Recessed floor-to-ceiling shelving allows for extra storage or display units without having to sacrifice floor space. Use this type of shelving in almost any room in the home for all kinds of items ranging from photographs, to books, to bath toys and garden tools. Whether building floor-to-ceiling shelving into the wall itself or using individual units or boards, there are numerous options for creating recessed shelves in the home.
Block Shelving
Consider the idea of block shelving units, or large square blocks built into the wall. Blocks may be created vertically or in slanted or zigzag formation depending on preference. Use each block for individual displays of photos, knickknacks, small sculptures or other works-of-art, as well as books. Such blocks can go as deep into the wall as is practical and will work well in bathrooms as cutouts of marble or ceramic tile.
Individual Shelving Pieces
Rather than using one large piece of shelving, individual boards for shelves may be used in a recessed section of a living room, den, bedroom or dining room wall. Boards can be attached to walls via appropriate wall anchors on both sides of the recessed wall in staggered formation. Decorate the boards if desired by stenciling assorted designs or patterns or by painting the boards solid colors, though freehand patterns and designs may be added instead. Shelves in the dining room may be used to house liquor and wine goblets -- but keep all alcohol on lower shelves, as heat rises.
Built-In Shelving
Shelving may also be built into walls when homes are being built and painted to match wall paint. Such shelves often cover the entire length of the alcove they are built into and may be used wherever applicable in the home, such as in the living room for family portraits or in the kitchen as spice and condiment racks. Built-in shelving also works in finished basements as storage for tools or toys.
Individual Shelving Units
Tall, finished individual shelving units may be fit into alcoves or other recessed wall areas. Another possibility is stacking more than one individual shelving unit to create a floor-to-ceiling shelf, though you may require additional wall anchors or other reinforcements to keep the units in place. Plastic units may work best for stacking purposes as they are often the most lightweight. Lightweight wood shelves can also be considered.
Tags: built into, into wall, dining room, , living room