One of the benefits of the corner shelf is that you can create extra storage space for your display items while minimizing the space it takes for this storage. Corner shelves come in a variety of styles and designs as well as shapes and sizes. You can find shelves made of different building materials from glass to wood and may be freestanding or wall mounted. With all these choices, you can surely find a corner shelf or two that accommodates your storage and display needs as well as your theme or motif.

Finding a Wall Mounted or Freestanding Corner Shelf

One of the first factors you may consider is whether you want a wall mounted or freestanding corner shelf. Wall mounted shelves tend to be relatively easy to install and affix securely to your wall. If you decide upon this type of shelf, you will then have to make other decisions such as whether you want a smooth or rounded edge. You have other choices with a freestanding corner shelf such as whether you want bigger tiers as the case descends.

If you are going with a freestanding corner shelf, you may also have to decide how many tiers you will need to accommodate your needs as well as how tall or short it needs to be. For instance, it is relatively easy to find a corner shelf with three to four tiers that do not stand as tall, so you are able to easily access your items. However, you can also create these kinds of tiers with wall mounted shelves whether you want same or different size tiers.

Finding the Right Material and Design for Your Corner Shelf

Another factor you will consider when you look at a corner shelf is its building material. Many people use wood shelves to create a classic, traditional or antique look. It is also useful because wood tends to be sturdy. You may also consider some kind of metal shelf if you will be storing heavier items on your shelf. However, if your shelves are primarily for display or show, you should consider something such as glass or mirror floating shelf that not only draws attention to the display item but also the shelf itself.

Of course, you will also need to find shelves that fit with your design. You can find shelves that work with modern or contemporary designs, particularly if you have accent pieces for your theme or motif. You can also consider the color. For instance, you may want to choose among neutral colors if you are working toward an elegant or sophisticated theme, but bright colors could add just the right accent to your room if you use the corner shelf just right.

One of the last things that will affect your choice is the cost. There are many all-purpose shelves that cost well less than $100 while a specialty corner shelf such as a television shelf can cost a bit more. You should also consider the room in which you will place your corner shelf.

Uses of a Corner Shelf

A corner shelf unit can serve many purposes in just about any room of your home. In the kitchen, a corner shelf can be used to organize spices, fruits and vegetables, coffee mugs, etc. A decorative shelf with glass doors could be used to store kitchen glassware or china cups in a lovely display. In the bathroom a corner shelf could hold folded towels or toiletries such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. It could also be used to display ornamental pieces to add to your bathroom décor.

In a living room, a floor standing corner shelf unit could serve as an entertainment center for your stereo equipment and all its accessories. The unit could be safely tucked away in a corner of the room where it is easily accessible while not taking up space needed for other furnishings. You can even match the color and wood of your unit with the rest of the furniture to further enhance the setting.

A corner hutch in your dining room can serve to store dishes, glassware, coffee cups and more. These come in a variety of styles and designs for greater appeal. A corner shelf hutch design with open shelves on top will allow you to showcase decorative glass or ceramic pieces to enhance your dining room setting. The enclosed bottom half of the hutch can be used to store any items you do not need or do not frequently use.

Corner shelf unit

An ornamental corner shelf unit can display anything from photos to plants to trophy collections to your favorite figurines. If your family travels a lot, you probably have quite a collection of souvenirs or memorabilia from different places you have visited. A corner shelf in just the right place gives you the opportunity to showcase your collection with pride. These shelves not only put empty space to good use, but can brighten up that little corner to add a beautiful touch to your home décor.

If you have carpentry skills or have a friend with these capabilities, you can have a customized corner shelf built to your exact specifications. A customized shelf would reveal your personality and taste when it comes to style and design. These shelves are not difficult to make, especially for an experienced carpenter, and may save you time and money in searching for just the right one to buy.

Purchasing A Corner Shelf

Corner shelves can be purchased in local furniture stores at very reasonable prices. However, online dealers would probably have a better selection and more competitive prices. Online shopping also offers greater ease in comparing features and prices of corner shelf, to facilitate your shopping experience.

INSTALLING A CORNER SHELF UNIT

If you have some basic carpentry skills, installing a corner shelf will only take a few minutes. Depending on the size of the shelf and the amount of weight it might be required to support, one should use the proper type of fasteners to secure the unit to the wall.

You can buy a pre-made corner shelf or shelves that come with the proper mounting hardware or you can choose to custom make your own corner shelves. Basically, you need to create a 90 degree angle where the shelf rests against the two adjoining walls. The front part of the corner shelf unit does not have to be square. You can shape it in an eye-pleasing semi-circle, or for that matter, in any design that strikes your fancy.

To install the unit, simply line up the shelf in the corner and at the desirable height. Using the eyelets or pre-drilled holes in a manufactured corner shelf, mark the space where the mounting screws will go with a pencil. In most cases, you will not hit a stud so you will need to use the small plastic anchors to secure the shelf to the wall.

If that is the case, make a small hole in the wall where the anchors will go. You can use a drill bit or simply use a Philips head screwdriver or other similar tool to puncture the wall. Make sure the hole you create is just slightly smaller than the circumference of the anchor.

Final steps of installing a corner shelf

Next, push the plastic anchors into the hole so they seat flush with the wall. Take you corner shelf unit and line the holes up. Finally, insert the mounting screws through the holes and tighten so the unit can not move. Check with a level and make sure it is perfectly horizontal to the floor and does not slope up or down.

WHAT SHOULD YOU PUT ON A CORNER SHELF?

The most practical things to put on a corner shelf are small items like statues or figurines. You may want to place a small vase or maybe a decorative candle or a brass bell. The choice is up to you.

One word of caution is that a corner shelf should never be used to store a bunch of junk. It is designed to make a statement in your home, not to be used to store your mail or pile up a bunch of junk that has no place to call home.

As a general rule, never overcrowd a corner shelf with too many things if you want to maintain a nice appearance. Just one or two objects works best. If you get tired of looking at a vase, simply replace it with something fresh and new, with a corner shelf.