Top-Shelf: Storage Options for a Study With Style
How to choose a shelving option that marries function with flair for your hard-working home office
Home offices have risen in the ranks to become havens of hard work rather than the drab dens of despair they once were. Studies typically doubled as junk rooms until recent years, with far less attention paid to the aesthetics of this room than other, more public, areas of the house. With more people working from home, the domestic work space has come into focus these days. Much like bathrooms, which have evolved from utilitarian spaces to become luxurious retreats, work zones at home are becoming stylish and comfortable refuges that reflect the personality of the person who calls it their own.
The right shelving can give any home office a lift, so choose yours with care. Take inspiration from one of these shining shelving examples and you’re halfway there.
The right shelving can give any home office a lift, so choose yours with care. Take inspiration from one of these shining shelving examples and you’re halfway there.
Hang a wall shelf or two
You don’t need to be a DIY expert to drill a few holes, though a joinery maker or carpenter will design, customise and hang a wall shelf with aplomb. Choosing a professional will ensure your shelves are securely attached to the timber frame behind the wall – an expert will screw the wall brackets into studs, which means you can put whatever you like on a shelf, without worrying that it will fall out of the wall.
You don’t need to be a DIY expert to drill a few holes, though a joinery maker or carpenter will design, customise and hang a wall shelf with aplomb. Choosing a professional will ensure your shelves are securely attached to the timber frame behind the wall – an expert will screw the wall brackets into studs, which means you can put whatever you like on a shelf, without worrying that it will fall out of the wall.
Leather straps – or faux leather, if you prefer – in place of brackets can bring instant Scandinavian style to a home office, along with added storage capacity.
Mimic the windows
The architectural features in your home can provide valuable guideposts when it comes to shelving design. The shape of the windows in this swish study have been replicated in the shelving, resulting in one harmonious space.
The architectural features in your home can provide valuable guideposts when it comes to shelving design. The shape of the windows in this swish study have been replicated in the shelving, resulting in one harmonious space.
Need a pro for your interior design project?
Let Houzz find the best pros for you
Let Houzz find the best pros for you
Line the walls
If you love books, it can be hard to cull a collection down to a few shelves. This library-like study reflects the owners’ priorities: not much desk space; plenty of space for books.
If you love books, it can be hard to cull a collection down to a few shelves. This library-like study reflects the owners’ priorities: not much desk space; plenty of space for books.
Match the materials
If you have a nook rather than a whole room for your home office, a minimalist approach is often best. Create a cohesive look by repeating the material and colour of the desk in the shelving above, and avoid overloading the shelves – stash books, papers and magazines away in a cupboard.
Browse more images of beautiful and functional home offices
If you have a nook rather than a whole room for your home office, a minimalist approach is often best. Create a cohesive look by repeating the material and colour of the desk in the shelving above, and avoid overloading the shelves – stash books, papers and magazines away in a cupboard.
Browse more images of beautiful and functional home offices
Go asymmetrical
This set-up provides plenty of shelving without making whoever is seated at the desk feel hemmed in. Plus, not having the lower shelves run all the way across makes way for the lamp – and that allows for a less cluttered desktop.
This set-up provides plenty of shelving without making whoever is seated at the desk feel hemmed in. Plus, not having the lower shelves run all the way across makes way for the lamp – and that allows for a less cluttered desktop.
Reimagine wardrobe shelving
Customisable shelving isn’t just for the walk-in wardrobe or bedroom – it can also allow you to create just the set-up you need in your home office.
Customisable shelving isn’t just for the walk-in wardrobe or bedroom – it can also allow you to create just the set-up you need in your home office.
The same approach has been used in this home office, with dramatically different results.
Put it in boxes
Cubes can make even the most disorganised person more organised, but there’s no need to be any less creative in the process. Arrange the cubes in whatever way you like – all in a line or in glorious disarray. Structured need not mean constrained.
Cubes can make even the most disorganised person more organised, but there’s no need to be any less creative in the process. Arrange the cubes in whatever way you like – all in a line or in glorious disarray. Structured need not mean constrained.
An aligned group of boxes can be just the thing for a smaller spot, but a few splashes of colour in the items on display make it pack a bit more of a punch.
Your turn
Do you have any other ideas for home office shelving? Tell us in the Comments below, save these images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Want more practical advice to fulfil your home office dreams? Read up on How to Squeeze in a Home Office Anywhere
Your turn
Do you have any other ideas for home office shelving? Tell us in the Comments below, save these images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Want more practical advice to fulfil your home office dreams? Read up on How to Squeeze in a Home Office Anywhere
Sponsored
Whether it’s a home office for one, or a shared space, extending the shelving around a corner, in line with the desk below, maximises the surface area for storage and creates a minimalist, streamlined look.
Ready to redo your shelving? Find a carpenter near you on Houzz, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients