Q: I have a very small living room that needs to double as a guest room and no floor space that I can utilize for guest storage. We thought several mounted train luggage racks would keep the room from feeling cluttered and they could easily double as a place to keep more decorative blankets and throws.
The problem is finding genuine train racks or at least racks deep enough to neatly hold small luggage that are affordable. The closest I can find are available at Train Spotters. I love how they look — they're spacious but they're very expensive. Are there railway salvage yards in New York or online? Any other suggestions?
Sent by Melissa
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Restoration Hardware has some really nice ones in a variety of finishes.
Ikea
Pottery Barn also has some if you search "train racks."
There are lots of train rack-like shelves being sold for use in bathrooms -- though often they don't have full shelf on the bottom, just a towel bar or hooks. Rejuvenation, for example, has a nice one with hooks for $95. I've seen several variations on this theme at Chown Hardware also, and Pottery Barn has some too. It looks like the racks that are more art nouveau-ish and curvy are generally more expensive.
IKEA Grundtal series.
what about restaurant supply places?
http://www.instawares.com/satin-aluminum-wall-mounted.gpi-50224sa.0.7.htm
For some super affordable options, check out the bath hardware aisles at Lowe's or Home Depot. These are generally under $50, with some as low as $30.
Hi everyone! I'm the original question asker and am very appreciative of everyone's suggestions. I've been searching high and low for these and can't seem to find shelves that balance cost, character and function. My biggest concern is depth from the wall. The shelves I like (pictured at the start of the post) are 14.5 inches deep and can accommodate a standard-size small suitcase or duffel bag. Unfortunately a lot of shelves at Ikea, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware etc., don't seem to be deep enough and are better suited for bathroom or light kitchen storage. Restaurant supply places though (and perhaps even hotel supply places now that I think of it) are a completely different direction I hadn't even thought of. I'm looking into it already.
If anyone has any other suggestions please let me know. I'd especially be curious if anyone knows of train salvage yards.
And thank you!
Check out Ebay. A 'train rack' search resulted in over 300 items.
If the shelf is properly mounted to the wall then it should be able to properly hold the weight of a suitcase. I had an ikea lack shelf that held most of my book collection. That would work for your purposes.
Otherwise look at the container stores elfa shelving.
There are a couple IKEA ones that are close to the depth you say you want
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/hallway/10454/
I have the $29.99 TJUSIG in my guest room, painted brown because it only comes in black and white.
These are some less expensive alternatives.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202511354/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
http://www.acitydiscount.com/Used-Commercial-8ft-Stainless-Steel-Wall-Mounted-Utility-Shelf.0.116335.1.1.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Wall-Mounted-Aluminum-T-Bar-Shelf/dp/B003BJMOGA%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAIDA2W6CV5NFW4GRA%26tag%3Dwealthtactics-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB003BJMOGA
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7978343&adid=bzv_fb_revshr_001
http://www.hyloft.com/products-by-category/wall-storage.html
You can also check out restaurant and or hotel auction houses that sell off used items. Usually everything and anything that comes out during a remodel.