Pros and cons of placing wall shelves in the kitchen
Hanging shelves for the kitchen solve two main problems - functional and decorative, which gives a lot of advantages.
Main advantages:
- The space of the room visually expands, there is more “air”, lightness and openness, which is especially important for small kitchens.
- Saving money. They are definitely cheaper than their counterparts: wall cabinets.
- Save time searching for the desired item. Now everything is before your eyes. We went through the shelves and quickly found what you need. There is no need to open and close lockers one by one.
- Cooking becomes a pleasure. All spices, the most necessary cereals, a recipe book, stirrers and other kitchen utensils are always at hand.
- The ability to decorate an interior sometimes multiplies. Hanging shelves change the environment with their own design and the ability to place various items on them, giving them support for the overall style and special atmosphere.
Flaws:
- Anything that is open easily collects dust, and there are also splashes of food and grease in the kitchen. Cleaning efforts will require a little more effort.
- What is on display requires order and sometimes beautiful design. You still can’t express it simply with feeling and reason.
- The capacity of the shelf, unfortunately, can hardly compete with the capacity of the option where you don’t need to arrange things beautifully, which means you can arrange a lot more things.
Design features of different dryers. Shelf material
The material of the dryer plays a significant role. The most budget option is plastic. It has a nice design and lightness. But the service life of such a dryer is very short: after a few months it will begin to sag or break completely.
A convenient option is a built-in dish dryer in wall cabinets.
The best, but also the most expensive models are made of metal. Most often these are aluminum and stainless steel. The metal drying rack fits easily into the design of any kitchen and is also durable
But operation must be very careful: a strong impact can damage the dishes
The best dryers are made of metal.
Decorative shelves for the kitchen
When choosing shelves for drying and storing dishes, be guided by the overall style of the kitchen. For example, metal, plastic or even glass shelves are suitable for modern and high-tech. A more relaxed Provence and Scandinavian style involves the use of wood and stone.
When choosing a dish dryer for your kitchen, focus on the overall design.
Decorative shelves can be made of wood and glass
Pay attention to the thickness of the glass, it must support the weight of the dishes.
Open models
Open shelves are not only an excellent decoration, but also a rather functional element of the interior. The absence of a door allows you to immediately take in the entire set of dishes and makes searching much easier. But there is also a drawback: grease and dirt can stain dishes and you will have to spend extra time cleaning the shelves.
Open models perfectly complement the interior.
There are several types of open shelves.
- Mounted. Attached to the wall using hinges. Fasteners can be hidden, but can also be a decorative element.
- Rooms fixed to the ceiling. Hanging shelves look very unusual and at the same time withstand heavy loads. For installation, you will have to make holes in the ceiling, so owners of a stretch ceiling may have problems.
- Shelves and racks. They are placed in spacious rooms due to their large dimensions. Can be mounted to a wall or floor. They are stable and durable.
- Built-in shelves are another option for organizing storage in the kitchen. A shelf for dishes in a kitchen cabinet is built in immediately during installation and is included in the kitchen set, making it more diverse.
Open models of shelves for the kitchen have several types.
This way, unpresentable utensils can be hidden in closed cabinets, and beautiful dishes and decorations can be displayed on the shelves.
Open shelf models can be installed anywhere in the kitchen.
For compact spaces, the option of additional corner shelves built into the closet is also suitable. High shelves made up of several tiers look original. They are quite roomy and a great space saver.
It is convenient to use open shelves above the sink.
Criteria for choosing a shelf for the kitchen
Any kitchen furniture must meet such requirements as convenience and practicality.
When choosing shelves, you should pay attention to a number of other points:
- Capacity (given the models, it is worth considering their parameters);
- Durability quality;
- Reliability of fasteners;
- Moisture resistance;
- Resistance to household chemicals;
- Simple filling;
- Ergonomic
The execution of the design is of great importance: color scheme, configuration, size, texture.
It is believed that open shelves in the kitchen, decorated in light natural colors, visually expand its area, and black models are appropriate only in contrasting interiors.
What style to make, buy shelves for the wall
Country
You will need to use functional shelves made of natural timber. The shelves are beautiful for the kitchen, made of solid, aged wood, complemented by wicker baskets and chests. It is better to choose a color palette: light beige, gray, pastel colors.
In order to favorably emphasize the rustic orientation of the style, it is advisable to use wooden shelves with a natural texture
To emphasize the style, you can decorate individual shelves with curtains with a colorful floral pattern. This solution will prevent items from external contamination. This will also allow you to experiment: you can keep the curtains curtained or open. An important point will be to maintain a sense of proportion. A pair of shelves decorated with curtains look good.
Provence
The shelf in the kitchen is made of natural material in light colors, covered with varnish and paint. If the wood has an aged structure, this will serve as harmony in the Provence style. Here it would be appropriate to use special supports for solid wood shelves and forged corners. The peeling surface of the paint gives the overall mood. Wooden shelves of the simplest designs that can be varnished or painted in light colors are suitable for Provence.
Refined shelves will help sparkle the kitchen space with new colors. On such comfortable pieces of furniture you can place original dishes, small vases with wildflowers, as if delivered from the south of France.
Scandinavia
The embodiment of this style implies uncluttered shelves. Place only the essentials necessary for cooking on them. It is allowed to place some accessories: original stones, small candles, porcelain souvenirs, animal drawings. Such elements will tell about the Nordic character of the kitchen.
On open shelves in a Scandinavian interior you can place a variety of decorative items that highlight the stylistic direction of the room
High-tech direction
The predominance of glass materials and metal. Minimalism, nothing superfluous is a feature of the style. Black and white colors are required in the design.
High-tech and minimalism usually use combinations of open shelving and cabinets with smooth fronts
Make a balanced decision about installing open shelves in this interior. The reason is the rule of maintaining order and observing the canons of style.
Types of shelves for the kitchen
The variety of designs is amazing. When choosing a product, the type, shape, and purpose are taken into account.
Wall mounted
The advantages of such models are difficult to deny: installation does not require special skills and takes little time, the furniture does not visually “eat up” the space and fits well into the interior. The products are also distinguished by their versatility:
- wall-mounted kitchen shelves will perfectly replace cabinets in a narrow room;
- A shelf in the kitchen very often serves as a stand for interior decor: photo frames, candlesticks, souvenir plates, flower pots.
Before choosing a model, you need to think about what will be on it. To store large items, choose massive wall shelves made of reliable and durable material.
Hanging
Sometimes it is not possible to attach shelves to the walls or you need to have additional storage space in the center of the room. And then suspended structures completely solve these problems. Thanks to the special fastening, the shelves are quite reliable and can withstand heavy loads.
Multi-level structures look like shelves and are visually weightless. Thanks to the ceiling support, the shelves can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. This is an excellent option for arranging a small winter garden. Shelves located above the bar counter and kitchen island are convenient for storing plates, glasses, glasses. Hanging structures can also visually delimit a spacious room, separating the kitchen from the living room.
Corner
This is an ideal option for a convenient and practical arrangement of a compact kitchen. Such products take up little space and allow rational use of the “dead” corner area. It is very practical to place corner models near the window, near sofas or soft corners. It is convenient to store cookbooks on the shelves, or you can arrange original souvenir mugs and candles in unusual candlesticks.
Products can be single-level or multi-level. Such open models are good to place in the work area. To increase the practicality of the design, you need to decide what will stand on it. Therefore, the width, height and depth of the shelf are calculated in advance.
Built-in
Often kitchens in old buildings have complex shapes or are equipped with niches. A great idea to turn architectural imperfections into advantages is to turn shelves into niches. In addition, such a solution will bring creativity into the interior. Such open shelves in the kitchen are used instead of cabinets.
A fashionable trend is to install bottle holders in drawers. As a rule, structures are made superficial.
Shelves with racks
In specialized stores you can find open shelves built into shelves. This is a very comfortable and spacious piece of furniture, with the help of which everything you need is close by.
This design is often used as the last module of a kitchen furniture complex. No matter how the rack is turned over, the main thing is that it is easy to handle.
Experts call open shelves in built-in shelving an updated version of the famous slide.
Open shelves above sinks
In this case, the shelves are mounted on the wall near the sink or almost under the ceiling itself. They are convenient for mixing dishes.
Glass shelves are great for modern interior styles. Transparent material will look harmonious with any color combination.
Cabinets with open shelves
Drawers equipped with open shelves hold many items and provide quick and easy access to them. Such furniture is great for storing pots, dishes, vegetables, fruits and more.
You can also store recipe books in drawers. Experts recommend choosing a cabinet with open shelves for the kitchen in combination with the living room.
Which kitchen is suitable for open shelves?
Open shelves are most suitable in interiors in rustic styles - country and Provence, cold Scandinavian and practical loft.
Practical open shelves also came into the interiors of kitchens in ordinary apartment buildings, when open layouts - a kitchen combined with a living room - became popular.
In such a space, open kitchen shelves look harmonious with bookcases and shelves, making the interior unified in style.
Pros of open shelves
Firstly, they create a homely atmosphere. Secondly, access to kitchen utensils and products becomes easy and unhindered. In addition, open shelves visually expand the space even in a small kitchen.
Open shelves help the housewife not to store unnecessary utensils; as a rule, they are stored in the farthest cabinets, but here there is no such opportunity, which means that unused items will not be stored at home for years.
Open kitchen shelves are suitable for families who often cook a lot - they are convenient to use.
If you make shelves to order, to suit your own kitchen interior, it will cost much less than ordering cabinets with doors.
Disadvantages of open shelves
Such shelves are not suitable for everyone: they are not as spacious as cabinets with doors, and you need to place carefully selected dishes and beautiful kitchen accessories on them.
Everything that stands on them must be neatly arranged. In addition, they require regular cleaning.
Shelf color and design
The design of the shelves must be combined with other items - furniture, apron, countertop. More often the color of the product is preserved, it corresponds to the material of manufacture - the surface can convey the pattern of wood, stone, or be chrome-plated or gold-plated.
However, in modern interiors there are plastic or wooden shelves painted in bright colors. In addition, sometimes shelves are equipped with lighting for an aesthetic effect or to illuminate the work area located below. Then spotlights are mounted on their surface or an LED strip is glued.
There are several changes:
- racks for dishes;
- with built-in drawers for small items;
- floor and wall shelves;
- with partitions and sides;
- with a horizontal surface.
There are also design features of the product:
- Country, Provence, rustic. Shelves for these styles should be solid wood, natural or distressed. Floral print curtains can be used as decoration. Such products are usually accompanied by themed accessories: dishes, objects made from natural materials, wooden figurines.
- Modern, high-tech. Laconic shelves made of wood, glass, plastic or stainless steel without carved sides or other decorations are appropriate here. Photo frames or monochrome paintings in small quantities; modern spice jars are placed on them.
- Classic, modern. Shelves made of stone, metal, and glass are relevant for these styles. Wood will also work, as long as the shelves are elegant and presentable. Forged sides, carvings, pillars are appropriate. On such shelves you can place vases, books, and beautiful dishes.
Shelves for flowers
It is often seen when people decorate their homes with artificial flowers, but still nothing can replace the freshness of a natural beautiful plant. Many owners, trying to decorate the wall, let climbing plants grow along it, hang flowerpots from the ceiling or place them on shelves of their own design. The advantage of this approach is that it is possible to make something of your own, unique and fitting into the interior of the room. Depending on the type of flowers available and their quantity, a shelf is constructed.
Wooden shelf for flowers in the shape of a honeycomb
Of course, you immediately want to make something voluminous and beautiful, which is quite natural, but first you can try your hand at making a simple but neat shelf.
Manufacturing stages
We will need a 120x25 mm board with a length of at least 130 cm. It will be more convenient to sand the board while it is intact.
Take a board of the appropriate size
After this, one edge needs to be cut so that the corner is straight, and markings must be applied every 20 cm clearly at an angle of 90°. A construction corner will help with this, but if you don’t have one, you can use any solid object whose corners are right, for example, ceramic tiles.
We make marks on the board every 20 cm
When cutting a part, you need to hold the hacksaw at an angle relative to it. If you hold the hacksaw straight, it will be difficult to make an even cut.
Now saw it according to our marks
To make a shelf we will need 6 pieces of 20 cm each.
We will need 6 identical planks
Each part must be sanded on all sides. The blade used should not be coarse-grained, otherwise the wood may be scratched.
Each of them needs to be sanded
Since the screws will be screwed close to the edge of the board, in order to prevent it from splitting, you need to drill holes in these places with a thin drill.
In preparation for assembly, we will drill holes for screws
The entire assembly process consists of fastening the parts with self-tapping screws. If PVA glue is available, then the joints must first be smeared with it, and after allowing a minute for the glue to set, the parts must be fastened. When screwing in the screws, you do not need to use excessive force to prevent the board from splitting. It is enough that the head of the screw is flush with the board.
Assembling the shelf
Since our shelf is wall-mounted, we need to screw fasteners to it.
We screw the fastenings
Since the height of the shelves is small and the structure is not very durable, you can place climbing or low plants in small pots on it.
The shelf is ready and there are flowers on it
This product can be used not only for flowers. To prevent the shelf from getting dirty, it is best to open it with varnish.
Basic materials for hanging shelves:
Natural wood (solid);
- natural wood (solid wood);
- Chipboard, MDF;
- metal;
- stone;
- glass;
- plastic.
Wood is perhaps the only material that adapts stylistically to any space and brings a touch of warmth. The wooden wall shelf is durable and can withstand a lot of weight, making it great for storing large amounts of utensils. Pine, beech, alder or oak are often used to make wall-mounted kitchen shelves. The only caveat is that to use it in the kitchen, natural wood must be treated with moisture-resistant compounds.
What distinguishes wood is its great variability with different types of fasteners. Especially with metal brackets such as the industrial design style as shown below.
Hanging wooden shelves with wrought iron brackets look beautiful.
Lamps in the spirit of old water pipes look very original.
Shelves made of laminated chipboard or MDF are not inferior in strength to natural wood, but at a significantly lower cost. Their second advantage is the variety of colors due to veneered or laminated coating. In fact, chipboard and MDF are the same materials from which furniture is made. Thanks to this, shelves made of wooden panels can be easily integrated into the kitchen set as a free-standing element or as shelving systems. On such wall shelves it is convenient to place items relevant for cooking: dishes, cereals, spices, kitchen utensils.
Metal is a practical and durable material that offers many ideas for implementation, both in modern interiors and in rural areas and Provence. For the latter, small forged shelves with an openwork pattern would be an excellent addition.
Selecting material for work
The most important parameter for self-assembly of a corner shelf is the choice of material. All modern construction supply stores offer their customers a huge range of the following consumables:
- Wooden beams of various sections.
- Chipboard panels, MDF.
- Plywood.
- Metal profile pipes.
- Reinforced and sheet iron.
- Plastic and glass panels for assembly.
You can also use PVC pipes left over after renovations in your apartment (house). For pre-processing of parts and subsequent assembly, you will need a drill, jigsaw, welding and grinder, tape measure, construction pencil or marker, and level.
Fasteners for connecting parts together can also be purchased in stores: dowels, screws, self-tapping screws, metal corners.
For decoration and special impregnation, moisture-resistant oil, antiseptic and antipyrine, anti-corrosion composition, paints and acrylic varnish, PVC films with imitation of various materials (like brickwork, natural stone) are used.
For craftsmen with proper experience in wood burning or carving, you will need a set of appropriate tools. Making wall-mounted corner shelves will require purchasing mounting hardware.
Materials - advantages and disadvantages
Shelves are a very popular piece of furniture. It is difficult to find a material that cannot be used to make them. Masters in this business are very successful, they use different approaches, making products using any available methods, for example, from old boxes, pallets, glass, plastic bottles, cans, slate and other available things. The following types of raw materials are used in industrial production:
- tree;
- MDF and chipboard;
- metal;
- glass;
- plastic.
The purpose of the shelf and its style depend on the material. This circumstance is taken into account when choosing a finished product, which should fit harmoniously into the interior of the kitchen. In order to make the right decision and choose the most suitable option, we will consider in detail the main types of raw materials used.
Tree
Wooden shelves fit almost any interior style. Natural wood is a win-win option. Products made from this material can be found in most kitchens. They can have a simple or complex shape, located horizontally, vertically, or in a corner. This raw material is easy to work with, so you can make a shelf with your own hands.
When choosing a product for independent production, first of all you need to pay attention to the quality of the board. It must be perfectly smooth, without voids, cracks, chips, or knots. The most affordable products in terms of price and quality are made from soft wood: spruce, pine. Top quality models, strong and durable, available in oak, ash and larch.
To attach wall shelves to a wooden surface, you can use self-tapping screws, on brick - dowels, on concrete - anchor bolts.
The main advantages of open wooden structures include:
- Environmental friendliness. The raw materials do not emit harmful substances.
- Duration. With careful use, the wood will last for many years.
- Nice appearance. The presence of a natural pattern always looks original.
- Force. The material is resistant to mechanical damage.
- Prestige. The interior has a rich look and is furnished with wooden furniture.
Cracking:
- Fear of humidity. Without treatment with special water-repellent compounds, the wood may swell.
- Difficult care. When cleaning, do not use detergents.
- Difficult to tolerate direct sunlight. Under their influence, the surface burns out.
- Absorbs odors.
Metal
this is the strongest material. The products are reliable. The structures are indispensable for creating a strong support for storing heavy objects. They are very convenient to use in places with high dust and humidity. They will be a great addition to professional and personal kitchens.
Metal shelves go well with kitchen cabinets that have metal fronts. They allow you to stylishly decorate your interior. And if previously the elements were associated with rough objects, now manufacturers produce thin-walled shelves with elegant shapes.
Metal products are characterized by the following positive qualities:
- long duration;
- good strength;
- lightness, especially aluminum models;
- not afraid of humidity and high temperatures.
Cracking:
- the item must be periodically painted to protect the surface from moisture;
- not suitable for all interiors;
- fake models are very expensive;
- It is very difficult to do this on your own; you will need a special tool, skills in working with an angle grinder and welding.
To avoid corrosion, do not skimp on paint. It is necessary to choose high-quality dyes intended for metal.
Glass
Glassware is more common in the bathroom. However, these models are highly valued by many designers and non-professionals. The material is neutral towards water and does not absorb odors. Glass does not visually clutter up the space, transmits light well, and gives airiness and lightness to any room. Things look everyday, so many people began to decorate small kitchens with them.
When choosing a suitable option, first of all you need to pay attention to the corners; they should be rounded and smooth to the touch. Sharp edges may cause cuts when cleaning. Another important parameter is the thickness of the material, it must be at least 5 mm. The best option would be tempered glass and laminated triplex, which are more durable.
The main advantages of shelves include:
- neutrality of humidity;
- transparency;
- duration;
- large selection of shapes, unusual design;
- attractive appearance.
Cracking:
- fragility of most models;
- low load-bearing capacity;
- difficult to maintain, fingerprints remain on the surface;
- high cost of quality products;
- heavy weight.
Plastic
Along with other materials, plastic shelves are also in demand. They fit well into the interior of the room. Manufacturers produce several models that differ in design, appearance, color, and texture. However, they are mainly represented by multi-tiered options used for storing kitchen utensils and products.
Plastic models should not be hung above the stove or near heating appliances. The surface may become deformed when exposed to high temperatures. Also, they should not be overloaded with various heavy objects. When choosing, do not give preference to cheap products, they quickly change color. The ribbed surface is very difficult to clean.
A plastic product has a number of advantages:
- affordable price;
- a light weight;
- neutrality of humidity;
- large selection of shades and shapes;
- easy installation;
- ease of maintenance.
Cracking:
- fragility, fear of mechanical damage;
- low load-bearing capacity;
- harmful, releases harmful substances when heated;
- short service life.
Corner shelves: how to save space without losing functionality in detail, with photos
The depth of floor corner shelves should not exceed 20 cm
The most common option is to install shelves on the wall. Wooden, glass, plastic and other structures that are fixed to the wall are selected depending on the individual characteristics of the room. For bathrooms and hallways this option is considered the most suitable.
In turn, floor structures equipped with legs are recommended by experts for placement in bedrooms and children's rooms. In the second case, the depth of the corner shelves in the room should not exceed 20 cm.
Built-in models are made from plasterboard sheets. This material is easy to process and has a reasonable cost. Plasterboard structures can be made in any way, as they are very easy to process.
Corner designs allow you not only to save space in the room, but also to decorate the corner of the room in an original way.
The last option is suspended structures. Their peculiarity is that special cables are used to secure them. They are attached to the ceiling or wall and allow you to save useful space in the room.
Corner shelf models differ from each other in their design. Products of this type can be single-tiered or have several levels. Another sign by which such pieces of furniture are differentiated is the type of angle. The corner can be internal or external. Shelves for the internal corner are more widespread, as they do not require an individual approach to manufacturing. Products that are mounted on external corners are intended for spacious rooms.
Wall-mounted corner shelves come in a wide range of models. They can have a rounded edge or follow the shape of the letter “L”. The sides of products of the second type can be either the same size or different.
Helpful information! For hallways or storage rooms, a multi-tiered design is a good option. Shelving allows you to use the usable space of the room to the maximum.
Corner glass shelves are attached to the wall using special clamps
There are quite a few options for fixing corner structures. The choice of one method or another depends on the design features of the shelves and the specific situation. For example, models that consist of only one level are usually attached to the wall using metal hinges. These products have slots for screws. In turn, special corners are recommended for fixing multi-tier shelves.
To mount wooden shelves, you can use brackets. These parts are intended for structures on which heavy objects will be placed. Brackets provide reliable fastening. Glass shelves can be fixed using special clamps.
The most effective method of fixing corner structures involves the use of hidden fasteners. Thanks to them, it seems that the shelf is floating in the air. However, this fixation option is quite difficult to organize on your own, so experts recommend using simpler methods.
The most common method of fixing corner shelves is the use of special hidden fasteners
An appropriate solution for the living room are corner shelves for books. The design of such structures is selected depending on the interior of the room. Bookshelves harmonize perfectly with various styles, complementing them. The material for this design can be natural wood, chipboard, MDF or glass. Wooden models will add coziness to any room, so it is recommended to purchase them to place books in the corner of the living room.
The best option in this case is to buy a corner shelving unit that has several levels. This design is suitable for rooms with limited free space. The cost of a corner shelf rack depends on the following factors:
The most acceptable solution for a living room or bedroom is corner shelves for books.
It is worth noting that it is not recommended to overload such shelves with interior items, as this will negatively affect the overall atmosphere of the room. Glass and metal models are recommended for installation in rooms equipped with modern styles (for example, high-tech).
Furniture elements for corner type bedrooms also allow you to optimally distribute the free space of the room.
For small bedrooms, it is recommended to purchase products made from glass. In this case, the design will look more free. Wooden corner models are suitable for spacious rooms. Shelves on the wall: which option to choose for making your own
Varieties. How to secure a homemade shelf? Instructions for assembling different types of shelves. Features of the decor of wall structures.
Open shelves have many advantages compared to cabinets that are installed in the kitchen. Firstly, less space is required to accommodate such a structure. Secondly, a correctly selected shelf allows you to visually expand the space of the room. This is especially true for small kitchens.
Another advantage of an open corner shelf is that all kitchen utensils located on it are in the owner’s field of view. On such structures you can place items that are used most often.
Thanks to the use of wall shelves when decorating the kitchen interior, the room takes on a complete look.
Note! Corner designs are an excellent complement to wall-mounted wooden kitchen cabinets.
This type of furniture, in addition to its undeniable advantages, also has some disadvantages. For example, dishes placed on open shelves quickly become covered with a layer of dust. Most often, such products have compact dimensions, so they are not suitable for storing large pots and pans.
In some cases, owners do not want kitchen utensils to be placed in plain sight. In such situations, it is recommended to install closed cabinets with shelves. Photos of corner structures will allow you to evaluate their advantages and disadvantages, and also demonstrate how they will look in a particular interior.
Corner structures, which are used to store bathroom accessories, are made mainly from polymer materials. On the modern market you can also find glass products. Plastic shelves are sold complete with metal stands made of stainless steel. Glass products are most often installed on a chrome stand.
Corner shelves for the bathroom perform basic functions, giving the room all sorts of stylistic accents
It is worth noting that the designs used in bathrooms have a limited number of modifications. Corner shelves for the bathroom have a laconic design, as this is required by operating conditions. With constant contact with water, the shelves become dirty faster, so simplicity of design in this case is a mandatory requirement.
Most of these shelves have perforations, which are necessary in order to avoid the accumulation of water on them. These products are equipped with various auxiliary elements, such as hooks, soap dishes, etc.
There are two areas that are most suitable for placing these shelves. The first of them is located in the corner of the bathroom, and the second is located under the mirror. Glass structures have one drawback: they do not have good shock resistance. If desired, you can purchase plastic products made of transparent polymer material.
Corner bathroom shelves made of glass are easier to clean and also look more modern. In turn, plastic products have a more affordable price. Glass structures are recommended when a sliding curtain made of a similar material is installed in the bathroom.
Corner shelves for the bathroom have perforations in their design to avoid the accumulation of water in them
When decorating the interior of a hallway in an apartment or private house, special attention must be paid to the distribution of space. Such premises are most often not large in size, so they require proper arrangement. Each piece of furniture located in the hallway should be as functional as possible.
In this case, corner structures are indispensable. Many models of such shelves are not only compact, but also quite spacious. The advantages of corner products also include ease of self-assembly, long service life and ease of cleaning.
Note! When choosing suitable shelves for the corridor, you need to focus on the amount of free space, the decor of the room and the cost of the products. The price of such structures varies depending on the material from which they are made, the design, as well as what fasteners are required for their installation.
The most common option used for installation in the hallway are shelves made of chipboard. It is recommended to purchase laminated products, as they have higher technical characteristics and, accordingly, a longer service life.
Even if the shelf in the living room is made in a minimalist style, it will still look quite attractive
The cost of corner multi-tiered structures used for hallways varies from 2 to 5 thousand rubles. The height of such shelves may vary. The most common are models in which this figure is 180-190 cm.
For a more rational use of the useful space of a small corridor, it is recommended to purchase a shelf equipped with a door with a mirror surface. Before buying this piece of furniture, it is recommended to study the photo of the corner shelves. This will allow you to choose the desired design and color.
Corner shelves of this type can be either wall-mounted or floor-mounted. As for the design of these structures, they have different colors. Their surface can be matte or glossy. The texture is selected depending on the individual preferences of the owners. It is worth noting that glossy products are easier to clean from dust and dirt.
Corner shelves made of chipboard are the most common and advantageous option for the hallway
A design of this type is perfect for setting up a work area in an apartment. A table equipped with corner shelves does not require much space, but it is enough to accommodate all the necessary items.
For ease of work, a corner table requires mandatory lighting. The dimensions of the table, chair, and shelves are selected depending on several factors. It is very important that the shelves are within easy reach. This will allow you to organize a convenient place where it will be pleasant to work.
Corner wall mounted shelves in this case can have a variety of shapes. Products are made with rounded edges, in the shape of the letter “L” or have a triangle design.
Modern computer desks have more compact dimensions than their predecessors. This allows you to choose the necessary design even when there is not much free space in the room.
One of the main features of a corner shelf above a desk is that it is within easy reach of the user
When choosing the number of shelves, you need to focus on what items will be stored on them. Taking this factor into account, you can choose a multi-tier structure or a table equipped with just one corner shelf.
Note! The functionality of such structures is the determining factor in their selection. While the upper surface of the product will be used as a support for various items, spotlights can be placed on the lower part of the shelf.
If you wish, you can make a corner shelf with your own hands. However, this option is not always suitable. It is much easier to purchase a finished product. In order to choose the most suitable design for a particular case, you should familiarize yourself with some recommendations from experts.
The first thing you need to do before purchasing a corner structure is to measure the dimensions of the room in which the installation will be carried out. It is important to remember that spacious rooms do not require careful selection of the shelf location area. In this case, these pieces of furniture will not overload the interior of the room.
The style of the wall shelf must fully correspond to the style of the room in which it will be located
In turn, if the room does not have sufficient dimensions, then it is recommended to place the shelves in close proximity to other pieces of furniture. For example, a very popular option is when a structure of this type is mounted above the sofa. The shelf can also be placed near a cabinet or cabinet.
Small sizes are most often found in bedrooms and children's rooms. If the shelf is installed in such a room, then the structure can be equipped with lamps. This will visually expand the space of the room. A shelf in a nursery should not be too large.
Corner shelves can be installed in a chaotic manner. This solution will make the interior of the room more original. The standard material that goes with most modern styles is wood. It doesn't have to be natural. In order to save money, it is recommended to purchase products made from chipboard or MDF.
The living room can be equipped with shelves for books. Floor-standing and suspended corner-type structures can be easily made by hand. However, for this you need to have the appropriate set of tools, and you should also read the step-by-step assembly instructions.
The distance at which the shelves will be attached to the wall should depend on the objects that will be placed on them
Before starting work on making your own corner structure, you need to decide what material will be used as its basis. Materials that are easy to process are best suited for this purpose:
The most original looking designs in interiors are those made from natural wood, but artificial parts made from chipboard are the easiest to process. The first thing to do is prepare a drawing of the future shelf.
Helpful information! You can create a diagram yourself, but it’s better to download a ready-made one. It can be found freely available on the Internet on one of the specialized sites. When completing the diagram yourself, you must indicate the dimensions of each part.
To make a corner shelf, you must first prepare the wooden elements that make up the structure
To make shelves for the bedroom or living room, you should prepare a set of tools. You will need to purchase a screwdriver and an electric drill. A hacksaw with small teeth is used to cut wood. In addition, you will need a pencil (to create markings), a measuring tape and a building level.
After completing the drawing and preparing the appropriate tools, you can proceed directly to the assembly itself. Experts recommend that, in order to avoid making serious mistakes that cannot always be corrected, you strictly follow the instructions.
Today, there are several options for fixing corner structures. Fastening can be done to a longitudinal or transverse base. The manufacturing process itself is not particularly complicated. Any person who does not have special knowledge in this area can cope with such work.
If necessary, the structure can not be fixed to the wall, but can be made in such a way that it is installed on the floor. Most often, this option is used to organize a bookshelf. However, it can also be a floor shelf for flowers. You can make a design of any complexity with your own hands.
Method of fixing a corner wall shelf using screws
The simplest version of a corner multi-tiered product that is fixed to the wall looks like this. First of all, you need to make markings on the chipboard. To do this, draw a circle. Next, it must be divided into 4 sectors, which must be symmetrical with respect to each other. After this they need to be cut out. To simplify the work, experts recommend using an electric jigsaw.
At the next stage, it is necessary to mark the rail, which will serve as a longitudinal base. On it you need to mark the lines corresponding to future fastenings. It is very important to consider the width of the grooves in advance. Next, the grooves themselves are made.
Then you should fix the rail on the wall. Dowel nails are best suited for this purpose. However, if desired, you can “plant” the rail with glue. If glue was used to secure the slats, then you need to wait some time so that it has time to dry. In the end, you just need to insert the shelves into the grooves. In this way, the simplest version of a corner shelf is made.
Making corner shelves on the wall with your own hands is often cheaper than buying them in a store
When choosing a corner shelf, you need to understand that too bulky products can ruin the interior of the room. Standard compact options are the most appropriate purchase. Before purchasing such a shelf, you must first determine your budget, and then, based on it, select the necessary design. When making a shelf yourself, care and precision are required.
We select the material and type of fastening for different styles of kitchen interior
In this matter, rely on the kitchen design style that you have already chosen. For example, if you have a mezzanine, it is better to choose light gray metal shelves. They ideally support the production motives that define the entire management philosophy.
An alternative to metal in attics is, oddly enough, ordinary wood. And the rule applies: the rougher and rougher the texture looks, the better it combines with the ascetic beauty of this style.
Open storage systems made of wood will also come in handy when working with Provence. It is most chic if the texture looks slightly aged - this creates a strong organic feel with the overall atmosphere of kitchens made in a similar style.
But if the wood is treated with stain, you can integrate shelves from it into a space tailored to Scandinavian minimalism. Light beige or even white shades are usually used. Plastic fits organically into such interiors, but it is not very durable, not at all practical and is only suitable as a temporary option “for beauty”.
Also widely used:
- drywall;
- MDF;
- glass;
- counterfeit products.
Manufacturing materials
Kitchen shelves have different purposes; they can be filled with light small items or heavy objects - dishes, appliances. Shelves for spices are often made of glass, plastic, wooden slats, and for products for kitchen appliances or pots, wood, chipboard, and metal are chosen.
Tree
Warm natural material that is great for making furniture. Oak, alder, apple tree, beech, pine - each species has its own color and unique pattern. The wood is treated with impregnations against insect pests and coated with paints and varnishes, after which it acquires moisture-resistant properties and is suitable for kitchen shelves.
Wood is a universal material; it is used to make products of various configurations and sizes; many design styles, from historical to modern, cannot do without it.
Wood is easy to process, which is why it is chosen as a material for making shelves with your own hands. Without it, it is impossible to create interiors in the style of country, classicism, empire, baroque, Provence, shabby chic. Even modern trends in kitchen decoration, which prefer glass and metal, use natural wood in their design.
MDF and chipboard
Chipboards are excellent simulators of natural wood. They are covered with veneer of various types of trees, this makes it possible to choose shelves with any palette and pattern, accurately matching the style and color of the furnishings in a particular kitchen. Considering that chipboard is noticeably cheaper than wood, the availability of such material for every family is obvious.
Glass
Glass shelves seem impractical; stains remain on them after wet cleaning. But, on the other hand, no material can make the shelves so airy and weightless.
Metal
Metal shelves can't compete with wooden shelves in popularity, but they have a wide variety of options. Forged models with openwork attractive patterns are elegant and beautiful. Such products are used in Gothic, Provence, and some types of country styles. Chrome-plated options are represented by lattice shelves.
Miniature specimens are hung on rails, used for small items, while larger and stronger models are mounted on the wall or installed on tables near the sink, used as a drying rack for dishes. Modern techno styles decorate any wall with chrome shelves. For retro trends, they produce products stylized as copper, bronze or brass.
Stone
Shelves made of artificial and natural stone can rarely be found in the kitchen, although they suit many styles - rustic, historical, ethnic, techno. Stone is an expensive and heavy material. Large floor products are made to order. Miniature shelves made of artificial stone are attached using a hidden method; they look unusual, as if glued to the wall.
Plastic
In a simple modern kitchen, plastic shelf surfaces will look quite organic. The industry produces durable materials with matte and glossy textures, variegated colors, as well as imitation stone and wood.
Shelf dimensions and shape
If the room size is limited, a corner shelf in the kitchen would be the preferred choice. It will take up a minimum of square meters and will fit organically into the interior. In addition, if necessary, it can be supplemented with various accessories.
If you want something original, you can opt for a multi-level design up to the ceiling. Such furniture will allow you to conveniently organize a large number of things.
Horizontal patterns on the entire wall or parts of it, consisting of several levels, look unusual and interesting. Today, customers are offered a wide range of narrow shelves designed for storing decorative items.
Bathrooms: rationality and decor
Corner glass shelves are the most convenient and simplest option for storing various jars, creams, and shampoos. For convenient use, shelves with frequently used items are installed at a height of 80-150 cm. Below and above you can place items that are less often needed in everyday life. A corner plastic shelf is not exposed to moisture or temperature changes and is most often installed above the bathtub, near the shower counter. Thanks to a variety of design options and shades, you can choose a model to suit every taste.
It is better to mount shelves on wall anchors and stainless steel screws.
Corner shelves in the bedroom Corner glass shelves
Features of design and placement
The idea of having open themed shelves is attractive, allowing you to have a variety of designs and place items on them to suit your plan.
For example, on solid wood shelves, baskets or wicker boxes look great, in which you can store all kinds of things, as well as vegetables or fruits. This composition is often made in Provence or outside the city, creates a quiet homely comfort and transfers the atmosphere of a private home to the walls of concrete city apartments.
If you need to add more lightness and air to the room, use glass shelves with LED strip edging around the perimeter. They fit perfectly into all modern interiors and look great in the evening with the lights on.
Another option from the “practical and simple” category is lattice shelves. They really look weightless, but at the same time they can withstand quite an impressive weight. They are found in scandi, hi-tech, sometimes in pop art or fusion.
Avoid dark shades if the room has modest living space. It looks best in beige, cream or classic white. You can also use black if it can be used to create a bright spot and highlight the area beautifully.
Many owners act very wisely and in their kitchens coolly combine open shelves with wall cabinets. The result is an interesting and fresh image, with a clear claim to the relevance of the style.
Tips for designers Do not place open shelves directly above the hob - fat and fumes will invariably settle on the products and spoil the finishing material. It is best to hang them above the work surface - both are convenient for you, and the shelf is better protected from temperature and dirt.
Open shelves in the kitchen can be placed both above and below. This is very convenient and if you want to cover the bottom from prying eyes, use curtains.
If you have a corner kitchen with open shelves, use the corner wisely to add storage. You can stretch it high, but don't get too carried away—it's a lot of fun to stand on the stool when you need to season a dish or add salt.
How to do it yourself
The modern furniture market offers a huge number of shelves of various models and price categories. However, this design is so simple and diverse that you can easily make it yourself. To work you will need:
- drill;
- hacksaw or jigsaw;
- roulette;
- level;
- several screws and dowels;
- shelf fastenings;
- decorative items that can be purchased in specialized retail chains.
The main element for self-production is a wooden board, chipboard or MDF panel. If the craftsman has not previously had experience creating a shelf with his own hands, you can start with a product of the simplest shape - rectangular, made from the most affordable material - a planed wooden board.
The main manufacturing stages will be as follows:
- Preparation of the drawing. There is no need to perform a detailed drawing of each individual element. It is enough to determine the dimensions of the future product, taking into account the place where it will be installed. If it is a wall, use a tape measure to determine the required length and width of the shelf, as well as where to install dowels for fastenings. Then a simple diagram, for example a rectangle, is drawn on a piece of paper, and the length and width of the product are noted in centimeters and millimeters. The drawing indicates the installation locations of fastenings or canopies.
- Making shelf parts. Based on the dimensions of the drawing, four boards are cut to create a top and bottom panel and two side walls of the same length. The edges of the boards should be sanded to remove roughness. To improve the appearance, the material can be coated with stain, which will improve the aesthetic properties of the surface and emphasize the structure of the wood.
- Assembly. The bottom panel is placed on a flat surface, the side walls are alternately applied from the ends and the places where the screws will be screwed in are marked. The side panels should be installed in such a way that their ends are open, and the edges of the bottom and top panels rest against the side walls and are not visible. Having attached the side walls, using a thin drill corresponding in diameter to the self-tapping screws, drill through holes with a recess into the horizontal bottom panel. This is necessary to prevent the board from cracking when screwing in the fasteners. Secure the side walls with self-tapping screws. The same is done with the top panel. As a result, you will get a shelf of the correct rectangular shape.
- Decoration. To give the shelf an attractive appearance and moisture resistance, you can coat it with wood varnish or use the so-called “Yacht varnish”; it costs a little more than usual, but is very resistant to moisture and creates a high-quality glossy finish. After the treatment has dried, you need to install fasteners with which the shelf will be hung on the wall.
- Installation of fasteners and hanging. Before hanging the shelf, the fasteners are installed on the top of the side walls at an equal distance (about 3–5 centimeters) from the top surface. The fasteners should not be mounted on the top panel, as this will reduce the product’s resistance to loads. The workpiece is applied to the wall at the place of its installation, using a level, give it a strictly horizontal position, and with a pencil mark the installation points of the dowels on which the product will be hung. If the wall is wooden, dowels are not required, just screw in the screws. Then, using a hammer drill or impact drill, holes are drilled in the wall and dowels with self-tapping screws are installed. Hang the finished product on the wall.
Making a simple shelf with your own hands is a fairly basic task. But models of more intricate designs using glass or metal are not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. The main thing is the desire to create a truly stylish and functional piece of furniture with your own hands.
Necessary tools Preparing a drawing Making shelf parts Assembly Decorating Installing fasteners and hanging
How to Design Kitchen Shelf Lighting
Open storage systems are great when you can perfectly display what's stored on the shelf at any time of the day. Central lighting does not cope with this task, and bringing paths to the right areas is not always as simple and convenient as they say. Therefore, spot lighting is a great solution.
As a rule, such shelves work very well with LED lighting. You can use either RGB or plain tape - in any case, a shelf decorated with it will look very elegant and impressive, and the objects placed on it will always remain visible. An additional benefit: at the same time, a cozy, homely atmosphere is created throughout the entire kitchen.
Another option is a spotlight. They integrate into plasterboard, wood and metal structures and not only illuminate the “vases” you need, but also create a wonderful decorative effect.
Additionally
In addition, you can additionally equip the shelf with some bonuses. For example, backlighting. It’s worth thinking about this at the preparation stage, and then preparing the necessary channels and holes before assembly. By installing such a shelf on the wall, it will not be difficult to run the wires and connect it to power.
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Options for the arrangement of shelves in the kitchen interior
There are several ways to arrange kitchen shelves:
- At the table. For this area it is better to use hidden shelves that merge with the wall.
- In the corner. Corner models are suitable for both small and spacious rooms. They will help save a significant amount of free space.
- Above the sink. This method of placement places demands on furniture in terms of humidity and heat resistance. In addition, products installed in this location must withstand significant mechanical loads. It is best to use shelves with a special decorative coating that prevents streaks and fingerprints.
- In a niche. This arrangement allows you to abandon the typical interior design and use the entire space. The installed structures must correspond to the dimensions of the niche and the design of the kitchen.
- On the apron. This option is considered one of the most convenient and expedient. These shelves can be used to store food and utensils, making the cooking process easier.
- Under the ceiling. Plus - saving space underneath.
- Above the door. In the mezzanine you can store boxes or baskets with household items.
- On the couch. This solution adds flavor and a sense of well-being to the atmosphere. A kitchen with open shelves above the sofa looks incredibly elegant.
- On a free wall. It is important not to overdo it with the quantity.
Shelves on the wall in the kitchen are one of the indispensable attributes. They ensure ergonomics and rationality of the interior, while at the same time being its decoration.
A wide range of models, a choice of designs and sizes - all this allows you to make the position of the kitchen as comfortable and practical as possible.
Shelves in country and Provence styles
Perhaps, recreating a rustic style in the kitchen is impossible without using such a decorative and functional element as open shelves. For this, it is preferable to use natural wood.
To highlight the style, use thick distressed wood shelves. It is also better to choose the most natural color scheme - beige, white, gray.
The predominance of beige and pastel colors in Provençal cuisine
An excellent solution would be to decorate individual open shelves with floral curtains. At the first place. This will emphasize the stylistic direction of the kitchen. Secondly, such a solution will prevent external contamination of the contents of the shelves. Thirdly, this will allow you to experiment: in some cases you can keep the curtains closed, in others - open. The main thing is to maintain a sense of proportion - to optimally decorate only a couple of shelves with curtains.
Place open shelves around the window - maintain symmetry in the kitchen
Try playing with contrasts. The kitchen will look original and elegant with contrasting countertops, some of which are in light colors, while others are in dark colors. For example, the lower part of the set with closed drawers can be kept in dark colors, and the upper part with open drawers can be in light colors, or vice versa. Another option is to use white plates on dark shelves. This solution will refresh your kitchen.
Contrast can also be achieved by placing dark shelves on a light background or vice versa.
White dishes on dark oak shelves add contrast to the interior
Kitchen shelves in Scandinavian style
To bring the Scandinavian style to life, you should, first of all, use mainly natural materials. In the case of shelves, it should be wooden. A striking effect can be achieved by combining open and closed shelving. At the same time, it is better to store dishes and those items that you do not use very often on shelves with closed doors. And on open shelves it is better to put those things that you need in everyday life.
In addition, on open shelves you can place various decorative items that highlight the stylistic direction of the room. For example, these could be:
- small paintings and photographs depicting northern animals: deer, sheep, and so on;
- decorative green plants;
- decorative stones and candles;
- three-dimensional letters forming inscriptions;
- cookbooks.
All these elements emphasize the Nordic character of the room.
Books and flowers on shelves in a Scandinavian style kitchen
To recreate this interior style, it is better not to clutter the shelves. Put on it only the essentials, which should always be at hand. Another option is to place only decorative accessories (candles, souvenirs, vases, photo frames) on open structures. In this case, it is better to store functional items in closed drawers.
High-tech style shelves
If you are closer to the high-tech style, then instead of wooden shelves it is better to give preference to more modern materials, for example, glass or iron. At the same time, only items of direct functional purpose should be on the shelves, nothing superfluous.
Instead of open glass shelves, you can use real large racks. It is convenient to place dishes on it.
If you use other materials for shelves, it is better to give preference to pure natural tones. Black and white works best.
Advice: keep in mind that in a high-tech style there should be nothing superfluous on the shelves. Therefore, it is advisable to think again before deciding to install open shelves in such an interior - after all, you will have to constantly maintain order.
The design of kitchen shelves in high-tech style requires strict adherence to the rules and canons.
Open shelves are more of a decorative element than a functional piece of furniture in a high-tech kitchen
Kitchen island with open shelves
This is a universal option for placing shelves. They can be positioned to the side of the island, facing the living room, kitchen, or to the side of the room.
Such furniture is multi-tasking; it can be used to store dishes, cookbooks, and also to display decorative items.
Using corner shelves in the kitchen interior
The placement of the shelves will depend on the size of the kitchen, the cooking area, the number of drawers and the style of the room. In some cases, corner shelves in the kitchen will look appropriate.
Corner shelves are ideal for saving space. You can perfectly apply interesting design ideas to them. So, a brilliant solution would be to install wooden corner shelves almost to the ceiling. As a result, the shelves will visually look like decorative beams, which also have a functional purpose.
Full wall corner shelves
Tip: kitchens with corner shelves are the best solution for saving space.
An original solution would be to use asymmetrical shelves. However, it should be borne in mind that such a design fantasy is suitable for decoration in country, Provence, and Scandinavian styles, but does not fit into the strict directions of minimalism.
Arrangement of shelves at different levels
Options for using shelves in different rooms
Corners for most rooms are difficult areas in terms of occupancy. However, the desire to use the entire area of any room is quite natural. Corner shelves in the interior look good everywhere: in the kitchen near the sink, in the bedroom next to the window and on the balcony, decorated with flowers.
Corner shelves for dishes Corner shelves in Provence style
Tips for arranging shelves in a small kitchen
In a small room, it is important to avoid clutter and provide ample storage space. In this sense, shelves are great for small kitchens.
The following tips will help you organize your space wisely:
- many small shelves are better than huge ones;
- It is advisable to place the shelves on the wall opposite the plug;
- corner structures can be from floor to ceiling;
- asymmetrical shelves will enliven the space;
- Hanging hooks can be used to hang cups, scoops, shovels;
- For a small kitchen it is better to choose laconic models in light shades.
What to put on kitchen shelves
The shelves usually contain:
- decorative plates, cups, vases;
- cookbooks with bright covers;
- photos, framed paintings;
- all kinds of figurines, souvenirs, decorative candles;
- jars with seasonings, coffee, tea, cereals;
- TV, lamps;
- bottles with drinks, glasses (placed on special holders);
- pots, salad bowls;
- live potted plants;
- detergents in jars, sponges, potholders.
On the surfaces located inside the set, less beautiful dishes are placed, cutlery, textiles, equipment for cleaning various surfaces, and cutting boards are placed.
Making shelves from wood, glass or other material yourself is not at all difficult if you have interesting ideas and suitable mechanical tools
It is important to decide in advance on the purpose, design, and installation method. Homemade shelves will become a real work of art or will be standard - rectangular, corner
Such designs occupy a minimum of usable space and contribute to the creation of an ergonomic design.
Shelf design options for a spacious kitchen
In a large room, headphones with open shelves are often used as display cases. Here you can show off beautiful dishes, putting them face forward, elite alcoholic drinks, turning the shelf into an open bar.
Non-standard design designs are appropriate, including homemade and ultra-modern ones.
As storage systems, open shelves in the kitchen can replace or complement upper wall cabinets, eliminating the feeling of overhang. They are especially relevant if the work area is located near a window.
Installed in the cooking area, these structures will provide quick access to spices, utensils, and equipment. There is also space on the shelf for kitchen appliances - a multicooker, microwave, toaster and others.
Also in a spacious kitchen it is possible to install a peninsula hood, inside of which there are niches for large-sized dishes. Above it you can allocate space for hanging shelves.
Shelving for high floors is suitable for zoning a spacious room. You can place decorative elements, photo frames, candles, and flowers in them.
Corner shelves in the bedroom: coziness and comfort
This is a good option for rational use of empty spaces in the corners of the room, where it is difficult to install other furniture. For small bedrooms, it is better to install glass decorative corner shelves; this will add lightness to the room and visually leave the area free. In large rooms, radius wooden shelves look impressive, on which you can put flowers, vases, and figurines.
Corner shelf in the bathroom
A non-standard solution for decorating a bedroom is to install corner shelves with books. Moreover, both a symmetrical arrangement of objects and an asymmetrical one (when a bookcase is installed in one corner of the bedroom, and a cozy chair with a floor lamp in the other) looks unusual.
Corner shelves in the bathroom
When should you give up open shelves in the kitchen?
And you definitely shouldn’t use them if you have a kitchen-living room. In such a kitchen it is better to create the illusion of minimalism and hide everything behind closed facades. Preferably without glass.
