Asked on Sep 12, 2013

Handmade wooden shelf unit.

Carolyn Cogburn
by Carolyn Cogburn
I have a 3 foot wide, 7 foot high shelf unit that was handmade by my Father in Law about 40 years ago. It is hard rock maple and stained in walnut. The shelves are divided by hand turned spindles with 10 inch spacing between shelves. I want to use it in my bathroom since I have a pedestal sink and no storage for towels, washcloths, etc. I'm using all white linens and would like ideas for how to decorate using all white accessories. My wall color is chocolate brown
  6 answers
  • Carolyn, be sure that the humidity will not cause the wood to check and crack. You may want to consider putting a poly seal on the unit and let it dry for several days before using it in a humid environment. Moisture can cause all sorts of havoc on wood and joinery. And if this has any real value you may want to reconsider using it in a damp location such as a bathroom.
  • Grandma's House Grandma's House on Sep 14, 2013
    I might paint it white... a satin not flat or gloss...and paint the shelves brown. Just the shelf not the entire insides.
  • Darlene Darlene on Sep 14, 2013
    If the stained wood piece is really pretty, would you consider painting your walls a light color and then it would be the "star" of the bathroom decor? White linens on a pretty maple piece could be really attractive if the wood doesn't just disappear into the walls
  • Carolyn Cogburn Carolyn Cogburn on Sep 14, 2013
    Thank you for the suggestions. @Woodbridge Env, I have already poly sealed it just to make sure it's protected. We also have an exhaust fan that controls humidity really well. @Grandma's House, guess I forgot to mention it's just shelves and spindles with no backing and I really want to leave it as close to original as possible. It's a beautiful color. @ Darlene, I have considered doing some kind of painting technique in a latte color over the brown to make the walls lighter. The white linens really are pretty. I have some towels and washcloths folded on the shelves and some rolled and in baskets. I'm thinking some white ceramic pieces for accessories, or natural elements??
  • Darlene Darlene on Sep 15, 2013
    The latte color would be great with the white linens on the dark shelves. And I agree with the white ceramic pieces for the accessories. If you have room on the shelves, maybe the natural elements in a small white vase?
  • Tonya Tonya on Apr 10, 2015
    Jeez, I really need the piece that you described. I would stagger some towels and clothes, then display some other collections,( for color). Just go for it :) good luck.