SHELF life There’s something so pleasing about shelves. Such a simple, understated thing in the grand scheme of all things homes and interiors but so useful, and so fun to look at. Closed cupboards are great for storing unsightly clutter, but shelves are made for keeping things on show, making them an extension of your personal taste and style. Shelves are practical, but their visual and curiosity-coaxing appeal goes so much further than that as they add character to a room.
How to put up Shelves Check your walls Safety always comes first - so don’t even think about drilling or hammering into a wall before you’ve checked it’s safe to do so
and the wall is suitable. If you’re unsure, the pros at B&Q suggest using a multi-purpose digital detector: “They’re simple to use and will let you know if there are any pipes, cables or studs where you’re planning to work - simply run it over the surface of the area and it will tell you where any hazards lie.” Test the strength Make sure your shelf is going to be strong enough for what you intend to place on it and how it’s affixed to the wall. Get the right materials and brackets There are a variety of shelving materials to suit different needs, from chipboard and MDF, to high-quality hardwoods like oak and beech. It’s usually best to choose and space brackets according to the shelf material, its thickness, and the load the shelf will be supporting.
Style it up! Task complete - and it’s straight? Big pat on the back for you. Now for the really fun part, styling it up. Your shelf might already have a designated purpose in mind (mugs, jars or cookbooks in the kitchen; lotions and potions in the bathroom) but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the process of making it look nice. If its purpose is more to add to the style of a room, think about adding extra dimensions, colour and light (draping some fairy lights on a shelf works well in a bedroom or lounge), and a striking objet d’art on a high-up shelf is a great way to draw eyes upwards and elevate a space. Abi Jackson
Make sure it’s straight No really - please make sure it’s straight before you start drilling and attaching. It might ‘look’ straight from where you’re standing, but holding up a pencil, squinting or standing on the other side of the room never matches the accuracy of actually using a spirit level.
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Living Along The Thames | MAY/JUNE 2018