Shelving can be a very effective way of creating additional storage within a home. Before unleashing the power drill, however, it is worth taking some time to consider exactly where they should go and what they will be expected to hold. This will influence how strong they need to be and therefore determine the most suitable material to use, as well as the type of support. Thankfully, there are a few different options:

Fixed

This is the standard option, familiar to DIY enthusiasts everywhere. Brackets are fixed to a wall and a shelf is then placed across them. Brackets are available in all shapes and sizes to ensure any type of shelf is well supported. Style options range from simple to elaborate, with colours and finishes to complement all decors.

Built-in

This is a good option when dealing with alcoves as it benefits from added support and also utilises space which would otherwise be wasted. This is also a versatile option as the shelves can be installed at different heights, which means that the lowest shelf can also be arranged to leave space for any furniture underneath.

Adjustable

These manufactured systems provide strong shelving which is tidy and easy to adjust. To put them up, just fix the vertical rails to a wall and then slot in the brackets which support the shelves. The rails and brackets come in various sizes and are generally made of aluminium or steel. Although more expensive, this is the strongest and most versatile of the three options. Storage trunks can also be a good idea, being both convenient and practical.