Innovative Shelving

Today’s tip features shelving that is not only practical and space saving but it will add the perfect finishing touch to almost any room. And while we’re always obsessed with how to cram things into small spaces because we live in Manhattan, everyone has small spaces somewhere in their homes — even McMansions have at least one small bathroom!

​Living in Manhattan is great until you have to figure out where to put all your stuff in a shoe box sized apartment and bookshelves often get the heave-ho (we know a few Classics who have done this) or they are stuffed in a space where they shouldn’t be (we know a some Funs who have done this and countless Smart Structure bibliophiles). But, with this tip there is no need to cram a bookshelf somewhere it doesn’t belong. The answer is wall brackets.

Pick up some brackets either utilitarian ones at a hardware store or try Anthropologie for more flourish and get as many as you think you’ll need to fit your book or knick knack collection—grab your drill and voila instant shelving system. And you can get creative with the shelving surface instead of using wood, books themselves make for nice small shelves. 

This next shelving tip, pictured on the right, is perfect for a bedroom that doesn’t have room for two bedside tables — and you NEED two if you have a double or queen in a room. Or you could use it in a front entrance way. It’s a re-purposed wooden magazine holder. Who would have ever thought there was such a cool new use for your plain old magazine holder? Genius. This fun new use is great for any corner and is super easy to install. Take a magazine holder, flip it (stain it or paint it to coordinate), and nail that sucker to the wall! We found this idea at Design Sponge. Our thrifty types — Funs and Classics — will love the re-purposing aspect of this project. But, likely so will a few Organic Structures.