We 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...
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.
view Rick Roberts's profile
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.
view eryn's profile
Wow, that first photo is a great example of putting books in a space and it not looking cluttered.
I love it.
view st@cy's profile
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
view asdinteriors's profile
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.
view Jute Zak's profile
That top photo would be a very different scene without that brilliant lighting! I like it a lot!
view OneWallKitchen's profile
i love that corner shelf from sears..interesting details and won't break the bank..
view Goody's profile
I think the contactbox shelves are exactly what I've been looking for our DVDs...and I can actually afford it...awesome
view Jess2nola's profile
I really love the folding booh shelf and was wondering if it's easy to make rather than spending 500 buck with shipping?
view giggleuma's profile
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.
view beelzabean's profile
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!
view Christine (the one in DC)'s profile
Beelzabean... I love the idea of using those shelves for a surround sound solution! Brilliant!
view BrookeinBoston's profile