A functional and comfortable kitchen with open shelves is not the dream of a capricious housewife, but a completely everyday reality. This solution is increasingly appearing in modern interiors, regardless of the size of the room and its design style. To successfully integrate it into your kitchen space, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of fastening and reveal some little tricks that will help add aesthetic completeness to the final design.
Pros and cons of placing wall shelves in the kitchen
Hanging shelves for the kitchen solve two main problems - functional and decorative, which gives a lot of advantages.
Main advantages:
- The space of the room visually expands, there is more “air”, lightness and openness, which is especially important for small kitchens.
- Saving money. They are definitely cheaper than their counterparts: wall cabinets.
- Save time searching for the desired item. Now everything is before your eyes. We went through the shelves and quickly found what you need. There is no need to open and close lockers one by one.
- Cooking becomes a pleasure. All spices, the most necessary cereals, a recipe book, stirrers and other kitchen utensils are always at hand.
- The ability to decorate an interior sometimes multiplies. Hanging shelves change the environment with their own design and the ability to place various items on them, giving them support for the overall style and special atmosphere.
Flaws:
- Anything that is open easily collects dust, and there are also splashes of food and grease in the kitchen. Cleaning efforts will require a little more effort.
- What is on display requires order and sometimes beautiful design. You still can’t express it simply with feeling and reason.
- The capacity of the shelf, unfortunately, can hardly compete with the capacity of the option where you don’t need to arrange things beautifully, which means you can arrange a lot more things.
Criteria for choosing a shelf for the kitchen
Any kitchen furniture must meet such requirements as convenience and practicality.
When choosing shelves, you should pay attention to a number of other points:
- Capacity (given the models, it is worth considering their parameters);
- Durability quality;
- Reliability of fasteners;
- Moisture resistance;
- Resistance to household chemicals;
- Simple filling;
- Ergonomic
The execution of the design is of great importance: color scheme, configuration, size, texture.
It is believed that open shelves in the kitchen, decorated in light natural colors, visually expand its area, and black models are appropriate only in contrasting interiors.
Hanging open shelves
They can be arranged linearly, in a checkerboard pattern, in the form of cells for storing dishes and spices. In production, special attention is paid to the reliability of fastening structures and the strength of the shelves themselves.
Designers advise not to place heavy bulky dishes on such models, but to set aside shelves for spices and small kitchen utensils.
Types of shelves for the kitchen
The variety of designs is amazing. When choosing a product, the type, shape, and purpose are taken into account.
Wall mounted
The advantages of such models are difficult to deny: installation does not require special skills and takes little time, the furniture does not visually “eat up” the space and fits well into the interior. The products are also distinguished by their versatility:
- wall-mounted kitchen shelves will perfectly replace cabinets in a narrow room;
- A shelf in the kitchen very often serves as a stand for interior decor: photo frames, candlesticks, souvenir plates, flower pots.
Before choosing a model, you need to think about what will be on it. To store large items, choose massive wall shelves made of reliable and durable material.
Hanging
Sometimes it is not possible to attach shelves to the walls or you need to have additional storage space in the center of the room. And then suspended structures completely solve these problems. Thanks to the special fastening, the shelves are quite reliable and can withstand heavy loads.
Multi-level structures look like shelves and are visually weightless. Thanks to the ceiling support, the shelves can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. This is an excellent option for arranging a small winter garden. Shelves located above the bar counter and kitchen island are convenient for storing plates, glasses, glasses. Hanging structures can also visually delimit a spacious room, separating the kitchen from the living room.
Corner
This is an ideal option for a convenient and practical arrangement of a compact kitchen. Such products take up little space and allow rational use of the “dead” corner area. It is very practical to place corner models near the window, near sofas or soft corners. It is convenient to store cookbooks on the shelves, or you can arrange original souvenir mugs and candles in unusual candlesticks.
Products can be single-level or multi-level. Such open models are good to place in the work area. To increase the practicality of the design, you need to decide what will stand on it. Therefore, the width, height and depth of the shelf are calculated in advance.
Built-in
Often kitchens in old buildings have complex shapes or are equipped with niches. A great idea to turn architectural imperfections into advantages is to turn shelves into niches. In addition, such a solution will bring creativity into the interior. Such open shelves in the kitchen are used instead of cabinets.
A fashionable trend is to install bottle holders in drawers. As a rule, structures are made superficial.
Shelves with racks
In specialized stores you can find open shelves built into shelves. This is a very comfortable and spacious piece of furniture, with the help of which everything you need is close by.
This design is often used as the last module of a kitchen furniture complex. No matter how the rack is turned over, the main thing is that it is easy to handle.
Experts call open shelves in built-in shelving an updated version of the famous slide.
Open shelves above sinks
In this case, the shelves are mounted on the wall near the sink or almost under the ceiling itself. They are convenient for mixing dishes.
Glass shelves are great for modern interior styles. Transparent material will look harmonious with any color combination.
Cabinets with open shelves
Drawers equipped with open shelves hold many items and provide quick and easy access to them. Such furniture is great for storing pots, dishes, vegetables, fruits and more.
You can also store recipe books in drawers. Experts recommend choosing a cabinet with open shelves for the kitchen in combination with the living room.
How to choose the right model
You can buy open shelves at a furniture hypermarket or make them yourself if you have some construction skills. Parameters to consider when choosing a model:
- Shelf strength.
- Reliability of fasteners. The shelf must be able to support significant weight without the risk of falling.
- Sufficient width and depth of the shelf.
- Design. Shape, size and color play an important role in the design of a kitchen interior.
- Cost of finished products and materials for independent work.
When choosing a material, you should evaluate the treatment of surfaces to protect against moisture, corrosion and pests (fungal colonies, bark beetles that can damage the structure of the working base).
Shelf color and design
The design of the shelves must be combined with other items - furniture, apron, countertop. More often the color of the product is preserved, it corresponds to the material of manufacture - the surface can convey the pattern of wood, stone, or be chrome-plated or gold-plated.
However, in modern interiors there are plastic or wooden shelves painted in bright colors. In addition, sometimes shelves are equipped with lighting for an aesthetic effect or to illuminate the work area located below. Then spotlights are mounted on their surface or an LED strip is glued.
There are several changes:
- racks for dishes;
- with built-in drawers for small items;
- floor and wall shelves;
- with partitions and sides;
- with a horizontal surface.
There are also design features of the product:
- Country, Provence, rustic. Shelves for these styles should be solid wood, natural or distressed. Floral print curtains can be used as decoration. Such products are usually accompanied by themed accessories: dishes, objects made from natural materials, wooden figurines.
- Modern, high-tech. Laconic shelves made of wood, glass, plastic or stainless steel without carved sides or other decorations are appropriate here. Photo frames or monochrome paintings in small quantities; modern spice jars are placed on them.
- Classic, modern. Shelves made of stone, metal, and glass are relevant for these styles. Wood will also work, as long as the shelves are elegant and presentable. Forged sides, carvings, pillars are appropriate. On such shelves you can place vases, books, and beautiful dishes.
Basic materials for hanging shelves:
Natural wood (solid);
- natural wood (solid wood);
- Chipboard, MDF;
- metal;
- stone;
- glass;
- plastic.
Wood is perhaps the only material that adapts stylistically to any space and brings a touch of warmth. The wooden wall shelf is durable and can withstand a lot of weight, making it great for storing large amounts of utensils. Pine, beech, alder or oak are often used to make wall-mounted kitchen shelves. The only caveat is that to use it in the kitchen, natural wood must be treated with moisture-resistant compounds.
What distinguishes wood is its great variability with different types of fasteners. Especially with metal brackets such as the industrial design style as shown below.
Hanging wooden shelves with wrought iron brackets look beautiful.
Lamps in the spirit of old water pipes look very original.
Shelves made of laminated chipboard or MDF are not inferior in strength to natural wood, but at a significantly lower cost. Their second advantage is the variety of colors due to veneered or laminated coating. In fact, chipboard and MDF are the same materials from which furniture is made. Thanks to this, shelves made of wooden panels can be easily integrated into the kitchen set as a free-standing element or as shelving systems. On such wall shelves it is convenient to place items relevant for cooking: dishes, cereals, spices, kitchen utensils.
Metal is a practical and durable material that offers many ideas for implementation, both in modern interiors and in rural areas and Provence. For the latter, small forged shelves with an openwork pattern would be an excellent addition.
Linear suspension systems
Horizontal bars and magnetic strips are positioned parallel to your countertop and help make the most of all available space. If there are cabinets above your backsplash, then most likely your kitchen accessories will be located a few centimeters below.
Just make sure there are no electrical outlets in the immediate area. Also, before hanging your knives on the magnetic holder, consider the presence of small children or people with special needs in your home. They may have trouble gripping appliances.
Spices and cutlery are often hung on magnetic strips, such as in the Grundtal series of IKEA stores. A wide range of elegant additions to the kitchen apron is offered by the German manufacturer Kesseböhmer in its series of storage systems called Clever Storage.
The crossbar is screwed to the wall surface, accessories hang on hooks integrated into the holder. The cost of such products varies between $40 and $60. Paper towel holders range from $75 to $90. And a small knife rack costs homeowners about $150.
If drilling into your tile is unlikely or your backsplash is glass, don't despair. There is an exit! MosaiQ's new line of fixtures can be screwed or glued to the wall. Despite the absence of holes and the presence of only adhesive strips, the adhesion to the surface will be very strong, so do not expect to move your kitchen accessories in the future.
The extruded aluminum strip has slots that accept small hanging shelves with hooks. Or there is the option of small L-shaped shelves that can support heavier items. You can also integrate LED lighting into a metal track.
Materials - advantages and disadvantages
Shelves are a very popular piece of furniture. It is difficult to find a material that cannot be used to make them. Masters in this business are very successful, they use different approaches, making products using any available methods, for example, from old boxes, pallets, glass, plastic bottles, cans, slate and other available things. The following types of raw materials are used in industrial production:
- tree;
- MDF and chipboard;
- metal;
- glass;
- plastic.
The purpose of the shelf and its style depend on the material. This circumstance is taken into account when choosing a finished product, which should fit harmoniously into the interior of the kitchen. In order to make the right decision and choose the most suitable option, we will consider in detail the main types of raw materials used.
Tree
Wooden shelves fit almost any interior style. Natural wood is a win-win option. Products made from this material can be found in most kitchens. They can have a simple or complex shape, located horizontally, vertically, or in a corner. This raw material is easy to work with, so you can make a shelf with your own hands.
When choosing a product for independent production, first of all you need to pay attention to the quality of the board. It must be perfectly smooth, without voids, cracks, chips, or knots. The most affordable products in terms of price and quality are made from soft wood: spruce, pine. Top quality models, strong and durable, available in oak, ash and larch.
To attach wall shelves to a wooden surface, you can use self-tapping screws, on brick - dowels, on concrete - anchor bolts.
The main advantages of open wooden structures include:
- Environmental friendliness. The raw materials do not emit harmful substances.
- Duration. With careful use, the wood will last for many years.
- Nice appearance. The presence of a natural pattern always looks original.
- Force. The material is resistant to mechanical damage.
- Prestige. The interior has a rich look and is furnished with wooden furniture.
Cracking:
- Fear of humidity. Without treatment with special water-repellent compounds, the wood may swell.
- Difficult care. When cleaning, do not use detergents.
- Difficult to tolerate direct sunlight. Under their influence, the surface burns out.
- Absorbs odors.
Metal
this is the strongest material. The products are reliable. The structures are indispensable for creating a strong support for storing heavy objects. They are very convenient to use in places with high dust and humidity. They will be a great addition to professional and personal kitchens.
Metal shelves go well with kitchen cabinets that have metal fronts. They allow you to stylishly decorate your interior. And if previously the elements were associated with rough objects, now manufacturers produce thin-walled shelves with elegant shapes.
Metal products are characterized by the following positive qualities:
- long duration;
- good strength;
- lightness, especially aluminum models;
- not afraid of humidity and high temperatures.
Cracking:
- the item must be periodically painted to protect the surface from moisture;
- not suitable for all interiors;
- fake models are very expensive;
- It is very difficult to do this on your own; you will need a special tool, skills in working with an angle grinder and welding.
To avoid corrosion, do not skimp on paint. It is necessary to choose high-quality dyes intended for metal.
Glass
Glassware is more common in the bathroom. However, these models are highly valued by many designers and non-professionals. The material is neutral towards water and does not absorb odors. Glass does not visually clutter up the space, transmits light well, and gives airiness and lightness to any room. Things look everyday, so many people began to decorate small kitchens with them.
When choosing a suitable option, first of all you need to pay attention to the corners; they should be rounded and smooth to the touch. Sharp edges may cause cuts when cleaning. Another important parameter is the thickness of the material, it must be at least 5 mm. The best option would be tempered glass and laminated triplex, which are more durable.
The main advantages of shelves include:
- neutrality of humidity;
- transparency;
- duration;
- large selection of shapes, unusual design;
- attractive appearance.
Cracking:
- fragility of most models;
- low load-bearing capacity;
- difficult to maintain, fingerprints remain on the surface;
- high cost of quality products;
- heavy weight.
Plastic
Along with other materials, plastic shelves are also in demand. They fit well into the interior of the room. Manufacturers produce several models that differ in design, appearance, color, and texture. However, they are mainly represented by multi-tiered options used for storing kitchen utensils and products.
Plastic models should not be hung above the stove or near heating appliances. The surface may become deformed when exposed to high temperatures. Also, they should not be overloaded with various heavy objects. When choosing, do not give preference to cheap products, they quickly change color. The ribbed surface is very difficult to clean.
A plastic product has a number of advantages:
- affordable price;
- a light weight;
- neutrality of humidity;
- large selection of shades and shapes;
- easy installation;
- ease of maintenance.
Cracking:
- fragility, fear of mechanical damage;
- low load-bearing capacity;
- harmful, releases harmful substances when heated;
- short service life.
We select the material and type of fastening for different styles of kitchen interior
In this matter, rely on the kitchen design style that you have already chosen. For example, if you have a mezzanine, it is better to choose light gray metal shelves. They ideally support the production motives that define the entire management philosophy.
An alternative to metal in attics is, oddly enough, ordinary wood. And the rule applies: the rougher and rougher the texture looks, the better it combines with the ascetic beauty of this style.
Open storage systems made of wood will also come in handy when working with Provence. It is most chic if the texture looks slightly aged - this creates a strong organic feel with the overall atmosphere of kitchens made in a similar style.
But if the wood is treated with stain, you can integrate shelves from it into a space tailored to Scandinavian minimalism. Light beige or even white shades are usually used. Plastic fits organically into such interiors, but it is not very durable, not at all practical and is only suitable as a temporary option “for beauty”.
Also widely used:
- drywall;
- MDF;
- glass;
- counterfeit products.
Do it yourself or hire a pro?
If you are patient, attentive to detail, familiar with various tools, and have the skills to work with a drill, then most likely you can do it without any help. Otherwise, consider hiring a professional. If you plan to drill tiles, then often tilers can do this job without any problems.
Typically, such work is paid hourly. But it is difficult for us to estimate the cost of such work due to large differences in costs, which depend on the region of residence. But the obvious advantage of working with a professional is that he has already completed similar tasks more than once and will be able to provide results at the highest level.
Shelf dimensions and shape
If the room size is limited, a corner shelf in the kitchen would be the preferred choice. It will take up a minimum of square meters and will fit organically into the interior. In addition, if necessary, it can be supplemented with various accessories.
If you want something original, you can opt for a multi-level design up to the ceiling. Such furniture will allow you to conveniently organize a large number of things.
Horizontal patterns on the entire wall or parts of it, consisting of several levels, look unusual and interesting. Today, customers are offered a wide range of narrow shelves designed for storing decorative items.
Floor open shelves
Open wall shelves for the kitchen often have a durable metal body and shelves made of glass, wood or plastic. Rear, side walls and facades are not provided.
Some products are characterized by the presence of limiters in the form of thin slats. These models are designed for storing bulky and heavy dishes, as they can withstand significant loads.
Note!
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Features of design and placement
The idea of having open themed shelves is attractive, allowing you to have a variety of designs and place items on them to suit your plan.
For example, on solid wood shelves, baskets or wicker boxes look great, in which you can store all kinds of things, as well as vegetables or fruits. This composition is often made in Provence or outside the city, creates a quiet homely comfort and transfers the atmosphere of a private home to the walls of concrete city apartments.
If you need to add more lightness and air to the room, use glass shelves with LED strip edging around the perimeter. They fit perfectly into all modern interiors and look great in the evening with the lights on.
Another option from the “practical and simple” category is lattice shelves. They really look weightless, but at the same time they can withstand quite an impressive weight. They are found in scandi, hi-tech, sometimes in pop art or fusion.
Avoid dark shades if the room has modest living space. It looks best in beige, cream or classic white. You can also use black if it can be used to create a bright spot and highlight the area beautifully.
Many owners act very wisely and in their kitchens coolly combine open shelves with wall cabinets. The result is an interesting and fresh image, with a clear claim to the relevance of the style.
Tips for designers Do not place open shelves directly above the hob - fat and fumes will invariably settle on the products and spoil the finishing material. It is best to hang them above the work surface - both are convenient for you, and the shelf is better protected from temperature and dirt.
Open shelves in the kitchen can be placed both above and below. This is very convenient and if you want to cover the bottom from prying eyes, use curtains.
If you have a corner kitchen with open shelves, use the corner wisely to add storage. You can stretch it high, but don't get too carried away—it's a lot of fun to stand on the stool when you need to season a dish or add salt.
How to Design Kitchen Shelf Lighting
Open storage systems are great when you can perfectly display what's stored on the shelf at any time of the day. Central lighting does not cope with this task, and bringing paths to the right areas is not always as simple and convenient as they say. Therefore, spot lighting is a great solution.
As a rule, such shelves work very well with LED lighting. You can use either RGB or plain tape - in any case, a shelf decorated with it will look very elegant and impressive, and the objects placed on it will always remain visible. An additional benefit: at the same time, a cozy, homely atmosphere is created throughout the entire kitchen.
Another option is a spotlight. They integrate into plasterboard, wood and metal structures and not only illuminate the “vases” you need, but also create a wonderful decorative effect.
Displacer built into the wall
This workspace organization idea is not about optimizing storage, but rather about effective time management. An additional tap can be placed above the stove! This reduces the time the cook spends walking to the sink and filling a pan with water, for example.
To install the faucet, you will need the services of a plumber. You also need to make sure that the surface around the faucet can handle large amounts of moisture. It is better if it is finished with tiles or natural stone.
Of course, installing such additional equipment will increase the cost of your kitchen remodel, but it is worth it, especially if you are constantly faced with the need to lift heavy containers of water.
Options for the arrangement of shelves in the kitchen interior
There are several ways to arrange kitchen shelves:
- At the table. For this area it is better to use hidden shelves that merge with the wall.
- In the corner. Corner models are suitable for both small and spacious rooms. They will help save a significant amount of free space.
- Above the sink. This method of placement places demands on furniture in terms of humidity and heat resistance. In addition, products installed in this location must withstand significant mechanical loads. It is best to use shelves with a special decorative coating that prevents streaks and fingerprints.
- In a niche. This arrangement allows you to abandon the typical interior design and use the entire space. The installed structures must correspond to the dimensions of the niche and the design of the kitchen.
- On the apron. This option is considered one of the most convenient and expedient. These shelves can be used to store food and utensils, making the cooking process easier.
- Under the ceiling. Plus - saving space underneath.
- Above the door. In the mezzanine you can store boxes or baskets with household items.
- On the couch. This solution adds flavor and a sense of well-being to the atmosphere. A kitchen with open shelves above the sofa looks incredibly elegant.
- On a free wall. It is important not to overdo it with the quantity.
Shelves on the wall in the kitchen are one of the indispensable attributes. They ensure ergonomics and rationality of the interior, while at the same time being its decoration.
A wide range of models, a choice of designs and sizes - all this allows you to make the position of the kitchen as comfortable and practical as possible.
Shelves in country and Provence styles
Perhaps, recreating a rustic style in the kitchen is impossible without using such a decorative and functional element as open shelves. For this, it is preferable to use natural wood.
To highlight the style, use thick distressed wood shelves. It is also better to choose the most natural color scheme - beige, white, gray.
The predominance of beige and pastel colors in Provençal cuisine
An excellent solution would be to decorate individual open shelves with floral curtains. At the first place. This will emphasize the stylistic direction of the kitchen. Secondly, such a solution will prevent external contamination of the contents of the shelves. Thirdly, this will allow you to experiment: in some cases you can keep the curtains closed, in others - open. The main thing is to maintain a sense of proportion - to optimally decorate only a couple of shelves with curtains.
Place open shelves around the window - maintain symmetry in the kitchen
Try playing with contrasts. The kitchen will look original and elegant with contrasting countertops, some of which are in light colors, while others are in dark colors. For example, the lower part of the set with closed drawers can be kept in dark colors, and the upper part with open drawers can be in light colors, or vice versa. Another option is to use white plates on dark shelves. This solution will refresh your kitchen.
Contrast can also be achieved by placing dark shelves on a light background or vice versa.
White dishes on dark oak shelves add contrast to the interior
Kitchen shelves in Scandinavian style
To bring the Scandinavian style to life, you should, first of all, use mainly natural materials. In the case of shelves, it should be wooden. A striking effect can be achieved by combining open and closed shelving. At the same time, it is better to store dishes and those items that you do not use very often on shelves with closed doors. And on open shelves it is better to put those things that you need in everyday life.
In addition, on open shelves you can place various decorative items that highlight the stylistic direction of the room. For example, these could be:
- small paintings and photographs depicting northern animals: deer, sheep, and so on;
- decorative green plants;
- decorative stones and candles;
- three-dimensional letters forming inscriptions;
- cookbooks.
All these elements emphasize the Nordic character of the room.
Books and flowers on shelves in a Scandinavian style kitchen
To recreate this interior style, it is better not to clutter the shelves. Put on it only the essentials, which should always be at hand. Another option is to place only decorative accessories (candles, souvenirs, vases, photo frames) on open structures. In this case, it is better to store functional items in closed drawers.
High-tech style shelves
If you are closer to the high-tech style, then instead of wooden shelves it is better to give preference to more modern materials, for example, glass or iron. At the same time, only items of direct functional purpose should be on the shelves, nothing superfluous.
Instead of open glass shelves, you can use real large racks. It is convenient to place dishes on it.
If you use other materials for shelves, it is better to give preference to pure natural tones. Black and white works best.
Advice: keep in mind that in a high-tech style there should be nothing superfluous on the shelves. Therefore, it is advisable to think again before deciding to install open shelves in such an interior - after all, you will have to constantly maintain order.
The design of kitchen shelves in high-tech style requires strict adherence to the rules and canons.
Open shelves are more of a decorative element than a functional piece of furniture in a high-tech kitchen
Kitchen island with open shelves
This is a universal option for placing shelves. They can be positioned to the side of the island, facing the living room, kitchen, or to the side of the room.
Such furniture is multi-tasking; it can be used to store dishes, cookbooks, and also to display decorative items.
Using corner shelves in the kitchen interior
The placement of the shelves will depend on the size of the kitchen, the cooking area, the number of drawers and the style of the room. In some cases, corner shelves in the kitchen will look appropriate.
Corner shelves are ideal for saving space. You can perfectly apply interesting design ideas to them. So, a brilliant solution would be to install wooden corner shelves almost to the ceiling. As a result, the shelves will visually look like decorative beams, which also have a functional purpose.
Full wall corner shelves
Tip: kitchens with corner shelves are the best solution for saving space.
An original solution would be to use asymmetrical shelves. However, it should be borne in mind that such a design fantasy is suitable for decoration in country, Provence, and Scandinavian styles, but does not fit into the strict directions of minimalism.
Arrangement of shelves at different levels
What can you put on the shelves?
The filling of open shelves depends on their purpose and the wishes of the owner. The most popular solutions for filling interesting kitchen accessories:
- Crockery: frequently used patterns and decorative designs (for example, a set of painted plates).
- Kitchenware.
- When installing rails on top of the shelves, you can hang potholders, towels, and wooden spatulas.
- Souvenir products (products made of polymer clay, papier-mâché figurines).
Any shelf can be decorated with bright, original bottles of spices, sauces, and seasonings.
Tips for arranging shelves in a small kitchen
In a small room, it is important to avoid clutter and provide ample storage space. In this sense, shelves are great for small kitchens.
The following tips will help you organize your space wisely:
- many small shelves are better than huge ones;
- It is advisable to place the shelves on the wall opposite the plug;
- corner structures can be from floor to ceiling;
- asymmetrical shelves will enliven the space;
- Hanging hooks can be used to hang cups, scoops, shovels;
- For a small kitchen it is better to choose laconic models in light shades.
Location recommendations
The arrangement of structures can be arbitrary, the main thing is convenient. However, when it comes to placing shelves above a student’s desk, you should follow a few simple rules:
- The hanging structure should not block the light, especially if the workplace is located in a dimly lit area.
- The furniture tabletop and shelves should be positioned in such a way that the child, sitting at the table, is facing or sideways to the doorway. It has been proven that a person sitting with his back to the door experiences discomfort while working.
- The structures must be at a sufficient height from the seated person’s head so as not to reduce the size of the working space. When answering the question about what height to hang the shelf, it is worth noting that its bottom panel should be located at arm's length so that the child can take the desired item without getting up.
There is one more thing to consider before hanging the shelf. It is advisable to place the upper part of the structure at a low height; the person sitting at the table should not have the need to use a chair and other objects to reach the farthest compartments, since this can be traumatic.
In cases where wall furniture elements perform an exclusively decorative function, the height of their location is not important.
Another criterion when choosing a location for a shelf above a table is the amount of free space in the room. For example, multi-tiered or corner models are great for small rooms.
The hanging structure should not obscure the light
The person should sit facing or sideways to the doorway
The structures must be at a sufficient height from the seated person’s head
Shelf design options for a spacious kitchen
In a large room, headphones with open shelves are often used as display cases. Here you can show off beautiful dishes, putting them face forward, elite alcoholic drinks, turning the shelf into an open bar.
Non-standard design designs are appropriate, including homemade and ultra-modern ones.
As storage systems, open shelves in the kitchen can replace or complement upper wall cabinets, eliminating the feeling of overhang. They are especially relevant if the work area is located near a window.
Installed in the cooking area, these structures will provide quick access to spices, utensils, and equipment. There is also space on the shelf for kitchen appliances - a multicooker, microwave, toaster and others.
Also in a spacious kitchen it is possible to install a peninsula hood, inside of which there are niches for large-sized dishes. Above it you can allocate space for hanging shelves.
Shelving for high floors is suitable for zoning a spacious room. You can place decorative elements, photo frames, candles, and flowers in them.
Metal open shelves
Metal structures are not only very durable, but also have a unique design. Most often, chrome steel is used as the main material, which favorably emphasizes interior details thanks to its glossy shine.
When should you give up open shelves in the kitchen?
And you definitely shouldn’t use them if you have a kitchen-living room. In such a kitchen it is better to create the illusion of minimalism and hide everything behind closed facades. Preferably without glass.
