Not Costco, Not IKEA: The Custom Shelves That Will Let You Use More Vertical Space

If you're short on storage, the answer to creating much-needed additional space might be more shelves that take advantage of unused wall space. If you don't have a closet or pantry with built-in shelves, there are plenty of options for adding extra shelf space to uncommon areas of the home or to your high-traffic areas. Your search for shelving might lead you to tiered storage shelves from big-box stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco, or IKEA. But instead of going for a fixed-width storage shelving unit, The Container Store's Elfa shelving system can be customized to your home. You can put the shelves right where you want them and take advantage of the vertical space you have available.

The Container Store has become well-known for its pricey but worthwhile Elfa closet system, but even if you're not planning a closet overhaul, the Elfa shelves are worth considering. One reviewer at The Container Store says, "I can't say enough about Elfa shelving. There are less expensive solutions available, but not with the value of Elfa. It is easy to install, easy to reconfigure, has lots of storage options, and looks good installed." The wire shelving starts at $26 for a 12-by-18-inch shelf, but you'll may choose to add other components like the track-hanging system. Compared to other types of linen closet shelves, the wire material also allows for ventilation and air circulation, even when used in enclosed spaces. And because Elfa shelves are wall-mounted, you won't need to sacrifice floor space.

The modularity of Elfa shelves is a big part of the system's appeal, especially for maximizing vertical space. You can add shelves as you need them to otherwise tough-to-use spaces like over closet rails or in corners. While many shelving units have fixed dimensions, Elfa's shelves can be cut to the length you need and hung at the height that suits your needs. As a case in point, consider what this reviewer had to say, "We've have installed the classic Elfa system five times and just love how modular it is...Once installed, it's almost addictive to keep adding to it." 

Elfa shelves have a reputation for durability. The Elfa epoxy-bonded steel shelves are rated for 100 pounds per linear foot. By comparison, IKEA's BOAXEL solid shelves are rated for about 53 pounds across a nearly 2-foot-wide shelf. Elfa's extra weight capacity means you can load the shelves with heavier objects with less worry about the system giving out under the load. Another impressed reviewer offers this proof regarding the durability of Elfa, "These are very strong shelves compared to many other brands. They do not flex under load, and the coating does not chip off."

If you need to add more shelves down the road, you can easily do so. Just keep in mind that cutting the strong wire shelves can be tricky to do yourself. The store will cut them to a custom length, but some reviewers complain about rough edges and a tight fit into the installation brackets.