See the Many Ways to Use Modular Shelves
These stylish and versatile shelving systems can work in any room
Modular shelving is easy to install, extremely flexible and on trend as well. If you like the idea of trying a system of brackets and ledges in your own home, check out these images for inspiration on how to make it look seriously stylish.
Blend in with the walls. The shelves and cabinets in this system have been painted the same color as the walls. The silver brackets add a subtle series of lines but don’t contrast too much, so the whole unit is chic and unobtrusive. To keep the look pared-down and minimal, the owners have displayed their items neatly and even left some of the shelves fairly clear to give a feeling of space.
Add in extras. This craft room’s wall unit shows just how versatile modular shelving can be. The wire framework has been designed to fit normal shelves in any configuration, as well as plastic trays, metal boxes and even a magazine rack.
In your own home, think carefully about how you would want to use the shelving unit and what exactly you want to store. Consider including hooks for pots that store your craft gear, as on the pegboard above.
In your own home, think carefully about how you would want to use the shelving unit and what exactly you want to store. Consider including hooks for pots that store your craft gear, as on the pegboard above.
Create your own with piping. These kitchen shelves were created using copper piping and rough wood boards. The pipes have been made into frames for the wood to fit into. To add even more functionality, the designers have added hanging rails below each unit with hooks to hold cups and pots of herbs.
To make something similar at home, you can buy copper piping and joints at large DIY stores. Use pipe cutters to ensure your pipes are the right length and glue the pipes and joints together using epoxy resin. You can also attach the unit to the wall with pipe holders. For more information, follow one of the easy tutorials online.
To make something similar at home, you can buy copper piping and joints at large DIY stores. Use pipe cutters to ensure your pipes are the right length and glue the pipes and joints together using epoxy resin. You can also attach the unit to the wall with pipe holders. For more information, follow one of the easy tutorials online.
Put up some scaffolding. This bookshelf also has some serious industrial-chic credentials as it’s been made with piping and reclaimed scaffolding planks. Color has been used to great effect too, with the colorful books and the alcove wall painted a dark gray to tie in with the piping.
Go as far as you can. The beauty of a modular shelving system is that it can be as big or as small as you like. In this loft space, the brackets go all the way up to the ceiling, higher even than the mezzanine floor. To reach the higher shelves, the owners have installed an adjustable ladder in the same bright white as the walls and shelves. They’ve kept the styling minimal, but there is still lots of room here for storage.
Create a media area. Modular shelving also comes as free-standing units, like the ones here. You can find systems similar to this at a number of retailers, so choose a design you like and add to it as you go. This one includes shelves and cabinets, as well as a TV unit and even a desk unit.
It’s not usually possible to adjust the shelves along brackets on a system like this, but it offers the same type of versatility.
It’s not usually possible to adjust the shelves along brackets on a system like this, but it offers the same type of versatility.
Ramp up the design. Add interest to simple shelves by arranging them in a quirky pattern. Here, the designer has positioned them in a staggered pattern to turn them into a real feature of the room. The bottom shelf acts as a desk.
Pop in some cube shelving. For an extra element on your modular shelving, mix things up with the addition of box shelves. Here, a row of rectangular shelves with sliding glass panels adds a cool design feature.
You don’t have to use glass-fronted shelves; instead go for classic cube shelves that are available from many retailers. Line books up along the top, and use the box to frame a vignette of ornaments.
You don’t have to use glass-fronted shelves; instead go for classic cube shelves that are available from many retailers. Line books up along the top, and use the box to frame a vignette of ornaments.
Add some drawers. Don’t fancy box shelves? Try slimline drawers instead. The ones here look neat in the space, and the extra wood adds warmth to the room. They’re also the perfect place to hide your knickknacks, while leaving space on the shelves for more attractive objects.
Take over a wall. The modular shelving unit here is simple, stylish and practical. The designer has installed a classic system along the wall for the owners to use as they wish. Smaller gaps at the bottom are perfect for small books and CDs, while larger spaces at the top are for taller tomes and displaying ornaments. The brackets allow the shelves to be moved up and down whenever necessary, so the whole thing is wonderfully flexible.
Organize your kitchen. This clever kitchen really makes the most of a modular shelving system. The white tiled wall is the perfect backdrop for a simple framework of wire and plywood. The versatile wire slots hold shelves for tableware, storage jars and utensils, as well as a sloping ledge to read recipes. Along the bottom, the unit has space for a kitchen table and sliding-door cabinets.
The shelving system is a great alternative to traditional kitchen units and can be taken with you when you move.
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The shelving system is a great alternative to traditional kitchen units and can be taken with you when you move.
More
Style Your Open Kitchen Shelving Like a Pro
8 Beautiful Ideas for Floating Shelves
Storage Shortage? Make an Industrial-Style Shelving Unit