How to Design Your Own Black Wire Shelving

Measure the location where you want the shelves, in terms of height, width and length. This measurement tells you exactly how much space you have available. Your wire shelves must fit comfortably in the space available.

Turn on the stud finder and hold it against the wall or an inch away from the wall, depending on the manufacturer’s directions. Mark the location of each stud that you find. When you install the shelving units, you must hang the shelves on those studs for maximum security.

Pick the type of shelving you want in the space. Shelving with a smaller weave or opening between the wires is best suited for inside the home or in areas where you store smaller items. Shelving with a larger opening between the metal wires is best for pantry or garage storage, where you have canned goods or supplies in separate bags and containers.

Arrange the shelving along the wall, moving the pieces around until you find a look that you like. Cube shelving, which consists of modular cubes made from wire, are freestanding units that you can stack. If your shelving comes with brackets, affix the brackets to the wall with wood screws, using the location of the studs as a guide.

Add fabric bins or drawers to maximize your amount of storage. The bins have flat bottoms and a handle that lets you smoothly pull the drawers across the shelving. Check with the manufacturer of your shelving, as many sell fabric bins, drawers and other storage pieces made for the units.