Within the past two months, I’ve purchased 4 leaning shelves (a.k.a. ladder shelves).
Obsessed? No.
Great for storage? Affordable? Open + Airy? Yes.
For the same reason, I’ve been loving leaning shelves as of late, I’ve got my clients hooked too and I’d like to share with you why leaning shelves work so well for any room in the home.
Any style shelf gives height to the room. Most pieces of furniture (tables, sofa, chair, bed, etc) aren’t higher than 30/36″ off the floor, which often leaves pictures / artwork to be the only source of height in a room. As much as it’s important to have “things” on the wall, it’s also important to break up the monotony and a bookcase / shelves can be that element. Don’t get me wrong, I love the look of a closed bookcase, but I also really prefer the style of a leaning shelf.
Why?
> Height: Art + pictures are a must on the walls, but without anything else to grab the eye and break up the plane, a space can become boring and lack depth. By adding shelving, specifically leaning shelves, a wall can have the needed to break and 3-dimensional look needed to add visual interest. With the addition of books, accessories, baskets, and more, the shelves can become the star of a room.
> Storage: The aesthetic part of shelves is that it brings height + interest to a room, but the storage element of shelving brings in the functional aspect. Who doesn’t desire more storage in their house? I certainly do {raising hand in the air}… Adding in a tall element, like a shelf, allows you to use the vertical plane of the wall instead of the horizontal, floor area, of a room. Save on floor area, use height instead!
> Affordability: Leaning Shelves are very affordable, probably because there really isn’t much too them. The most recent style I chose, I purchased at Target for a few dollars over $100. I’ve also been wanting to make my own version – I think it would be fairly easy – but I’m still gathering the guts + time to do it. Anyway, there are versions that are less than $100, like this one and styles that are a lot more (but are pretty fabulous) like this one at $1600. Add height to a room for around $100? Perfect!
> Open + Airy: I specifically like the look of leaning shelves because they provide the height and the storage needed in a room, but they aren’t closed in as a typical bookshelf with a back + sides are. The leaning shelf is minimal allowing for any size space (even small spaces like bathrooms & laundry rooms/nooks) to handle the horizontal attention-grabber. Plus I’ve seen leaning shelves in a variety of widths, as well.
I must be on the right design track with my recent purchases because I opened two design magazines this month and they both featured spaces with leaning bookshelves.
After reading the first feature in the March issue of HGTV magazine, it ‘s what inspired me to write this post. I know you all would love and feel confident to use leaning shelves after seeing these inspirational spaces!
1. A leaning shelf in the kitchen
Perfect for holding dishes, cookbooks, bowls, coffee supplies, and so much more.
2. A leaning shelf in the living room
Ideal for books, pictures, accessories, and I adore the idea of a adding a reading light. No more need for a side table.
See how this ladder shelf gives so much height to the space, yet there is no real break of wall color or ‘closed-in’ feeling.
3. A leaning shelf in the entry
Essential for all the winter-wares, shoes, and bags! The shelves allow space for the must-haves, along with some surface to display some pretty like a plant and cool fan.
4. A leaning shelf in the entry
Big or small, most bathrooms could use more storage. Am I right?? And if you have a pedestal-style sink, you really are in need of more surface space. A ladder shelf is the perfect solution for all your products + towels.
5. A leaning shelf in the laundry
Another spot that most everyone can use more space. Depending on the layout of the laundry room or nook, a leaning shelf can provide the extra storage needed to keep the space tidy + organized.
The above images of 5 ways to use a leaning shelf is from HGTV magazine
The other publication that I was flipping through and came across an interesting display of leaning shelves was Better Homes and Gardens April issue.
For these shelves, I am pretty sure they painted them the popping turquoise hue, but what a great space, right?! I love the color palette of the vivacious yellow, gray, and turquoise. If you can, get your hands on this issue – they’re are lots of great + affordable ideas for bathroom upgrades.
After seeing all these ideas, I am sure you want to get your hands on some new shelving. Am I right? I put together a collection of a few favorites with resource links.
Resources:
1. Cherry-finish Leaning Shelf
2. White Leaning Shelf
3. Iron frame / Wood Shelves Leaning Shelf
4: Black Leaning Shelf
5: Lucite (clear) Leaning Shelf
6: Gray Leaning Shelf with Bins
7: Leaning Shelves with Desk
Here’s a peak at the recent leaning shelves I purchased…
Recognize the room? It’s my boys room that I am currently giving an overhaul. work is still in progress…
I’m sharing this because it’s amazing how much these shelves have brought to the room! The amount of storage / surface space is incredible. From books, to ‘special things’ to ALL THE LEGOS, these shelves hold it all + have there is room for more.
My daughter’s room also got a leaning shelf.
We moved the pictures that were there into the master and added the shelf in it’s place to hold books, and of course ALL THE LEGOS!
Seen enough? No? Okay, I’ve got more inspiration for you…
Awesome coastal living room with a leaning white shelf/desk. via: Sabrina Alfin Interiors
Seriously, how great is this space with the leaning shelves used for wine storage? Doesn’t get much better than this! via: Cynthia Lynn Photography
Work space with white leaning shelves. Shelves by The Container Store
How amazing is this lucite leaning shelf? It’s incredibly expensive, but is a show-stopper! Leaning Shelf by Wisteria.
Such a bright + vibrant space. Ideal for a playroom or girly room. Leaning Shelves by The Container Store
Metal + Wood combo shelves by Pottery Barn
Such a bright, airy space with the perfect element to bring in some height… a leaning shelf! Unknown Source
What a great office space with a non-traditional leaning shelf and I adore the pops of turquoise + the amazing wallpaper. via: Matilda Rose Interiors
How fun is this? I love chalkboard walls and layering it with a leaning bookcase still allows for the wall to be seen through it. Same style as shown above in my favorite finds, this leaning shelf is by Land of Nod.
Leaning shelves with a desk make a great combination for storage + work. via: CM Glover
Leaning shelves come in all sizes. This narrow style in a colorful deep red hue is adorable in this nursery. Unknown Source
Leaning shelves are great for an office space! via: Asbury Remodeling & Construction
Shelf / Desk combo by The Container Store
A more modern style shelf/desk combo at Crate and Barrel
The shelves on this white ladder shelf are thicker which gives it more weight and style. How great for a kitchen or casual dining space.
Leaning shelves for everyone. Are you now ready to purchase one (or 2, or maybe 3) for your home?!
Bathroom storage ideas via Cosmopolitan
Magnetic Makeup Board by Liz Marie
Hair tool storage caddy by The Idea Room
Another tool storage idea… inside the cabinet via The Family Handyman
Bath countertop caddy by Golden Boys & Me
Countertop tray for toiletries + bathroom essentials by Eat. Sleep. Decorate.
Mason jar organizer by The DIY Playbook
Ladder shelves are great for storage by Hammers and High Heels
Organization under the sink via Pretty Organized
More under the counter organizing ideas by Mary Organizes
Towel storage on the back of the bathroom door via Jenna Burger
A shelf with brackets over the door via Martha Stewart
Ice cube tray jewelry holder + other dollar store organizing ideas by Yesterday on Tuesday
Magnetic Bathroom Rack via Darkroom & Dearly
Ponytail Holder by It’s Jilly
Bathroom Mirror Storage Case by Shanty 2 Chic
Bath toy organization by The Inspired Home
![Get Organized! For an easy entry upgrade, add built-in coat hooks and wooden crates [easy do it yourself project] www.jennaburger.com](https://www.jennaburger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/13.jpg)
Ombre Halloween Pillow
Fall Mantel {2011}
