Shelf Ideas for Bin Cages

Exposed Shelves

• Open shelving or cubicles for holding bins works well. When looking at the storage baskets, bins or boxes, they should harmonize. Shelf placement determines the bins’ size. Draw everything on graph paper before starting work.

Hidden Shelves

• Large cabinets or closets with wide shelving are good options. For example, an oversized armoire with two large doors hides office clutter in bins. Smaller bins and baskets work best for storing computer paper, pens and ink cartridges. Large bin cages fit on the bottom shelves for holding stacks of magazines or older paperwork you need to keep.

Metal Utility Shelving

• Storage bin cages work in a locker room-style basement. Apartment or condominium units often have basement areas for storage. If you buy metal utility shelving or construct plywood shelves, it's easy to store large cubicles of items. Sports equipment, old toys and tools are stored in 15-by-15-inch plastic cubes that are see-through in design. Hiding items in opaque storage bins makes it difficult to find specific items

Upper Closet Shelving

• Almost any coat closet or laundry room closet has space for one upper shelf. This shelf, which should run the width of the entire closet, is a good place for storing seldom-used items. Bin cages can be made of wood, metal or plastic, but should be easy to lift down to floor level for sorting items. The support shelving should be 2-inch thick wood installed with support brackets. Use an electric screwdriver to drive 3-inch screws into wall studs to hold the support brackets in place.

Fancy Shelf Options

• If you need to store items in a small bedroom or bathroom, you can install high-quality shelving with a storage bin or cage created for artistic appeal. Install a mahogany shelf with a 12-inch cube covered with bamboo to hold hair-washing supplies. Metal chrome shelving with three individual bins covered with fabric holds reading materials for different family members in a family room area.