Choosing and Using Simple Shelves
Your home shelving is an important piece of the organization puzzle. Shelves vary, though. From the large bookshelves that fill your wall space, to the cubbies you put in the mudroom or entryway, all the way to the slim, simple shelves that you would prefer to disappear. And not because they aren’t nice to look at, but rather because you’re going for a certain look. Maybe you want floating shelves, or maybe you’re going for a more minimalist aesthetic. Either way, we’ve got a quick guide for choosing and using simple shelves at home and in other spaces.
Using Simple Shelves
Simpler shelves do not often invite tons of décor. Instead, odds are you’re using simple shelves because you want a calmer, uncomplicated, understated look. So you’ll aim for functionality and just a few precious items with meaning. To optimize your shelving, here are a few tips for using simple shelves.
- Choose a material that fits your space. The great thing about simple shelves is that they don’t take over the space. However, you’ll still want the material to reflect your preferences and complement the other pieces in the room. Luckily for you, simple shelves come in metal, wood, and recycled plastic materials, so there’s something for everyone.
- Intentionally select what is on the shelves. Simple shelves, and really any shelf, should not be a catch-all. Instead, intentionally select what you put on the shelves. Meaningful pieces, heirlooms, books, storage boxes, and everyday items you need to easily access. Style the shelves with intention so their low profile stays low.
- Style them in groups. A simple shelf need not stand alone. Instead, line up or arrange up to three simple shelves on your wall so get more space while still not overwhelming the room. The simpler, more streamlined silhouette of a smaller shelf allows you to easily hang more than one and still keep the composition minimalist and clean.
When You’ll Want to Choose Simple Shelves
The best spaces for simple shelving are Scandinavian homes and sleek, modern homes. These styles naturally suit the uncomplicated, undetailed, humble presence of simple shelving. But you might want to choose simple shelves if you’re:
- Styling a small room. Smaller spaces do not need clunky shelves. In fact, that small room will quickly become cramped and uncomfortable if you pack it with too much storage. Instead, choose a minimalist shelf, maybe two, that hang on the wall to save floor space, and limit the décor.
- Designing a child’s room. Whether it’s a play room or bedroom, children need approachable pieces of furniture that don’t get in the way of play and growing. Wall shelves clean up the room and floor to maximize their space. Other types of simple shelving sets up clear, understandable, and easy methods of keeping items organized and where they belong.
- Creating storage in kitchens that isn’t cabinets. Cabinets are lovely, but often clunky and big. If you need a little more storage in your modern kitchen, choose simple wall shelves or even a bar cart. Utilize some awkward empty wall space by installing shelves to hold spices, books, recipe card boxes, lights, dishes, and more. Or incorporate a bar cart that easily rolls out of the way when not needed, but acts as fantastic storage no matter where it is.
The Best Minimalist Shelves at HORNE
Our modern shelving collection is extensive, but there are a few stand-out shelves that we really think fulfill the brief for simple shelving you can use in any room.
Planar Wall Shelf S
Kristina Dam’s Planar Wall Shelf comes in a couple sizes and is crafted from one sheet of beautiful, simple power-coated steel. This slim shelf is almost floating on the wall, and is fantastically functional in all rooms. But one of the best uses for the Planar Wall Shelf is in the kitchen where its metal material holds up against the heat and hard use.
Stedge Shelf
Woud’s Stedge Shelf is about as simple as it gets. Two oak shelves are mounted on the wall, but supported and connected by a single wire. So incredibly minimalistic, this shelf is perfect for offices and living rooms where you need some deep shelves, but don’t want a huge bookcase.
Nivo Shelf G
The wonderful thing about the Nivo Shelf is that it’s modular! Modular storage means you can personalize your shelving arrangement and then change it if needed. Start with Nivo Shelf G or F and then built it out from there while enjoying the simplicity of the metal shelves and the organic presence of the wood frame.
Stagger Shelf – Low
This smart modern bookshelf transforms unused wall areas into functional display zones. The Stagger Shelf is architectural and angular, but the oak veneer adds a softness to its presence that allows it to slip into Scandinavian homes as well as more modern spaces. Available in four different configurations—including just a single, floating shelf—Stagger is an authentic and modest way to create dynamic displays.
The Ledge Shelf
With its clean lines, powder-coated finish, and signature medallion detail, The Ledge adds a polished touch to any room. With simple, bent metal construction, the Ledge Shelf features a lip that holds items in place and makes it easy to use this shelf as a picture frame shelf, for books, bud vases, toys, and more. We love the color options and durable steel material that make The Ledge Shelf perfect for kids spaces.
Epoch Shelf
This gorgeous oak shelf adds so much refinement and warmth to modern spaces. Style the Epoch Shelf in home and commercial offices and enjoy its modest expressions and streamlined versatility. Featuring an inset shelf and wide, curved front, the Epoch is our top choice for anyone looking for a little more presence in their simple shelving.
Find the Best Modern Shelving at HORNE
Shelving is one of our favorite areas of home design. There is so much possibility when you choose shelves for your living room, office, bedroom, kitchen, or dining room. Whether you’re using them to display beloved heirlooms, for books, for fun décor, or for more functional items, you cannot go wrong with simplicity. The simpler the shelf, the more you’re able to showcase what is put on the shelves and keep your spaces clean, uncluttered, and beautifully streamlined. Find the best modern shelving at HORNE and discover the best modest shelving solutions to elevate every space.
