the right way. That can mean different things depending on your budget, available space, or even your mentality. There’s no one way to store your  gaming collection, but there’s almost always going to be a better way to do it.

 

Back to blog