Our homes are filled with items we want to protect and display in our homes. Adding some shelving to your walls is a great way to amp up the storage of your home while displaying the things that matter to you. Shelving doesn't have to be expensive either.
There are, however, a few things to consider when you decide to add shelving to your home.
- Tools: When picking the shelves for your home, pay attention to what tools you will need in order to install them. You'll need at the very least a screwdriver, or a drill in order to install your new shelves. The last thing you want to do is order them, only to realize that they can't be installed.
- Wall integrity: Not all walls are going to be capable of holding real weight. You'll need to check for studs, and if you live in an older house then it's also worth checking whether your walls can support a shelf. After all, nobody wants to put up a shelf only for it to fall over weeks or months later.
- Style: There are several different kinds of shelves that you can choose between for your home. It's worth thinking about whether you want floating shelves, display racks, stand-up shelves, etc.
- Size: Whether you're adding shelving to your bedroom, or the living room, you need to know the size of two things. The space you have available for shelving, and the shelf itself. Carefully measuring your space before making a purchase will ensure you don't end up with a room that feels too cluttered.
Pros:
- Each holds up to 40 pounds
- Wide planks for items
- Only requires two screws per shelf to hang
Cons:
- All shelf colors come with brown or black brackets
Floating shelves are a great way to display photos, keepsakes, and even books. The Love-KANKEI floating shelves deliver a low-profile look that is perfect for almost anything. They only require 2 screws for each shelf making it easy to install, and each shelf holds up to 40 lbs at a time. Each set of shelves comes with 1 large, 1 medium, and 1 small shelf, and they are available in more than 8 finishes.
Furinno 5-tier corner display rack
Utilize space normally left empty
Match any room with your favorite shade.
Pros:
- Frame is made of PVC
- Fits into small corners
Cons:
- Shelves are composite wood
Making use of a tight corner space can be tough, but not with this option. The V-shaped shelves will slide into the corner, giving you an opportunity for more storage space. There are five shelves in total, and each can support up to fifteen pounds.
AmazonBasics adjustable shelving unit
Extra-sturdy option for big storage
Store your large kitchen overflow items on this unit.
Pros:
- Holds 250 pounds per shelf
- Adjustable shelves
Cons:
- Industrial look doesn’t work for every room
Most kitchens don’t have enough cabinet space to fit all the small appliances and serving dishes you own. Each shelf will hold up to 250 pounds, making this AmazonBasics shelving unit a clutch purchase for your kitchen or pantry. You’ll be able to move your mixer, microwave, toaster oven, and any other extras onto it.
Zenna Home bathroom storage shelves
Clever storage for unused space
Store bathroom essentials within reach.
Pros:
- Good for humid rooms
- Thoughtful approach to neglected space
Cons:
- Only one finish option
Whether it’s extra washcloths, towels, or toilet paper, we’re sure you’ll have no problem finding items to place on this bathroom shelving unit. The base fits around your toilet to stabilize, and the shelves make use of the vertical space that is sometimes neglected. Its satin nickel finish won’t rust in the humidity from showers or baths and easily wipes clean.
Pros:
- Modular storage for any room
- Excellent option for kids
Cons:
- Each shelf only holds 15 pounds
If you get bored of the storage solutions you currently have, then this choice might be for you. Puroma’s cube shelves can be rearranged to grow vertically, horizontally, or both. The individual shelves can support 15 pounds and are available in black, grey, white, and translucent.
Lavish Home book shelf
Graduated steps rest against your wall
Add storage to a tight bathroom or hallway.
Pros:
- Visually interesting
- Small footprint
Cons:
- Kids may want to climb the shelves
Most shelving options rely on hardware to hang or a frame to support them. Lavish’s shelving features a leaning frame of graduated steps that you can set up and relocate easily if desired. The finish is available in blond, cherry, pickled oak, and walnut, letting you add the warmth of wood to any room.
Store and display
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Finding the right shelving solution for your home isn't always an easy choice. With major differences between options like floating shelves or standing shelves, it's worth knowing what will suit your home and design aesthetic.
Our number one pick are Love-KANKEI floating shelves. You get 3 shelves in a set, with small, medium, and large. They're easy to install, and can hold up to 40 lbs, making them perfect for holding a variety of items. The brackets on the end of the shelves also protect your items from accidentally tipping over the sides.
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At RealHomes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.