Design Recipes: Cathy’s Tip Of The Week - Shelving: Tips for Looks and Function

Design Recipes: Cathy’s Tip Of The Week - Shelving: Tips for Looks and Function
Cathy Hobbs
2/27/2015
Updated:
4/23/2016
Shelves aren't just functional –they can be beautiful as well.
Shelves aren't just functional –they can be beautiful as well.

When searching for shelves, it’s important to remember that shelving isn’t just a practical feature. When tastefully incorporated as part of a room’s design, shelves can be an excellent decorative piece as well. Here are a few ways that you can use shelving for art –and function.

Add a Shelf As a Sideboard

Use a long shelf to serve as a sideboard in an area that’s short on space. This works especially well for areas that can benefit from a flat surface, but are too small for a large piece of furniture. When it comes to aesthetic details, your options are practically limitless. Use a piece of wood for a rustic look, or opt for something more polished for a modern, contemporary setting.

Think Outside the Box

Shelves are a practical feature, but they can also add an artistic touch to a home. Use wooden boxes as wall mount shelves to add storage and a decorative display space. Consider repurposing vintage wine or produce crates as simple wall mount shelves.

Suspended Shelving

Suspended shelving is a great solution for a home that has limited wall space to mount a shelf. These shelves work great in the kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere you could use a bit more storage space. To mount a suspended shelf, be sure to fasten it to the ceiling joists so it stays securely in place.

View: <a href="http://shop.cathyhobbs.com/XOWT-6627">Multiple Stacked Traditional 5-Shelf Stackable Tower</a>
View: Multiple Stacked Traditional 5-Shelf Stackable Tower

Ladder Shelving

Ladder shelving is another fun and unique way to add shelving to an area that’s tight for space. Ladder shelving allows you to make use of vertical space in a room, and also doubles as a unique way to display decorative items. Opt for a readymade ladder shelf, or make your own out of a repurposed ladder! Which shelving ideas have you heard of? Which ones have you used in your home?

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Original Post: Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes 

5-time Emmy award winning television personality Cathy Hobbs (ASID) is the founder and creator of Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes™. Cathy currently hosts her own self-branded design television series, Design Recipes, airing on the top rated “PIX Morning News” on WPIX-TV in New York City. Cathy was a finalist on Season 6 of HGTV's Hit Reality Series "DESIGN STAR and most recently served for a year as the green expert for “The Life Improvement Squad” a national campaign with IKEA and O Magazine.
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