Oftentimes, rental spaces can be short on storage, display space and interesting architectural details. Adding bookcases or other storage-type units can sometimes solve the problem (here’s a great shelf DIY!), but when a large piece of furniture isn’t a viable option, consider floating shelves. Floating shelves are an easy-to-find, economical and functional way to get more out of your space. Whether it’s to add more storage where there is none, reduce furniture footprints in a tight space or create a dedicated space to display some of your favorite items, here are some tried-and-true ways to utilize floating shelves in your rental home.
For Display
When you’re allowed to put holes in the wall but don’t necessarily want to make a ton of them, floating shelves are a great way to display art, accessories and other framed pieces in a cohesive collection. When selecting a shelf, think about what you want or need to display. A deeper shelf will provide room for small decorative objects and plants, while a picture ledge has just enough room for a collection of frames. No matter what you choose, make sure it’s anchored sufficiently to the wall to hold the weight of your objects.
For Open Storage
When your rental is lacking storage in closets or otherwise, floating shelves are an ideal way to create that much-needed space. Going vertical by using the walls is the ultimate small-space solution, and these days you can find shelves in any size, shape and style to suit your tastes! One of the greatest things about using floating shelves is that everything remains visible and accessible while being completely out of the way. See my tips below for keeping your open shelves tidy!
Think beyond just big, bare walls for floating shelves. By adding shelves to a blank nook or closet, you can considerably increase its form and function. See how adding two simple floating shelves significantly increased the storage options in this closet makeover!
To Create a Zone
One of my favorite uses for floating shelves is to create a zone where there isn’t one. Whether it’s making a bookcase out of a blank wall or establishing a drop zone in an entryway, floating shelves are a visually light way to create a new space altogether. One trick we have used in almost every space we’ve lived in is to hang a floating shelf at counter height to function as a drop zone.
A floating shelf serves as the perfect lightweight counter to drop mail, keys and other daily essentials, and since they tend to be thin and shallow, you can surely find one to fit almost any entry space. Mount hooks below the shelf and a memo board above to create a simple and budget-friendly command center.
Keep Your Shelves Tidy With This One Trick!
To keep floating shelves from getting out of hand, utilize bins and baskets to corral messier items. You can store much more on an open shelf when you employ bins to hold groups of smaller items. Even items like sheets and towels are less likely to fall over and get messy when they are tucked away in a basket. Not only is this solution easier on the eyes, but baskets make getting items up and down from a high shelf much easier!
When selecting baskets, think specifically about what you need to be able to store: How big is it? How heavy? What kind of bin or basket best suits it? When shopping, be sure you keep shelf measurements handy, and look for baskets that have handles or slots for easy maneuvering. With so many basket options available, you can surely find a solution that will allow you to use your shelves to the fullest!
Floating shelves are great for adding storage and display space to an apartment that has none. While they do need to be anchored sufficiently, their cost, ease of installation and wide availability make them the ideal rental solution. Amp up plain shelves by adding fantastic decorative accessories or use a shelf that is a statement of its own (like these amazing pallet shelves). Whether it’s breaking up large expanses of empty wall or adding even more function to a simple closet, give these rental superstars a try!
