Hanging and floating shelves are perfect ways to take advantage of vertical space and these images of mid-century homes feature inspiring combinations of shelves with desks, seating and even a bed.
These units combine utilitarian and decorative space, fitting together artwork, wallpaper and storage like a puzzle. We often see similar mid-century wall units for sale on craigslist, but any of these set ups could be easily re-created with IKEA shelving and storage or custom-built.
Images: Interior Decoration A to Z by Betty Pepis, 1965
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I am obsessed with these mid-century wall units... I recently found a vintage one at a local flea market and was so perfect for my dining room. These images are so great - I love that they are actually from the 60's - I may have to buy this book!
www.mydesigndreams.com
I want the sewing machine.
I want #2 for my kids! I wish I had that growing up...
That leopard-print chaise in the third photo is so fabulous.
I have a hanging system I purchased in 1973. It has moved twice and is still fabulous. It won't be going to SF apartment, though, because it must be attached to the walls and when it's taken down, it leaves HUGE holes in the walls.
dkzody--
Would love to see your system - I've been looking for a good vintage system for my SF living room.
bep_sf@yahoo.com
dkzody- holes are why spackle was invented, that's no reason to abandon a good wall system.
wow still good after all this time!
The first two photos are of a system which is still available. They use "tension" or "compression" poles which mount floor to ceiling and then the brackets and shelves are mounted behind the poles, i.e., between the poles and the walls. Nothing is screwed into the walls, floors or ceilings - no holes are made.
I bought my system in the early 1980's and it was very sturdy and moved easily from apartment to apartment. It was called the "Omni Pole" system then.
Today you can find the same or a very similar system at ISS Designs. http://www.issdesigns.com/
Wow. I was just looking for some replacement parts and found this. I have some of the original "omni" tension poles, purchased about 30 years ago from the venerable "Shelf Shop" in Manhattan. The store is, alas, gone, but the guy who used to run it is selling a very similar system call Rakks. http://shelfshopguy.com. (Both the Rakks system and the ISS Design system are similar but not identical to the Omni poles. I wish I could find more of the Omni poles!