Smart shelving

DECOR

Smart shelving

Shelves are the perfect solution to achieving a balance between generating additional storage in the home or office and creating an aesthetically pleasing display for showpieces. They are practical, adaptable, easy to install and portable.

Structurally, there are two types of shelves, those that are hung and those that are free standing. A wall-hung shelf can have a single surface or a group of linked surfaces. Its mount can be exposed, such as a bracket, or hidden by the shelf for a floating effect. A hung shelf can also be suspended from the ceiling by some sort of rope or chain. A free-standing shelving unit sits directly on the floor or on the top of a table.

This week’s column discusses some unusual shelving options.

Paint bucket shelves
Galvanised buckets are just as practical and attractive sideways as they are in their normal upright position. We can arrange three or four buckets with handles and hang them together on the wall. The top two bucket handles are faced upward while the lower bucket handles are positioned downwards. These can be used for towel storage.

Shelf contained
Most consumers merely contemplate what can go inside a storage box. Stylish storage boxes are a practical and an attractive solution for containing clutter. Large, medium, and small drawers can be a great way to get organised. Objects of different sizes can be kept in different drawers – stamps, tape, and clips in smaller ones; pens and markers in medium-sized ones, and check books and mail in the large.

Cane basket shelf
You can fashion a fantastic shelf from almost any type of basket. Baskets are popular and easily obtainable. Traditionally, they are made from natural materials, such as split oak, reed, twig, bamboo, wicker, and rattan. Now many types of baskets are available in local markets. Some are plastic, wire, or metal mesh. You can prefer a rustic look or one that’s sleek and modern for your home or office space.

Candle sconce brackets
As the popularity of candles has grown, so have the options for displaying them. Sconce-type holders liberate candles from being strictly tabletop ornaments. Sconce candle holders come in many designs. They are made from diverse materials, such as metal wire, wrought iron, and stained glass and their shapes vary from the very traditional to the very trendy. The circular structure and interior spiral design of these particular sconces resembles a peaceful mandala. These types of candle sconce are commonly available in such as Aarong, Kumudini and KayKraft. These types of shelving are ideal for study areas or verandahs.

Plant stand supports
Multilevel plant stands make unique supports for a seat of decorative shelves. Simply select an appealing pair and bridge with sturdy boards. You can use new or vintage plant stands for this project. Look for matching pairs at home décor stores, gardening and home improvement centers, and secondhand shops. To ensure level-sitting shelves, make sure all the plant stand tiers are at equal heights.

Watering can brackets
A cheerful pair of painted watering cans provide a perfect bracket for a garden-themed shelf. Topped off with a piece of wood painted in coordinating tones, this shelf can alter the ambience of an outdoor space. Aluminum water canes are available in Kawran Bazar and local crafts shops.

NAZNEEN HAQUE MIMI
Interior Consultant
JOURNEYMAN
E-mail: journeyman.interiors@gmail.com
Photo Credit: Journeyman Archive