Maximize Your Kitchen Storage with Stylish Free Standing Shelves
If your kitchen cabinets are stuffed to the brim and you're still struggling for storage, it may be time to think outside the box. Free standing shelving can be the affordable, adaptable solution to maximize unused space in your cooking zone.
With the flexibility to reconfigure layouts and the ability to customize sizes, materials, and style, free standing units can transform even the most cramped kitchen. Keep reading to discover inspiration and tips for installing shelves that blend storage and chic style.
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The Benefits of DIY Free Standing Shelving
Traditional fixed cabinetry lacks the versatility of free standing options. Here are some of the key advantages of going the movable shelving route:
Flexible and Reconfigurable
As your storage needs evolve, it's simple to rearrange free standing units. Modules can be shifted around, added, or removed as required. You're not stuck with a fixed layout, so can modify things as your space or lifestyle changes.
The modular nature makes it easy to relocate shelves to different spots. Moving to a new home? Free standing shelves can travel with you. Mix and match components to create your optimal kitchen organization system.
Budget-Friendly Solutions
Pre-assembled shelving kits from hardware stores offer an affordable way to gain storage without breaking the bank. Many options cost a fraction of custom cabinetry. DIY your system with basic kits for even more savings.
Plastic stackable storage cubes, wire racking, and second-hand pieces make very wallet-friendly solutions. Get the look of high-end built-ins without the designer price tag.
Customized to Your Needs
The beauty of free standing shelving lies in its adaptability. You can chose the precise dimensions, materials and configurations to complement your kitchen's footprint and aesthetic. Mix and match pieces for a look that's uniquely yours.
Open or closed shelves? Wood or metal? Customize every detail. Got an awkward corner? Find the perfect space-saving unit. Short ceiling? Adjust shelf heights. The options are endless.
Choosing the Best Shelving for Your Kitchen
With so many sizes, styles and material available, selecting the right free standing shelving can be tricky. Here are some of the key factors to consider:
Shelving Use Case
How you intend to use the storage will inform your setup. Appliances, cookware, pantry goods, dishes, cookbooks? Purpose will dictate optimal shelves. Open designs showcase items, while enclosed cabinets conceal.
Frequently accessed items benefit from easy-to-reach shelves. Less used goods can be tucked away in higher, hard to access units. Know your shelf jobs before choosing.
Weight Capacity
The weight your shelves can safely hold will depend on material and dimensions. Slim metal wire designs hold less than thicker wooden planks. Always check manufacturer recommended weight limits.
For heavy pots and cans, reinforced metal shelving and solid wood can bear more load. Go lighter for unbreakables like plastic containers. Measure carefully to avoid accidents.
Materials
Metal Wire - Durable, affordable option perfect for laundry and pantries. Easy to clean and maintain.
Wood - Natural material with warmer aesthetic. Fits cottage kitchens. Can be stained to match existing cabinetry.
Plastic - Budget-friendly and super lightweight. Stackable cubes great for kindling DIY knockdown shelving.
Dimensions
Carefully measuring the footprint of your available space is crucial for picking the right shelving dimensions. Too small and valuable real estate is wasted. Oversize risks it not fitting at all.
Look for units that make the most of vertical storage with tall dimensions. This opens up floor space for other uses. Just remember to account for ceiling height.
Different Styles of Free Standing Kitchen Shelves
Beyond basic shelving units, there are unlimited stylish and functional free standing options. Here are some go-to looks:
Open Shelving
Visually lightweight and airy, open shelving spotlights cherished dish collections or cookbooks. The transparency creates an illusion of more space.
Baskets corral smaller goods while keeping them visible. Style open shelves with plants, decorative objects, and mood lighting for an eye-catching accent.
Enclosed Cabinets
Add doors and drawers to conceal more clutter-prone goods. Hybrid designs blend open shelves up top and cabinet storage down below for the best of both worlds.
Closed storage prevents dust accumulation on seldom used items. Hide away ugly but necessary kitchen tools to maintain a polished look.
Wall Mounted Shelving
Defy gravity with floating shelving anchored securely to studs. This opens up floorspace underneath and gives a streamlined look.
Mounted corner shelves maximize pesky wasted space. Go with staggered shelves for expanded storage real estate and easier access.
Kitchen Carts
Carts roll to wherever you need extra surface area or storage. Use for food prep, serving, or organizational needs.
Many feature cabinet, drawer and shelf combos to hold a variety of goods. Caster wheels make them easily maneuverable as you cook and clean.
Tips for Placing Free Standing Shelving
Proper placement is crucial to maximize your shelves' storage potential. Avoid common pitfalls with these expert tips:
Strategic Spots
Focus shelving in your kitchen work triangles, near the sink, stove and refrigerator for efficient workflow. Just steer clear of high traffic zones.
Make the most of previously neglected spaces like corners. Anchor narrow floor units to walls for a built-in look.
Leave Room to Open Doors and Drawers
Ensure there's adequate clearance to fully open cabinets and pull out drawers without obstruction. Measure carefully and test before loading up shelves.
Make sure shelves don't block appliances that open like fridges, ranges and dishwashers. Account for toe kicks and countertops depths.
Maximize Wasted Space
Make the most of the vertical dimension. Floor-to-ceiling units double storage. Ditto for mounting shelves near the ceiling. Just remember to keep items in the sweet spot of accessibility.
Islands, pantries, and awkward corners all present opportunities for dedicated free standing storage pieces tailored to the space.
DIY Installation of Free Standing Shelves
Assembling Pre-Fab Shelving Kits
Many big box stores carry ready-to-assemble shelving kits complete with all materials and hardware included. Follow kit instructions carefully.
Pro tip - lay out all parts and hardware before you begin so pieces are easily accessible. Have an electric drill ready to power through screw driving.
Mounting Wall Shelves
Wall mounted shelves require firmly anchoring into studs, using a stud finder to identify points. Mark spots with pencil before drilling pilot holes.
Use quality wall anchors rated for the shelf load. Stagger shelves to double storage capacity. Go slow and level shelves for best results.
Safety First
Use a laser level during installation to get units perfectly straight. Securely tighten all fasteners. Double check for stability once loaded to prevent tipping accidents.
Properly mounted shelves won't budge, but add brackets/L-brackets for extra peace of mind. Don't overload shelves past recommended weight limits.
Styling Your New Free Standing Shelves
The fun part comes in outfitting your organized blank slate shelves. A few styling tricks to maximize their form and function:
Corral Clutter with Bins
Baskets, turntables and bins neaten messy shelves. Clear acrylic bins give visibility to contents. Labeling helps identify goods.
Spinning “lazy susan” turntables bring items from back to front with a swivel. Risers elevate one row while storing another underneath.
Play Up Decor
Free standing shelves are perfect for showcasing your collections. Add mood lighting or artful vignettes. Powder coated steel shelving comes in fun pops of color.
Alternate closed cabinets and open shelves for decorative objects. The modular nature makes rearranging decor easy.
Maximize Efficiency
Task lighting illuminates upper shelves. Store most used items at eye/hand level. Keep cooking tools near their station.
A little reorganizing goes a long way. Continually edit goods and avoid “shelf creep”. Purge unused gadgets and donate old dishes.
Struggling with a lack of kitchen storage? Free standing shelving offers endlessly adaptable solutions for any space and style. Affordable, modular and customizable, these shelves provide the perfect organizational backbone.
Match unique configurations to your needs and footprint. Install DIY or purchase readymade kits. With the right placement and stylish accessories, free standing shelves can both maximize cubic footage for storage and add decorative flair.