Shelf design: original solutions for comfort and beauty (29 photos). Shelves in the living room - modern and fashionable ideas in the interior for every taste and style (95 photos)

Open shelving takes up imposing often modern living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms. This is not only a way to store books and memorabilia, but also an opportunity to decorate the interior. So that the shelves do not look like a dump of things, but play along with the overall style and harmony of the house, you need to follow a few simple rules.

Symmetry and geometry

Classical symmetry tricks also work in the design of shelving. Place objects that are the same or similar in color, size and shape symmetrically vertically, horizontally or diagonally. This does not mean that all objects must be symmetrical, a couple of key ones will be enough to create a fulcrum. Reception, where some of the same items are placed on the shelves in pairs, also maintains symmetry.

An enhanced version of symmetry is mirroring. Arrange items on the two halves of the shelving as if there was a border in the middle in the form of a mirror. Again, the objects or the form of their arrangement must have a similarity, but not an absolute one, otherwise all interest will be lost.

Another geometric technique- rule of triangles. Arrange similar objects so that they form the vertices of triangles. These imaginary triangles can intersect and don't have to be isosceles to add dynamics. In addition to the objects themselves, triangles can be made up of the backs of the cells of the rack, painted in different colors, or sections closed with doors.

Height and depth dynamics

The same rows of books on the shelves cause boredom. At a minimum, you can alternate horizontal and vertical stacks of books, and even better, dilute the books with various objects.

For greater harmony, use the entire height of the shelves. Small objects can be placed on stacks of books or boxes as if on a pedestal, or tall flat objects such as large books or paintings can be placed behind them.

The second option will also save space by taking up the entire depth of the shelf. Don't neglect this space when creating layered compositions.

color games

Do not forget about color. It is best if the contents of the rack will support the color scheme of the room - 2-3 colors (4 are possible if one of them is basic neutral). To do this, books that do not match in color will have to be wrapped in covers or put away in boxes.

Shelves can be left colored if the interior allows it. But even here there are a couple of interesting tricks: books can be arranged in the form of a gradient, according to the colors of the rainbow, or you can assign your own color to individual shelves and collect books and decor on them only in shades of this range. Well, if not every shelf is bright, but only a few accents.

The color of the back of the shelves is also very important. Photo examples below will help to understand its great importance for the overall composition.

Free space and lightness

Air between items is the best visual separator. Without it, the entire decor, even carefully arranged according to the rules, risks turning into a single spot. Give each object or group extra empty space around.

Sometimes it's even better to leave entire sections blank. If this seems like a waste to you, doors on some cells or neutral boxes just the right size will do just as well.

Another rule for maintaining visual lightness: heavy (not so much in weight as in feeling) objects down, light up. The lower shelves may be dully crammed with heavy volumes of encyclopedias, and the shelves at eye level may be flaunted with a few dainty items. If the rack is very high, up to the ceiling, the uppermost shelves can be forced again, but it is important that they do not draw attention. The ideal solution there will be a number of identical boxes, folders for papers or books of the same series.

Folders can help not only in storing papers, but also serve as a kind of vertical boxes - several books in unpleasant covers or small equipment such as a router can be hidden behind a beautiful spine of a folder.

Photo: hgtv.com, greenstylegallery.com, homeofficedecoration.net, kristenheaven.com , 9todesign.com, housebeautiful.com, elledecor.com

In interior design, aesthetics is not the last place, thanks to it the house becomes cozy, acquires style and pleases the eye. When choosing materials and furniture to create the overall look of a home, not only their quality is important, but also their visual appeal.

In addition to the main design elements, in the form of furniture, much attention is paid to decor items. Gradually, the interior is supplemented with various memorabilia: figurines, books, paintings, vases and other trifles. In this article, we will tell you how to make these memorabilia a harmonious continuation of the interior of your home.

Advice. There are never many memorabilia, but it is not necessary to put all of them in a conspicuous place, they should not clutter up the space, but be a pleasant addition to the decor. Therefore, it is recommended to use beautiful containers or wicker baskets for their storage. To store the accessories of your home, you can choose containers that match the style and color of the shelves, which will not only organize all the little things, but also look more tidy.

Ideas for decorating shelves and racks

• Maintaining balance

The absence of harmony or its presence affects general impression from the interior. When there are a lot of decor items and they are quite diverse in terms of size, shape and color, this can easily create an imbalance and the effect of overloading the interior with details.

To avoid disturbing the harmony in the appearance of the house, decor items must be placed on the shelves in such a way that they match or alternate in size, height and shape. For example, next to a book massive look you can put an elegant figurine, and near the narrow and tall vase neatly fold a few books. It is important to remember that objects should be combined and look like a single composition.

• Symmetry

The essence of symmetry, as a technique for creating a composition, is the principle of placing objects, according to which: on the shelf there should be decor elements of similar sizes, shapes and matching colors. In this case, the composition will make a pleasant impression and succinctly complete the look of the room.

Items on the shelf should be distributed in such a way that one side of it is in harmony with the other. For example, if there is a large vase on the upper right side, then it is worth filling the lower left corner with several small items.

• Knowing of limits

The rack should not be overloaded large quantity things over its entire area, it will give the impression of chaos. And beautiful things can get lost among simpler trinkets. It is necessary to leave about 30 percent of the shelf space free, and fill the rest of the space with decor items.

• Combination with colors

The overall color scheme of your interior determines the shades of colors for decor items. In the foreground, things of the main color should be put, and objects of neutral colors, matched to the tone, will serve as the background. To avoid imbalance, it is worth using no more than three colors when choosing a decorative component of the interior. Shades of decor items should be derived from the colors used in decorating the room. It is also worth paying attention to textiles, for example, the color of curtains can also serve as the basis for selection decorative elements.

It is recommended to use a neutral rack colors(white, black, gray, beige), in the case when the decor items are varied. At the same time, do not forget about the compatibility of the shelves with the environment and the decor item, they should succinctly fit into the interior. For example, a dark wood rack will fit perfectly where there is wood furniture of the same shade and texture, and decorative elements will be red, red and gold.

• Top shelves

Accommodation on upper shelves massive bulky things creates a feeling of heaviness that presses from above. It is short-sighted to place voluminous objects above the horizon line. Decor items should be distributed so that all these heavy items are left on the lower shelves, and from eye level and above, it is worth distributing things of a more elegant plan, fragile items in light colors.

• Selection of accents

If, after all the efforts competent organization decorative elements, the rack looks boring and faceless, then you can complement the composition with accents that can enliven and create a more favorable impression of the decor.

Accents involve the use of things that differ from the main composition in color, shape or purpose. They can be placed so that the result is geometric figure. Such accents can serve as a bright vase, a textured figurine, books in golden covers, accents can be placed both in the center and along the edges of the shelves at any height.

Most often, cleaning is simple and effective method decorate your shelving. Adhere to the principle of "top and bottom" that the order should be at eye level first, with heavy objects below, and more decorative things at the top.

Design: Bower Architecture

Even the most luxurious and expensive shelving can be ruined by clutter, and vice versa, the simplest shelving from IKEA will be worthy of a photo in an interior magazine if you clean up the shelves and apply a few design tricks.

How to decorate open shelving

1. Put books in boxes and baskets

One way to decorate a bookcase with books is to arrange them in low baskets and boxes. For example, sort them by author's name or subject. So the book will be more convenient to get from the shelf, including in order to wipe the dust there.

Using this technique, experiment with the arrangement of volumes: covers up, or spines first.

Design: LiLu Interiors

Tip: Cardboard folders can be used to store two- and three-volume books, this will help in the visual organization of books and make the shelving look spectacular.

2. Leave a few shelves empty

Sometimes you need to be inspired by emptiness to make the interior more interesting. This technique also works with decor. open shelving. Leave a little free space, so you . In addition, empty shelves will help to separate the already arranged accessories from each other.

If you do not have a lot and leaving empty space seems like a luxury to you, combine open shelves and closed with doors and drawers. For example, for IKEA shelving, you can purchase removable doors and drawers.

3. Place objects symmetrically to each other

One of the most effective and simple ways make the rack stylish - use the "mirror principle" when the right side of the cabinet is symmetrical to the left. To do this, arrange on two single-level shelves the same or as similar as possible to each other in color and shape. Pairs, baskets, boxes or candles will help with this.

Design: Sabal Homes

4. Hide book spines

Why is the option "not for everyone"? Firstly, this solution is not suitable for people with allergies to dust. Book spines are much easier to clean. Secondly, if you are an avid reader, it will be inconvenient to choose the next book, taking one after another from the shelf to see the title.

Design: Increment

Who might like it? Owners of large libraries who do not want to throw away ancient volumes, but will definitely not be reading all the collections in the near future. We also recommend trying the technique for those who like experiments.

5. Create a design in several rows

One of the simple and working design tricks is to arrange objects in several rows. For example, on piles of books - small figurines or candles in candlesticks. This method makes small accessories more meaningful and noticeable.

6. Use to decorate the facade of the rack

We are used to having framed photographs and small paintings on the shelves, but we rarely see anyone hanging them on the front of the rack. At the same time, the shelves behind the picture or poster can be left empty or put not too aesthetic, but useful things. If you choose the second option, make sure that the objects covered by the painting can be easily reached.

Design: Paces Construction Co.

7. Arrange the books by color

Arranging books by spine color rather than alphabetically is a way to make your home library stand out. Reception is not only suitable for owners a large number books: you can simply fill one shelf with colored collected works, and the second -.

Tip: you can not only put the books, but also stack them on top of each other.

Design: Kropat Interior Design

8. Avoid items that are too small

Very small items will most likely not add beauty to your shelving, but rather create visual clutter. Large items will help hide mismatched book spines and chaos on the shelves, drawing the eye to you.

Design: Jonathan Raith

9. Make beautiful DIY installations

If you are a fan of small accessories, like bringing back seashells from vacation or growing succulents, use them to create beautiful compositions. Place shells in glass vases or aquariums, and small plants - in candlesticks or decorative lanterns.

1. Use the "rule of the triangle" when arranging things. Place objects so that you can visually draw lines with your eyes and find the top of the triangle. The imaginary figure can be any size.
2. Arrange books in descending order of height.
3. Keep magazines together, don't put them on different shelves, this will create visual clutter.
4. Use storage accessories: decorative boxes or baskets, you can put the necessary little things there without creating chaos on the shelf.

Open shelving is the "showcase" of your home. It should attract attention and decorate the interior.

Design: Shanade McAllister-Fisher Interior Design

The living room is the face of any hostess, because it is here that it is customary to receive guests and just relax with your soul. Therefore, the design of living rooms is given Special attention, because their appearance can speak of the level of culture and aesthetic tastes of the owners.

An important point when decorating a living room is the choice of furniture, especially the wall, which should become one of the main decorations of this room. by the most popular view such furniture are modular walls among which you can choose an original solution for your living room.

Wall functions for living rooms

The wall for a drawing room carries out two main functions: practical and esthetic.

A practical function is performed by closed cabinets, lockers and chests of drawers, because it is customary to put various things that are used in everyday life in them. Such things can be clothes, and folders with documents, and various fixtures such as hair dryer, curling iron, etc.

Open cabinets and shelves perform an aesthetic function, they are filled with beautiful things, which should complement the decor and decorate the living room.

Correct wall design

There are a lot of options for filling the wall, it all depends on the aesthetic tastes of the owners of the house and the availability of certain items.

But so that the wall does not turn into a dump of souvenirs and dishes, some features of its proper filling should be taken into account:

• if you decide to put books on the wall, place large thick volumes and folios with damaged binding on the highest shelves, and place beautiful oversized books at eye level;
• cups, awards or diplomas of one of the family members will be a wonderful decoration for the living room;
• to fill the wall with collections of souvenirs, you need to divide by characteristic features and flowers, arrange separately souvenirs with a characteristic national color, the effectiveness of such a collection can be enhanced by embroidered napkins and other elements in national style. Collections of romantic souvenirs can be supplemented with candles and flowers;
• if you have a lot of dishes and want to arrange them in the wall, you should not display all the sets, put in sight only the most beautiful ones, and pack those that are simpler in beautiful baskets and bright boxes. These boxes will also original decoration for the wall;
• so that your wall does not look colorful and tasteless, try to use no more than three to four colors when filling it;
• Please note that small vases with flowers are in perfect harmony with any souvenirs, books and dishes.

In order for the wall of your living room to become the main decoration of this room, pay special attention to its content and let it become the most sophisticated decor element.

To organize the space in the premises, as well as to decorate the interior, there is nothing better than shelves. Comfortable, functional, original form, they help to conveniently arrange a lot of things and give the rooms more cozy look. Making shelves on the wall with your own hands is not at all difficult, and you can use a wide variety of materials - wood, fiberboard, glass, pieces of tin, plywood.

The tree is the most comfortable material for work. Wooden shelves are simple, complex shape, open and closed, vertical, horizontal and angular. Based on basic version, you can assemble a shelf from several modules and give it the most incredible look. In order for the product to serve for a long time, you should choose the right wood: the boards must be perfectly even, completely dry, without cracks, voids and mold.

During the assembly process you will need:

• hacksaw;
• drill;
• building level;
• pencil and ruler;
• boards 16 mm thick;
• stain;
• varnish for wood;
• grinder;
• screws, brackets, dowels.

As an example, a simple rectangular shelf 250 mm wide, 300 mm high and 1100 mm long is used.

Step 1. Markup

The boards are laid flat on the table and measurements are transferred from the drawing. The height of the side walls should be 268 mm, since they will be located between the top and bottom: wall height + board thickness x 2 = 300 mm.

Step 2. Cutting the boards

If the markup exactly matches the pattern, you can start cutting. It is best to use a jigsaw for this, then the cuts are perfectly even and neat. You should get 2 long blanks and 2 short ones.

Step 3. Processing blanks

Before proceeding with the assembly, each workpiece must be sanded, stained and varnished. If you plan to simply paint the shelf, the blanks are processed - this way the service life increases, and the paint lays down more evenly.

Step 4. Assembly of the product

The bottom board is laid flat on flat surface. 8 mm retreat from the ends of the workpiece and draw 2 straight lines parallel to the cuts. Now on these lines you need to mark two points at a distance of 5 cm from the edge, and drill holes for the screws there. Do the same with the top piece. When all the holes are ready, side blanks are installed on the bottom board and screws are screwed in. A second board is applied on top and the side walls are also fixed with self-tapping screws.

Brackets are fixed at the ends of the side walls, holes for dowels are drilled in the wall, self-tapping screws are inserted and twisted so that they protrude by about 5 mm. The dowels must be located strictly horizontally, therefore, before drilling, a line is drawn using a level. Now it remains only to attach the brackets to the fasteners and hang the shelf. If desired, the back wall of the product can be hammered with a piece of plywood, and glass can be inserted in front.

To such simple shelf has become more original, you can replace one side wall with a stump of a thick branch. To do this, choose an even branch with a diameter of about 7-8 cm with a smooth clean bark, saw off a piece 28 cm long, cut off all the lateral processes. Chock is treated with a primer, dried and varnished. The bark does not need to be removed. After the varnish has dried, the workpiece is inserted between the upper and lower boards and screwed tightly with self-tapping screws.

Based on this drawing, you can make various variations of wall shelves. For example, reduce the length to 400 mm and make 3-4 blocks at once. Then install them on top of each other in a checkerboard pattern and secure them together with metal plates. Or simply fix them on the wall separately, placing them at a short distance from each other.

Often, to save space, shelves are made angular, and they can be mounted both in the inner and outer corners.

The blanks are made according to the scheme described above, only the upper and lower boards consist of two elements, with ends sawn at an angle. The process of making such a shelf is quite simple:

• the halves of the top board are smeared at the ends with glue and clamped with clamps;
• repeat the same steps with the bottom board;
• when the glue dries, all the workpieces are stained or primed;
• fastening lines are marked on the upper and lower blanks and holes are drilled;
• insert the side walls and fix them with self-tapping screws.

Original book shelves

Shelves non-standard shape are in increasing demand, so if you wish, you can try to collect something original. For example, used bookshelf in the form of a simplified labyrinth.

For manufacturing you will need:

• edged board 20 mm thick;
• wood glue;
• clamps;
• roulette;
• hacksaw;
• miter box;
• Sander;
• stain;
• furniture screws, self-tapping screws;
• decorative shelf holders.

If you have everything you need, you can start making the shelf.

Step 1. Markup

On the prepared boards, cut lines are marked with a pencil under the ruler. Measurements should be transferred very carefully, since all horizontal parts have different lengths.

Step 2. Trimming blanks

The ends of each workpiece are cut at an angle of 45 or 90 degrees. The diagram shows the first option, so you need a miter box for sawing. It is very important to correctly install the miter box on the board so that the cuts are symmetrical. If the ends are cut off incorrectly, it will not work to fold the shelf.

Step 3. Assembly of the structure

The ends of the parts are smeared with glue, tightly compressed and additionally fixed with slotted furniture screws. Ordinary self-tapping screws do not fit here. At least 2 screws are required for each joint. Both parts of the shelf are applied to the wall, leveled and the attachment points are marked with a pencil. After that, holes for dowels are drilled, brackets are screwed to the shelf with self-tapping screws and the structure is hung on the wall. Instead of brackets, decorative pelican shelf holders are often used.

Hanging shelf with straps

If you need a decorative shelf for small items, the next option is perfect - a board suspended on belts.

To make a shelf you will need:

• 2 edged boards 300x750 mm, 30 mm thick;
• 4 leather belts 75 cm long;
• 4 long screws with plastic dowels;
• 4 short screws;
• building level;
• ruler;
• sharp knife;
• drill.

Step 1. Preparing the straps

The cuts of the belts must be perfectly even, therefore, if necessary, they are cut with a knife. Fold each belt in half, press the ends to the table, step back from the edge 2 cm and drill a neat through hole. Do the same with the remaining three.

Step 2 Attach the straps to the wall

On the wall, using a level, two points are determined at a distance of 60 cm. Holes are drilled and plastic dowels are inserted. A belt folded in half is applied to one of the holes and fixed with a long screw - a large loop is obtained on the wall. Another such loop is attached nearby.

Step 3 Installing the Shelf

A polished board is inserted into the loops and aligned horizontally. To prevent the shelf from moving, the parts of the belts adjacent to the wall near the board itself are screwed with short self-tapping screws. Now another one is hung under this shelf, exactly repeating the steps described above. The result is a light and neat bunk shelf. If desired, you can add 1-2 more tiers.

For the manufacture of the shelves described above, you can use not only wood, but also plywood, as well as sheets of laminated chipboard. The latter option is used most often, since chipboard is light in weight, high strength, practicality and durability. When assembling shelves from this material, all sections must be pasted over with a melamine edge to match the color of the sheet.

Making a glass shelf

Glass shelves harmoniously fit into any interior, and the installation process does not take much time. For work you will need:

• strained glass;
• a hammer;
• electric drill;
• building level;
• aluminum profile;
• dowels;
• adhesive tape;
• ruler;
• pencil.

Not everyone knows how to cut glass correctly, and therefore it is better to order cutting blanks in the workshop. They will also perform grinding and polishing of the edges, so that when installing the shelf, you will not be cut on sharp edges. Everything else can be done on your own.

Step 1. Marking for fasteners

The section of the wall where the shelf will hang should be as large as possible. By using building level draw a horizontal line on the wall with a pencil. On the line mark the location of the fasteners, drill holes.

Step 2: Install profiles

An aluminum profile is applied to the wall surface and the conformity of the mounting marks is checked. Then dowels are inserted into the holes, the profile is baited with one screw and leveled horizontally. After that, tighten the rest of the screws.

Instead of a drill, insert the bracket screw

Screw in the bracket screw

Leave the bracket screw protruding from the wall

Checking the position

We have shelves

Step 3 Attaching the Shelf

The rear edge of the glass shelf is closed with adhesive tape. You can use separate spacers from the tape, placing them where the glass will touch the heads of the screws. The shelf is inserted into the profile, the edges of the profile are closed with protective caps. If two shelves touch on the sides, their edges are fastened with metal fittings.

If there is free time and the desire to experiment, you can create very unusual shelves on the wall from improvised materials. For example, it looks original corner shelf from plastic pipes. For its manufacture, segments will be needed sewer pipes and corner cuts. The shelf is attached to the wall with screws and dowels.

Old suitcases and diplomats can also be great wall shelves. To do this, they are cut in height to half, close back plywood and fixed to the wall with screws or brackets.

Drawers from unnecessary bedside tables are quite suitable for making shelves. To give them an elegant look, the boxes should be carefully sanded, primed and painted in bright colors. Then they are leaned back wall to the surface, mark the attachment points and drill holes for them. Even one such shelf looks very original, and a composition of 2-3 drawers will become a real decoration.

Video - Shelves on the wall with your own hands

Interesting wooden shelf. Master Class

You will need:

• Rope;
• Board at least 2 cm thick;
• 2 corners (mounts) for shelves;
• Steel washers;
• Lighter;
• Drill;
• Saw.