Archive for category Display Shelving

Racking Shelving for Your Trade Show Booth

Posted by on Sunday, 31 October, 2010

Racking shelving is a relatively inexpensive option if you are setting up a medium or large size trade show booth or exhibition. While wire rack shelving is not as classy looking as glass or wooden shelving, it has a few advantages over these more ornate options. Metal shelving racks are a lot more affordable, easier to set up and transport to and from the trade show booth and exhibition, and easier to store. You can purchase rack shelves in all sizes, but the more common sizes are medium to large.

Before choosing racking shelving, it is important to carefully plan out the layout of your booth. The whole reason for having such a booth in the first place is to attract potential customers to your business or store. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the booth is well organized, that customers can easily see what you have to offer, and that the shelving is adequate but not too large that it makes it difficult for people to get around. Measure the booth so you know what exact size you need the racks shelving to be.

If you are selling heavy items, then you may want to consider Gorilla rack shelving. These are heavy duty but not anywhere near as large as pallet rack shelving. Gorilla rack shelves are ideal for heavy items that cannot be displayed on regular wire shelving racks. These are easy to assemble and disassemble; you will not have to spend long hours setting up your trade show booth if your purchase these shelves. You can purchase one of these via various online retailers, such as Amazon.com, www.builderdepot.com and www.acehardwareoutlet.com. The smaller Gorilla rack shelving units cost around $30 each, while a medium sized shelving rack costs between $75 – $90, depending on where you purchase it.

Wire racking and shelving units can also be purchased from online retailers that specifically deal with trade show display items. One such site is www.wiredisplays.net. This particular site has counter top displays and floor displays for CD’s, DVD’s, video games and books. You can purchase the wire display units in various sizes and shapes. ‘Dump Bin’ wire displays are ideal if, for instance, you are having a special sale on a certain item that is not too small or delicate. These can be used for items as varied as children’s balls, potato chips, beach pail and shovel sets and disposable diapers. Rotating shelving is ideal for smaller items; it allows customers to more easily see what items you have on display and these do not take up as much room as larger floor displays. These can be made for different display items; there are ones for jewelry, literature, CD’s, or smaller accessories such as hair elastics, barrettes and clips.

Counter top racking shelving is good for any table top display. While many booths will simply place the items for sale on the table top itself, this is not advisable for a number of reasons. For one, it looks sloppy and unprofessional. The items are moved around as interested people walk by and have a look at what you have to offer; the table display gets disorganized pretty fast no matter how nice it looked in the early morning. Rack display units also help keep the items in good condition, as people put the item or items back on the display shelf if they opt not to purchase them.

Wire displays can also be used for your company’s brochures. People are more likely to take a brochure or two if these are displayed attractively on a wire shelving unit. There are quite a few different kinds that are made for this exact purpose, they fit nicely on a counter top and are not very expensive. Even if you can not fit this particular type of display on your counter top, there are a number of floor standing ones and it is advisable that you purchase one. The more people take your brochures, the more chances you have of making sales down the line.

When choosing counter top displays, it is important to make sure that the table top is not too cluttered. Keep in mind that you may also want to have a TV playing an advertisement for your company or product, explaining more about what you have to offer and why people should consider doing business with you. A counter top racking shelving unit that is too large will make your table top appear cluttered; it is particularly important to not purchase one that is too high, as then potential customers will not be able to communicate clearly with your company’s sales representatives.

The racking shelving unit or units you end up choosing will of course depend on many factors – your budget, what you are selling and the size of your booth. In all of this, however, be sure to choose shelves that are the right size and design, that will compliment your product or products and help to make your booth a success.


Options in Commercial Shelving

Posted by on Wednesday, 8 September, 2010

Commercial shelving can be a great asset for any business or organization. The commercial shelves may help smaller businesses use space more efficiently and save costs that may have gone to moving to larger facilities. If a particular business or organization cannot find the commercial shelving units necessary, it may have shelves custom built to accommodate whatever types of needs it has.

Many industries need shelving suitable for their particular fields, so they will need to find the right shelves to suit specific needs. For instance, those in the food industry may need to look into commercial kitchen shelving that is not only strong enough to hold their food products but also easy to keep clean and sanitary. Shelving may not be one of the first factors to come to mind when one thinks of possible ways food can become contaminated, but the right commercial food shelving just may be a good way to keep products organized and make sure the wrong items do not end up mixed together. Many industries such as cafeterias, restaurants and other food service enterprises can benefit from commercial shelves.

Commercial shelving can also help transform empty, unused space into efficient storage areas. Warehouse shelving can be made to accommodate both indoor and outdoor spaces. High-grade steel with protective coating will be durable in either space, withstanding corrosion and damage from the elements or accidental impacts. Rivet units might also be an option for indoor needs. Rivet shelving may hold heavy materials and several units can interlock to create long spaces along walls in factories or warehouses.

If neither of these options are right for a particular operation, custom shelves can be built from scratch from whatever materials, supplies and tools that particular operation needs. In some cases, a business or organization may find a ready-made shelving unit that may fit the needed space. 18 gauge prime cold rolled steel shelving units can come in either an open back or closed back format and may have as little as five or as many as ten shelves per unit. 20 gauge units are similar in that they are open back or closed back with a variable amount of shelves. It should be noted though that closed back structures offer a more rigid shelving area than open shelves. However, open back shelves are known for withstanding hundreds of pounds of industrial storage, so if the shelves will stand securely against a wall, this may be an option.

Bin units are also great shelving units particularly when several types of items need to be separated and organized. Many bins may even have adjustable shelves to accommodate different sized articles or grow when more space is suddenly needed. When space is the ultimate necessity, multilevel units with catwalks, grating, handrails and stairs might be the best investment. A two-level, three-level or deckover system may come with all these features plus lighting, sprinklers and ventilation capabilities. They may also be expandable and fully integrated while the durable grating is constructed from corrosion resistant galvanized steel.

Those businesses and organizations that need to save money may also get industrial shelving made from used materials. These materials still offer a high quality shelving units and are available in as many forms and designs as brand new units. In fact, this option still allows a buyer to get the same industrial strength shelving without having to rely on a cheaper alternative that may not be manufactured with the same type of commercial grade materials. High quality structural steel is made to last, so whether used or new, shelving will have the durability endurance to make it a worthwhile investment for a business or organization.

There are other options businesses and organizations can consider when looking into suitable storage spaces. For instance, cantilever, carton flow, drive-in, pallet and punch-back racks are alternatives or compliments to shelving units. Warehouses may keep pallet racks if there are lots of heavy items to load and unload and the beam height adjustment capabilities can change according to the sizes of the products being stored. Then again, if you already know your items vary in size and shape, cantilever racks are high cube specialty racks specifically designed to accommodate this type of variety. Items that are not conventionally shaped or bulky would best fit on a cantilever rack.

There are many available options when it comes to commercial shelving. Small businesses and organizations have uses for high quality industrial shelves as much as larger outfits. If shelves are not ready-made for a particular needs, custom-built designs should take care of those needs. No matter the specific needs, high quality structural steel will last a long time and withstand damage from outside elements or wear and tear from use. Any business or organization should find what it needs for its storage accommodations.


Used Shelving Can Save You Money Without Sacrificing Quality

Posted by on Thursday, 2 September, 2010

Getting started in a retail business can be a challenging task. You may have a clear vision of your product, and an excellent marketing strategy, but be overwhelmed by the necessary start up costs. Many costs are unavoidable and are simply the dues that must be paid to get started in any given field, but knowing when and where it is possible to cut costs without sacrificing the quality and appearance of your product and presentation can be a great advantage. Consider purchasing used shelving in order to save money and still offer an excellent presentation of your wares.

Is Buying Used Material Reliable?
Shelving units are of utmost importance in the retail world. Whether you have a permanent sales establishment or a traveling store, you will need to consider various shelving methods as a means of effectively displaying and storing your wares. Although new shelf units are readily available for purchase at home and garden stores everywhere, this is one area where saving money by buying gently used equipment is generally reliable and low risk when it comes to quality. Several different types of used industrial shelving options are available for purchase over the Internet, and may even be available in your own locality. Below are some excellent used shelving options that you may wish to look into and consider before making your final purchases.

Used Gondola Shelving
Gondola shelving is a commonly used storage and display method among major retailers. These types of shelves are characterized by a sturdy base, which supports a backboard to which shelves can be attached on either side. They are popular and effective because they can generally hold large volumes of product, and can be viewed from every angle, making them ideal for a retail outlet or large retail display in which aisles are used to separate various types of products.

In addition to being an excellent means of displaying wares, gondola shelving can be set up according to the specific requirements of your display and, depending upon the material out of which the units are made, can be one of the most portable shelving options. This type of shelving is also frequently available, in practically brand new condition, because of the tendency of large and chain retailers to renovate their sales floors on a regular basis.

Used Warehouse Shelving
Sometimes free standing shelf units, such as gondola shelves, are not the most convenient or effective set ups, especially if space is limited. For this reason, there is also a great selection of quality used warehouse shelving available. This type of shelving unit is generally with sturdy, heavy-duty materials, such as steel. They may be either freestanding-framed varieties or wall units. They are capable of containing heavy items, and are most appropriate for displays or storage spaces that are not required to be frequently displaced. It is also possible to find used industrial shelving that features wheels on the base, to facilitate moving the heavy objects, with shelves and wares intact, within the storage or display area.

Other Arguments for Purchasing Used Shelving
There are multiple practical arguments for the benefits of purchasing used shelf units as opposed to brand new ones. In addition to the ones listed above, here are some key points to consider:

Used Steel Shelving
Steel is a reliable and durable material, which is particularly popular for the construction of industrial level shelves. Unfortunately, the price of steel is dependent upon market prices, and can fluctuate depending upon availability and demand. As a result, many manufacturers of steel products may be compelled or required to add a steel surcharge onto new steel products. By purchasing your steel products gently used, you will not only be paying less than brand new prices while still obtaining a reliable and durable piece of equipment, you will also be avoiding potential high surcharges that may be tacked onto the price of that much sought-after material.

Environmental Considerations
In an age where each individual is being held accountable for their carbon footprint, and where eco-friendly building alternatives are becoming more and more mainstream, purchasing used shelving is an easy way of doing your part for the environment, while still saving money. Buying industrial materials that are gently used is a win-win situation for all parties involved, since you will be supporting a growing industry, and reducing the amount of waste entering landfills.

What to Expect With Your Purchase
Several manufacturers and retailers recognize the popularity and market value of used shelving. As a result, you the consumer will have several options to choose from as you shop. As with any used product, you cannot expect it to be in brand-new condition. Used units can and will show signs of previous wear, such as tarnishes and scratches, and will generally not feature fancy packaging. Depending upon the supplier that you choose to work with, you may be able to specify the minimum level of quality that you would expect, or even the ballpark price range that you are hoping to pay.


Unique Decorating Ideas for Wooden Shelving

Posted by on Wednesday, 4 August, 2010

Wooden shelving is a popular option for homes nowadays because of the simplicity and strength found within the pieces. There are plenty of decorating opportunities in wooden shelves, so much so that most people are unaware of the sheer number of things they can do with simple pieces of wood. If you have been considering a new wall decoration for your home, some of the design ideas below may be just what you are looking for.

Preparing for the Shelving

Before you start any kind of decorating with wooden shelving, you must make sure you know the weight bearing abilities of the wall you will be working on. If you only plan to put some small knick-knacks on the shelves, you may not have an issue with standard drywall. Otherwise, you need to make sure there are a few strong studs in the wall that you can anchor into to hold the larger pieces you want to display. It is a good idea to have a stud finder and level on hand prior to installation so you can mark the placement of the pieces exactly where you want them. You may also want to have wall anchors and some supporting brackets in case the shelves do not hold up as strongly as you wanted them to. Then you can proceed with securing the shelves into the wall.

Modern Wooden Shelves

If you want to keep a modern look with the wooden wall shelves you use, you may consider having them float on the wall as if they are jutting out. Most modern spaces will use black or white shelves for a dramatic look, but you can keep them whatever color you would like. One easy way to have this floating appearance is to secure a piece of wood to the wall where you want the shelf to go. Then you can make a shelf where the back fits snug right around that board, as if the board on the wall is a biscuit joiner you are using. Then you can either glue the two pieces together or screw the larger one into the smaller on the top and bottom. That all depends on the look you are aiming to achieve.

Lighted Shelves

You can draw some attention to your wooden shelves by purchasing ones with glass in the center. While you may not be able to see the glass looking from the side of the shelves, you can post lights above them that will shine through the panes of glass and illuminate whatever you have on top of them. These can be colored lights or traditional ones, but be warned that bright white bulbs tend to give off a stark or blinding feeling. You can put the shelves on top of each other or in a pattern of your choice, just as long as you make sure the light can reach all of them. You may consider displaying other glass pieces on the glass and wood shelves so those can be lit up as well. Just be sure that the items are not heavy enough to break the glass on the shelf.

Traditional Book Shelves

You can always opt to hang traditional wooden book shelves in your home, as long as they fit the theme of the room. These are perfect for framing a fireplace or filling an empty wall in a larger room. Oftentimes this actually adds value to the home as long as you install them properly. You may want to get a full shelving unit that can rest on the floor so you do not have to worry about the wall bearing the weight of the books. These can get quite heavy over time. If you do opt to have the shelves hanging, use anchors in the studs to firmly secure them in place, and attach L-brackets under the shelves if they are not going to be noticed. If they are, be sure to make the supporting brackets decorative in a fitting theme.

Boxed Wood Shelves

You do not always have to look for wooden shelving units that look like individual planks of wood. Some of the most interesting shelving systems out allow you to put actual boxes on your wall for a display. You can put something in the middle of the box or on the top, which gives you greater versatility when you start to decorate. You can also put these in interesting patterns along the wall, unless you opt for a traditional linear appearance. Some people like to paint the boxes in different colors to tie into the room, and there is plenty of geometric art and material out there for you to pull inspiration from. Look at a local fabric store for something that has the same shape as the shelves you purchased and make a design from there.


Saving Room in Your Home with Wall Racks

Posted by on Wednesday, 4 August, 2010

If you have found yourself without space to store some things in your home, you may consider the space savings that wall racks have to offer. These storage devices can be hung directly on the wall so they are out of the way but still in reach when you need them. There are plenty of different racks out there to choose from, but below are some of the common ones that you may consider including in your home.

Wall Coat Racks

A wall coat rack can be a perfect addition to your entryway or closet because it provides an easy means of storing your coats when you are not wearing them. If you put a wall mounted coat rack right inside your entry door, people can put their wet jackets on it so they do not bring the excess water into your home. Install such a rack in a closet and you have a simple place to find all of your coats before you have to leave for work. There are many sizes to choose from on the market today, but most coat racks wall mounted have three to seven hooks for you to use. You can make purchases depending on how many jackets you have and what designs are available for those needs.

Wall Wine Racks

If you drink a lot of wine or like to have it available for guests that come over, you may want to invest in a wall wine rack. This unit is designed to either hold a single bottle of wine or a series of them, usually in a criss-cross pattern. If you plan to look at wall wine racks that hold several bottles, you may want to attach them to studs in the wall so they can withstand the weight. Wine bottles can be just as heavy as books in most circumstances, and you do not want to run the risk of having a bottle break.

Wall Spice Racks

A wall spice rack is great for people who enjoy cooking in the kitchen. These racks allow chefs to easily see their most favorite spices and have them at a short reach away. If you do not like to cook, you may still find a decorating benefit with wall spice racks. You can put colorful spices that match the theme of your kitchen on display in the racks, even if you never plan to use them. Mother Nature provides some amazing colors for you to use in your home if you choose to, and you may find yours in the spices you put on the wall.

Wall Magazine Racks

While displaying magazines on a coffee table may be alright for a waiting room, it is not always a good idea for your home. If you do not want a cluttered mess on your table, you may think about getting a wall magazine rack to display your periodicals. These racks are also great for the bathroom so you can provide reading material when people need it most. They come in many sizes and shapes for you to choose from, and many of them can be discreetly tucked away so people do not have to see what you are reading. If you do own a business and are having the same problem with clutter, you can always employ a wall mounted magazine rack to keep your office organized. You can put out a promotional calendar for visitors to have access to, and you can offer different genres of publications to suit various sectors of the population.

Wall Towel Racks

Many homes are not equipped with proper storage for towels, either due to small size or old age. If you cannot find a place to put your towels for guests or even for yourself, a wall towel rack may be just right for you. This is something that can be hung on the door, over the toilet, or on a separate wall, as long as you have access to it when you need to. Some of these racks are meant to be decorative and others are simply meant to hold the towels themselves. You can purchase whatever you see fitting for your needs.

Wall Remote Control Racks

Indeed, the world has hit a point with technology that there is a demand for wall mounted remote control racks. These wall racks provide a great organizational tool if you happen to use more than one remote, and they keep those important devices from getting lost on a regular basis. Remote control racks are not ideal for areas where a chair or sofa is a large distance away from the wall, but they work perfectly for those that are flush against it. You can even find storage places for your video game controllers if you look to the right manufacturer. You just have to shop around.


Promotional Wall Calendars Can Expand Your Business

Posted by on Monday, 2 August, 2010

Trade shows are a busy time for everyone, making sure you meet with your potential customers, explaining any questions they might have and answering questions about the performance of the product or service you are showing. This face time at trade shows is great for your product and the reputation of your business, but how can you ensure that your customers are taking your words away from the booth in a great reminder of the quality of your product? The answer is promotional wall calendars.

A wall calendar is a great idea for getting your visitors to take the idea of your product and use it every day in their home, since a calendar is something most people need at some point during the day. Keeping track of schedules and writing down important events has a constant appeal to keeping people organized, so imagine the impact you could have on a potential buyer if they are faced with your products each day.

The Benefits of a Promotional Wall Calendar

Wall calendars are great promotional tools because they are present for an entire year before they are useless. Other common promotional items such as pens and pencils are used up or lost before then, so the “shelf life” of a calendar compared to the investment in purchasing other items is definitely longer.

Aside from the extended value, traditional promotional calendars have 12 different panels that you can specifically design to feature your products, or scenery related to your products. This sort of subliminal messaging is great for keeping your product in the mind of your customer while they use the calendar, or even as they walk past it every day.

The Types of Promotional Calendar

There are several different styles of calendar you can utilize in your marketing scheme. Traditional calendars that are typically designed to be the most useful are those that are called flip page calendars. These dedicate an entire page to a month, with a picture above it, allowing dates and events to be written within the boxes to remind them of important events. Unfortunately, this type of calendar is also the most expensive to produce, because each month’s picture must be separate.

If you are interested in handing out calendars but you are looking for something a little more economical, then you might want to consider the 12 month display calendar. These cheap promotional wall calendars usually have a picture at the top printed with your business information including phone number, while providing a quick overview of the 12 months in a year. This type of calendar is not as useful as the traditional wall calendar because it is not designed to be written on, but it does serve its purpose to display dates.

Costs of Printing Calendars

The cost of getting your calendar printed depends on several factors. You need to determine how many calendars you want to distribute, what images you want to include, as well as the style and overall look of the calendar. If you are going with the traditional flip calendar, you will need to provide your printer with 12 different images in the correct resolution needed for the calendar, as well as the business info you want to include. Prices generally cannot be quoted in this situation as quantity and the style of pictures you have chosen play an important role. However, printing these calendars at more than $6 per calendar might not be an economical investment for you.

The other option is the 12 month calendar that only has one image with your business information. These static calendars can usually be printed for under $2 with all of the pertinent information, but keep in mind since your customers cannot use them to keep track of special events, they may just roll them up and toss them out.

Finding a balance between providing a useful tool that contains your advertising and the cost of providing said tool is key. You can usually get cheaper prices on all of your promotional needs by ordering in bulk, but since calendars contain time sensitive information, you do not want to order so many that you cannot give them away before they are practically useless. To solve this problem, order only as many as you are sure you will need and if your business expands or grows in the future, then you can expand upon the amount of promotional tools you are using.

In short, promotional wall calendars are a great option for having your customers promote your business outside of the trade show environment because they provide something useful that your customer will need. The only downside to this promotional tool is that it tends to be more expensive than handing out something as small as pens. However, it is still a cheaper option than giving away t-shirts or something larger, such as messenger bags with your logo.


Guide to Wooden Shelves

Posted by on Saturday, 31 July, 2010

Wooden shelves look good in almost any setting, and they can complement multiple design schemes from contemporary to classic, depending on how they are used. Wood has been used for thousands of years, so it is a proven and time tested material that can be used for any kind of furniture. It is very durable, aesthetically flexible, and brings a sense of style and value to the area.

Benefits of Wood Shelves

People have been using wood for as long as there have been trees, although many other materials have been invented; wood is still the most popular material. It is much easier to alter and more versatile than other materials like plastic and metal. Plastic is cheaper than wood but it is quite weak and can snap easily. Over time, plastic will also become discolored and brittle. Metal is much stronger than plastic or wood, but it can make the surroundings look industrial and lack warmth. Wood is stronger than plastic and better looking than metal, making it the best choice of material.

If you grow tired of the way your shelves are looking, you can simply drill, cut, paint, or stain them into a new style and color. There a limitless possibilities with wood, which is why it has such a timeless appeal. It is also extremely cost effective, because no material looks nearly as good as wood does for its price. There is a host of unknown materials and products on the market with unproven reliability, but most people know that wood shelving is reliable and will go the distance. Even older wood can be salvaged and refurnished to make it look as good as new.

Individuals who need to set up shelving themselves often find that wood is much easier to work with compared to glass or metal. Glass is very fragile and will break if it is dropped or positioned at the wrong angle. Metal can be very heavy, making it dangerous to use without the help of a few people. First time DIY workers will find that wooden wall shelves are one of the easiest projects to start with. They will give you a lot of experience to start working with other materials as well.

Shelving for Trade Shows

Wooden shelving units are often used for trade show because of their design allows them to quickly be assembled and disassembled. Most shelves are fastened to the wall with brackets, but wooden book shelves can also be used to display whatever products are being showcased. Adjustable shelves are always supported with brackets, these supports are inexpensive and much easier to install than wood supports. The shelf bracket and standard is one of the most popular shelf supports. In is neat in appearance and easy to install, making it very convenient for trade shows. All you need to fasten these shelves is a set of wrenches or a screwdriver. Some brackets do not require any screws or bolts, instead they use thick rubber or wood plugs to hold up the surface.

When arranging products on your shelves, make sure the items are not too heavy for the shelves to handle. Items that have a lot of weight should be placed on the sides or directly under the brackets or supports. Placing heavy items in the middle will cause the center to sag, permanently ruining your shelf.

Wood Shelf Care

Wood is a very durable material, but it is still subject to wear. If wood is not taken care of properly, it can rot, discolor, or get eaten by termites. After you have constructed or purchased your shelf set, you will need to regularly care for it to make sure it lasts a long time.

Even though moisture is good for trees, it is the biggest cause of wood problems for shelves. Thin wood is especially vulnerable to this problem and some shelves can rot in a matter of days. Installing shelves in wet places or near radiators cause it to soak up moisture and begin rotting. Small amounts of water will cause wood to bow and crack, rendering it unusable. Once these problems happen, the shelves are almost impossible to fix. Throughout the summer, use an air conditioner to lessen the humidity level.

Too much heat can also create problems for wood. Avoid having your shelves in the sun unless there is no other option. If wood is exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, it will wear out the protective coating and become discolored.

Wooden shelves should be polished and cleaned periodically to maintain its pristine form. There are many products available for polishing wood, so you should use specialized cleaners instead of soap and water. Old wood will often have blemish areas that need to be sanded and refurbished to protect it and improve its look.


The Many Uses for Wood Wall Shelves

Posted by on Wednesday, 7 July, 2010

Wood wall shelves are one of the most versatile products around. The uses are almost as variable as the pricing. They come in many different configurations and can be made of anything from repurposed wood to expensive exotics.

Cheap wood wall shelves work perfect in a garage situation. Usually in a garage setting the homeowner is simply looking a space upon which to store items. It does need to look nice but does not need to serve a decorative function. By utilizing a bank of wooden wall shelves along one side of the garage, it creates a mass of storage options. The shelves are hung up on the wall creating valuable floor space. It makes the perfect spot to put frequently used items. Add wire mesh baskets to hold like items together and you have the beginnings of a well-organized garage. Another way to use them is to hang the shelves low to the ground and use them to put boots and yard shoes on.

Playrooms can get into the action with wooden wall shelves too. They can be painted bright primary colors and used to display children’s craftwork. Kids feel a lot of pride and accomplishment when their items are displayed as if they were valuable treasures. Framed artwork, handmade pottery on display stands and more all look so nice and appropriate in a playroom. Shelving should be hung lower so that the children can enjoy looking at their things. The height needs to be around four feet so that little heads do not bump into shelf corners.

The kitchen can benefit from wall shelves too. If you have a small kitchen that does not have much cabinet space the wall shelf can come to the rescue. Hanging a small wood shelf over the stove to store frequently used spices can free up a lot of cabinet space and make the spices really easy to get to and organize. Another use would be to put up a shelf or two and put your pots and pans on them. Again, it looks decorative and frees up considerable cabinet space. For these applications, a good quality decorative wood shelf is best, or you could use an unfinished wood and paint it. If the shelf is to be utilized as a pot rack, the wood needs to be strong and put up with brackets on with end and in the middle. Brackets should be secured into wall studs. Use of iron brackets makes a nice decorative touch and works well with the wood. Another choice would be to go with an exotic wood that is stained and stands as a decorative base for your items.

If you have shelving needs in your bathroom wood can help there as well. Consider a grouping of square wood shelves for holding towels, wash cloths and extra soaps. You get function and style all rolled up into one. It also makes a nice place to put reed air fresheners, decorative items and even flowers arrangements. Floating shelves look good in a bathroom too. Mounted over the toilet it makes a nice place to put reading materials.

Wooden shelves have multiple applications in the bedroom area. If you do not have a headboard, consider hanging multiple floating wall shelves over the bed. They make a great place to display candles, pictures and other items to create the appearance of a headboard. Hang a shelf at a lower height beside a reading chair; add a small table and you have created a nice reading area.

A picture shelf looks fabulous in hallways. Use a thin wood shelf to run at eye height most of the way down the hall. The shelf needs to be somewhat plain and have a lip or divot on it so the pictures do not fall off. Then line your pictures up on the shelf rather than hanging them on the wall. The shelf itself needs to stay low key, you do not want it to take away from the pictures or artwork that you have displayed on it. Generally, a flat black or white looks best against the colors used in the art or pictures. A grouping of black and white photographs look awesome displayed in this manner.

Another way to utilize wood shelves is to attach them to other objects. For example a key rack by the door becomes a mail holder too it you put a small shelf on top of it with a little basket for the mail. When hanging brooms and mops in the laundry room add a shelf on top of the hanger and you have the perfect spot to put your furniture polish and other items.

Combine shelves with items like baskets to maximize the use of the space and keep things neat and tidy. Shelves come in a plethora of shapes, sizes and colors. Wooden shelves are long lasting and can re-purposed and repainted quickly.


How to Decorate with Glass Wall Shelves

Posted by on Monday, 5 July, 2010

Glass wall shelves can save space and be a stylish solution in any room of the house. Glass can be matched easily with most types of décor and the shelves have a surprising variety of uses.

Glass wall shelving is popular in bathrooms, where shelves are used for storing towels, cosmetics or bath products. A glass wall shelf can also be a convenient small bookshelf, or it can be used for storing DVD’s and CDs in a living room that has limited space. A shelf takes up very little space, and can be a useful alternative for bookshelves or cabinets in small rooms. Glass shelves for walls can look very decorative, and can be used also for displaying statues, framed photos or any objects of art.

Consider attaching glass shelves for walls in the study room or the living room if you have little room for large cabinets or bookshelves. Many shelves are surprisingly sturdy and can hold even heavy items, and you can easily use them as bookshelves. Tempered glass can take a lot of weight, and is also surprisingly resistant to wear and tear. Because they do not break easily, tempered glass units can be used to display almost anything in any room of the house. You can also create a combination of wall units by using individual shelves, or you can start with just one and add more shelves as you need them. For a new home, or for anyone who does not want to invest in large shelving units, a few floating shelves on the wall can be an easy solution for displaying books. If you have a few selected large books, picture books or other attractive items you would like to display, you could place them on the shelf to give them more attention.

Shelves made of tempered glass are also a great place for houseplants. They are easy to install near a window to make sure the plants get a lot of light. Placing houseplants together in a group in a visible spot is an easy way to decorate a living room and to make it look more attractive. If you install the shelves high enough, your plants will also be safe from children who might otherwise play with them or even eat them, and from a pet that might pull the plants down.

Many bathrooms have a small and narrow shelf for toothbrushes and other small accessories, but larger floating shelves have become a popular alternative to cabinets and cupboards in the bathroom. Many hotels and spa’s use glass shelves in the bathrooms, and homeowners have been inspired by the convenience and the stylish look. Bath towels can be placed on the shelves, or they can be used for storing bath and shower products and cosmetics, especially if these come in attractive containers. If you want to decorate the bathroom, try a few candles or some fresh flowers on the shelf. For guest bathrooms a couple of shelves can be an easy way to have a space for towels and guest soaps without having to install a bigger and more expensive unit.

For the bedroom, install a shelf near the bed for a convenient place to keep a few small but necessary items, such as an alarm clock. If your bedroom has limited floor space, install a shelf right next to the bed, or if you have an existing bedside table, try adding a shelf above it to get some extra space.

In the kitchen, a few extra shelves will always come in handy: you can use them for items you need every day and sometimes need to grab fast when cooking, such as salt and pepper or other condiments. You can also put a few decorative jars or bottles on a shelf and use it simply for its attractive look.

One of the added benefits of glass is that it is cheaper than many other materials. Glass can be more affordable than many types of wood. Shelves made of glass can also be easy to attach to the wall and to remove again, in case you want to place them in another room, or if you are moving house. Most shelves are equipped with strong but easy to use clamps for attaching the shelf to the wall.

Keeping glass wall shelves clean is easy, as long as you dust them frequently. Every now and then, it is a good idea to remove all the objects from the shelf and wipe the glass clean with a soft cloth, using a window cleaning product or warm water with a little dishwashing detergent. Dry the shelf carefully after cleaning and wipe off any remains of the detergent.

Glass wall shelves are an easy way to decorate a room on a small budget, and they can also look modern and stylish in any room of the house.


Tips for Choosing and Maintaining a Wall Display Cabinet

Posted by on Friday, 2 July, 2010

A wall display cabinet is usually the center of attraction in any room. When choosing a wall cabinet, you should take into account the items you are planning display inside and how the cabinet is going to match the rest of the décor in the room it will be placed in. Different types of objects require different types of cabinets for the best possible display.

Types of Wall Display Cabinets

Wall mounted display cabinets come in a variety of sizes and styles. There is a wide range of sizes displaying small or large objects, there are special cabinets created for displaying trophies and awards, and there are specifically designed curio cabinets for small objects, such as figurines made of porcelain and other collectibles.

Before choosing a cabinet, browse through a few catalogues and check out a few websites. There are so many designs and materials on the market that the choice can be overwhelming, so it is a good idea to do some research and narrow down your choices before visiting a store.

Most display cabinets are mainly glass, and have only simple frames for support. Some cabinets have glass on all four sides, but many units are made with three sides made with glass and a back wall that is made of another material that provides an attractive background to the items on display. The back wall can be lined with velvet or other luxurious materials to enhance the presentation of a trophy or an award.

The frames can be made of different types of wood or metal. What works best depends on where the unit is going to be placed, how it fits with the rest of the furniture, and of course on what you are planning to put into the cabinet. Some items look better against traditional and classic wooden frames, but if the rest of the room has a modern decor, sleek metal frames are a better option. The best way to find the right design is to place some of the display items in the cabinet and see how they look with different styles and materials. For displaying valuable objects, choose a unit made with hard glass that is difficult to break. Tempered glass is much stronger than normal glass and is a good choice for displaying jewelry.

Additional Features in a Wall Display Cabinet

Some cabinets come with inside lights. You can highlight a specific object by pointing a spotlight towards it, and this works especially well if there is one item in your display that is the centerpiece and is more valuable or important than the others. You can also come up with different ways to present the objects by placing the individual lights in different parts of the cabinet: behind each shelf, at the bottom to point upwards or in the top part to point down at the display items. Some units are also equipped with mirrors that can help viewers to get a better view of the display.

Lights and mirrors are extra features that can make the units more attractive, but also more expensive. Depending on your budget, these can be great ways to enhance the displays. You might also want a design you can customize by adding or removing shelves as your collection changes over time.

One of the main benefits of choosing a wall mounted display cabinet instead of a freestanding unit is that a fixed unit is more stable. Wall units can also save space in a room. In a family house, a cabinet that is mounted high on the wall is a safer option for keeping expensive or important items than a one that stands on the floor and can be opened or even damaged by small children.

How to Clean Glass Cabinets

Because cabinets are the centerpieces in most rooms, it is important to clean them often. The glass parts may have to be cleaned several times a week to keep dust away and to wipe away fingerprints and other stains. The outside parts usually have to be cleaned more frequently than the inside surfaces and the shelves.

For cleaning the glass parts, use a window cleaning product or just plain water. Some people recommend adding a dash of vinegar into the cleaning water, especially if there are visible stains or persistent dirt. Use a damp cloth to wipe the glass clean and use another clean cloth to dry the glass. If you use washing up liquid in the water, make sure to dry the glass carefully so that the soap does not leave any marks on the surface.

Any wooden parts can be cleaned with water and mild washing-up liquid. Use a soft piece of cloth to wipe the wooden surfaces clean. By keeping the wall display cabinet spotless, you can make sure your display gets the attention it deserves.