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8 Best Small Space Shelving Solutions

wraparound_c2b02b181f_o.jpgWe can part with our CDs, thin out our closets of clothing, stop coming home with curbside finds...but we must find more room for more books [wild eyed]. Laure's Book in the Rafters idea and the wrap around ceiling shelving shown above are both efficient uses of overhead space. Corners, stairways, closets and even doorways can be converted into additional storage. Below are 8 more efficient solutions for small space shelving storage...

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  • Contactbox Contact shelf is a solution for a slim wall space inbetween rooms, doorways, hallways or bathrooms.

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  • This is a garage storage space project, but could easily be converted into a corner spinning bookshelf for all your paperbacks and knick knacks.

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  • Just a concept design, but we love the sculptural quality of this corner shelf.

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  • Here's the real world budget retail version of the idea above from Sears.

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  • This solution is perfect for renters and students alike. These corner shelves install without nails/screws and hold up to 6lbs of weight using outward friction to stay in place.

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  • We store our shoes up the stairs. Why not books?

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  • Like a paper fan, these folding bookshelves can open and fold away vertically when not in use.

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  • Got a doorway you hardly ever use? You can convert that under utilized space as a rotating/hidden bookshelf!

Comments (12)

I have made a real effort to get rid of every book that isn’t a keeper. Books and bookshelves are notorious dust traps. This is an area where less is definitely more.

posted by Rick Roberts on 2008-01-31 19:26:25
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the first idea is definitely my favorite, such a great way to utilize unused space plus a perfect place for lighting.

also, having a door/bookcase is unreal. i love it.

posted by eryn on 2008-01-31 20:09:28
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Wow, that first photo is a great example of putting books in a space and it not looking cluttered.

I love it.

posted by st@cy on 2008-01-31 22:07:12
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In our design office we took Stage lights clled thomas lights and hung them from our shelves for even more use. You can sort of see it on our website...www.asdinteriors.com in the portfolio section

posted by asdinteriors on 2008-02-01 01:05:10
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My previous apartment had a tiny hallway. I put shelving on top of the door frames. The really low ceiling doesn't matter in a tiny space like that, and there is a ton of storage space above. I probably had 3 shelves 2 x 3 ft, with some 2 ft space overhead.

Hiding corners and edges of a room makes it smaller, which is why I would be careful with the first picture. The dark and colorful books may oppose this effect though.

posted by Jute Zak on 2008-02-01 03:12:20
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That top photo would be a very different scene without that brilliant lighting! I like it a lot!

posted by OneWallKitchen on 2008-02-01 03:36:35
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i love that corner shelf from sears..interesting details and won't break the bank..

posted by Goody on 2008-02-01 08:26:06
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I think the contactbox shelves are exactly what I've been looking for our DVDs...and I can actually afford it...awesome

posted by Jess2nola on 2008-02-01 10:09:09
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I really love the folding booh shelf and was wondering if it's easy to make rather than spending 500 buck with shipping?

posted by giggleuma on 2008-02-01 10:33:33
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I'll sing the praise for those suction mini corner shelves. I've had two pairs installed in my small, square living room corners for over three years. They are the perfect size for holding small stereo speakers and ideal for a cheap and quick surround sound solution.

posted by beelzabean on 2008-02-01 12:25:34
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I just noticed that Polly and Ben's lamp (in the wraparound shelving photo) is the same as my lamp, but mine is white. Certainly helps me a bit in finding an appropriate shade!

posted by Christine (the one in DC) on 2008-02-01 13:00:02
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Beelzabean... I love the idea of using those shelves for a surround sound solution! Brilliant!

posted by BrookeinBoston on 2008-02-05 16:31:35
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