Order in the house, convenience, beauty - do you dream of getting it all at once? Then you need to think carefully about what and where you will store. Bulky cabinets are not always appropriate and convenient. But there is a way out! Wall-mounted shelves are a practical and versatile classic. Moreover, now they delight with a variety of shapes, configurations and materials.
Benefits of wall shelves
Wall shelves are still the most popular and most controversial element of the interior. Someone considers them a useless place for dust accumulation, while others consider them a stylish accessory and a bright accent.
Nevertheless, no one is in a hurry to abandon them. After all, this is the perfect place to store cute little things, kitchen utensils, dishes, bottles, books, documents, comics, souvenirs and any collection.
Wall mounted shelves have several distinct advantages:
- Open structures perfectly relieve space. This is especially valuable in studios and small rooms;
- Shelves come in different widths and depths. They can be designed individually;
- Depending on the location, wall shelves visually change the space;
- Everything that is stored on the shelves is always visual and accessible;
- Stylish modern shelves can be a full-fledged independent art object.
Types of wall shelves
Wall shelves are more varied than they might seem at first glance. For a long time these are not only boards nailed to the wall. Now they are much sleeker, more interesting and more convenient.
Classic wall shelves
Classics are considered eternal for a reason. This is the simplest design: a straight, flat shelf is simply attached to the wall.
But even this simplicity leaves room for imagination. Experiment with depth and location. Alternate between narrow and wide shelves. Place them in a checkerboard pattern or in a creative asymmetry.
The main thing is to think over strong fasteners. Especially for loaded shelves for books or crockery.
Corner wall shelves
Compact and functional, they allow the most efficient way to relieve space. For example, in small kitchens, bathrooms or closets, where every centimeter counts.
Corner shelves are attached to two walls. It doesn't have to be the inner corner of the room.
An interesting option is the shelves on the outer corner of the plasterboard structure. Place small flowerpots or stylish lamps on them to freshen up the interior and zone the room.
Shaped wall shelves
Shaped shelves are always individual and original design solutions. The most important thing for them is to select fasteners and calculate the pivot points.
Square, rectangular, triangular and more complex geometric blocks will perfectly complement modern constructivist styles. Round, oval and openwork look interesting in modern style. Zigzags and broken lines - in hi-tech.
Shelves in the form of trees, trees and houses are suitable for a nursery. And rough structures made of boxes, pallets or raw boards are for a spacious loft living room.
Hanging wall shelves
The design feature is directly indicated by its name. They are installed against the wall, but are not attached to it, but to a beam or ceiling. For this, all kinds of ropes and cables are used.
The main disadvantage of hanging shelves is instability. Do not store items that are too heavy or fragile on them. But it is a fashionable and striking design element.
Niche shelves
Photos, souvenirs, decorative lamps look stylish in small cozy niches. They are rarely used as a storage system, but the stylish design complements the interior.
Materials (edit)
For the manufacture of shelves, all the same materials are used as for furniture sets.
Wood
Almost all types of wood are used for the manufacture of shelves. And also plywood, chipboard, MDF and other derivatives.
The main advantages are affordability, versatility and practicality. Wood will fit into all classic and most modern interiors.
Metal
Although the metal is rarely used in its pure form in homes and apartments, it will find a place in high-tech and similar styles.
Stainless steel is a convenient and hygienic solution for bathrooms and technical rooms.
Glass
Tempered glass is used for the manufacture of shelves. It is stronger and safer. Even if it breaks, it will shatter into harmless, non-sharp shards that you can simply sweep away.
Plastic
Modern high-strength plastic easily withstands stress. It is hygienic and easy to clean, so it is suitable for the bathroom.
And it can also be given the most complex and unusual shapes. These shelves in a stylish glossy finish with chrome fittings will fit into futuristic interiors.
Mirror
Mirrored shelves require careful handling and maintenance. But they do allow you to experiment with space and lighting.
A reflective hanging mirror can greatly expand a room. And decorative candles with reflection look even more romantic.
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Types of fasteners for shelves
No one has been nailing shelves directly to the wall with ordinary nails for a long time. There are a lot of more modern and neat fasteners.
Corners
This is the simplest and most common option for classic straight shelves. With one side they are screwed to the wall, the other to the shelf itself.
It is not necessary to take a regular reinforcing profile. There are a lot of elegant decorative corners of various shapes and configurations, with forged elements and decor.
Countersunk fasteners
The main disadvantage of the corners is their visibility. This is not suitable for all styles.
Alternative - rigid fixation with countersunk fasteners:
- Hidden flat hinges are screwed to the shelf "from the inside" and hung on the self-tapping screws in the wall.
- The structure is immediately strung on metal pins. But this option is not suitable for glass or steel, and for too thin shelves.
- A wooden block is mounted on the wall, which becomes the base. Its thickness must necessarily match the thickness of the shelf.
Decorative brackets-clips
Clip brackets are most commonly used for glass shelves. On the one hand, it is screwed into the wall, on the other, a glass plate is inserted into the bifurcated cylinder.
Wall shelves in the interior
Wall shelves are both decor and furniture at the same time. This means that they need to be carefully selected for the style of the interior.
Classic style
In a classic style, simple straight shelves made of precious woods are appropriate. They are massive, even and symmetrically set, with graceful gold-plated or wrought-iron brackets. Carved decor is allowed.
Provence
Light and elegant shelves made of light wood will ideally fit into Provence. Paint them by hand, decorate with decoupage, cover them with lace napkins.
Aged or bleached wood looks good. Painted plywood or chipboard will also work. Unlike the classics, Provence does not require monumentality.
High tech
This is where all the complex futuristic designs made of steel, glass, mirrors, plastic and glossy acrylic come in handy.
Feel free to choose complex geometric shapes, angular shelves, backlit shelves.
Modern
The main feature is the rounded, curved lines. Modern tends to be natural and natural asymmetry. The chaotically located wavy wooden shelves look interesting.
Minimalism
Minimalism is a broad concept, therefore materials can be different, depending on the chosen direction.
But all of them are united by simplicity and brevity of forms, absence of excessive decor, smooth smooth surfaces, inconspicuous fasteners.
Loft
The loft is eclectic. Pay attention to the rough and raw massive shelves on the same visible fasteners. Or on suspended structures on a thick rope with knots.
In a loft, there is no need to sand and polish surfaces to perfection. Everything that is hidden in other styles becomes a demonstrative "feature" in the loft.
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Wall Shelf Decor
It is not necessary to be limited to complex constructions. You can always decorate any shelf in an unusual way. Painting, decoupage, stencils, wallpaper, ribbons, decorative tape - all this is at your disposal. Just be sure to take care of a neutral background to avoid excessive clutter.
LED strip lighting is a trend for modern high-tech interiors. Place it around the perimeter or hide it behind small ledges under the shelf. So the structure will seem to float in the air.
The shelves can be connected to each other with a decorative cord with knots or woven trifles. This creates the effect of lightweight hanging shelves.
For storage, you can safely use wardrobe trunks, chests, boxes, interesting boxes and jars. All this will become an individual decoration of the shelf.
Where to install wall shelves?
Always select the location of the shelves to suit your interior and preferences. After all, the issue of convenience is exclusively individual. But we want to offer you several universal options!
Wall shelves in the hallway and corridor
In small and narrow rooms, shelves that are too wide and bulky will be inconvenient. But small and shallow ones will come in handy for storing bags, wallets, improvised little things.
Low shelves near the floor are suitable for shoes. Upper ones under the ceiling - as a mezzanine for storing various utensils.
Wall shelves in the living room
The living room is the easiest, because you have access to all the variety of shapes and configurations. Place a small shelf for supplies or documents by the work area. Ideally, at arm's length.
Shelves with books will be appropriate near the soft corner. And if you calculate a convenient location relative to the window, you can equip a small home garden.
Wall shelves in the kitchen
Functionality is important here. Choose shelves that are strong and stable enough, sloped or hanging structures are not suitable for dishes and utensils.
It is better to keep those items that you constantly use on kitchen shelves. So they will not become excessively dusty and dirty, and therefore it is easier to maintain order. But the decorative collection of services will have to be constantly washed.
Wall mounted shelves in the bathroom
The most convenient option for small bathrooms is multi-tiered corner shelves. They allow you to profitably use unused space.
A shelf by the sink or in front of the mirror is useful for storing all kinds of accessories that are inconvenient to keep wet in the closet all the time.
Wall shelves in the children's room
The child constantly learns the world, so it is important for him to see, touch and compare things. Shelves are ideal for this.
Choose safe constructions without sharp corners. And also - the most reliable fasteners that will definitely withstand if the kid decides to climb up.
Wall shelves in the bedroom
Shelves by the bed or above the headboard can easily replace bedside tables or even a small chest of drawers. Place night lights and cute romantic little things on them that will delight you every day.
DIY installation of shelves
The subtleties of installing the shelves completely depend on the type of construction and the type of fasteners. But there are some general guidelines:
- Be sure to make a sketch. Even for the simplest straight shelves;
- Calculate the width and length;
- Determine the height of the installation so that it is safe and no one gets injured by simply passing by;
- Install fasteners only after marking on the wall;
- Check every step with the level;
- Before loading the shelf, be sure to check its reliability.
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Shelves on the wall - photo
Need even more ideas? We have compiled this selection of photographs especially for you.After all, there are never many options and design solutions! You will definitely be able to find wall shelves that fit perfectly into your interior!
