Shelves are a very basic, but very effective, way of maximizing storage space. By
stacking several shelves vertically, the surface area available to hold supplies,
books, DVDs and other items is increased, while maintaining the convenience of having
everything in one area. Shelves come in many forms. Some shelving units are little
more than a metal frame supporting layers of shelves, while specialized shelving
such as bookcases provides a solid back and sides for the books or other contents
to lean against. Other shelves may be highly decorative, such as curio cabinets.
In addition to stand-alone shelves, shelves may be mounted on a wall with brackets
or as a box type shelf set.
What shelves you choose to buy will depend largely on both what you need to store
and how important look and decor are. For purely utilitarian purposes, such as in
a pantry or basement, there are a wide variety of metal frame or plastic shelving
units that are fully functional even if rather unattractive. For shelving needs
in more carefully decorated areas of the home, shelves can be highly decorative
and may even be installed for decorative rather than functional reasons. It all
depends on what you are looking for.
Types of Shelving
Shelving Units
Shelving units are often very utilitarian pieces of furniture. Many use a frame
of metal poles at four corners supporting a set of solid or wire metal shelves.
This simple pattern is sometimes modified by mounting the supports on casters for
mobility, and adding middle supports to support longer shelves. Some models even
include a wire mesh security barrier surrounding the shelves that allows visibility
but makes unauthorized access difficult. Other styles include modular plastic shelving
units that can be stacked and connected to fit almost any space and storage need.
Shelving units are generally more utilitarian than decorative, so they are popular
in less visible areas such as pantries and basement storage areas, as well as many
commercial applications.
Bookcases
Bookcases differ from shelving units in that they generally have a solid back and
sides surrounding three sides of each shelf, with the front open for easy visibility
and access. Some bookcases even have a paneled or glass door that can be closed
over the front for privacy, security, or simply decorative considerations. Bookcases,
while primarily used for books, can also be practical storage areas for almost anything
that will fit on a shelf. The shelves are generally around 12 to 14 inches deep,
which makes them usable for storing even the largest books as well as other items
like office supplies, curios, and even linens. Bookcases are generally positioned
with the rear of the case against a wall, which provides extra support and also
hides the generally unfinished rear surface. Depending on the space being utilized,
they can also be positioned as dividers for different areas of a room or backing
on other pieces of furniture.
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Bookcases can be both functional and highly decorative, so there are a wide range
of options to choose from. Basic particle-board home-assembled bookcases are inexpensive,
reasonably attractive and have easily adjusted shelves. Elegant hardwood bookcases,
on the other hand, can have beautiful detailing and finishes, and are generally
of very sturdy construction which can last for generations. Other options include
innovative designs with metal supports and glass shelves, and there are a wealth
of different styles and colors to choose from at almost every price level.
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Media
Cabinets
Media Cabinets are very similar to bookcases, but their shelves are generally only
around 6 inches deep, just enough to accommodate CDs, DVDs and paperback books.
This smaller profile can be very useful in homes with a limited amount of space,
especially if most of the items that would normally be stored in bookcases are too
small to take up a full 14 inch shelf. Using media cabinets for storing these smaller
items takes up less space in a room, and leaves room on existing bookcases for larger
items. Media cabinets may be made in the same style as a bookcase, or they may use
a length of wire or wood as a stop at the back of each shelf rather than having
a single panel backing the entire case. There are also models placed on spinners
with shelves on four sides, like those often seen in book stores.
Curio Cabinets
Curio cabinets are shelving units specifically for displaying decorative items,
or curios. Collectors love these cabinets because they provide a safe, attractive
way to display anything from seashells to figurines to antique jewelry. Curio cabinets
are generally sets of shelves with a glass door to provide clear visibility of the
contents on display. They may have either glass or opaque sides, and the inside
rear of the unit is often mirrored to provide a view from the back of the cabinet.
Other designs may be entirely surrounded by glass, and even glass shelves are popular
in some styles. The focus of any curio cabinet is on the best possible display of
its contents, while fitting in with the overall decor of the surrounding room.
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Since curio cabinets are highly decorative, it is important to make sure the one
you choose fits your decorative style. It is also important to consider the size
and any special display requirements of your collection. You may want a curio cabinet
large enough to display the entire collection and allow for new additions, or you
may choose a smaller curio cabinet and rotate the items on display while keeping
the rest of the collection in storage or on display elsewhere.
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It is important to place your curio cabinet in a location where it is unlikely to
be jostled by children or pets playing, and on a level floor so that the curios
won't be at risk of sliding from their positions.
Wall
Mounted Shelves
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In addition to free-standing units, shelves can also be mounted directly on the
wall. Individual shelves may be supported by brackets, or boxlike shelf sets may
simply be hung from a few nails or screws. Some shelving systems make use of vertical
metal rails mounted on the walls at the studs, with metal shelves that hook into
the rails at whatever height the user desires. Wall mounted shelves come in all
types, from entirely decorative shelves for curios or plaques to highly utilitarian
storage shelves.
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Wall mounted shelves can be a great choice when floor space is limited, since they
can be mounted above other furniture such as desks and cabinets. Wall mounting is
also a useful option for home decorating, since shelves can be mounted to maximize
the visual effect without the need of support from below. When deciding whether
to go with wall mounted shelves or free-standing shelves, another consideration
is movability. Once shelves are mounted on a wall, it is difficult and time consuming
to move them to another location, whereas free-standing shelves can simply be picked
up and moved without involving the house itself.
Corner Shelves
Corner shelves may be free standing or wall mounted, and are particularly useful
in areas with very little space. They are generally shaped like a wedge or square,
with one right angle set against the corner formed by two walls. Corner shelves
are almost always fairly small, but they can be stacked as high as necessary to
provide needed storage space in a small area. Corner shelves are often found in
spaces like the bathroom, or in any room of a small apartment.
Shelves
In Other Furniture
Shelves are incredibly useful, so it's not surprising that they are incorporated
into many other types of furniture to increase their functionality. In the bedroom,
shelves may appear as bookcases in bed frames, headboards and footboards. In offices,
many desks incorporate shelves in the form of hutches rising up over the desk's
work surface. Armoires combine shelves with drawers, often with a glass door to
cover the front of the shelves. Most cabinet units include shelves to make the space
inside more organized, and many entertainment centers incorporate built-in media
cabinet shelves to store CDs and DVDs where they will be used.
Shelf
Liners
Shelf liners are paper, plastic or cloth sheets that can be laid on top of shelves
to protect the finish and make them easier to clean. They can also be used to cover
unfinished surfaces or to decorate unattractive utilitarian shelves. For wire mesh
shelves, shelf liners also provide a solid surface to prevent small items from slipping
through the mesh.
Shelf liners are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and are generally
sold in rolls so that they can be cut to fit any size shelf. Some types of shelf
liner are manufactured as add-ons for specific shelf sets such as wire shelves,
and may be purchased singly or in multi-packs.
Factors to Consider When Installing Shelving
When installing shelves, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. For stand-alone
shelves, the floor should be fairly level so that items won't roll off the shelves
and the shelving unit or case isn't at risk of tipping over. The floor should also
be strong enough to support the weight of the shelves and whatever will be stored
on them, although this is not usually a problem. Many bookcases come with fabric
tabs that can be used to anchor them to the wall, which can further prevent the
possibility of tipping.
Wall mounted shelves should generally be fastened at points where there are studs
behind the wall, since drywall alone is not necessarily strong enough to support
the weight of shelves and their contents. In part, this will depend on what the
shelves will hold, since a light decorative shelf will take less to hold up than
a bookshelf. Brackets and fastenings such as nails and screws should be positioned
to take advantage of the strong support of wall studs, and there should be sufficient
brackets or other fastenings to provide full support for the shelves being mounted.
Electric stud-finders are inexpensive, but can make this process much easier.
Prices
Shelving Units
Because they are more functional than decorative, prices for most shelving units
vary based on size and sturdiness. Smaller basic models may cost less than $20,
while large units suitable for commercial use can cost more than $1000.
Bookcases
Bookcases can be both functional and decorative, so in addition to size and sturdiness,
the style, workmanship and material can have a big impact on prices. Basic versions
often cost less than $50, while more extravagant models may cost more than $5000.
Media Cabinets
Like bookcases, media cabinets are both functional and decorative. As a newer style
of furniture, there is less of a high end tradition, but there are still hardwood,
glass doored media cabinets available for more than $1000. Budget models made of
wire or particle board are available for as little as $20, with simple CD racks
available for even less. Other models span the range in between.
Curio Cabinets
Curio Cabinets are highly decorative, so pricing varies widely depending on size,
style and material. Smaller cabinets that can store a couple of items may cost around
$20, but prices can range up to $6000 or more.
Wall Mounted Shelves
How much wall mounted shelves will cost depends largely on what the shelves are
for, since that affects size, quality and material requirements. Small, individual
shelves may cost as little as $10, with prices ranging all the way up to $1000 or
more.
Corner Shelves
Like other shelving types, corner shelves vary widely in price depending on size,
style and material. Inexpensive versions may cost as little as $5 , while higher
end models can cost $500 or more.
Shelves in Other Furniture
Prices for furniture items incorporating shelves will vary widely depending on the
type of furniture involved. While shelves are very useful, the prices will generally
be in line with other styles of the same type of furniture.
Shelf Liners
Prices for most shelf liners range between $5 and $30 per roll, although liners
manufactured for use with specific shelves may cost more.
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