Shelves for all your storage needs

There's not a single home without shelves, whether they’re wall shelves, standing shelves, bookshelves or shelving units. Everyone loves shelves because they’re the ideal combination between form and function. Shelves are great for storage, but they can also fill the room and double as decorative pieces in your house. At vidaXL, you’ll find shelving options in a wide range of styles, sizes, colours and materials, with numerous choices for every budget. 

Shelves for every room

Choosing your shelves shouldn’t be overwhelming. Every room in the house can benefit from a wall shelf or a shelf unit. Wall shelves in the hallway provide a way to store keys, bags, hats, scarves or gloves. A wall shelf or a drawer shelf would be a great addition to a bathroom or a bedroom. A floating shelf in the living room can double as a TV stand and it can also be a practical addition to any kitchen. Let’s delve deeper into the topic for even more inspiration:

• Floating shelves: These are probably the most versatile pieces of furniture you’ll ever find. They can serve as a storage option for your living room plants and pictures, but you can also transform them into floating nightstands. Floating shelves are great for storing baskets in the laundry room. In the kitchen, they're practical for holding jars, pots and pans. Moreover, the easiest way to create a focal point in your living space is by using a floating shelf to display items like souvenirs, works of art, ornaments or photo frames.

• Wall cube shelves: If you want something unique, a wall cube shelf is a perfect piece to adorn an empty wall. You can even make your wall cube shelf into a plant shelf. The invisible mounting system makes it appropriate for almost any décor style, but the cubes provide plenty of space for storage, so don’t think this type of shelf will only serve as decoration.

• Wall-mounted drawer shelves: A wall-mounted drawer shelf would look great as a floating vanity. The drawers can hold makeup items, hair tools and other necessities. Wall-mounted drawer shelves are also great for storing children's books, toys and games. Parents know that there’s never enough storage space in the kids’ room. Quick tip: Place it lower on the wall for more accessibility.

• Wall-mounted TV shelves: This type of shelf is made for storing anything from books and magazines to AV components or gaming systems. It’s just as great for keeping remotes and chargers in decorative baskets. You could always transform it into an accent shelf and express your personality by decorating it with your favourite items.

• Bookshelves: Bookworms will love these. Use a bookshelf to create a mini library or a cosy reading corner for your children or yourself. Do you want it robust enough to hold a huge book collection? Then go for a bookshelf made from good engineered wood and metal. If you love collecting cooking books, how about displaying them in your dining room to have all of them within reach? 

• Wall corner shelves: Corner shelves made of tempered glass are the perfect choice for big and small bathrooms. They’ll conveniently hold your shower gel and shampoo bottles. Or maybe you’d prefer a shower shelf made from plastic. A sleek glass floating shelf is excellent for holding baskets with toiletries, toilet paper rolls or cleaning products.

Key considerations when buying shelves

Whether you're revamping your living room, office or garage, selecting the right shelves requires careful consideration of various factors. Here are five essential considerations to keep in mind when purchasing shelves:

• Material:

Wood: Solid wood shelves offer timeless elegance. They come in various finishes and can complement a range of interior styles, from rustic to contemporary.

Metal: Metal shelves are known for their strength and modern look. They are ideal for spaces with a more industrial or minimalist style, and they often provide excellent support for heavy items.

Glass: Glass shelves add a touch of sophistication and openness to any room. They are ideal for displaying decorative items or creating a visually light storage solution, though they require careful handling to prevent breakage.

Plastic: Plastic shelves are lightweight, affordable and easy to clean, making them suitable for areas prone to moisture or where frequent repositioning is necessary. However, they may lack the robustness and style appeal of other materials.

• Size:

Height: Consider the height of the shelves to ensure they fit your space and accommodate items of different sizes. Taller shelves maximise vertical storage space, while shorter ones may be more accessible for everyday items.

Width: Measure the available wall space to determine the appropriate width for your shelves. Consider whether you need a single long shelf or multiple narrower ones to create a customised storage solution.

Depth: The depth of the shelves should be sufficient to hold your items without going too far into the room. Shallower shelves are ideal for small spaces or for displaying decorative objects, while deeper shelves provide more storage capacity for larger items.

• Colour:

Neutral tones: Opting for neutral-coloured shelves, such as white, black or natural wood tones, ensures they blend seamlessly with your existing décor and allow other elements in the room to stand out.

Bold colours: If you prefer to make a statement with your shelves, consider bold or contrasting colours that add visual interest and personality to the space. Just ensure the colour complements the overall colour scheme of the room.

• Style:

Traditional: Classic shelving designs, such as bookcases with adjustable shelves or wall-mounted units with decorative moulding, evoke a timeless charm and are suitable for formal or traditional interiors.

Modern: Sleek lines, minimalistic silhouettes, and innovative materials characterise contemporary shelving designs. This makes them ideal for modern spaces seeking a clean and sophisticated look.

Industrial: Raw materials, exposed hardware and simple, utilitarian designs define industrial-style shelves, giving a rugged yet stylish vibe to urban lofts or eclectic interiors.

• Functionality:

Adjustable shelves: Look for shelves with adjustable height or removable shelves to customise the storage configuration according to your needs and accommodate items of various sizes.

Tips for stylish shelf decorating

Shelves are more than just storage solutions; they're an opportunity to infuse personality and style into your space. From showcasing beloved items to organising essentials, decorating shelves can elevate any room's aesthetic. Here are some tips and tricks to maximise your shelf décor:

• Mix functionality with style: Strike a balance between practicality and style by combining storage solutions like baskets with decorative items such as vases, sculptures or candles.

• Layer items for visual interest: Create depth by layering items of various heights and sizes. Position taller pieces towards the back and shorter ones upfront for an engaging display.

• Incorporate greenery: Add life and colour with low-maintenance plants like succulents or ivy. Greenery softens the space and brings a refreshing touch of nature indoors.

• Display personal mementoes: Showcase cherished mementoes such as framed photos, artwork or travel souvenirs. These items not only personalise your space but also spark fond memories.

• Organise books creatively: Arrange books both horizontally and vertically to break up monotony. Integrate decorative bookends or combine books with small objects for added visual interest.

• Play with texture and colour: Experiment with textures and colours to add depth to your shelves. Mix materials like wood, metal and ceramics. You can also incorporate textiles such as baskets or fabric-covered boxes.

• Create visual symmetry: Achieve balance by arranging items symmetrically on your shelves. Place matching pairs on either side or create symmetry around a central focal point.

• Use lighting to highlight features: Illuminate shelves with strategic lighting to draw attention to focal points. LED string lights or accent lamps can create ambience and spotlight specific items.

• Rotate seasonal décor: Keep shelves fresh by rotating décor items with the seasons. Swap out holiday-themed decorations or vibrant textiles to reflect the time of year.

Decorating shelves is an art form that requires creativity and attention to detail. By following these tips, you can transform your shelves into stylish showcases that reflect your personality and enhance your home's overall style.