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Renter Friendly Shelves: A Guide to Bracket, Standalone, and Floating Shelves<\/h2>\n
\nMaximizing your storage space in a rental property can be a challenge. For a start, where you’re currently living probably isn’t your forever home, and then there are rules that your landlord might put in place about attaching items to walls.<\/p>\n
There are numerous options of shelving on the market, but they essentially come down to three categories, bracket, stand-alone, and floating shelves. Each comes with its pros and cons.<\/p>\n
If you’re looking for the best storage solution for your rental property, then this article is for you. Read on to find out which types of renter-friendly shelves are right for you.<\/p>\n
What Are the Main Types of Shelves?<\/h2>\n
If you walk through any home decor store, undoubtedly you’re faced with a multitude of different shelf options. They’re available in a range of styles, materials, and of course every budget, but when it comes down to it, they all fall into one of three categories; bracket, stand-alone, and floating shelves.<\/p>\n
Living in a rental property can mean you’re limited to how much you can add or change the interior. Some landlords are quite happy for you to drill holes into the wall, as long as you fill and repaint the wall when you leave, while other landlords are a lot more strict and won't allow you to put even a tack-pin into the wall.<\/p>\n
There are definite advantages and disadvantages to each type of shelf, twin that with any rules your rental contact has in place, and there can be quite a lot to consider when purchasing a set of new shelves.<\/p>\n
Bracket Shelves – The Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n
Pros – Bracket shelves come in a multitude of styles. They can look utilitarian or functional – like ones that you may see in an office or garage, or they can look chic. Essentially, they are versatile, and you’ll find no shortage of designs to suit the room you want to use them in.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest advantages of bracket shelves is that they are incredibly strong and durable. Because the bracket usually works on a triangulation system, it enables them to take heavier loads.<\/p>\n
They are easy to install, and most home DIYers will have no issues doing this with some basic tools such as a spirit level and drill.<\/p>\n
Because they can take much more weight, they are available in a large range of materials, including solid wood. Twin this with some beautiful rose-gold plated brackets, and you can create a stylish and high-quality shelf.<\/p>\n
Cons – The biggest downside to using bracket shelving is that it will damage your walls. So, read your tenancy agreement to find out if you’re able to go for this option.<\/p>\n
Also because the shelves can take a great load, then you’ll need to be very particular about what you mount them into. If the walls of your home are plaster, with minimal structural, support beams or batons, you may have to reevaluate what shelf you use.<\/p>\n
Stand Alone Shelves – The Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n
Pros – If you’re living in a rental property with strict rules about what you can and can't do, then the biggest advantage of stand-alone shelving is that they won't damage the walls.<\/p>\n
\nAlso, if you’re an absolute DIY-phobe, or don’t have access to tools, then buying something ready assembles is a lot less hassle. Because they are a solid unit, they are also strong, and so can take a lot of weight.<\/p>\n
Frequently, stand-alone shelf units have additional storage features, including hooks and cupboards, making them ideal if you need an all-in-one organization system.<\/p>\n
Cons – Although it’s great to be able to buy something that’s a ready-built solid piece of furniture, you will have to find a way of transporting it and maneuvering it into your home. Most shops will be able to deliver at an extra fee.<\/p>\n
The alternative way of buying a stand-alone shelf is from a home improvement store like IKEA. Most of their furniture comes in a flat packed form, which makes it easier to transport, but you will have to assemble it yourself.<\/p>\n
You may also have problems at the end of your tenancy when it comes to moving the item – you’ll either have to disassemble it or hire a removal company if it’s too big to fit in your car.<\/p>\n
Stand-alone shelving units can also be more expensive, this is often due to them using a lot more material than just a set of shelves. Solid wood versions are better quality overall, but expensive, so you may want to opt for laminated wood if you’re on a budget.<\/p>\n
Renter Friendly Floating Shelves – The Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n
Pros – The biggest plus with using floating shelves is that they look aesthetically pleasing and are very much on trend right now. They are available in a whole range of materials, and due to tot the way they are constructed – they are often laminated – they are also affordable.<\/p>\n
You can also customize them, by adding a wood stain or paint to the surface if they don’t match your existing interior.<\/p>\n
When you buy floating shelves, it comes with everything in the kit to install, them. So even the least savvy DIYer will be able to put them up. It’s easy to put up floating shelves, all you need is a spirit level to check they are level, a tape measure, to check it’s in the middle of the wall, and an electric drill.<\/p>\n
Floating shelves are perfect for creating a focal point in any room, by having a small selection of a few statement items.<\/p>\n
Cons – The downside of using floating shelves, is that they aren’t good if you’re intending to put a lot of heavy items on them. So you will want to consider what things you’re intending on storing.<\/p>\n
Floating shelves also damage the walls as you will need to make several holes to put the mounting system in, your landlord may not allow you to do this. Also, be aware of what the wall is made of, if it’s plasterboard then you may not be able to use this type of shelf.<\/p>\n
Also if you have a lot of items to store, then floating shelves can end up looking cluttered (you might be better to go for cupboard shelves if you have a lot of stuff that needs to be hidden away).<\/p>\n
Need More Help Deciding Which Option Is Best for You?<\/h2>\n
So, do you know which shelf is best for you? If you’re looking for the right shelving for your space, and still not sure, then speak to a member of our helpful team at Village at Juban Lake.<\/p>\n
Our team will discuss in more depth whether brackets, standalone, or floating shelves are the best option for your home. Our service is second to none which is reflected in our reviews. We look forward to hearing from you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Renter Friendly Shelves: A Guide to Bracket, Standalone, and Floating Shelves Maximizing your storage space in a rental property can be a challenge. For a start, where you’re currently living probably isn’t your forever home, and then there are rules that your landlord might put in place about attaching items to walls. There are numerous… <\/p>\n