Ask a Designer: How Can I Make Best Use of My Storage Shelves?
If cleverly planned, the humble shelf can up your storage game – in any room – by a mile and make accessing your things easier
Brendan Guy
31 August 2015
Houzz Australia Contributor. Residential interior designer based in Sydney, Australia
Houzz Australia Contributor. Residential interior designer based in Sydney, Australia... More
Shelves are incredibly useful, but can also create a potential disaster area if not well placed for functionality and easy access. The way you approach the design and installation, as well as the intended use, of shelves in your home can affect the visual aesthetic of a room, as well as how it works. And this is especially true if the shelves are part of a larger work station, such as in a kitchen or utility room. There are, however, some simple concepts to consider when planning and putting up shelves. Read on for some useful ideas for every room in the house.
In the kitchen
The kitchen is probably the room that relies on good storage the most, which is why it usually has plenty of cupboards and, where space permits, a pantry. A kitchen can also be extremely cluttered and disorganised. Behind the cupboard doors of kitchen cabinetry, shelving can be dark and deep, containing jars and crockery that can end up in a kind of domestic black hole, not to be seen for months.
The most basic issue to overcome when thinking about kitchen shelves is access. Without good access, items get lost and forgotten and the clutter begins to build. There are some simple steps, however, that can ensure everything on your shelves is always within easy reach and well organised.
The kitchen is probably the room that relies on good storage the most, which is why it usually has plenty of cupboards and, where space permits, a pantry. A kitchen can also be extremely cluttered and disorganised. Behind the cupboard doors of kitchen cabinetry, shelving can be dark and deep, containing jars and crockery that can end up in a kind of domestic black hole, not to be seen for months.
The most basic issue to overcome when thinking about kitchen shelves is access. Without good access, items get lost and forgotten and the clutter begins to build. There are some simple steps, however, that can ensure everything on your shelves is always within easy reach and well organised.
To keep them clean, everyday tableware and crockery can be stored in glass-fronted cupboards. These cabinets can also provide an opportunity to create a stunning display for precious china, vases and porcelain collections.
TIP If you have different sets of dinnerware, place them together on the shelves in neat stacks. Group by colour or pattern, or, if starting from scratch, buy a mix of white and just one other colour for graphic differentiation.
Discover how to max out on style and storage in your tiny kitchen
TIP If you have different sets of dinnerware, place them together on the shelves in neat stacks. Group by colour or pattern, or, if starting from scratch, buy a mix of white and just one other colour for graphic differentiation.
Discover how to max out on style and storage in your tiny kitchen
In the pantry
Shallow shelving is simple and effective in a pantry, and if you line the shelves with a range of coordinated storage containers, all of your pantry items will be easy to find (and will look great, too).
Another handy option is to install pull-out shelves, either as a vertical rack or drawers. This example, by Jasmine McClelland Design, is a smart method for incorporating both shallow shelves and pull-out drawers. The upper shelves make use of the width of the pantry, providing ample space on which to store everyday items, while the drawers below are perfect for a variety of goods while still being easy to access.
TIP If, as in this example, you have some worktop space in your pantry, install a plug socket or two. The pantry is also the perfect place to house smaller electrical items, such as coffee machines and toasters. These may not be in regular use, so won’t need to be on permanent display.
Shallow shelving is simple and effective in a pantry, and if you line the shelves with a range of coordinated storage containers, all of your pantry items will be easy to find (and will look great, too).
Another handy option is to install pull-out shelves, either as a vertical rack or drawers. This example, by Jasmine McClelland Design, is a smart method for incorporating both shallow shelves and pull-out drawers. The upper shelves make use of the width of the pantry, providing ample space on which to store everyday items, while the drawers below are perfect for a variety of goods while still being easy to access.
TIP If, as in this example, you have some worktop space in your pantry, install a plug socket or two. The pantry is also the perfect place to house smaller electrical items, such as coffee machines and toasters. These may not be in regular use, so won’t need to be on permanent display.
In the living room
I always find that shelves and bookcases in living or family rooms are problematic. Too often they become the dumping ground for any item that doesn’t really have a home anywhere else – for example, board games, DVDs, boxes, keys and post.
It’s important to take care of all the unwelcome clutter, so finding a home for these items will help in managing the neat displays or libraries you’ve arranged.
I always find that shelves and bookcases in living or family rooms are problematic. Too often they become the dumping ground for any item that doesn’t really have a home anywhere else – for example, board games, DVDs, boxes, keys and post.
It’s important to take care of all the unwelcome clutter, so finding a home for these items will help in managing the neat displays or libraries you’ve arranged.
In reception rooms where guests are entertained, shelves can be an elegant way to display books, treasured objects and family mementos. A simple rule I follow when setting up and styling shelves is to have one third of the shelves filled with books, one third with objects, and the remaining third left as empty space.
If you follow this rule, you will find the display you’ve created will allow each item space to ‘breathe’ and be appreciated. Visually, the shelves will look balanced and much more confident in presentation.
TIP Even for professionals, styling shelves can take hours and even then there’s always something to change, so don’t expect to start putting things on a shelf and for them to work beautifully the first time. It will take time and effort. Stand back and stare at the arrangement on the shelves until you are happy with it. Personally, I think this is part of the fun of the process!
If you follow this rule, you will find the display you’ve created will allow each item space to ‘breathe’ and be appreciated. Visually, the shelves will look balanced and much more confident in presentation.
TIP Even for professionals, styling shelves can take hours and even then there’s always something to change, so don’t expect to start putting things on a shelf and for them to work beautifully the first time. It will take time and effort. Stand back and stare at the arrangement on the shelves until you are happy with it. Personally, I think this is part of the fun of the process!
Not all living rooms suit over-displayed shelves. In some cases, a more minimal approach is required, especially where the books are more display than active library. A simple trick to visually neutralise a busy space is to turn the books around, as seen in this room in a home designed by Breathe Architecture.
TIP Take this look to the next level by wrapping your books in white (or any colour) paper and handwriting the title on the spine. The task is not for the faint-hearted, but the results will be remarkable!
Tour a family home with a ‘book tower’ staircase
TIP Take this look to the next level by wrapping your books in white (or any colour) paper and handwriting the title on the spine. The task is not for the faint-hearted, but the results will be remarkable!
Tour a family home with a ‘book tower’ staircase
In the study
When installing shelving in a study or home office, there are two distinct paths people can go down: either the shelves can be used for displaying decorative objects and collections (with work and stationery items stored neatly away in cabinets and drawers), or they can be used for the storage and access of office tools and documents.
If going down the path of displaying decorative objects and collections, then don’t overcrowd, and leave plenty of space between each item. If the shelves are to be used for office equipment and documents, there are a few points worth considering to ensure that everything has its place and is easily found.
Access is always vital, so arrange your shelves in order of need and perhaps even label boxes and folders. Ensure the shelves are deep enough and high enough to fit all items, such as tall folders, comfortably. Choosing a single colour for boxes or folders will give the shelf a strong graphic element.
When installing shelving in a study or home office, there are two distinct paths people can go down: either the shelves can be used for displaying decorative objects and collections (with work and stationery items stored neatly away in cabinets and drawers), or they can be used for the storage and access of office tools and documents.
If going down the path of displaying decorative objects and collections, then don’t overcrowd, and leave plenty of space between each item. If the shelves are to be used for office equipment and documents, there are a few points worth considering to ensure that everything has its place and is easily found.
Access is always vital, so arrange your shelves in order of need and perhaps even label boxes and folders. Ensure the shelves are deep enough and high enough to fit all items, such as tall folders, comfortably. Choosing a single colour for boxes or folders will give the shelf a strong graphic element.
In the bedroom
As I am a complete bibliophile and need to shelve a lot of books, a favourite trick of mine is to turn a whole wall in a bedroom – or either side of a fireplace – into shelving. I like to fill them full of books; however, the shelves of a wall unit can also become a repository for treasured objects, such as heirlooms, family photos, kids’ paintings and pottery.
As I am a complete bibliophile and need to shelve a lot of books, a favourite trick of mine is to turn a whole wall in a bedroom – or either side of a fireplace – into shelving. I like to fill them full of books; however, the shelves of a wall unit can also become a repository for treasured objects, such as heirlooms, family photos, kids’ paintings and pottery.
Where space is limited but you still want to make use of a wall, narrow picture rail shelves are a great way to create an instant gallery space without the commitment of a whole wall.
These shelves are perfect for propping up some art, maybe a book or two, and a couple of small objects.
TIP Before you drill any holes in the wall to affix the shelves, allow ample space between each shelf by checking out the height of the objects you intend to display on them.
These shelves are perfect for propping up some art, maybe a book or two, and a couple of small objects.
TIP Before you drill any holes in the wall to affix the shelves, allow ample space between each shelf by checking out the height of the objects you intend to display on them.
In the walk-in wardrobe
When designing a walk-in wardrobe, consider lighting above all else so you can see what’s on your shelves. There’s nothing worse than peering into deep shelving that’s so dark you can’t see what’s stored there! There are two simple solutions to achieving better lighting for wardrobe shelves. One is quite simple, the other is a little more involved.
The simple solution first: slide-out shelves. Shelves installed on drawer runners mean that any item, even if stored at the back of the shelf, can easily be reached. And if you are confident in your ability to keep the contents of each shelf neat, having them installed relatively close together can give the look of a smart clothes store.
The second solution requires a little more thought. Get recessed lighting installed over the shelves – whether it be at the back or at the front, the lights will immediately give your wardrobe a look of luxury, not to mention the benefits of being able to see into the far reaches of the shelf.
When designing a walk-in wardrobe, consider lighting above all else so you can see what’s on your shelves. There’s nothing worse than peering into deep shelving that’s so dark you can’t see what’s stored there! There are two simple solutions to achieving better lighting for wardrobe shelves. One is quite simple, the other is a little more involved.
The simple solution first: slide-out shelves. Shelves installed on drawer runners mean that any item, even if stored at the back of the shelf, can easily be reached. And if you are confident in your ability to keep the contents of each shelf neat, having them installed relatively close together can give the look of a smart clothes store.
The second solution requires a little more thought. Get recessed lighting installed over the shelves – whether it be at the back or at the front, the lights will immediately give your wardrobe a look of luxury, not to mention the benefits of being able to see into the far reaches of the shelf.
For those who do not have the luxury of a full walk-in wardrobe, you can still enjoy all the benefits of a well-presented and functional wardrobe by applying the same rules about access and lighting.
The storage solution pictured here is one of my favourites. The shelving is a simple way of combining wardrobe storage with general storage and is perfect for small spaces, such as in a studio apartment. As before, visibility is key, but you don’t need to go to the same lengths as installing built-in lighting or custom-drawer hardware. Adding additional shelves that are reasonably shallow will eliminate the tendency to cram clothing on to each shelf, keeping everything within sight and easy reach.
TIP If your shelves do become dishevelled, hang a curtain: it’s a quick way to hide any untidiness.
The storage solution pictured here is one of my favourites. The shelving is a simple way of combining wardrobe storage with general storage and is perfect for small spaces, such as in a studio apartment. As before, visibility is key, but you don’t need to go to the same lengths as installing built-in lighting or custom-drawer hardware. Adding additional shelves that are reasonably shallow will eliminate the tendency to cram clothing on to each shelf, keeping everything within sight and easy reach.
TIP If your shelves do become dishevelled, hang a curtain: it’s a quick way to hide any untidiness.
In the bathroom
Increasingly, bathrooms are less utilitarian and more relaxation zone, offering a private space in which to unwind and spend time. For example, the bathroom spa is a concept that requires various lotions and treatments, and these need to be stored somewhere within easy reach. A few shelves should be enough to display the essential items, but take care not to overcrowd the shelves with extra bottles, toothbrushes and personal grooming items, lest you disturb the serenity of the calm bathroom atmosphere a ‘spa’ aesthetic requires.
With good storage in a vanity unit or concealed behind mirrors for all the items you commonly use, bathroom shelves can be left clean and free for a select grouping of perfume bottles, hand-wash and even a small plant.
Increasingly, bathrooms are less utilitarian and more relaxation zone, offering a private space in which to unwind and spend time. For example, the bathroom spa is a concept that requires various lotions and treatments, and these need to be stored somewhere within easy reach. A few shelves should be enough to display the essential items, but take care not to overcrowd the shelves with extra bottles, toothbrushes and personal grooming items, lest you disturb the serenity of the calm bathroom atmosphere a ‘spa’ aesthetic requires.
With good storage in a vanity unit or concealed behind mirrors for all the items you commonly use, bathroom shelves can be left clean and free for a select grouping of perfume bottles, hand-wash and even a small plant.
TELL US…
How do you make your shelves work harder for you? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
How do you make your shelves work harder for you? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
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I love open shelving in the dinning area.
Not keen on books in a bedroom. dust collectors, dont like plants either. maybe me being fussy but a lot of dust is created when changing bed linen and dampness fom ensuite and even breathing.
Old pantry, New pantry, existing cabinets, Stainless steel drawers add more surface area to your storage space. www.tansel.com.au