Freestanding shelving units – how to find the right model
1. What is a freestanding shelving unit?
2. Materials and styles
3. Where to use them
4. Assembling freestanding shelving units
5. Summary
1. What is a freestanding shelving unit?
Freestanding shelving units are shelves that stand on their own without being fixed to the wall and usually have four legs or supports. Unlike wall shelves or hanging shelves, freestanding shelving units are independent pieces of furniture that you can place flexibly in a room. This opens up a wide range of uses and styles.
2. Materials and styles
Freestanding shelving units are available in various materials, including:
• Wood: A wooden shelving unit gives your room a warm, natural feel. Wooden shelves are sturdy and versatile.
• Metal: Metal shelving units have a modern, industrial look. They are easy to clean and a good fit for contemporary living spaces.
• Glass: Glass shelving units are elegant and timeless. They work well for displaying decorative objects or books.
• Plastic: Plastic shelving units are lightweight and usually affordable. They are ideal for children's rooms or outdoor use.
Freestanding shelving units also come in a range of styles to suit different interior concepts:
• Minimalist: A shelving unit looks modern when it features simple lines and neutral colours. A minimalist design goes perfectly with a modern, clean-lined interior.
• Vintage: Vintage shelving units give your room a retro-chic look and are often made of wood.
• Industrial: Industrial shelving units combine metal and wood elements and give your room an urban character.
• Scandinavian: Scandinavian shelving units are functional and attractive, often made of light wood with clean lines.
3. Where to use them
Kitchen
In the kitchen, a freestanding shelving unit can be used for storing pots, pans, food and crockery. Open shelves also leave room for cookbooks or decorative pieces.
Living room
In the living room, a freestanding shelving unit can hold and display records, DVDs, electronic devices, vases or other decorative items in style. Used as a bookcase, a freestanding unit also works well in the living area and gives the room a personal touch. Shelving units can also act as room dividers here, separating different living areas.
Children's room
In a children's room, a freestanding shelving unit provides storage space for toys, books or clothes. Colourful designs can brighten up the room and make it easier to keep things tidy.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, a freestanding shelving unit can store towels, toiletries and skincare products. Glass and plastic shelving units are well suited to this damp environment.
4. Assembling freestanding shelving units
Freestanding shelving units are easy to assemble and usually don't require any special tools. Depending on the size and design, some units are even delivered fully assembled. Make sure the shelving unit stands on a level surface for stability. In a children's room in particular, check that the unit is stable and, if necessary, screw it to the wall. Before buying and setting up your shelving unit, consider how much space you have. For small rooms, choose a narrow, shallow unit that's easy to fit in. Some freestanding shelving units have adjustable heights, giving you the flexibility to adapt them to your needs.
5. Summary
- Freestanding shelving units are versatile pieces of furniture available in a range of materials and styles.
- Their characteristics vary depending on the material. A wooden shelving unit has a particular warmth or retro-chic appeal, while glass or metal shelves are pleasingly easy to care for and modern.
- Freestanding shelving units can be used in almost any room, creating order and storage space in the kitchen, living room, children's room and bathroom.
- You usually don't need any special tools for assembly. However, make sure the surface is level and, if necessary, fix the unit to the wall to ensure safety and stability.
- Shallow freestanding shelving units are a good choice for small rooms. Height-adjustable models give you extra flexibility.
Buy freestanding shelving units online at Connox – your benefits at a glance
- A carefully selected range from top design brands
- High-quality freestanding shelving units by well-known designers
- Simple, direct online shopping
- Personal support from our customer service team
- Fair delivery costs
- Secure payment thanks to SSL encryption
Shopping advice at Connox
Would you like to buy a modern freestanding shelving unit online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen item delivered straight to your door.
