6 Fantastic Types of Shelf Designs
Discover the different categories of shelves and which one could be right for your home
From organising your kitchen essentials to keeping knick-knacks, shelves can be a big help for everyday storage solutions. Made from wood, plastic, metal, glass and other materials too, here are six common shelf designs that you should know about.
A low-lying inset shelf design like this can draw visual interest while leaving the floor free. Raised just off the ground, this built-in shelf makes clever use of an otherwise redundant space.
Tip: Protect your coveted displays by adding sliding glass fronts to built-in shelves
Here are 20 of the most popular storage ideas on Houzz India
Tip: Protect your coveted displays by adding sliding glass fronts to built-in shelves
Here are 20 of the most popular storage ideas on Houzz India
2. Floating shelves
As the name suggests, these shelves seem to ‘float’ over the walls. They usually have no visible screws or hinges and are a stylish way to show off prized buys and art pieces. Also referred to as torsion box shelves, they are made of engineered wood with internal bracket support, which forms a shallow closed box, providing load-bearing strength. See how these open wooden floating shelves bring elegance to a rustic brick wall.
As the name suggests, these shelves seem to ‘float’ over the walls. They usually have no visible screws or hinges and are a stylish way to show off prized buys and art pieces. Also referred to as torsion box shelves, they are made of engineered wood with internal bracket support, which forms a shallow closed box, providing load-bearing strength. See how these open wooden floating shelves bring elegance to a rustic brick wall.
Floating shelves can be in a variety of designs. I love how these shelves bring drama to a plain white colour scheme.
3. Top-hung shelves
These shelves hang from the ceiling or wall, using brackets made from metal, wood or other suitable materials. Here, the shelving unit, mounted on steel brackets, holds dishes and doubles as a partition in the open-plan living space.
These shelves hang from the ceiling or wall, using brackets made from metal, wood or other suitable materials. Here, the shelving unit, mounted on steel brackets, holds dishes and doubles as a partition in the open-plan living space.
Plain wooden shelves hang from thick knotted ropes, setting a fun, casual mood in this kids’ room. They are perfect for keeping stuffed toys, lightweight books, and other similar things, but shouldn’t be burdened with too much weight.
Tip: Use decorative brackets to bring that oomph factor to a simple shelf design.
Check out these out-of-the-box shelves for your kids
Tip: Use decorative brackets to bring that oomph factor to a simple shelf design.
Check out these out-of-the-box shelves for your kids
4. Corner shelves
Though called corner shelves, these are not really restricted to corners. Rather, they are customised to fit tighter spots and locations with the option of open or closed units and can be either floor-based or wall-hung. They come in solid wood, engineered or laminated wood, plastic and other materials. Displayed here is a right-angled shelves for kitchens that give a sense of flow to this small corner space – with lots of storage.
Though called corner shelves, these are not really restricted to corners. Rather, they are customised to fit tighter spots and locations with the option of open or closed units and can be either floor-based or wall-hung. They come in solid wood, engineered or laminated wood, plastic and other materials. Displayed here is a right-angled shelves for kitchens that give a sense of flow to this small corner space – with lots of storage.
Take a cue from this corner kitchen shelves that effectively utilise hard-to-access corners beneath the staircase. A clever design to maximise storage without taking up too much space.
5. Freestanding or portable shelves
Ideal for both display and storage, these portable shelving systems can be shifted with ease (some feature wheels too). This sleek freestanding one seems to be made of bamboo and complements the minimal decor of the living room.
Here are some more interesting shelf designs
Ideal for both display and storage, these portable shelving systems can be shifted with ease (some feature wheels too). This sleek freestanding one seems to be made of bamboo and complements the minimal decor of the living room.
Here are some more interesting shelf designs
6. Fixed bracket type
Also known as suspension shelving, these shelves rest on individual pairs of brackets. They can be used as a stand-alone shelving system or in combination with several brackets to form a multi-unit shelving system. This design has metal brackets attached directly to the panel behind. Located on either side of the door, they are a great way to store glassware. You can easily remove a shelf and its brackets, if needed. They are readily available in the market, too.
Also known as suspension shelving, these shelves rest on individual pairs of brackets. They can be used as a stand-alone shelving system or in combination with several brackets to form a multi-unit shelving system. This design has metal brackets attached directly to the panel behind. Located on either side of the door, they are a great way to store glassware. You can easily remove a shelf and its brackets, if needed. They are readily available in the market, too.
These custom-built shelf design offer endless design possibilities and lots of storage. This modular kitchen unit features shelves of different sizes and shapes supported by rods. There’s also a functional ledge that doubles as a makeshift island or breakfast counter.
While these are six common designs, one can always let the imagination flow. This spiral staircase themed shelf brings another vernacular element to complement the traditional accessories in this room.
Read more:
Why Are Modular Shelves a Dream Come True?
10 Ways to Deal With Open Kitchen Shelves
Tell us:
Which of these shelves designs do you have in your home?
Read more:
Why Are Modular Shelves a Dream Come True?
10 Ways to Deal With Open Kitchen Shelves
Tell us:
Which of these shelves designs do you have in your home?
Fitted within nooks, alcoves, and other niches, built-in shelves can be installed almost anywhere where there in an indent; they thus help pack a punch when space is tight. Displayed here is a classic, built-in shelf design where single planks span the entire length of a recessed section of the wall.