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Shelving Units Buying Guide

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published July 29, 2024

Storage racks, also called shelving units are some of the most versatile storage solutions for your home. There are so many types of shelving units and it can be a bit daunting to buy the right one for your home. We have put together the ultimate buying guide with the best storage racks.

Best Storage Racks for Garage

Shelves come in two primary varieties: freestanding shelving units and wall-mounted shelves. Wall-mounted shelves are fixed in place. Typically, these shelves are constructed from solid wood or robust wiring. They are appropriate for frequent, heavy-duty garage use. They can support up to 1500 pounds per shelf. A shelving unit would be ideal if you want the versatility of having vertical storage space apart from the wall.

Good to Know

Some shelving units with caster wheels have a locking system. This lets you easily roll the entire unit around for access or rearrangement and then lock it securely in place for stability.

Have a ton of heavy stuff in the garage? Go for a heavy-duty bolted steel storage rack. These can hold up to 3000 lbs per shelf. Plastic storage racks are easy to assemble. Purchase some matching stackable boxes for a neat look.

Tip

If you’re looking to organize hardware supplies, try a shelving unit with inbuilt storage bin racks.

You can also create a custom storage rack based on your needs. Look for wire mesh shelves as they improve ventilation and reduce dust build-up.

Best Storage Racks for Bedrooms

Most bedrooms need some extra space. Sleek wooden shelves offer versatile storage solutions for your home. They are stylish and super versatile. Use them for books, to display your favorite things, or keep clutter under control.

A lot of DIY lovers buy shelves with inbuilt bins to organize their craft supplies. These are also great for storing kid’s toys because everything is visible, accessible and neat.

For those who love industrial decor, steel shelving units are a must-have. They have a ruggedness and airiness that perfectly combines rustic with minimal.

Best Storage Racks for Bathrooms

If you need some extra storage in your bathroom, look no further than a customizable plastic unit. These are simple to put together. The height is adjustable. They are easy to clean and completely waterproof. Wire shelves are also a great option. They are breathable and less likely to hold onto moisture and mold.

For tight spaces, consider ladder shelves or corner shelves. They are stylish and space-saving.

Best Storage Racks for Kitchens

Steel shelving units with wooden shelves are a great fit for your pantry. You could also install floating shelves or bracket shelves in your pantry. A shelving unit is better if you need to move things around.

If you want to display your cutlery or produce, a steel shelving unit is a practical choice. They keep things airy. The streamlined design complements minimalist decor as well. A trolley-style 3-tier shelving unit works well to store daily-use items in hard-to-reach places.

Best Storage Racks for Laundry Room

Laundry doesn't need to be chaotic if you've got a great system in place. Contain all your laundry supplies on a shelving unit and get some nice baskets to hold clean and dirty laundry.

Good to Know

Even if you don't have a separate laundry room, a strategically placed shelving unit in the garage can create a designated space for laundry. Think of it like a room divider.

Best Storage Racks for Home Office

For your home office, a wood, wire or plastic unit would be optimal. The size and purpose would be your main concern. If there are lots of binders and paperwork, a 5-tier unit can rest against the wall. They can also be used as book racks or decorative mantels.

If you’re running a small business, consider investing in heavy-duty plastic shelving units. They are perfect for streamlining all that inventory.

For cramped spaces, a corner shelf is the right fit. They are wedge-shaped shelving units that make great use of vertical space.

Tip

Before you buy a shelving unit, it would be wise to do a round of decluttering in your home. That way you know how much stuff you need to put away and can purchase a rack that fits your needs.

Storage racks are the perfect solution for decluttering your home. Before you buy a shelving unit, check the weight capacity and adjustability. Planning, decluttering and the right shelving unit will give your home the organization it needs.