Wall Shelves Guide

Wall Shelves Create More Storage Space

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:35:27 +0000

Finding a place for all your possessions is the key to keeping your home organized. The common complaint however is not having enough storage space. Wall shelves are a cheap alternative to costly renovating projects. If you take a look around at the 4 walls of every room and you see that you have got some bare walls, you’ve got space to put up wall shelves.

Wall shelves are a great place to store your things. They keep the floor and counters free of clutter and can even add a decorative element to the room. Although you may be somewhat limited by the design of your living quarters, there is always some place that you can add a wall shelf for added storage. Wall shelving ideas are plentiful due to all the different styles and materials available. Think about your needs before adding any new storage areas to your home. Then you will be able to decide if you wall shelf ideas are practical. First make sure to get rid of all your unused and needless possessions which we all have too much of.

Decorative Wall Shelves

Some people don’t like the look of shelves attached to the wall because of unsightly brackets. There are two solutions for this problem. Buy decorative wall shelf brackets or use floating wall shelves that attach directly to the wall through a hidden bracket attached to the back of the shelf. You do not see any bracket with a floating wall shelf, hence the look of the shelf floating.

Glass wall shelves are very attractive and blend well next to windows or glass door display cabinets. Another idea is to create the image of a shelf blending into the wall. This can be achieved if the shelf is the same color as the wall. White wall shelves are clearly suitable for white walls. They also tend to be one of the cheaper shelf choices.

If you have a black book shelf or entertainment unit, you can add black wall shelves to the wall directly next to the book shelf. This creates the illusion that the shelves are part of the book shelf and gives you added storage space. Similarly, if you have a wood book shelf, entertainment center or any other kind of display case in your home, wooden wall shelves attached to the wall right next to that piece of furniture will create that same look of extending the unit and creating more storage space. Decorative metal shelves are another style that have become popular. They come in different colors and can be simple or ornate.

Guidelines for Buying Wall Shelves

When buying shelving, there are some guidelines to keep in mind that will maximize the functionality of your shelves. If the shelves are overly deep, it will be too difficult to retrieve the things in the very back. 12 inch deep shelves are recommended for the efficiency of access. You also don’t want to install the shelves with too much height between them. The general rule is that you shouldn’t stack items more than 2 or 3 high otherwise everything will topple over when you remove an item. On high shelves you can store lightweight items that are easy to retrieve. Storing heaving things on the top shelf is actually a danger as you can hurt yourself when removing them.

Making Use of Wall Space for Wall Shelves

When I moved into an apartment without a storage room, I added shelves in the laundry room high up on the walls near the ceiling to store the things I use infrequently like suitcases and holiday decorations. Don’t forget the space over or behind a door which can give you even more added storage. If there is enough space between the top of the door and the ceiling, you can add shallow shelves. If you are budgeting, you can often save money by creating shelves out of cheap furniture that people are giving away. Use the side of an armoire for a nice long storage shelf. Use the shelves from a broken bookshelf to attach to the wall above your computer to hold your printer. A printer wall shelf will free up a lot of space on your desk and give you more room to work.

If you have very heavy things to store away in a basement or garage, steel shelving is a very strong and durable option. Stainless steel wall shelves are also popular in kitchens, especially commercial kitchens but also in homes.

The corners in rooms are usually overlooked as storage options but can add additional storage space. Corner wall shelves are great for storing decorative items or things you use frequently. You can use corner shelves in a bedroom instead of a nightstand and they are great in the bathroom to store shampoo and other shower items. There are many other corner shelving ideas. Bathroom wall shelves are a must when you are cramped for space and don’t have room for a bathroom vanity.

When storing your things on wall shelves, remember that location is a premium. Store your most frequently used items in the places that are the most easily accessible. Save the difficult to reach places for things that you need infrequently.

If you don’t like the look of open wood wall shelves because you have a hard time keeping your things looking tidy, one idea is to attach wooden shutters to the shelves to hide your mess.

If you store small things like spices on a shelf, it is a good idea to group them all together in a small box or basket. This way you can take them down from your open wall shelving in one motion and return the easily as well. This not only make for easy accessibility but also allows you to easily clean or dust your open wall shelves without having to remove and replace many small items to the shelf. Spices look nice stored on decorative corner shelves in your kitchen.

The uses for wall shelves are as endless as your imagination. Look through magazines, at store displays and in other people’s home and you will find great ideas for storing your things with wall shelves. Putting up wall shelves is a great DIY home improvement project.

Decorative Metal Shelves

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:55:04 +0000

Many people, when they think of metal shelves, think of something rather ugly that is suitable only for garages and the basement. However, there are quite a few decorative metal shelves on the market that will look great in your living room, dining room, or bedroom.

Decorative metal shelving can be a nice alternative to wood, glass or plastic shelving and they have the advantage of being quite affordable and they last a long time. They are not vulnerable to humidity or termites like wooden shelves are. There are different metals used to make metal shelves; you can choose between stainless steel, brass, bronze, iron and copper.

There are decorative metal wall shelves and regular ones that stand on the ground. If you need good metal shelves for the wall that are also aesthetic, the first thing to see is how big you want it, as some are quite small yet very pretty, and others are a bit larger and will fit more items on them. You can buy a beautiful two tiered metal wall sconce off of eBay for less than $20; this is perfect to decorate a small part of the wall or to put up a couple knick knacks.

You can get many different kinds of metal wall shelves in different prices; the above mentioned one is just one example. You can get nice wall hanging wine shelves that are well suited to any dining room. A good quality one costs a bit over $100 but then you have something that is not only quite decorative but also provides a storage place for your vintage wine bottles.

If you have a large enough budget then some very artistic metallic shelves you could consider are the ones made by Bajo Luma. They make a couple French style metallic shelves that would be well suited to an elegant living room. The larger one is quite costly at over $700 but they also make a medium sized one that is a bit over $400. If you need something for your entrance to keep it free from clutter then Bajo Luma’s Genoa style metallic shelf is very nice looking and will do the job just great and it costs only $300.

Of course, you do not have to buy something this costly to have a good quality metal shelf that is aesthetic. You can get some for under $100 quite easily, although if you want something that is a larger size, then you may need to be prepared to pay in the range of $100 – $200. If your budget is a bit limited then you could consider buying something second hand as it is possible to get something very nice looking at a good price by doing this.

One thing you should do is make sure that the metal shelf you buy matches well with the preexisting furniture. It is easy to buy something that looks good in the shop but does not look as nice in your home because either the style of the shelf or the color clashes with the other furnishings. Make sure you know what style you want the room to have, be it contemporary, elegant or traditional.

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Popular Narrow Bookcases

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:34:56 +0000

Narrow bookcases have become popular with young book collectors because people have smaller book collections than previous generations of book lovers and also because people live in smaller size residences and have less space for large furniture. A narrow bookcase fits in many niches and small corners allowing you to store your books when no other space exists. In the last ten years books have become available on the internet through websites like Google that have book collections available for reading online. The library is another reason book lovers have smaller book collections.

Even though technology and libraries make it easier to read many different books without having to pay for each one people who enjoy books still have the desire to collect their favorite books. We no longer have to worry about paying for a book we do not like; we can just rent it from the library or read it online before we shell out the cash for our own copy.

Because book collectors are now only collecting their favorite books, a bookcase that is narrow is a desired style for many people who like books. A tall narrow bookcase is a good style, which gives you flexibility when trying to find where you want it in your living room or library. Tall narrow bookcases can be added to the bedrooms of some book fanatics.

A narrow bookcase is an inexpensive style of bookcase and that is another reason they are popular with a lot of people. A white narrow bookcase is an easy bookcase to find a location in the home. Because it is white is will blend in most rooms because white walls are standard in most homes; that makes it easy to fit a white bookcase a place where it looks good.

Many other styles of bookcases are available but they are not as easy to place in the home. A large bookcase needs to be the centerpiece of the room, especially if it is a long bookcase. Many of the high-end bookcases are made from heavy solid wood like oak. When you have a large bookcase that is made from a heavy wood, it becomes the centerpiece of a room.

While many book lovers may want a large bookcase, it is not always feasible in their home. A nice bookcase is a priced possession of any book fanatic. People who enjoy books and have a great appreciation for them will want a nice bookcase; but for young book lovers who have little room a tall narrow bookcase is a great idea.

Narrow bookcases can be a great start for young book collectors. A young person with an appreciation for books will want a nice bookcase. A tall narrow bookcase is the perfect first bookcase for a young book lover to begin building their own book collection.

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Using Contemporary Bookshelves in Home Decorating

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:40:53 +0000

When it comes to home decorating, perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects is the selection and placement of contemporary bookshelves. There is nothing that can give more character to a room than a well made and attractive product that shows a well-read person lives in the house. Not only are these specialized furnishings useful for storing books; they are also a wonderful place to display pictures, knick-knacks and other decorations. This is especially true of modular bookshelves.

When it comes to choosing a contemporary bookcase, the first question the would be home decorator should ask is what kind of style they are looking for. Modern bookshelves come in different materials. The best way to show the style sought is to choose the right material. These displays are made out of everything ranging from metal to plastic and this choice will say a lot about the person who bought them. If a more traditional style is sought, wood is the best way to go. However, if someone wants a more modern style, metal is generally the preferred choice.

One the type of material has been decided; the next step is in deciding where to place the contemporary bookshelf. While walls are the most common, this is not the only place it can go. In fact, by predominantly displaying a collection of books in the middle of a room, people will assume that a person reads. In addition, these large furnishings can be used to divide large rooms into smaller sections.

Once the contemporary bookshelves have been placed, the next step is to fill them up. One thing the would be decorator might want to consider though is not just putting books on the bookcase. Think about placing potted plants on the top. This will give a green thumb touch to any room and will be appreciated by guests. Another great idea is to place ornate candleholders among the books. By doing this a person can display several parts of their personality in a subtle and attractive way.

In the end, choosing contemporary bookshelves are a very unique way to spice up any room no matter how plain. People tend to read the titles of the books and this can start a thousand wonderful conversations. Just be sure that you have actually read most of the books that are displayed or this could make for a very awkward moment. When you find yourself thinking about redecorating it would serve you very well to make sure you include at least one bookcase if not more in the plans, they really are great and will add to the decor of your room.

Popular Narrow Bookcases

Open Wall Shelves Provide Extra Storage Without Expense or Hassle

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 15:50:17 +0000

Open wall shelves are a great way to add extra storage space without too much expense or hassle. Open shelves also have a great deal of benefits. The benefits of open shelving include staying organized easily by making it easy to retrieve and return items; saving you money over purchasing closed cabinets or free standing furniture which can be costly; and giving you the ability to add extra storage space when you have no floor space available.

Open wall shelves are very convenient. This is because they follow one of the main precepts of keeping your things organized and tidy. They make it easy to retrieve and return items to their designated place. With open shelves in the kitchen, you can easily store your spices or other items that you use frequently. Although it sounds trivial, an open shelf saves you the extra step of opening a cabinet door. While a tidy adult may not mind this step, a messy teenager will. Making it as easy as possible for your children (or spouse) to put things away will help keep your home organized. Open wood shelving is nice in a room with other wood furniture. Adding an open book shelf above your child’s desk will help them to easily store their school books or the reference books they need to do their homework. If you have extra floor space then open book shelves are another great addition to any room. Remember that they don’t need to be used solely for books. A open bookcase can be used to store all sorts of things. They are great in a toy room to store children’s toys and even in a pantry to store your food.

If you are on a budget you will be happy to know that open wall shelving costs a lot less then closed cabinets or free standing furniture. This is because there is less material involved. An open shelf if only one piece of wood. A cabinet has sides and doors which make it more expensive. In addition, a cabinet is larger and therefore more complicated to mount on a wall. Open shelving is easy to install yourself which will save you money over having to hire a handyman to do the job for you. Open wall shelving can also save you a lot of space.

If you are limited for space but need to add storage to a particular area then open wall shelves are usually ideal. This is because, wall space is usually plenty while floor space is at a premium. If you have a tiny office and need room for your printer, scanner or any other number of office equipment, install some open shelves above your computer desk. A printer shelf keeps your printer at arms reach yet out of the way, freeing up valuable desk space. Don’t forget that you have wall space until the ceiling. Install open shelving as high as you can and use the higher shelves for items that you don’t need to access often. It is a good idea to put these items in clear storage boxes to protect them from dust. Furthermore, clear storage boxes allow you to see the contents of the box at a glance without having to go through the hassle of retrieving it and opening it up.

In summary, open wall shelves are great additions to anywhere in your home because they help you stay organized, are cheaper than cabinets and free standing furniture and they allow you to add extra storage space when no floor space is available. Installing open wall shelving will make your daily life and that of your family much more organized and efficient at a very low cost.

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Discover the Versatility of Cube Shelves in Your Home

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:11:34 +0000

Cube shelves are a really modern, functional storage solution that can look great in any room of your home. They come in a huge variety of materials and colors and are completely multi-purpose. They can be used instead of a traditional bookcase, of course, but because of their dimensions they are also great for holding CDs and DVDs, electrical equipment, toys, ornaments, plants, clothes…the options are endless!

Cube shelving can either stand on the floor or be mounted to the wall, and you can use your imagination if you want to create a wall effect that is a bit different – organize your cubes to make a pattern or interesting contemporary shape. If you have a lot of items to store, you could fill the entire wall area with cubes. They look great in a kid’s bedroom in an assortment of vivid colors and are practical as they keep all the toys, books etc up off the floor. You could use them instead of a wardrobe with different cubes for different types of clothing. Cubes with rounded corners give a room as real retro vibe.

Cube shelves can fit in with existing wall features and shelves so that you can really make the most of the space you have. For a small room, you will want to use all the wall space you possibly can in order to keep the floor space as clutter free as possible.

Cube wall shelves are also popular because of their price; they are inexpensive considering how functional they are. Prices vary between retailers; you can expect to pay between $20 for a simple set of three cubes and hundreds of dollars for a hand crafted wooden cube system or a contemporary designer set.

Wire cube shelving is often used in stores to display products for sell, but for at home storage cube shelves are also fantastic, particularly in your kitchen, garage or store room. Wire is durable, easy to clean and weather and insect resistant making it a really practical choice for these areas. A wire cube storage system is also good for a home office; a useful place to store files and paperwork and it can be moved around easily as it is relatively lightweight. Many different sizes are available to fit into the space you have to fill.

There are many styles to choose from. Online retailers are a good option, as they will deliver the cube shelves to your door – handy if you are ordering a large quantity. Look for a website that offers a good price and fast, free shipping.

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A Canoe Bookcase is a Unique Novelty

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:21:46 +0000

If you are looking for a bit of the unusual or maybe you are into fishing and boating, you might be interested in a really cleaver product. A canoe bookcase is kind of a neat novelty; they come in a variety of wood types, finishes and unfinished pieces.

Buying Canoe Bookcases

You can purchase quality constructed kiln-dried lumber canoe bookshelves that you finish yourself. If you enjoy working with stain and finishes on do-it-yourself projects then this might be a fun piece to work on. Choices include small, medium and large to meet your shelving needs.

If you are looking for some really beautiful finished pieces in the canoe theme then you can find those as well. Retailers of canoe bookshelves usually have quite a variety of canoe shelving to choose from including the Classic, Flat Back made of mahogany and ash, Double End Flat Back and four, five, six and seven foot units. Several are made from beautiful cedar wood and there is a fine selection of canoe shaped coffee tables to match.

Other styles include beautiful finished Trout Canoe Shelves made of Eastern white pine with finished red siding and a quality lacquer finish. This charming piece would look great in a cabin hide away or a cozy family room.

Rocky Mountain Cabin Decor has a beautiful selection of fine wood nautical pieces including canoe bookshelves, coffee tables and sofa tables. Their prices range from low to high; there is a nice selection to choose from in bookcases.

Everything Southwestern carries a small variety of bookshelves designed in the shape of a canoe. Their selections include E.B Bookcase, Flatback Double End Bookcase, 8-foot Classic and 5-foot Flatback.

Order Plans for Canoe Shaped Bookcases

If you are handy with tools and would enjoy constructing a canoe shelf unit that you can be proud of then you might want to check out some of these sites where they offer a selection of plans that you can purchase and make yourself. You have the advantage of producing a finely finished piece in your choice of stains and finishing products.

There are plans that you can order to make your own canoe bookcase. Most plans are available for a charge as downloadable Acrobat plans or mail direct printed plans.

Whether you enjoy woodworking and want to make a shelving unit yourself or prefer to purchase an already finished piece, you can find a canoe bookcase to add a special decorating touch to your home. There are a variety of prices on the net from really low to high for finished pieces. Prices will vary based on the type of wood used in construction and craftsmanship.

Popular Narrow Bookcases

Creating Space With Bathroom Wall Shelves

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:39:54 +0000

Bathroom wall shelves, are a great way of creating space either in a small space or to create that special look. Bathrooms can become over cluttered with shampoos, styling products and different toiletries. If the family is sharing the same space, it can become overrun with each others products and clutter. If you are dealing with a small space, keeping the bathroom clean and organized can become a chore trying to keep on top of it. Whether it’s a place to organize your personal toiletries or if your looking to add that special look to the décor of your bathroom, bathroom wall cabinets and shelves will give you the space and add that special look to your room.

Adding cabinets to your bathroom will give you extra storage space, which allows you to take the clutter away from the different areas of the bathroom and hide it. Not only does it keep the bathroom tidy and clean looking, but it helps to keep everything organized so that you are not searching and wondering where a certain product or item could be.

Wall mounted bathroom shelves are a great way to show off your special treasures. Adding a few green plants and guest towels, can make your bathroom a place of beauty and calmness. Adding glass bathroom wall shelves draws the eye up, focusing on the reflective clean look of the shelves and makes it a focal point for your special items that you want to display. It creates the look of more space in your bathroom, giving it a more open feel.

Wall shelves for bathroom storage are an ideal purchase to make to create that special look to your décor. Adding floating wall shelves, creates a more streamline, especially if your space is small. There are no brackets that show on the wall, giving it a clean look. They give the appearance of light and airy, without having a heavy backdrop of wood.

Corner shelves are a great addition especially if space is an issue. By placing a floral arrangement or a special piece of art, just adds that special touch to the bathroom. Placing a corner shelve above a Jacuzzi tub, with a cascading green plant, just adds that ambience to the area.

Adding shelves is a wonderful way of making your bathroom have that special touch and design. It makes the room look clean and fresh, plus with cabinets, can hide all the things that you don’t want to be displayed.

Black Wall Shelves

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:38:28 +0000

The color of the wall shelves you choose can create a new atmosphere in the room they reside in. Black wall shelves for example look very sleek on maroon painted walls and gives the room a whole new personality.

Black is a sophisticated color, it provides emotion and gives a room atmosphere that other colors cannot achieve. Black wall shelving also has the benefit of being cheaper than other colors as there is less demand for it. Personally I love dark color tones I feel they are much richer and provide a personal connection.

If you are looking for black shelves you’ll need to decide what type of material you want your shelves to be made from and what style you prefer. Black metal wall shelves are nice as they aren’t quite as heavy as painted black wood wall shelves. Floating black shelves are a style that will also lighten up the look of the shelf since there are no brackets. Black floating wall shelves will blend in well since they don’t have the backboard and bracket that regular shelves have. Choosing wall shelves with black metal frames but glass shelves is a way to accent the room without the black color you want while maintaining a lighter look than all black.

Corner shelves are another way to have your black shelves blend in more and look lighter. These are great for any room as they offer extra storage and provide a more interesting layout. They beautifully complement dark leather couches and look very professional. Floating black shelves going down a long corridor with pictures and flowers spread across gives a very sophisticated look.

Despite the color you choose for wall shelves it is basically all about maximizing the space and increasing storage. At the same time however you can achieve a statement of beauty, creativity and uniqueness. One tip with black is that be careful to avoid getting shiny coating to prevent scratches from being visible and a nasty glare in the sunlight – go for the coarse.

To sum up, if you’re looking to optimize your space or just make any room more appealing with a color that will blend well with your decor then consider installing a black wall shelf. Not only will it give your room a new feel and tone it will probably inspire you to do more with your home design.

The Beauty of Glass Wall Shelves

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:33:28 +0000

If you are contemplating doing some renovations and need to put some shelves up to display your treasures, consider glass wall shelves. Glass wall shelving brings your personal items that you want to display, to life. It has reflective qualities that just enhance any décor and does not have the heaviness that wood can bring. They bring class and style to any room without making the room look over powered or cluttered with heavy wood shelving. They are contemporary and modern, bringing a light airiness to any room in the home or office.

Glass wall mounted shelves not only bring beauty to any room, but they are also very easy to care for. To keep them clean only requires, a window cleaner, or just vinegar and water. Dusting is a breeze just using a handheld duster without disturbing your personal items. If you spill water, glass shelves, won’t end up making a watermark, like wood does. Wood on the other hand, requires polishing and veneer finishes, to make them shine. Any shelf or pieces of furniture will show dust, but wood tends to show it more then glass.

In many new designs of homes, the bathroom has become a place of relaxation and leisure. Glass bathroom wall shelves are becoming more popular in these rooms. The glass that is used in the shelving is strong and resilient. It is made from tempered glass and can withhold the warm moist temperatures that are found in the bathroom. Wood on the other hand, can warp and not hold up as well under these conditions. Adding glass shelves in the bathroom, lets you display your favorite towels, and luscious green plants that give the atmosphere of tranquility.

Floating glass wall shelves are great especially if space is an issue. When you have a confined space, finding a wall that is suitable for shelving could be an issue. These shelves have hidden brackets that don’t add extra clutter to the wall. It gives a streamline and clean line to a small area.

Glass shelves are a beautiful addition to any home or office décor. They are clean and simple, adding no extra bulk to a room. They are modern and classy, adding that special touch to any room. Your personal items will show beautifully and not get lost in a backdrop of heavy wood. Adding special lighting to a glass wall shelf will create an ambiance that you and your guests will enjoy.

Creating Space With Bathroom Wall Shelves