Organization Basics: Shelves

May 1, 2011

No matter the size of your home or the decluttering challenge, there’s a shelving solution to the rescue. Big or small, standing or mounted, shelves come in lots of varieties and can solve most any storage dilemma. Explore your options, then determine the one that’s just right for you.

Divide a Room: If you’re dealing with a too-big space, try establishing a few separate areas with your furniture arrangement, and more specifically, your shelves. Opt for a large stand-alone bookshelf and use it as a divider. We like gridded designs that let the eye travel through the room to maintain an airy, open feel.

Tip: Your bookcase doesn’t have to be big and tall. A long, skinny bookcase can be turned on its side to create a horizontal divider. At 3 to 4 feet high, it’s perfect for showcasing a few knick-knacks, a stack of books and a lamp on top.

Quick Tip

Febreze Dusting is easier when you have the right tools. Designed specifically to clean in grooves and crevices, Swiffer® 360° Dusters traps and locks dust better than a feather duster.

Create More Space: Free up space by utilizing the walls above your high-traffic surfaces. Try mounting a single shelf over your kitchen sink to hold dishwashing liquid, sponges and rubber gloves. Hang a trio of floating shelves over the table in your entryway where you can place items that tend to clutter up the hallway, like school books, mail and keys.

Tip: For a truly “floating” effect, try painting your shelves the same color as your wall.

Hide the Clutter: Tired of stacking family members’ shoes, books, odds and ends on the stairs? Try creating a shelving system below your staircase—it’s a prime piece of storage real estate that’s often forgotten! Find a small bookcase that fits the space, or install a few inexpensive shelves.

Tip: Have an old bookcase that could use a facelift? Give it a makeover with colorful paint and pretty paper.

Get Decorative: When you use your imagination, most anything can be a shelf.

Try mounting open suitcases or vintage drawers to the wall.
Repurpose a wooden ladder, using the rungs to hang magazines or towels in the bathroom.
Create a compartmentalized shelf with glass jars.
Craft a ledge out of a piece of reclaimed or distressed wood.
Stack together small benches to create a unique bookcase.

If you like this article, you might also like:

Home Made Simple TV Series
See this week's projects »

Squeeze more out of an orange.
Take your pick »

Recent Inspiration

Home Made Simple Marketplace

COME ON IN

Connect with friends to SELL, SHOP & IDEA SWAP

on facebook »

Inspiration Meets Conversation

Previous statement Next statement

Join our community for daily inspiration & advice for home.
Get solutions, deals, and cleaning tips directly from home experts.
Visit our channel for quick and easy how-to videos.
Sign up for our free emails & get the latest recipes, projects and special offers.
Subscribe to our feeds & receive automatic updates on your favorite content.