Finding storage space is one of the main tasks that people face when thinking about a design, and even after it. Sometimes, even in a large room, another bulky wardrobe will look inappropriate, but what if you need to place a collection of figures or a dozen books? Salvation in this situation is the wall shelves, which will be discussed today.
Types of shelves
Wall shelves, although they themselves are a variety, but also vary in location. Conventionally, they are divided into the following types:
Classic wall shelves
The easiest and most common option, which is attached to a flat wall. But precisely because of their simplicity, they provide a wide field for imagination: shelves of various geometric shapes, sizes, arranged in the form of honeycombs or creating complex compositions.
Such structures can become a single board nailed to the wall, or make up the silhouette of a tree, in which each “branch” serves as a storage place. Bookshelves are slanted or asymmetrical. In the ocean of interesting ideas there are even round ones, only in the case of unusual figures it is necessary to think over every moment in advance: location, filling, fulcrum.
Corner Wall Shelves
This place is usually empty due to its impracticality, but the corner shelves not only rehabilitate the space, but also help transform the interior. Mounting is carried out on two adjacent adjacent walls. In this case, not only the inner, but also the outer corner can be involved.
The design variation of corner wall shelves depends more on materials and decor, but even this solution in itself looks unusual. More often, shelves are used for books or household items in the bathroom, as well as in storage rooms.
Hanging wall shelves
As the name implies, these shelves are not attached directly to the wall, but are suspended on ropes - to the ceiling or beam. This design is not very stable, so it is used to store books, not crystal vases. But for creating original accents in the room, it fits perfectly.
It can be installed as one shelf or several. The first option is often created in the form of a triangle or fit a shelf in a circle. The main thing is to make sure that the storage is reliable.
Wall Shelf Materials
A wooden board nailed to a wall is the easiest shelf option that immediately comes to mind. But for modern design this is not enough. The choice of material, even for such a simple product, is wide enough - as well as their capabilities.
Wood and derivatives
Even if this is an obvious basis, it should not be immediately discarded. To diversify a wooden wall shelf the difficult forms and fastening will help. For minimalism or a loft, such a solution would be very appropriate. And if you want to fit an element into a classic interior, it is recommended to pre-process the details, or maybe even decorate it with carving.
To save on material, you can use MDF, particleboard or plywood - beautiful, simple, practical.
Metal
But the metal wall shelves will definitely attract attention and harmoniously fit into the interior, especially if it is hi-tech, fusion or, as an option, minimalism. Only for their installation will require special skills.
Such a base has high characteristics - durability, reliability, strength. And pre-treatment will save you from corrosion.
Plastic
Cheap, pliable, versatile material that can look simple or luxurious, imitating natural options, but leveling their flaws.Especially if such a shelf on the wall is covered with objects, so guests will not have a chance to get to know its details. For the bathroom - a very good solution!
Glass or mirror
Such a basis has a significant drawback - fragility. A sharp push or blow can damage the shelf, but this will not happen when storing light objects. Is it worth mentioning how elegantly the glass looks, and how glamorous is the mirror surface? This will give the interior a feeling of weightlessness.
What types of mounts are there?
You will have to choose independently and the method of fastening the shelf to the wall - from three options. Reliability and also the mobility of the design depend on your decision.
Fixed wall shelves
Installation is made with dowels or anchors to the wall. This provides a strong fixation of the entire product, increasing its carrying capacity and strength. If the shelves are supposed to be used for storing heavy objects, then this type is perfect. But there is a big minus - it is very difficult to dismantle it without consequences for the wall or structure.
Removable wall shelves
Moderately rigid fastening with brackets and mounting hooks, which is easy to carry out at home, unlike the first type. If necessary, they can be dismantled without damaging the shelf, and then install a new one.
Modular Wall Shelves
Fully consistent with current trends in functionality and mobility, such wall shelves are installed on the principle of building: the lower tiers become a support for the upper. A variety of combinations of shades or shapes that complement each other look appropriate.
We select shelves for the style of the interior
With high-quality work, shelves turn into full-fledged furniture, which, like any other item, must be harmoniously integrated into the style of the room.
Modern style
Here, everything is simple and at the same time diverse: both concise products from different materials and whole ensembles of all kinds of geometric shapes are suitable. Instead of empty embellishment, conceptual aesthetics. The priority is modular or mobile types of wall shelves.
You need to focus on wall decoration: in the case of a neutral coating, you can enter bright designs, and on the side with bright finish it is better to do without shelves.
Classic style
It’s not possible to turn around in a classic style. Wooden shelves on a flat wall, in extreme cases - angular. Brackets can be brought to the fore if they are used and fit the design.
Provence
Similar demands are made by Provence. Only the processing of the base needs to be approached more carefully. First, use a tree or its derivatives. Secondly, cover them with white paint and, if possible, create the effect of antique furniture. Some negligence in the installation will add charm to the structure, but we must not forget about its strength.
Minimalism
To begin with, we note that with this style it is unlikely that it will be possible to put a lot of “small things” on open shelves - that’s why it’s minimalism. To fit many objects, it is recommended to provide shelves with doors, thereby hiding disharmony from the eyes. Glass or wooden surfaces look good - even, smooth, directed horizontally.
Loft
The greatest variety offers us a freedom-loving loft. At the same time, it is not necessary to polish the boards fanatically to perfection - a slight negligence is quite organically combined with the brick walls characteristic of this style.
A great option is shelves suspended on a thick rope or an angular structure, which is based on a foreground pipe. In general, the loft allows you to turn the disadvantages of space into advantages, and the technical elements into decorative and aesthetic.
Shelf Decor
Besides the fact that you can choose wall shelves with an interesting design, they can also be additionally decorated for a greater effect.To avoid the effect of piling up, make sure that the practical filling of the products does not conflict with the details.
The simplest option that is suitable for standard wooden shelves is surface decoration. Here you can use all the available tools: stencils, decoupage, decorative tape and so on. Such a solution will look good on neutral walls, for example, painted white.
The Provence style interior is characterized by the use of textile elements, so why not decorate the shelves with them, laying some beautifully hanging shawls with patterns? Comfortable and practical.
Candles placed individually or in groups will present a romantic mood. However, you can experiment with light sources by writing some modern trends. For example, wall shelves with lights look unusual - mounted lamps that gently illuminate the parts located on them.
Tubular fasteners on the shelves can be used as a kind of “hanger”: for example, for a lamp, towels or a garland. With little effort, a simple storage space turns into an elegant element of the interior.
Do-it-yourself shelf on the wall
It would seem that such a simple product, and so many options! But far from all of them are easy to implement independently and, let's face it, even for a simple look, certain skills are needed. Before proceeding to create a shelf with your own hands, check out the main recommendations that will help beginners in furniture business or experienced craftsmen.
So, before the main process, you need to think through the design in detail and make a sketch. Determine for yourself the purpose of installing the shelf, the intended things that will be stored on it, the location, shape and size.
After assessing the load, select the material and method of attachment. After this, marking is carried out on the surface of the base, and also the material is hidden.
The resulting modules are collected, repeated measurement is made, which is compared with the markings for fasteners. Next, the elements are finished, namely, grinding, lifting and painting, if necessary.
Fasteners are installed on the surface of the wall and on the shelf, after which the parts are fastened, as well as level adjustment with finish fastening.
Wall shelves - photo
In addition to the options listed, we present you another 30 photos with ideas for wall shelves that will help you decide on an interesting solution. Inspiration and beautiful interiors!
Video: Shelves on the wall - unusual design ideas