Abstract: A free-standing stacking shelf system is disclosed which includes at least two shelves, each of the shelves being provided with at least two stacking elements which are removably coupled thereto and extend downwardly therefrom. Each of the stacking elements is substantially U-shaped having first and second arms and a base extending therebetween. The arm members are removably coupled at the ends thereof to a respective shelf and include means for preventing relative vertical movement of the shelf and the stacking element coupled thereto. Each of the stacking elements also includes indented portions for engaging a next lower shelf so that the stacking element maintains adjacent shelves in vertically spaced relation. The stacking elements also preferably include a horizontally extending bar element on at least one arm thereof so as to maintain the stacking element and the shelf in a predetermined angular orientation.