Metal shelving for storage at home

It should be taken into account that metal allows to obtain very thin shelves (unlike plasterboard, which requires more thickness) but at the same time very resistant, avoiding warping, (as it usually happens with wood or its derivatives).

In addition, they usually come in structures that allow varying their height or composition according to the elements to be placed. 

And all this without renouncing its decorative character, ideal for interiors with industrial, minimalist or contemporary aesthetics, as well as in all types of open shelving.

Let's see then several decorating ideas with metal shelves and how to use them in different spaces of the house.

Where to locate them?

In the kitchen

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most appropriate rooms to place metal shelves, both for the weight of most of the kitchenware and for everything you need to have on hand when cooking.

For fans of industrial style, this type of furniture is great to fulfill the aesthetic function as well.

In it you can place boxes and baskets to help you with the organization of small jars, trays, tablecloths, as well as dishes, cookbooks and some small appliances such as the toaster or coffee maker.

In the storage room or garage

In this space the metal shelves are undoubtedly the queens of the place. Nothing better than a metal shelf to organize everything we end up storing in these rooms, which are usually crowded with belongings and, in many cases, of great weight.

The fact that the height of the shelves can be adjusted and that they are available in different widths, gives us a lot of options to adapt it to the needs of each one of us.

In addition, their firmness and resistance to humidity make them well adapted to this type of spaces, which are usually located on first floors or basements, where humidity and the absence of heating are frequent. 

In the bathroom

When we have little space in the bathroom or toilet, you can place metal shelves over the toilet. This way you will gain storage in an easy way.

This type of system is very practical for those who want to avoid assembling complicated furniture or drilling holes in the tiles. 

In addition, as they are self-supporting, they do not require any complicated anchoring system and in many cases they are designed to overcome obstacles such as the toilet or bidet.

What we do recommend in this room is to lacquer them in white or black, since the metal could be a bit cold. 

Gold or champagne-toned shelves, which are very fashionable in glamorous bathrooms, can also be very attractive. 

Separating spaces

For spacious homes that unify spaces, or for small apartments that do not have an entrance hall, a bookshelf is a very useful resource.

The gap between the shelves allows light to pass through, as well as providing a glimpse of the adjoining space without taking away privacy.

From floor to ceiling they look spectacular and, if you also combine their metal structure with wooden shelves, you will have a much more welcoming room divider.  

As auxiliary furniture

For the students in the house, a metal shelf is a very useful additional piece of furniture. 

The smaller shelves are very useful next to the desk, since you can have at hand and in an orderly manner the books, notebooks and other items that are most often used when studying or working.

In white with wooden shelves, they match virtually any decor in the room.

Also in its smaller version it can be used as a side table next to the sofa or as an annex to the TV cabinet.

Other styles and options

Design and minimalist 

It is easy for our imagination to go to an industrial style when we mention metal shelves, but this material does not necessarily imply that they must have a specific design.

There are many different models on the market, some bordering on minimalism, others combining curved and straight shapes or with floor-to-ceiling structures.

Some of these metal shelves are modular and can cover an entire wall, while others are designed to be placed free-standing or as a divider.

Creating a composition with small shelves

Metal shelving also exists in a mini version, since sometimes it is more convenient to opt for single shelves rather than large structures.

In this sense, a very striking effect for decoration is to choose to combine several of these shelves to create a wall composition. 

In this way we will give a decorative touch to the wall and at the same time it will be useful to store a book, plant or any other object.

Combined with other materials 

For some people, metal shelves are a bit rough. That is why it is good to know that there are also designs that combine metal for their structure with wood or glass for the shelves.

In addition to adding another material, it is also possible to opt for gold or black structures, or even combine both finishes.

These two finishes are the most elegant, but they can also be lacquered in other shades for people with more casual tastes.

Wall-mounted

Metal can be used to create lightweight wall shelves whose function is more decorative than practical (as far as storage is concerned), and which are impressive in their simplicity.

Sometimes we find them stretched horizontally, other times joined by a bar hanging from the ceiling and others with the only union of a taut cable or with golden supports that steal glances.

Colorful

Sometimes we can turn the typical industrial shelving we all know, lacquering it in color to make it more attractive.

Metal shelves dyed in bright colors or combined with each other with different shades bring dynamism and joy to the space.

They can be the center of attention if we want them to be. For this, the ideal is that the environment is neutral and that everything we place in it is orderly and designed so that the whole works.

In this sense, objects of any color will not work: they must always match the finish of the shelf.

And if the metallic finish is not your thing but you don't want a very garish color, you can always opt for white or black, elegant and timeless tones.

As you can see, metal shelves have many versions and places to place them. You just need to know which one best suits your needs and tastes.