Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to give up style or function. Even if you’re short on square footage, chances are you have unused areas just waiting to be utilized.
Not sure where to start a modern interior design project? Adding floating corner shelves can give you extra storage, show off your personality, and make your home feel more open and intentional, all without taking up valuable floor space.
Minimalism Versus Maximalism in Small Spaces
Even people in tiny, cramped apartments in New York City find unique ways to show off their style in their homes. That means you can, too.
Maybe you’re more of a minimalist, and subtle personal touches are enough. Or, you could be a fan of big, bold art and vibrant colors. No matter which way you lean, you can easily style your shelves to your liking.
Here are a few minimalist shelf style tips:
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Less is more! Be more thoughtful in the pieces you choose to display on a shelf.
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Stick to a neutral palette, such as white, soft wood, or matte black.
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Play with balance. A single plant, candle, or framed piece of art can be just what you need to bring life to a small space without making it feel overwhelming.
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Utilize any negative space. By leaving space on the shelf, it can create an airy and modern atmosphere.
A few maximalist shelf style tips include:
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Mix textures and colors. Pair knick-knacks with books, layer artwork with plants, and don’t shy away from vibrant hues.
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Be a little ‘odd.’ Three or five objects together can create a creative and curated look.
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Play with height and layers. Stack books, add a tall vase, or tuck in a smaller decorative piece for dimension and visual interest.
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Show off your vintage oddities, photos, souvenirs, glassware, or other collectibles.
The Advantages of Vertical Storage
Vertical storage draws the eye up, making a small room feel taller and more open. Here’s how:
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Shelves free up floor space for furniture.
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They make ceilings feel higher.
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You can mix decor on shelves and use closed storage for clutter control.
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With custom shelves, you can build storage and display space that actually fits your walls and avoids any awkward gaps.
Vertical storage is more than just practical. It’s an expert design move when you’re limited on the space you have to work with.
Playing With Built-In Lighting
Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, lighting is one design factor that can completely transform the way your small space looks and feels.
Shelves with built-in LED lighting add a soft glow that highlights your decor and sets the mood in a room. Lighting can cultivate your desired ambience and make your space feel warm and inviting.
This can also double as practical task lighting, helping you see what you’re grabbing. Either way, integrated LEDs make your shelves feel both functional and fashionable.
Custom Shelves Versus Store-Bought
Store-bought shelves can do the job, but custom shelves always make a space feel upgraded and more modern. Here’s why:
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They’re tailored to your exact space.
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You can choose your favorite type of wood, stain, and finish.
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Custom shelves are built to last with solid, durable wood.
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With the shelves’ hidden brackets, the room will have a cleaner aesthetic.
Store-bought shelves may be cheaper, but they’ll always feel that way, too. You’ll find that most of the time, the shelves you can buy at the store are made with cheap particleboard or laminate, not high-quality wood. This means they’re simply not as sturdy and can’t carry as much weight.
To order custom shelving, all you really need to know is how to measure for a corner shelf and install them. Once you take those measurements and send them off, you can dream up your ideal design while you wait for the shelves to arrive.
Bringing Your Small Space to Life
Even the smallest spaces deserve big style. That’s why Lyons Crafted shelves are made to order and built to your exact measurements, with your choice of wood type, stain, and finish.
Hidden brackets keep your design aesthetic clean, while our optional built-in LED lighting makes your decor stand out. No matter your vision (minimalist, maximalist, or somewhere in between), our custom shelves are designed to fit your space and your style!
