Guide to the Best Home Storage Shelves

Storage shelving is used by many homeowners to increase storage space in areas that include closets, garages and bathrooms. Some types of shelving are meant for specific purposes, such as storing items in corners or other constricted spaces. Storage shelving is also made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, plastic and even glass.

• Choose a style of shelving that is appropriate for the intended setting. There are many styles of shelving, some of which are not meant for a setting in that they are clearly visible. These include many heavy-duty plastic and metal designs. On the other hand, some styles are meant for display purposes, of which glass shelving is a good example.


• Select a shelving style that will match the color scheme of the room that it is installed in. Shelving that is clearly visible should blend with the other colors in the room. Examples of this form of shelving include stained wood shelves, ornamental metal shelves and glass shelves. Stained glass shelves are popular as well.


• Assess the factors that will limit your choices in shelving designs. These factors include areas where there is little space, corners and elevated positions. Specific forms of shelving are made for these settings. Plastic shelving is common in tight spaces because it comes in many sizes and is easy to install and remove.


• Select a shelving material that is appropriate for storing the intended items. Some shelving materials, such as glass, are not meant to store heavy objects. Heavy items are stored on resilient materials such as some types of plastic shelving, wood shelving and shelving made from metal.


• Determine the duration of time that you plan to use the shelves. Shelving that is made from wood will deteriorate over time. This is particularly true in areas where the temperature and moisture is not closely regulated, such as in an attic or garage. For these settings it is important that you choose metal or plastic shelving.