The Eight Best Small Space Shelving Solutions

Tall Walls

• If your space is small but your ceiling high, place your shelves high up on the walls. Install a continuous shelf that wraps around the entire room and sits a foot or so below the ceiling. Alternatively, hang shelving at or above eye level. This draws the eye upward and makes the room appear larger. A rustic, wooden ladder leaning against the wall makes a good vertical shelf. High shelves and tall, thin ladders or similarly built bookshelves are two options for small spaces with tall walls.

Books

• Hold and storing books are common shelving uses. Too many books or even just one large tome are heavy, which means that narrow, slender shelves are not substantial enough to hold them. Built-in shelving units may be your best option if you have a small space. Such shelving is usually sturdy, and it often does double duty. Shelving built into a wall unit might also house a television, for example. A second good option for bookshelves in a small space is building them along a stairway.

Renters

• Renters are often not allowed to put up permanent shelving, as it leaves holes in the walls. In this case, the best option for renters who live in small spaces is making use of corners. Some shelving units are made to be stacked in corners, which frees up the walls of a small area for furniture and other large items. Another option for renters is shelving that fits over existing furniture and other items, such as shelving around a toilet in the bathroom. This type shelving does not usually require that it be fastened permanently to a wall, and it saves space.

Storage

• Shelving does double duty as storage space. Choose shelves that have hooks for keys and umbrellas, or shelves that feature small drawers for holding a television remote control or DVDs. Modular shelving units are a second option for small spaces that need storage. These stackable shelves are configured in a variety of styles so you can personalize them to suit your needs. Stack some shelves by your door to hold shoes or stack two of them for use as a sofa side table that will also hold magazines.