Almost every home can do with more storage space, and shelves are great for storing or displaying items without taking up valuable floor space. This makes them ideal for modern smaller homes.
Ready-made DIY shelves are inexpensive and simple to install at home. They are available in a wide range of styles and finishes to suit every décor - or make your own out of recycled materials. For example, chunky shelves made from reclaimed solid wood support beams add a rustic touch and galvanised pipe and fittings introduce an industrial feel.
Personality
Shelves are ideal if you want to add colour and character to your home.
- A narrow shelf fitted above your kitchen countertops will help tie your kitchen design together and provide an opportunity to show off your best crockery and perhaps an eye-catching plant.
- Transform standard bookcases into a magical indoor garden with trailing house plants – a hanging fern is a good choice – among your books and ornaments.
- In a room overlooked by neighbours, an open shelving unit with semi-transparent items is an attractive way to create privacy instead of expensive window treatments.
- An open shelving unit can create a subtle divide between zones in an open-plan space without restricting light or flow. Decorate with houseplants, books or ornaments that complement the décor.
- Shelves mounted on brackets can be just as appealing as floating shelves if you shop around for unusual brackets or ones that complement your existing decor.
Colour
Start by deciding on a colour scheme to tie the look together for each room.
- Sticking to one colour palette will make the display come together more fluidly. Use a neutral base, then incorporate different materials and accessories in various sizes.
- Warm shades like yellow and orange add depth and character to a pastel-coloured living room or dining area.
- Add a touch of class to bedrooms painted in soothing blues, greens and greys with wall shelves in deeper matching tones.
- A mantelpiece shelf in the same colour as the rest of the wall will look built-in, with added darker accents and natural textures for depth.
- Having shelves in the same tone as the walls emphasises the shelves' contents.
- Don't feel obliged to keep shelf brackets hidden - splash on some colour and make them a feature.
Wire
Wire shelves are great for garages, workshops and informal spaces.
- Metal-wired shelving units are inexpensive, and you can see at a glance where everything is.
- They also work well inside clothing cupboards for additional storage space.
- For a casual look, prop a wire rack shelving unit up against a wall, and style at random.
Lighting
Fairy lights will draw attention to your shelf styling and turn it into a feature.
- A spotlight highlighting a stand-out ornament or artwork can create a focal point for the rest of your display items.
- Corner shelves can be dark, so add some overhead lighting.
To do
Before starting your DIY shelf project, ensure you have all your materials and equipment on hand.
- Research online sites for shelving ideas and tutorials on how to install various types of shelves.
- Make a list of materials and equipment you need to buy.
- Take proper measurements before buying any material.
As with any DIY project, you need to be really patient to achieve the perfect result. Take your time – don’t rush.
Writer : Sarah-Jane Meyer