The word “shelf” does not naturally conjure up any vision of grandeur. It is one of those mundane words that we never give a thought to. That is, until we realize that our home is looking a bit cluttered and we need to do something about our storage spaces. From that, if we look hard enough, the world of shelves for home use can actually be an adventure into home décor.
Shelves around the home can take on many different guises. In the old days we may just have thought of simple wood shelving fixed to a wall, but even that would have been an over simplification. There is often more to shelves than meets the eye, especially as many or most of them are enclosed behind closed doors. Cabinets, wardrobes, cupboards and other types of furniture may all contain shelving.
For the purpose of this article, though, let us consider exposed shelves; those that we can see in all there glory, or simplicity. Let us imagine that you need to look for new shelves for the kitchen and bathroom. This is indoor furniture you are talking about, and not wood shelving for the backyard shed. or a garage storage rack. This means you can think décor, and finding attractive and decorative shelving which also has practical uses.
The kitchen is probably the most important room in the home to keep well organized, especially for the one who does the family cooking. If that is you, then you know that hygiene is of paramount importance, and that while you are cooking you prefer to have all your utensils and cooking equipment well placed for convenience, but well protected. You also want your home food storage organized for both hygiene and convenience.
Kitchen shelving tends to be mostly enclosed in cabinets above and below the countertop. However, if you need some extra storage space for things that can be kept in the open on display then some corner shelving may use up some spare space. Under the countertop, sliding shelves may bring you some extra convenience, and maybe a little bit of additional storage space too.
For decorative purposes, look to shelving brackets for a single shelf. Cast iron brackets spring to mind, as wrought iron has a tradition of being spun into some most beautiful designs. For shelves in a unit, though, the overall design can be quite decorative and ornate, so it is worth looking for corner units that add a touch of art to your “mundane” shelving.
The bathroom too is a place where you might find some attractive looking shelving. Again, a corner unit may be where that artistic looking touch may be found, or in the overall design of a vanity sink unit. The important thing is to take your time. If you need some more shelving anywhere in the house, try to take the opportunity to enhance your home décor not just add another ordinary shelf!
