All about loft-style shelves

The loft style gives the impression of deceptive simplicity and slight negligence, but in fact, every detail is verified during its creation. Not only external decoration is being thought out, but also furniture, which is an indispensable element of the direction.

There are different furniture units required for a loft, but in this article we will focus only on the shelves made in the described style. These lightweight gadgets will be an excellent storage for things that guests will definitely pay attention to. And the owners themselves will be pleased to look at them.

The loft is a spacious living space without unnecessary crowding and clutter of objects. Space and functionality are valued here: every thing should be practical and be in its place. This direction came to the world from the USA, where factories, plants and enterprises were closed due to the economic crisis in the last century. The rest of the premises began to be settled by ordinary people. But no matter how they tried to give comfort to the production premises, their original purpose was still guessed.

Let's look at a few key features of the style in order to understand how furniture can be fit into it:

• stylization for an uninhabited space: brick walls, old masonry, concrete, open pipes, a view of whitewash flowing from the ceiling;
• simple layout, a minimum of internal walls, the presence of ceiling beams;
• skillful zoning of the room with the help of light, bar counters, and other elements;
• a combination of antiquity and modernity (for example, the latest household appliances can shine in a kitchen with retro-style cabinets);
• an abundance of artificial and natural lighting, aged chandeliers may well coexist with ultra-modern spotlights and cool lighting;
• a minimum of accessories, but at the same time they must correspond to the urban style.

Loft-style shelves are the simplest furniture elements that can have different configurations. There are several types of regiment, but all of them are united by a common rule - simplicity, practicality, convenience. Shelves and racks in this style should look aged, as if they have been used for more than one year. Glossy models should be discarded - only rough minimal processing is encouraged.

As for the color scheme, there are many options. Simple unpainted wooden models are always appropriate, complementing any design. The same can be said about forged metal pieces in a restrained dark range. However, the shelves can also be colored - with their help it will be possible to create a beautiful and effective accent.

The purpose of the shelves in the loft is clear: you can place various accessories on them. These are the things that are welcome in the described style:

• photographs in artificially aged frames;
• vases and flower pots of unusual geometric shapes;
• decorative candlesticks;
• car license plates;
• retro alarm clocks;
• dispensers for drinks;
• for the kitchen - aged dishes, jars with spices;
• statuettes made of stone and marble.

If we talk about loft-style shelves in general, then conditionally they can be divided into closed and open options. In addition, the shelves can be of different shapes:

• rectangular - classic options for wall mounting;
• corner - suitable for small apartments, installed in the corners;
• square - in the form of a mini-rack, while containing several niches at once;
• round - quite rare in a loft, they require careful thought over the filling;
• design - can have absolutely any shape, are made to order.

Closed hinged options are the most classic solution, familiar to many from childhood. Similar options were often found in Soviet interiors, where tablecloths, bed linen, and dishes for special occasions were kept behind closed doors. Loft style closed shelves are mainly bolted to the wall. They are considered to be quite strong and stable structures. In addition, the shelves can be combined, that is, contain drawers.

It should be noted that shelves that completely hide the contents behind the doors are not welcome in the loft. For this style, it is important that the filling is visible, therefore it is recommended to make the doors from glass. The glass can be opaque or transparent (both options are acceptable). A huge advantage of closed shelves is the fact that less dust gets into them, so they do not require frequent maintenance. However, such a structure is quite heavy, and several closed shelves will make the interior cluttered, which is unacceptable for a loft. Closed TV shelves are usually floor standing. These are low structures, which may include boxes.

Wall-mounted open shelves are the perfect solution for any loft-style interior. They look light, floating, but at the same time they do not "eat up" the place and show all their contents. These are not only practical, but also decorative furniture units. Such shelves are very convenient in the kitchen, where any item should be in quick access. They are also needed in the corridor so that you can arrange the things you need to get out, for example, gloves, keys, business card holders, hats and umbrellas.

Hanging options can be used in the living room. They will be an excellent container for flowers, books, and various souvenirs. It is interesting that loft-style shelves have many configurations: they are multi-tiered, located asymmetrically, consist of several modules-blocks, which can be given completely unusual shapes, for example, spirals, rhombus, triangles. An unusual solution will be vertical mini-racks, with their design reminiscent of a ladder. Living rooms and kitchens often have wine racks with bottle holders. Like closed subspecies, open shelves can also be used for TVs. However, in this case, TVs must be mounted on brackets that will ensure their stability and prevent equipment from falling and breaking.

In truth, there are not so many materials that will match the style of the loft. Let's list the most popular solutions.

As with many styles, wood is often the preferred material. And the reason lies in the spectacular appearance of the resulting furniture product, its strength and durability. In order not to miscalculate with the choice, it is necessary to focus on valuable species of wood - oak, beech, hornbeam. In this case, the shelves in the kitchen should be additionally processed due to the high humidity of the room. However, not everyone can afford natural wooden shelves - this material is quite expensive. You can replace it, for example, with plywood, which is often made from birch. Plywood is notable for its low cost, high decorative effect, and lasts for at least 5 years. It lends itself well to processing and painting.

Another cheap option is fiberboard (MDF). This material is easy to paint, it is resistant to moisture, flexible, capable of taking different forms. In many cases, shelves are chosen from chipboard (chipboard), which is made from shavings and other wood waste. The resulting products will be durable, but still they should not be heavily loaded.

Metal shelves will certainly attract the attention of guests, because this is a rather unusual solution. Metal models organically fit into the loft, complement it, and they are also incredibly durable, withstand a lot of weight, and do not lose their appearance over the years. However, such shelves must be periodically treated with anti-corrosion agents, especially in damp rooms. And also, not everyone can cope with their installation on the wall. But to solve the problem, you can always turn to the masters for help.

Old-fashioned tin and metal pipes look incredibly chic in a loft. They correspond to his concept, recalling production and evoking associations with non-residential premises. Pipe shelves are a win-win idea. They can consist entirely of pipes or partially. Models that are entirely made of pipes can serve as an original flower stand. In this case, the product will tend upward. An original rack can also be made of pipes, however, nothing should be put on it - let it be a purely decorative item.

A more convenient solution is pipes combined with wood or metal. Such shelves are very stable, they look unusual, and besides they are functional. Most often, pipe shelves are multi-tiered. Each tier is designed for a specific type of accessory. It turns out interestingly when not just pipes are used, but fragments with valves. This solution gives a special chic to the design.

When choosing a shelf, you need to remember that this piece of furniture must necessarily correspond to the loft style. If this is a tree, then it should be roughly processed, slightly aged. To relieve space, you can pick up wooden models with glass inserts. The main thing is not to overload them. It is recommended to refuse completely glass or plastic options - they are not used in the described style.

Consider the color scheme of the products. In most cases, the shelf has a “woody” color, that is, it retains the natural look of wood, but sometimes the models are painted. Painted items are appropriate in the kitchen or bedroom.

Pay attention to the purpose of the shelf. If you have to put a TV on it, you will need a bracket (for pendant options). For books, you can choose classic shelving from several tiers or vertical narrow shelves. Unusual shapes and asymmetries are encouraged. Shallow shelves are chosen for photographs and souvenirs.

If the room is small, you can stop on a closed shelf. It will be possible to remove unnecessary items into it, thereby freeing up space around. There is another option - shelves with deep niches. In order to favorably highlight the objects located inside, you can provide a beautiful backlight. In the case of a large room, there are no restrictions, so choose models of any design and size, floor or wall mounted.

You can place shelves in any room, it all depends on the purpose of the item. In large living rooms, open shelves of standard and unusual shapes are welcome, which can be located above the TV or next to the sofa. You can place memorabilia, photographs, books on them. A set of rectangular shelves looks interesting. If there is a fireplace, they can be hung over it. Light and airy glass and wood shelves will find their place above the sofa. Corner models will be a great addition to flower vases, pots, plant compositions.

Corner shelves also look great in bedrooms. In addition, such furniture units can be hung above the head of the bed, as well as next to it. It is preferable to emphasize softness by choosing models with rounded corners. If there are no curtains on the windows in the bedroom (which is only welcome in a loft), then the shelves will become a beautiful frame for the opening.

In the kitchen, loft-style furnishings can be used for dishes and spices. On them you can put aged plates, pans, pots that correspond to the retro theme. If we talk about modernity, then glass sets of glasses, glasses or cups will also be quite appropriate. It is convenient to place open shelves near the stove so that you have immediate access to the things you need for cooking. They are hung around the table, and as an addition to a furniture set, organically fitting in the middle or on the sides.

In a corridor or hallway, loft-style shelves are most often placed next to a mirror. There they perform their direct function: they serve as a place for useful little things that must not be forgotten when leaving the house. In bathrooms made in this direction, pipe shelves are popular. Shampoos, shower gels, towels and other toiletries are placed on them. Place products next to the bathroom.

Shelves are a necessary addition to the loft style. Like other furniture, they need to fit into the design correctly. To understand how to do this, you can familiarize yourself with examples of loft interiors.

• Combined shelving made of metal and wood. Looks great against a white brick wall.

• A laconic product in the form of a ladder. Nice place for books and small accessories.

• A shelf with an unusual configuration, the central element of which is a small pot with a plant.

• Wooden model with an interesting geometric shape. Suitable for living room, study, bedroom.

• Shelf with iron elements and accessories matching the loft style.

• High and beautiful solution. Fits perfectly into the bedroom.

• A massive and at the same time airy product with pipes.

• Classic tall cabinet racks. They are able to accommodate everything you need for both work and leisure.

For information on how to make a stylish loft-style shelf with your own hands, see the next video.