Q: I really like the Brixton shelves from Room & Board and I think they would look great in my studio — I'd like to use it as a room divider. But, I don't want to spend $800 on a bookshelf. I have yet to find something comparable and more affordable for me. CB2 kinda sorta has some metal shelves that could maybe do — but they're still not quite right. Any ideas? Thanks!
Sent by Wendy
Editor: If you're planning on using a shelf as a room divider, it's very important that it is sturdy! I'd be wary of similar options that are too inexpensive, or too slim — or you might find your personal library and collections all over the floor. On the budget end, I would look at Metro shelving, available at office supply stores and the Container store (you can also find it used at Two Jakes). These shelves are basic enough that Overstock might have an option or two as well.
Anyone else?
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ikea's dacke is a bit of a look-a-like, but i'd also be wary of it (or any non-mounted shelf) as a room divider: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40126205
These are not metal but have similar lines for a lot less money:
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Rosenthal_Bookcase/820/
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Napier_Book_Shelf/820/
If you are using the shelves as a room divider, make sure you pay enough to get a sturdy shelf. Cheap shelves can be very wobbly. Good luck!
http://inspiredroomdesign.com
Ikea has a very similar shelf, but be wary of anyhting this light as a room divider.
If it is possible to attach the shelves to the floor and to the wall or ceiling using metal brackets it should be stable. Obviously put heavy items low. Books on the bottom shelves, tschotkes on the top.
I use Cubits/Cubitec shelving for a room divider. Its been in a few small/cool entries as well. I actually found mine off ebay for $89 set, but I haven't seen them in a while. The Ladoro shelving from Container Store is basically the same thing and I have seen those on NYC craigslist a few times.
check out these shelves from ikea. only $15!
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40103727
very lightweight, though. you could get a bunch and secure them together.
Why not get some Steel Garage Shelving?
http://www.carguygarage.com/garageshelving1.html
I love metal shelving, and searched a long time before I finally found shelves that worked for me. A few tips:
1. Many of those garage shelving units are very heavy, and that may make them precarious in a free standing mid-room position (the tall shelves don't help). Lighter weight might work better.
2. With metal shelves, you'll either need to go with one with only welded corners ("boltless"), or with cross-beams to hold it steady. Otherwise they can be incredibly wobbly.
3. Watch out for the space between shelves - they're not typically as easy to adjust as wood shelves (especially if you go welded corners), and garage/industrial type shelving gives a lot more room.
My personal favorite is CB2's Hancock shelves:
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=302&f=4643
Others to consider, and probably the one you referenced, is their Trig glass/metal shelving, though I think is far more boring than the Hancock for a centerpiece of the room:
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=302&f=1081
If you want to go the industrial look, www.northerntool.com has a lot of good stuff, outside the standard Lowes/Home Depot fare.
A few more to consider are the wood/metal (and somewhat expensive) Blu Dot D2 shelves http://www.designpublic.com/shop/blu-dot/847
Or, the Boltz company's steel furniture
http://www.boltz.com/modern-metal-bookcases-book-shelving.html
Hope this all helps!!
Metal rack shelves are actually great room dividers. You can get high quality and affordable metal shelving for your room at this link: http://www.justshelfit.com/metal-shelving-racks-for-storage.html