Shelving Units Buying Guide

There are two types of shelves: freestanding shelving units and wall-mounted shelves. Here are few options for your garage.

Wall-Mounted Shelves
These shelves are fixed in place and work well in garages where square footage is at a premium. In the garage, you'll typically want to use shelving made of wood, steel or plastic. Use wall-mounted shelving and pegboards for easy access to tools. Need a place for your screws, nails and other hardware? Add peg hooks and bins to place like items together.

Freestanding Shelves
Select shelving that's made of solid wood, plastic or steel. Plastic shelving is the easiest to assemble, but all of these materials work well in humid conditions and can support heavy-duty garage use. Some shelving units can support thousands of pounds, which is ideal for tools and additional storage needs. Purchase matching stackable crates and label the outside to create an organized space.

Overhead Garage Storage
For seasonal items, like Christmas decorations, or for items that aren't often used, overhead garage storage is an ideal solution. These steel shelves are attached to the ceiling and can hold up to 1,000 pounds. They can be accessed via a ladder or some are available with a lifting system, so your items can be lowered and raised using a crank.

More Info
Follow these tips to organize your garage.
Try these 5 steps to transform your garage.

Bedrooms need a lot of storage for clothing, decorative accents, books and personal items. Here are a few ideas.

Wall Shelving
Use wood or metal shelving to display your favorite books, decorative accents or to keep clutter under control. Hang corner shelves when space is at a premium to show off some of your favorite photos and keepsakes.

Freestanding Shelves
Freestanding shelves in the bedroom can solve a myriad of storage needs. For children, select a shelving unit with built-in bins or baskets to easily access their toys, while storing them neatly away at the end of the day. If you live in a small apartment or home, the corner shelving unit in this image provides extra space for clothing, bedding, shoes and more. If you have a lot of smaller items that need to be stored, use labeled wicker baskets to easily identify items while keeping them neatly tucked away.

More Info
Learn how to design a closet.
Find out how to maximize space in a small closet.

Whether you have a large primary bathroom or a tiny powder room, shelving is a must. In bathrooms, you'll want to use materials that are easy to clean, waterproof and breathable to prevent moisture and mold. Plastic, glass and stainless steel are all good options. Try these solutions to get your bathroom clutter free in no time.

Floating Shelves
Use wood, metal or glass floating shelves in a bathroom to hold extra toiletries and decorative items.

Over-the-Toilet Shelving
This is one of the best solutions for a bathroom that's lacking storage. Hang a cabinet over the toilet to hide extra toilet paper, toiletries and cleaning supplies. For even more storage space, install a unit that has cabinets and shelving (as shown).

Ladder or Corner Shelves
For tight spaces, consider ladder shelves or corner shelves. They're space savers that come in an array of styles to suit any bathroom.

Undercabinet Shelving
If you have a bathroom vanity, maximize storage with undercabinet shelving. Choose shelves that slide out to easily access toiletries and cleaning products. Or use stackable shelves that can hold small towels, makeup, hair supplies and more.

Linen Cabinets
If you have room, a linen cabinet is an ideal solution. Select one that matches your bathroom cabinets for stylish shelving that can hold toiletries, towels and bedding.

More Info
Try these 5 stylish medicine cabinets.
What's the best way to organize a vanity?

Whether you want extra shelving in the kitchen or you're outfitting a pantry, there are numerous options to choose from.

Slim Storage
Take advantage of every square inch of space with a slim storage shelving unit. They can fit between the wall and the fridge (as shown) to hold spices, drinks, food and more. When not in use, it can be neatly tucked away.

Steel Shelving Units
These shelving units can hold everything from food to small appliances, like stand mixers, blenders and food processors. Because they're made of steel, they can handle the weight, while also looking stylish in modern or industrial spaces. Get one on wheels, so that it can easily be moved around.

Fruit & Vegetable Storage Rack
These shelving units can hold multiple racks of fresh fruit, vegetables and even snacks. With easy pull-out drawers and plenty of ventilation, it'll keep your food fresh and accessible. Choose plastic or wire shelving that's easy to clean.

Bakers Rack
A bakers rack is an open shelving unit that can hold a microwave, small appliances, cookbooks and other kitchen essentials. It can also be set up as a coffee station. Choose one that coordinates with your kitchen decor.

Pantry Shelving
Choose from wire, wood or steel shelving for a customized solution in your pantry. Select built-in options with adjustable shelves to accommodate tall and short items. Then use bins, baskets, lazy Susans, spice racks and tiered shelving to create an organized space you'll love.

More Info
Learn how to organize a pantry.
Transform your pantry in 8 simple steps.

Laundry doesn't need to be chaotic if you've got a great system in place. Here are a couple of options.

Shelving Unit
Select a unit with a clothing rack, as well as shelving for detergent and cleaning supplies. Small bins or baskets can hold clothes pins, dryer sheets and pods. Then choose matching hampers for clean and dirty laundry.

Washer Dryer Countertop
A front-load washer and dryer is needed for this countertop. It's typically made of wood and sits across your units to hold supplies. This shelf topper is a space saver, as well as a convenient place to fold clothes and towels.

More Info
Learn how to organize your laundry room.
Follow these tips for a stylish and organized laundry room.

Get your home office in tip-top shape with good shelving and storage.

Freestanding Units
There are a number of options with freestanding units. Select a bookshelf to hold binders, books and paperwork. Depending on your office aesthetic and needs, you can also select a wood, steel or plastic shelving unit. Plastic or steel shelving that can accommodate a lot of weight would work well for business owners that require inventory storage. Use bins and baskets to hold small office supplies.

Corner Shelves
For small offices, consider a corner shelving unit to take advantage of vertical storage space.

Desktop Organizers
If your desk is still messy, free up some room with a desktop bookshelf. It can sit on top of your desk (as shown) and includes multiple shelves and compartments to organize your space. An anti-tip kit is enclosed to ensure it won't fall over.

More Info
Try these desk organization ideas for a productive space.
Ask these 9 questions before setting up your home office.