Shelved and how!

Nutan Sehgal

When the Sehgals moved into their new apartment in Gurgaon they wanted to display books aesthetically and objet d’art in their drawing room. Clunky standard bookcases and boring shelves were the only options they knew about. That’s when they met an interior designer, who suggested them to take the minimalist approach and go for floating shelves. These, he added, were not just trendy but a no-fuss, smart option for contemporary décor that give the interiors sleek and organised look.

Promise of durability

Unlike the ordinary shelves, floating ones hang on a wall without any noticeable support. The objects placed on these appear suspended as the supporting hardware is not visible. Floating shelves are very easy to maintain. Another benefit is that these are sturdy and more durable than usual shelves.

Interior designers say that incorporating floating elements into your design scheme helps create illusion of space, and at the same time provides functionality, a staple feature of shelves. Floating shelves in varying sizes create a gallery-like display. It can be fun staggering these to create a unique arrangement that reflects your personality, besides adding style to the space.

Here to stay

Delhi-based designer Ashish Malhan says, “Floating shelves have been a part of the design landscape for a few years now, but these still continue to amaze buyers with new designs. These are ideal for living room, kitchen, bathroom or any room where you want to create a display area.” Though floating shelves can be made of any material, wood is the most preferred. These come in different lengths, are painted or stained, and may have a square or rounded edges.

A variation of the wooden floating shelves is those made of tempered glass. Plain glass shelves are not just eye-catching but the objects displayed on these look as if floating in the air. The effect that these transparent glass shelves create is stunning.

One added advantage is that floating shelves can bear heavy artefacts. Besides decoration pieces, these can also be used to hold electronic devices like televisions or can even be converted into a snazzy bar by displaying bottles and stem glasses on these. Floating shelves are especially ideal for small apartments, since these maximise the available spaces on the wall for display. 

These provide sophisticated yet functional and trendy display space for the design conscious. Moreover these are easy to clean and maintain. 

For practical reasons

Shelves can be used as storage spaces or simply to enhance the look of a certain room, depending on the need. These can also be made-to-order in a choice of colours and materials. And the best part is that these will not burn a hole in your pocket. Some of the best shelves can be purchased and installed in less than Rs 5,000.  Apart from serving as decoration shelves, these help reduce the clutter and save space. Since these shelves can be used in various patterns, you can keep your collections together or create various themes to complement the room’s interior or its overall decor. All you need is a bit of talent to make any room in your house look neat, trendy and stylish. So, gather your creative energies and install floating shelves to give a chic look to the interiors. 

Solutions for small spaces

• Floating shelves provide excellent display themes for the home. These do not take up space and instantly brighten up the interiors. 
• Designers are coming up with smarter ways of displaying collectibles in small living spaces, which are a usual in big cities. Many architects are using space under the staircase to create attractive floating bookshelves. These are great not just to display books, but also other collectibles and family memorabilia.
• Another innovative concept that has become popular in the recent years is the bed-head sliding shelf. This is a bed headboard that slides out and can be used to store books, clothes or other knick-knacks.
• The kitchen space too is getting an innovative makeover. One of the most imaginative space savers is a floating shelf, which has a pegboard fitted to its front panel for hanging small pots and pans. This is not just a convenient storage solution, but also creates space in drawers and cabinets.

Bathroom basics

• The bathroom too requires plenty of storage. Designers are making floating shelves on both sides of mirrors for displaying soaps, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes, hair oils, toothpastes, toothbrushes and other bath-related paraphernalia.
• Whether it is a bathroom, bedroom, drawing room or kitchen, designers are using ample imagination to turn cramped living spaces into cosy retreats with floating shelves that provide both storage and display solutions.