How not to decorate a shelving unit: 8 common mistakes

How can you use shelving as partitions?

Several options for using shelving partitions.

For room zoning

Shelving used for zoning a room is a decorative artistic value of the entire interior, which can significantly improve the overall aesthetics of the space, make it much more convenient, comfortable and add some zest to it.

As interior partitions

Shelving models used as interior partitions provide the opportunity to intelligently divide the space, set the necessary boundaries for it, without overloading the decor.

Types of shelving for zoning

There are a huge variety of shelving structures that can be an excellent solution for any interior.

Modular

It is a structure modeled from various parts or sections, the location and layout of which may vary depending on their number.

The photo shows a modular shelving partition from floor to ceiling, which separates the living area from the kitchen.

Hull

A monolithic rack is a type of cabinet furniture; it has a simpler appearance, but at the same time has maximum strength. These models look very neat and make the room more ergonomic.

Product benefits

Shelving system options for the living room have many advantages:

• the low weight of such furniture simplifies installation and significantly reduces the time it takes to furnish a room;
• a product of even the most complex shape remains mobile and can be easily moved to any other place;
• it is very easy to find any items on the open shelves of the rack;
• such designs are very practical. Shelves and compartments can be of different sizes, which allows you to increase the functionality of the product. For example, create a shelf for a TV in the living room;
• Open shelving for the living room makes ideal partitions. They delimit zones, but do not block the perspective of the room and do not visually reduce the living room area. In addition, the product remains functional: you can store any things on the shelves;
• racks are more economical than wall modules or full-fledged cabinets. Since racks are rarely equipped with doors, there is no need for space to open them, and the height of the structure allows you to place a large number of things;
• With the help of a shelving unit you can add personality to your living room.

The product also has some disadvantages:

• open shelves imply keeping things on them in ideal or at least relative order;
• Some items cannot be stored this way.

Shelving shapes

Racks-partitions can have completely different shapes, which allows them to be placed in almost any place.

Stepped

A rack made with a ladder can be a fairly spacious, asymmetrical design with an open or closed slide, which easily fits into any room and allows you to conveniently place decorative items in it.

The photo shows a sleeping area separated by a three-tier stepped partition rack.

Rectangular

The simplest and most classic option, reminiscent of a laconic furniture shelf, with a varying number of shelves.

Rack

Thanks to the frame consisting of shelves and racks, this model has a very light and weightless appearance. This design on legs can be filled with various magazines, books, photographs or other interior items.

The photo shows a narrow shelving unit in a bedroom interior.

Angular

Compared to straight partition racks, such products have a larger usable area and are perfect for a sufficient number of things.

Snake

Shelves lined up like a snake give the rack an unusual and extraordinary look, which makes it possible not only to add some zest to the decor, but also to decorate the room functionally and conveniently. The open structure allows you to add lightness, sophistication and airiness to the room, as well as visually expand it.

Geometric (curly)

With the help of such a design solution, it is possible to personalize the environment as much as possible, making it more modern and unique.

Wardrobe as a partition - views, important points

The choice of a partition cabinet is determined by the main characteristics of the room. Depending on the chosen style and color scheme, the furniture design is selected; the area of ​​the room determines the size of the cabinets.

Separation of the living room and hallway Source prihozhaya.guru

If the walls in the room are low, you should give preference to narrow, tall cabinets or shelving; vertical lines in the interior visually lengthen the room.

The depth of shelves, drawers and racks depends on the total area of ​​the room and the purpose of the furniture. In a small room, you can install a cabinet with shallow shelves, but saving space reduces the capacity of the cells. Conversely, deep, roomy shelves and drawers take up a lot of space. Here we need to determine what is of paramount importance.

Wardrobe-partition with deep shelves Source 21vek.by

Cabinet models with a back wall limit the flow of natural light into the room. To prevent the wall from looking boring, you can decorate it. The disadvantage of double-sided cabinets is the large depth and massiveness of the structure. Mirror inserts will help preserve free space and visually increase the area of ​​the room.

The absence of a back wall makes the furniture lighter and weightless, providing natural light to all corners of the room. The rack is used to display decor, flowers, books, photographs; large and bulky items will not fit on the shelves.

Cabinet without a back wall Source made-box.ru

A full-wall closet allows you to create a convenient and functional storage space, as well as divide the space into the necessary zones, completely separate from each other.

A convenient and compact wardrobe will help divide a room of any size, even the smallest one. This type of partition is made to order according to the individual dimensions of the room and the client’s wishes. Cabinet doors can be made of mirrors, which creates more light in the room and visually expands the space.

A double-sided cabinet with a passage in the middle can be an excellent replacement for a wall. Spacious furniture will eliminate the need to place other cabinets in the room, and will also provide good sound insulation.

It is possible to combine a variety of partitions, for example, combining a wardrobe and a bookcase.

Wardrobe covering the entire wall Source dizainexpert.ru

Zoning a room with a closet Source links-stroy.ru

Combination of wardrobe and shelving Source mrdoors.ru

Such a partition helps to separate one part of the zone from the other completely, and the other partly.

To divide the room into zones, you can install a lighter structure - a shelving unit. This type of partition does not burden the interior and ensures unhindered access to sunlight. You can fill the shelves with books, plants, and decorative elements.

The shape of furniture can be varied; there are straight, corner, trapezoidal, and L-shaped models. The choice of design depends on the layout of the room and the zoning option for the room.

Residential zoning Source made-box.ru

Wooden cabinet on the entire wall Source tr.pinterest.com

Installation of structures must be reliable and of high quality. An adult can also accidentally lean his elbows on a cabinet or rack. Poorly secured furniture can easily fall with minimal impact.

Material of shelving partitions

Most commonly used materials:

• Made of wood. A partition rack made of wooden boards or high-quality solid wood allows you to create a natural, environmentally friendly and at the same time quite presentable design.
• From plasterboard. This material makes it possible to design not only the usual rectangular shapes, but also to create the most original design structures in shape.
• Metal. Such racks are made of special thin but very durable metal and have a very light and compact appearance.
• From MDF. With the help of such a plastic material, you can create almost any shape. Models made from MDF can withstand heavy loads and retain their characteristics for a long time.
• From chipboard. Universal and simple products made from chipboard have a relatively low price, but at the same time they have good environmental and strength characteristics.

In the photo there is a white shelf-partition made of chipboard, separating the sleeping area from the living room.

Thanks to the variety of materials used for the manufacture of shelving models, it is possible to choose the most versatile option suitable for any interior style.

Stylistic decisions

The rack is a very simple design and, as a rule, is designed quite simply. However, this option is so versatile that it can be easily combined with pieces of furniture of any style.

• For classic and baroque shelving, they are made of solid wood or MDF, imitating an expensive type of wood . The dimensions of the shelves in this design have standard dimensions, always the same. Shelves and sections - open and closed, are placed strictly symmetrically - this is a mandatory requirement.

The decor in such cases is represented by applied carved elements, if the overall design of the living room suggests the possibility of carving. A combination of wood and glass is possible. In Baroque and Renaissance it is allowed to use glass with a sandblasted pattern.

• In modern style, stylish glass shelving for the living room is decorated with colored glass . In the Art Nouveau style, plasterboard structures are especially often made, since this style involves asymmetry and allows for the most extravagant shape of products.
• Constructivism allows you to combine shelves and compartments of various sizes, including those with different depths . Symmetry is optional. However, the compartments must be of the correct rectangular shape. A constructivist style shelving system allows you to structure the space very effectively.
• A techno style rack allows you to use unusual materials - plastic, metal, glass. At the same time, the shape of the shelves and the sections themselves is strictly rectangular; other shapes and configurations are not allowed.
• High-tech involves both strict and curvilinear forms . The dimensions of the shelves are kept the same, but the outlines can be very different. The furniture is made of wood, glass and metal. In this case, the glass must be either transparent or frosted; colored glass is not allowed. Metal – steel and aluminum, polished or matte.

The photo shows shelving in the room.

• Entirely metal shelving in the living room is often used in loft and industrial settings , where preference is given to industrial materials. The basis of such a product is usually a metal pipe. You can use metal elements of mechanisms to decorate the rack.
• In styles such as vintage and fusion, you can combine pieces of furniture in different styles . Simple shelving in the constructivist style, built between elements in the neo-baroque or neoclassical style, looks modern and unusual. An asymmetrical, complex partition in the Art Nouveau style goes well with the high-tech design, acting as a kind of accent.

Shelving in the living room is an optional piece of furniture, but very practical and convenient. The rack, despite its compactness, allows you to save an extraordinary amount of things. At the same time, the design is an effective interior tool.

Design and decoration

Interesting design and design techniques.

With drawers

Using drawers, you can hide the necessary things from prying eyes and protect them from dust. In addition, closed compartments are great for storing small items that might get lost on open shelves.

The photo shows the interior of the bedroom and a low shelving partition with white drawers.

Asymmetric

It will add special uniqueness and creativity to the atmosphere. An asymmetrical partition rack, thanks to its extraordinary shapes, always attracts attention and creates incredible effects in the room.

With cabinet

This model is a great way to save space. You can place various things in the nightstand or place various necessary items on it.

With a table

A rack with a desk or computer desk is a fairly convenient option for a home interior, which allows you not only to delimit space, but also to functionally and comfortably design a work area.

The photo shows a work area separated from the living room using a white shelving partition with a table.

Fitment

For those who do not like to clutter up the space with massive furniture, a shelving unit can successfully replace a closet or a classic wall in the living room. This piece of furniture will be useful on the balcony, in the home library, in the nursery, in the pantry, in the garage and in the office. It can act as an accent in the interior if it has an unusual design and color. A standard shelving complements the existing furnishings and emphasizes the overall style.

In the living room

A shelving unit in the living room can be used to place a TV, books, and small interior details. A back wall made of mirror will visually increase the space if the shelves are not fully occupied. A wall-mounted model would be appropriate for the living room if heavy objects are not intended to be placed on the shelves. If there is a niche, you can use it to install a built-in shelving unit.

In the nursery

If the area of ​​the children's room allows, then shelving can be used to zone it. When it comes to the interior of a room for a school-age child, it is convenient if the room is divided into zones: playroom, bedroom and study areas. A shelving closet between the play and sleeping parts of the room can be used to store toys, and next to the desk it is convenient to place shelves on which writing instruments and textbooks will be stored. Children's furniture can be bright colors or decorated with drawings.

There is no need to block off a small children's room. It is better to place a cabinet for books, toys and school supplies against the wall.

In the kitchen

There is no need to install a wall-mounted shelving unit in a small kitchen. It will only eat up space. In a large kitchen, it is better to put a closed cabinet instead. However, some housewives love an abundance of open shelves, which “lighten” the interior and serve as a location for a large number of items that can be stored open. It makes the most sense to install a shelving partition instead of a wall between the kitchen and the dining room or living room.

The material for the shelving in the kitchen must match the material from which the kitchen set is made. For wooden kitchen furniture, the option made of wood or MDF with wood imitation is suitable. For a kitchen made of plastic, you can choose a model made of glass, metal or chipboard in plastic. The height of the rack should not be greater than the height of the furniture, with the exception of ceiling-height structures.

Related article: How to choose the design of a 2-room Khrushchev house?

ADVICE! Often, after installing a custom-made kitchen set, scraps of countertops or chipboard parts remain. From these you can make a small rack with your own hands.

Shelving options

Several options for rack filling:

• TV. A rectangular TV screen located in the center of the partition rack will harmoniously fit into the overall geometric composition and will fit perfectly with other decorative elements.
• Books. Multi-colored book spines will diversify the color scheme of the room, create a certain focal point in it and become an integral decorative element of the entire interior.
• Flowers. Compositionally arranged indoor plants or pots with artificial flowers will form a beautiful and neat design that will not go unnoticed.
• Decorative tableware. Porcelain, crystal or other decorative dishes, placed in plain sight, always look very elegant and elegant. In addition, glass will add visual lightness and transparency to the environment.
• Kids toys. A rack with open shelves or cells filled with children's toys will not only add a great mood to the room, but will also allow you to organize it in order.
• Designer accessories. Various accessories, in the form of vases, souvenirs brought from travel, figurines or boxes, will significantly refresh and embellish the usual design.

The photo shows a studio apartment with a wooden open shelving unit filled with books.

With the help of various contents, you can radically transform the decor and turn the shelving structure into a stylish decorative item that reflects and matches the style of the entire room.

The photo shows a wooden partition rack with a TV located in front of the sofa.

How to make a flower rack yourself

The simplest option that you can make yourself is from boards.

For the structure you will need oak, pine, maple or aspen boards 2 cm thick (4 pcs), wooden beams 1.4 m high (4 pcs), a tape measure, a hacksaw and a pencil.

The simplest option that you can make yourself is from boards

• Mark with a pencil on the beam where the top and bottom shelves will be attached. Step back 25 cm from the floor. And 15 cm on top of the beam.
• Make four notches in each beam, 2.5 cm high, at 30 cm intervals.
• Coat the parts with moisture-proof varnish and let dry.
• Assemble the structure : insert the shelves in place of the recesses. You will get a convenient design.

This option is suitable for small, light indoor plants.

Take a responsible approach to the manufacture and selection of a flower rack. Make the necessary measurements and calculations. Manage your budget wisely and choose an option that suits your interior.

Shelving colors

To choose the right color, you should take into account the overall design of the room, the shades of furniture and other interior decorations.

• White.
• Black.
• Brown.
• Beige.

In the photo there is a white lattice partition rack separating the flight of stairs from the rest of the room.

A shelving unit made in a certain color may not only be a functional and pragmatic piece of furniture, but also become an important component of its beauty.

A selection of original shelves

Such unique designs are considered an independent interior decoration. For example, an original design solution is a chair combined with shelves for books, which saves space, or various products of non-standard shape, reminiscent of a spiral, a wheel, a world map, etc. Floating models that have a hidden fastening look especially unusual.

The photo shows an interior with original bookshelves made in the form of wood.

The design in the shape of a tree with spreading branches looks no less original and provides an interesting arrangement of books. Shelves or racks can also be made in the form of letters of different colors; this design will be especially appropriate for a child’s room.

Photos of partitions in the interior of rooms

The use of shelving partitions in the interior of various rooms.

Children's room

First of all, for a child’s room you should choose a safe, firmly fixed shelving model, on which you can compactly arrange the child’s things, toys, construction sets, books or other original contents. Shelves in bright colors with modules and niches of different shapes, such as cubes or triangles, located between the beds or near the study area would also be appropriate.

Kitchen

The partition rack for the kitchen is selected taking into account the overall palette and interior style of the given room. This decorative element is very convenient for the kitchen space, as it is appropriate to store towels, potholders, napkins, various dishes, cookbooks or fresh flowers.

Living room

Shelving models with open or closed shelves, bedside tables, lightweight cabinets or space for a TV are quite trendy decor for the living room. Narrow shelves decorated with lighting or spotlights also look organic.

Studio apartment

Using this zoning option, you can significantly save space, create additional space and thereby get rid of the feeling of cramped space in a studio apartment.

In the attic

Shelving partitions in the form of a ladder or models that follow the shape of a sloping roof will perfectly complement the existing furnishings of the attic, emphasize the interior style, create an interesting accent in the room and make the most of the space.

Shelf as a room divider in the living room

It has become very popular to use a shelving unit as a partition, which helps to divide the living room into several functional areas.

Shelf for a living room in a minimalist style

If you need to hide one zone from another, then choose a rack that has a back wall.

A shelving partition separates the relaxation area from the work office

The partition rack can be different:

• high;
• low;
• wide;
• narrow;
• curly.

A white shelving unit on a light wall looks like part of the wall.
It is popular to use stepped shelving as partitions. Its high part will be placed where privacy is required. Then the height of the rack is gradually reduced.

The geometric shape of the shelving - partitions ideally emphasizes the area behind the sofa

The rack, which acts as a partition, can match the main color of the walls. In this case, it will be perceived as part of the living room layout, and not as a separate piece of furniture.

Huge wooden shelving in the loft living room for storing books and accessories

In the living room, which is located in a studio apartment, it has become popular to use mobile shelving that is located on wheels. With their help you can quickly change the geometry of the room.

Ideas for decorating partitions in various styles

Design ideas for popular style trends.

Loft

Black metal shelving with open shelves or wooden structures with vintage elements would be appropriate here. They should be roomy, mobile, functional and have a fairly modest design.

Provence

Uncomplicated, slightly shabby wooden shelves with various forged or openwork elements are always simple and comfortable in a Provence style interior. Designs in natural colors will fit perfectly into the decor, without unnecessary pompous and pretentious decor.

The photo shows a white wooden shelving partition separating the bedroom from the living room, designed in Provence style.

High tech

Metal or plasterboard lattice models in white or gray shades, with no doors or drawers, will add free space to a high-tech room. Partitions with clear geometric shapes and straight lines will become a decorative element that will certainly fit into the interior.

Classic

Luxurious partition racks made of valuable wood in natural colors are suitable for this style. They will become an indispensable and useful detail, which is perfect for storing various small items and with their appearance will give the room a touch of classic chic.

Materials for production

Shelving in the living room interior serves as a structure and background rather than as an accent. Most often, the same materials are used for their production as for the production of other living room furniture, but there are exceptions.

• Wood is the most beautiful material for furniture . The wood has a rich color and texture, is easy to process, lasts a very long time, and is incredibly pleasant to the touch. Any design options are made from wood. However, the material is most suitable for closed shelving, where there are more possibilities for decoration.

The photo shows wooden furniture for the living room.

• MDF, chipboard, plywood - a more budget option . Chipboards of different densities serve as an excellent basis for all types of furniture. By themselves they are not attractive. The resemblance to wood of any species is given by the finishing: veneer - a cut of natural wood, PVC film, resin-impregnated kraft paper, etc. Since the racks are not subject to high loads, the strength of this material is more than enough. Ease of processing and cutting allows you to design furniture of any, even the most complex shape and configuration.

The combination of MFD and chipboard with other materials – glass, metal, plastic – is very interesting. This allows you to diversify the decor of furniture.

The photo shows a shelving unit for the hall.

• Stylish glass shelving for the living room is one of the most spectacular options . Glass shelves are fixed to a metal or wooden frame. Impact-resistant glass is used for furniture, so there is no need to worry about damaging the rack. Often the racks are made entirely of glass. Such furniture literally “dissolves” against the background of the wall and creates a feeling of airiness.

The big advantage of this model is the transparency of the shelves and the ability of glass to reflect light. The design not only does not reduce the perspective of the room, but also visually increases the space. This quality is especially valued in high-tech and techno styles, where preference is given to material with a reflective surface.

• Metal is used as a material for the frame . The steel used is polished, chrome-plated, matte, aluminum, brass, sometimes even bronze. Shelves are made of glass or wood. However, for styles such as loft, techno or industrial, more exotic projects are carried out. In these cases, the rack is made entirely of metal pipes, including partitions for shelves. Typically, such designs are used for books, since objects with a smaller area require a more voluminous base.
• A plasterboard shelving unit in the living room is a relatively new solution, since such material has not been used in apartment decoration for a long time. Only a stationary structure can be made from plasterboard, since the material is not designed for heavy loads. Even the owner of the apartment can make a shelving unit in the living room from plasterboard with his own hands, if he has some skills.

Several options are available:

1. the simplest is plasterboard sections in a niche . An undoubted advantage of the solution is the ability to make shelves of any shape and configuration, since they have the most reliable fastening - with all three walls of the niche;
2. volumetric rack - mounted on the wall and, in fact, forms one whole with it . Typically, such a rack is not so much practical as decorative, since it is more convenient to make wide and high shelves from plasterboard. The design can be easily combined with individual pieces of furniture or equipment, for example, a TV stand and screen;
3. shelving partitions for the living room made of plasterboard are the most effective option . Such a product can be given the most bizarre and unusual configuration and give different shapes to any elements. A shelving unit can enclose part of a room, or it can form a wall between zones with an arched entrance, for example. The photo shows options for plasterboard shelving for the living room.

The choice of material for furniture is determined by the style of the living room and the rest of the furniture. As a rule, the materials of the shelving and other pieces of furniture should match, but glass and drywall are an exception. Glass can be combined with any material, and drywall can be finished in any way.