Pretty and Practical Shelving Ideas to Improve Your Home
Choosing the right shelving is about so much more than simple storage. Your shelves should complement your living space and display things that say something about you. Whether you're looking for some nifty DIY shelf ideas or the ready-to-buy kind, there are endless stylish options that can elevate your living space and improve your quality of life. Whether you're a minimalist chic kind of person or more into the traditional country home style, read on to find out which beautiful shelving ideas could work in your home.
The Pros of Good Shelving
Shelving is one of the most practical and multifaceted home decor options out there. Good shelves add function to any room whilst taking up a minimal amount of space. They also enhance your space by creating more of it, allowing more freedom and movement within your home. Most importantly, they are an opportunity to showcase your personality and let everyone see your good taste. Get tutorial here
Tricks to Remember
Whether it's corner shelf ideas or hidden storage you're looking for, there are a few tips to bear in mind. Firstly, you want material that is easy to cut or change the shape of, whilst also being strong enough to support your valuables. Always think first about what you actually want to store on your shelving and work from there. Make sure your shelving style complements the room that it is going in. Get tutorial here
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are among the most desirable shelf decor ideas, but they can also be the most challenging. There are a number of ways you can achieve the desired floating effect without having to worry about support. Brackets are the most popular option, as these can be drilled into the wall very easily. You can also drill supports directly into the wall and place your shelves on top, as this Hometalker has done. Get tutorial here
Recessed Shelving Units
If space in your home is at a premium then you want wall shelf ideas that don't take up floor space. A recessed shelving unit for your living room is a great way to achieve this. You can take advantage of an existing alcove or nook and fill it with shelving. Just make sure to get the measurements exactly right, as you'll be building within a limited space. Get tutorial here
Closet Shelving Ideas
People often make the mistake of disregarding the closet as a place where magical design can happen. However, there is no shortage of Hometalk closet shelving ideas that show just how much you can do with this space. Use a lightweight wood such as cedar to fill one of the walls of your closet with stylish shelving that will help you find your belongings more easily and improve your space. Get tutorial here
Rustic Cottage Shelves
Of course, not all shelving has to be the kind of sleek contemporary style you've seen so far. If you're going for classic country-style home decor, then there are plenty of wood shelf ideas to go with. Using old furniture is a great way to achieve an elegant, farmhouse effect, whilst also saving you time and money. These kinds of shelves are best used for displays rather than storage, particularly of crockery. Get tutorial here
Industrial Chic Shelving
If it's garage shelving ideas you're looking for, then the industrial style is best for you! Add some style to your garage by opting for a metallic, industrial shelving style. You can easily use iron bars or copper piping as sleek support for your shelves, with darker wood being the best option. If you're storing tools on your garage shelves, consider using thicker boards such as butcher blocks. Get tutorial here
Chicken Wire Shelving
Chicken wire shelving has emerged as nothing short of a major design craze in the past year. You can easily make your own from an old rabbit hutch or buy your own from any major home design store. You can also simply add chicken wire to existing shelving units as a way of both securing your belongings and giving them an instant contemporary hipster look. Get tutorial here
Sleek Kitchen Shelf Ideas
As you can see from this Hometalker here, kitchen shelving does not have to just be about practicality. You can store your pots, pans, and plates in a way that makes your kitchen feel more open, airy, and inviting. Use strong steel brackets and wood of either oak or cherry to create floating shelves in your kitchen. This will give you significantly more space than what kitchen cabinets offer. Get tutorial here
Trendy Bathroom Shelving
The best bathroom shelf ideas are those that are both simple and multifunctional. For instance, this Hometalker wanted a small shelving unit that can both hold items such as toilet paper whilst also doubling up as a towel rack. Bathroom shelving can also serve as a handy medicine cabinet simply by adding doors. Make sure to add a couple of layers of varnish to stop the wood being damaged by water. Get tutorial here
Hidden Shelving
The best thing about shelving is the way that it can free up so much space in your home. When it comes to pantry shelving ideas, utility and storage should be your biggest priorities. With a little bit of craft, you can hide away all of your spices, preserves, and canned goods with some hidden sliding shelves, which fit easily into any standard-sized pantry. Get tutorial here
Traditional-Style Built-In Shelving
The best living room shelf ideas tend to be those which blend seamlessly with the surrounding decor. Building or adding shelving units into your living room, preferably by the fireplace, is a simple way to achieve this. It also means that you won't lose any floor space by adding shelves. Make sure to paint the shelves in a color that matches the surrounding walls for maximum aesthetic effect. Get tutorial here
How to Style Your Open Shelving
As explained earlier, open shelving is a great way to show your personality and set the tone of a room. However, it's not as simple as just placing some treasured belongings on the shelf. Styling your shelf is an art form practiced by even the most experienced interior designers. Texture is absolutely key here, as this will help frame your belongings in a way that looks cohesive. Always try several arrangements before deciding on the one that you think looks best. Get tutorial here
Making Shelving Work for Your Home
Whether it's bathroom or bedroom shelving ideas you're looking for, the most important thing is yourself. Shelving is one of the most conspicuous furnishings in the entire home, so you want to choose one that fits your personal style and the style of your house. Whether it's industrial, country cottage, minimalist, or luxury, the right shelf can truly make a house feel like a home. As you can see here, Michelle has done exactly that, choosing to create her own custom shelves that are truly unique. Get tutorial here
