Caxton magazines staff
We’re all familiar with the collectables we love but can’t seem to find a space for. Placing your cherished belongings in a box simply because you’re out of space just isn’t an option.
Luckily there’s a stylish and practical solution – floating shelves. From books to ornaments, and even heavy objects such as television sets, floating shelves are the answer.
Replace your bedside tables or headboard with a shelf
A floating shelf is a wonderful alternative to bedside tables and even a headboard. On it you can place anything from the book you read before snoozing, to your alarm clock and your morning cup of coffee. This is a major bedroom space saver, as you get loads more floor space.
Tip: If replacing your headboard, hang the shelf low enough to be able to reach it while sitting on your bed but high enough so you don’t bump your head. Also, make sure you buy a sturdy one that can handle heavy weights – you don’t want objects dropping on your head in the middle of the night.
Display your kitchen appliances and crockery
Instead of placing your most used kitchen appliances in closed cupboards, stack them on floating shelves. This will create the illusion of a much larger space and you can easily grab whatever you need while cooking.
Tip: Add strong hooks to the lowest shelf on which you can hang utensils or pots and pans. This addition will create even more space and make cooking much easier.
Make a feature of the shelves
Dark wooden shelves pop out against brightly coloured walls. Shades of blue work very well with dark wood and thicker shelves add to a bohemian feel.
Tip: If you don’t like the idea of having brightly coloured walls but you want to add some colour to a white wall, simply buy basic wooden shelves and paint them a colour of your choice.
Organise children’s rooms
Children’s bedrooms can be organised easily using floating shelves. Instead of chucking toys into a closet or box you can make a display of them on the shelves.
Tip: Floating shelves can be used as a modern trophy display in your child’s bedroom.
Trendy shelves can be found in all shapes and sizes and they’re extremely easy to install. Floating shelves as well as box shelves are available from Builders Warehouse and ODE (an online store) supplies floating furniture – from desks (with drawers) to TV units.
In addition to being practical, the clean lines create a modern yet sophisticated look and they work in almost any space. Floating shelves add depth and turn dead wall space into an attention-grabbing feature so you don’t need to spend a fortune on costly artwork.
Less really is more when considering stylish, useful floating shelves.
