Closet shelves can include wood, veneer, plastic and metal materials.
Closets include reach-in or walk-in styles that can accommodate many shelf configurations. The right shelf for the space and stored items can help you de-clutter and make these items accessible. Some factors for choosing closet shelves include dimensions, materials, flexibility, appearance and affordability. Options include a more permanent built-in shelving system or a portable tiered unit. Does this Spark an idea?
Configuration
Wall-mounted shelves offer a more permanent fixture. Vertical standards or rails allow shelf brackets to attach at different heights. Shelves that stagger allow more flexibility. These vertical standards can screw into the closet wall or suspend from a hanging system. Shelves that are part of a shelf stand of two or more fixed shelves allow portability from one space to another. Light materials can include aluminum or plastic. For example; a two-tier or four-tier set can support assorted linens, shoes and accessories, and fit under hanging clothes. An example of a four-tier version measures approximately 25 inches long-by-12 inches wide-by-28 inches high.
Materials
Wire closet shelving allows ventilation and gives an airy look. Materials include chrome or aluminum or other light materials. Melamine shelving made from wood veneer offers a smooth surface that resembles furniture. Advantages include easy dusting or cleaning. Off-white shelves make it easier to see when no closet light is available. Stored objects will not fall through or sit at an angle, as can happen with wire shelving. Wood closet shelves offer a sturdy base for items. Ventilated wood closets include vertical panels with slots. Materials can include cherry or cedar. Solid shelving usually gives an enclosed feeling. This more expensive option offers an attractive, durable look. Glass shelves can display items somewhat like a store or museum display. Although glass is rarely used for closets, the sense of lightness can showcase special or prized objects
Shapes of Shelves
Pie shelves feature a wedge shape.
A common shelf shape is the rectangular 12-inch-deep shelf. Wood or melamine shelves can cut to any length for a do-it-yourself project. For a walk-in closet, the corner L-shelf fits into a corner and elegantly wraps around two adjacent walls. Vertical panels at each end support the structure. The corner angle shelf, shaped as a triangle, also fits the closet corner. Advantages of both corner shelf styles include two different depths: one at the sides, the other at the corner. A bridge shelf can include a top or bottom shelf that links between two sections of shelving. For example; a walk-in closet with two stacks of shelves on opposite walls can support this bridge at the back wall. Pie shelves feature a wedge shape that points to a closet corner. This small surface area can display framed photos or small decorative items.
Specific Items
Pull-out shelves with a decorative front resemble a chest of drawers.
Shoe shelves usually include a 12-inch panel that stays flat or slants with a front lip. These fixed shelves limit the size of items for storage. For example; very long or high footwear may not fit. Pull-out shelves resemble chest drawers that feature depth, yet keep contents accessible. These shelves include a drawer front for a finished, decorative look that stores items away from dust, sunlight and prying eyes.
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