Ideas for Primitive Shelves

Plate Racks

• A plate rack is one type of primitive wall shelf designed for displaying attractive, beloved plates. Brightly colored red, green, yellow or blue plates instantly create life and vitality in a room. Patterned plates add visual interest. A display of pure white plates against an unpainted primitive plate rack evokes a simple and fresh primitive decor. Heirloom plates are reminders of family heritage.

Cubby and Candle Shelves

• The cubby shelf is created with compartments. It is designed to store magazines, letters, bills, memo pads, children's homework or other paper items. Hanging on a wall near a door or setting atop a desk are convenient locations for this primitive shelf. A candle shelf is an enclosed shelf with openings at the top and bottom used for storing candles, soaps, washcloths or other small items.

Hook Shelves

• The primitive box shelf is crafted in the shape of a box with hooks or pegs underneath. Hanging in an entryway, this primitive shelf holds mittens, gloves, keys or a wallet. Wooden pegs are a convenient place for depositing your coat, hat or scarf. The Federal hook shelf is similar, but has a larger top shelf, accommodating a basket for enhanced storage.

Quilt and Towel Racks

• A black and white quiltmaker's framed photo placed above a treasured quilt adds personal meaning to the primitive decor. A hand-embroidered towel or fresh white linen towel hanging from a primitive towel rack enhances the simple, cozy primitive ambiance. Placing a woven basket of freshly-scented linen soaps, a stack of clean white hand towels, small clay pots of greenery or a vase of freshly cut daisies on the top shelf creates instant visual interest.