Years ago it may have seemed a bookcase was the only use for shelves. There tended to be little choice of colour, finish and size, and therefore the room could have ended up being designed around the storage rather than the other way round.

Modern day storage solutions are a different kettle of fish (although not literally, unless you opt for modern art shelving). From circular to straight, matt black to wooden, and tall to wide, the options when choosing a shelving unit are endless. This means they have become much more versatile, and can now be used for many more things than just storing books.

In the home, shelves can be used to display ornaments, photos or even shoes and handbags if you happen to have a walk in wardrobe. They can be put up differently to create a design on the wall and if used creatively can actually become the centrepiece of a room. No longer an ugly necessity, they can now bring character and charm to your home.

Within a work environment, there are many different needs for storage. From keeping paperwork organised in the office to storing stock in a warehouse, there is always a need for extra space. Many units now also come in a heavy duty metal shelving finish meaning they withstand much bigger weights therefore increasing the amount that can be kept on them.

The internet has resulted in many more products being available across the entire spectrum, and storage solutions have definitely moved on. Whether it’s a decorative piece for your lounge or massive pieces for a warehouse, a shelf or two could make all the difference.