Shelving solutions in the 21st century are versatile, functional and imaginative. You can use traditional shelves or opt for these clever uses for floating shelves in your kitchen, bathroom and living areas. You can also use more traditional bookcases, though in a less traditional way. Wall-hung or free-standing, bookcases just got cool – and very creative. It’s all about using your imagination for storing and displaying.
Floating Shelving for Decor and More
This simple, single bookshelf unit looks effective when used as a display piece. Framed photographs and attractive ornaments displayed on a bookshelf can give creative interest to an empty bit of wall. It’s also a very portable storage solution for when you want to downsize or change apartments.
[tweetthis]Frames and attractive ornaments displayed on a bookshelf can bring creativity to an empty space.[/tweetthis]
Feature Your TV
When you’re short of space bookshelves can be employed around a TV so you can store all your essential paraphernalia – DVDs, videos, books. Or, if you’ve got extra space, add boxes or bins and store items you otherwise don’t have space for- craft essentials, entertaining must-haves, electronics remotes, and more. Turn your TV into great feature – this is particularly useful if you have no focal point in the room, like a fireplace.
Repurpose Vintage Finds
This lovely bookcase is actually an Edwardian bakers’ shelving unit and here it is employed to elegant effect, housing a lovely display of kitchen items. Though, if you picked up a cool vintage find, you could use it in a variety of ways. Storage baskets can be used to separate and contain the space. The
mix of metal and wood is right on trend. However, try sticking to a very basic colour palette – here the tones are limited to creams, browns and greys – for a stronger look.
Utilize Varying Sizes
Traditionally tall, bookcases come in all shapes and sizes. Shop around for the exact piece to fit your space. Using smaller pieces, line them around the underside of windows, just below the original line of a traditional rail. This arrangement looks appealing and also stores lots of stuff, and not necessarily books. The eye line is not interrupted or impeded, and the bookcases are also great for placing things on top.
