Shelf Expression: 70 Projects & Ideas for Creative Storage & Display

by Marthe Le Van

Had enough of clutter and mess? Then shelve it, with these 70 super projects and stylish shelving ideas. Each one offers a practical solution to storage problems and looks great too. Better still, they're made from affordable materials and the techniques just couldn't be easier. Even baffled novices can confidently build and install a shelf from scratch using the technical information and simple woodworking skills found here. Or take a shelving shortcut by decorating an unfinished commercial shelf or creating clever new shelves from mounted paint buckets, stepladders, planter boxes, or shower totes. Whatever the need--toy shelves for a child or a bedside shelf for an alarm clock-this is truly the one and only guide to "shelf expression."

Genres: Interior Design

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2004

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're an experienced DIYer, this book is something you can quickly flip through to get ideas, but I thought some of the projects were kinda dumb. The Red Wagon Shelf had me scrunching my brow asking "Why?" and the Stacked Benches & Stools seemed to have little actual shelf space while occupying a chunk of floor and wall space. Other projects were dubiously crafted. The Paint Bucket Shelves use snag-prone nuts and bolts when rivets would have been a much more elegant solution. The Mail Sorter Shelves and Shower Tote Shelves were clever, though.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those interested in brainstorming for some new ways to display "stuff," may find inspiration in these pages, but the most useful part of the book is in the instructions that describe how to install a variety of shelving.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ideas for creative shelf design for every room in the house. Thanks to a gift from a friend I can now think about how to redecorate in a pandemic. It's an incentive to declutter!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up out of interest when my local library was clearing out some of their catalogue. Not only does this have some really interesting projects, but it also gives practical tips on how to actually install shelves - including finding studs, what screws to use, how to uses different types of brackets etc. What a great find!!

[Amber Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sure I enjoyed this so much because it's filled with amazing ways to store, organize, sort, display and show off everything you can think of! I'm pretty sure I will see shelves in everything now...should be fun!

[Savina King · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good ideas book, but not inspired to make any of them.

[Jean Doolittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of creative ideas for shelves, with solid advice about mounting on walls. Everyone needs storage--this makes the quest innovative and fun. Nice photos illustrate the possibilities.