Shelving Materials

Trying to get organized?  Thinking of adding some shelving units to your home or office?  Just as varied as the size and style of shelves available to you, you'll need to consider the different materials your shelves can be made out of.  Your personal taste, and the color and style of the room you are looking for shelving for, can help dictate what shelving material you choose.  

Through the looking glass

Glass shelves, due to their transparency, draw attention to the items placed on your shelf, rather than the shelf itself.  This makes it the perfect type of shelf to place nicknacks on.  Glass shelves are relatively heavy, making your unit sturdy.  Watch out, though.  Glass shelves reveal fingerprints, smudges, and smears easily.

Wired for fun 

Wire shelves are great for books, CDs, plants and other larger items.  Many wire shelves are adjustable, making them versatile.  Wire is easy to clean, and often allows for greater air circulation,  making them a nice choice for a closet or garage. Wire shelves are relatively inexpensive.

Into the woods

Wood shelves make for great bookcases and entertainment pieces.  The high quality of woods such as oak, cherry, pine, mahogany and ash make wood shelving units beautiful and elegant pieces.  Match your wood shelving to other pieces of furniture, such as coffee tables, dressers, end tables, and armoires.     

Race to the finish

Laminate shelving applies a layer of coating to wood or particle board. Laminate is a popular choice because it resembles wood, bit is less expensive and lighter in weight.  Laminate shelving works well in your child's room or at the office.   

Steal a cookie from the cookie jar

Steel shelves, often used as industrial shelving, are perfect for wide, heavy or bulky materials.  Steel shelves can make a nice addition to your garage.  Stainless steel shelves are easy to clean and are perfect for kitchens.

Open or closed?

Once you have chosen a material, you'll need to consider whether you would like your shelves to be open or closed. There are advantages to each:
 

Closed shelves, such as bookshelves, contain enclosed backs and sides.  These shelves are sturdy, and provide greater stability for the items contained inside.  You can even put a locked door on the front of closed shelves to keep your items safe.

Open shelves are great for displaying decorative pieces.  Open shelves in the home tend to be made out glass or wire, and allow good air circulation.  These shelves provide greater accessibility and are very economical. Open shelving fits well in smaller areas, such as garages and closets.

More information on shelving