Shelving Unit Buying Guide: Sizes, Depths and Materials

Start with three numbers: the height of the wall you have, the depth of floor you can spare and the size of the largest item you want to store. Those measurements narrow the field quickly. For a typical UK living room, a shelving unit around 180cm tall, 80cm wide and 30 to 35cm deep holds books and display pieces comfortably while leaving the room easy to walk through.

Material comes next, and it affects strength, weight and how the unit looks over time. This guide walks through each decision in order, so you can compare our shelving units UK sale range with a clear idea of what you need. Because most shelving ends up in the lounge, it also helps to see how a unit will sit alongside the rest of your modern living room furniture UK.

Height: Matching the Unit to Your Wall

Shelving units broadly fall into three height bands, and each behaves differently in a room.

Low units, around 70 to 110cm

Low units sit below most window sills and work well under a window, behind a sofa or as a bedside alternative. They offer a usable top surface and keep sightlines open, which helps small rooms feel larger.

Medium units, around 120 to 160cm

These suit rooms with sloping ceilings, loft conversions and spaces where you want to hang art above the unit. The top shelf stays within easy reach for most adults, which makes them practical for things you use often.

Tall units, around 170 to 200cm and above

Tall units make the most of vertical space and are where you gain real capacity. In older houses with high ceilings they balance the proportions of the room. In modern homes with lower ceilings, leave at least 20 to 30cm between the top of the unit and the ceiling so it does not feel squeezed in.

Whatever the height, check for coving, picture rails, light switches and window frames before deciding. A unit that clips a picture rail rarely sits flush against the wall.

Width: Filling the Space Without Overpowering It

Width is about proportion as much as storage. A unit that is too narrow for its wall can look lost, while one that fills every centimetre can feel built in, which is fine in an alcove but heavy on an open wall.

As a working rule, aim for the unit to cover between half and two thirds of a feature wall, or to sit with a small, even gap either side in an alcove. Around 5cm each side gives an alcove fit a tidy, considered look and allows for walls that are slightly out of true, which is common in period properties.

Narrow units of 40 to 60cm wide are useful beside a door, at the end of a kitchen run or in a bathroom. Wider units of 120cm and over often come as two or three bays joined together, which can be easier to carry up stairs and position.

Depth: The Measurement People Overlook

Depth decides what your shelves can hold and how much they intrude into the room. It is worth more thought than it usually gets.

• 20 to 25cm: enough for paperbacks, small ornaments and spices. Suits hallways, landings and narrow rooms where every centimetre counts.
• 28 to 35cm: the most versatile depth. Holds hardback books, vinyl records, framed photographs and most decorative pieces.
• 38 to 45cm: takes storage baskets, box files, folded blankets and larger ceramics. Better for home offices, playrooms and utility areas.

Measure the largest item you intend to store and add a couple of centimetres. Then check how the depth affects your walkway. In a narrow lounge, a 45cm deep unit opposite a sofa can make the route through the room feel tight, while a 30cm unit leaves comfortable space. If you need deep, enclosed capacity rather than open shelves, our wider storage furniture UK range includes cabinets and units with doors.

Shelf Spacing and Adjustability

Shelf spacing matters as much as overall size. Standard paperbacks need about 20cm of clear height, hardbacks 25 to 30cm, and records or large art books 33cm or more. Fixed shelves set too close together will limit you to small items.

Adjustable shelves on pegs or tracks give flexibility as your needs change. They are particularly useful in family homes where a unit might hold toys one year and books the next. For a detailed look at heights and spacing, our guide to display cabinet dimensions and shelf spacing in UK homes covers the same principles in more depth.

Materials: Strength, Look and Upkeep

Solid wood

Solid oak, walnut and pine offer strength and character. Thick solid shelves resist bowing under heavy books, and the surface can be refreshed if it becomes marked. Solid wood is heavier, so it is worth thinking about how the unit will reach the room.

Veneer and engineered board

A real wood veneer over a stable core gives the appearance of timber with less movement and weight. Good veneered units are very durable. Check shelf thickness: around 18mm or more helps prevent sagging over longer spans.

Metal

Steel frames are slim and strong, giving an open, industrial look. They pair well with wooden or glass shelves and suit lofts, kitchens and home offices. Look for a powder coated finish, which resists chipping.

Glass

Toughened glass shelves let light pass through, so the unit almost disappears. They suit display rather than heavy storage. Weight limits depend on glass thickness and shelf span, and our article on glass shelf load limits for UK display furniture explains how to judge this sensibly.

High gloss and lacquered finishes

Gloss surfaces reflect light and look crisp in modern interiors. They wipe clean easily but show fingerprints, so they work best for display shelves rather than heavily handled storage.

Thinking About Weight

Books are heavier than most people expect, and a full shelf of hardbacks places a real load on any unit. Rather than relying on a single figure, look at three things together: the shelf material, its thickness and the distance between supports. A thick shelf on a short span will carry far more than a thin shelf stretched across a wide bay.

If you plan to store a large book or record collection, favour units with central supports or narrower bays. Manufacturers often state a maximum load per shelf, and it is sensible to stay comfortably within it. Lighter decorative pieces can go on wider or glass shelves without concern.

Open, Closed or a Mix

Fully open units are best for display and quick access. Units with cupboards or drawers at the base hide clutter and add stability by keeping weight low. In busy family rooms, a mix is often the most practical: closed storage below for toys, chargers and paperwork, open shelves above for books and decoration.

If concealed storage is the priority, look for units where the closed section takes up at least the lower third of the frame. That proportion gives meaningful hidden space while keeping the upper shelves free for display.

Choosing for Each Room

Different rooms ask different things of a shelving unit. Use these pointers as a starting point:

• Living room: 30 to 35cm deep, tall or medium height, wood or veneer for warmth. Repeat the timber tone of your coffee table or TV unit for a coordinated look.
• Home office: 35 to 40cm deep for files and boxes, adjustable shelves, metal or veneer frames.
• Bedroom: lower units to avoid a looming presence near the bed, with a closed section for personal items.
• Hallway: shallow units of 25cm or less, fixed securely to the wall.
• Bathroom: moisture resistant materials such as metal, glass or sealed finishes, kept away from direct splashes.

Safety and Installation

Any shelving unit over about 100cm tall should be fixed to the wall using the anti tip fittings supplied. This is especially important in homes with children or pets. Use fixings suited to your wall type: plasterboard, solid brick and lath and plaster all need different plugs.

Load heavy items on the lower shelves and lighter decorative pieces higher up. Spread weight evenly across each shelf rather than concentrating it in the middle. Check fixings once or twice a year, particularly after moving the unit.

A Quick Checklist Before You Choose

• Measure wall height, width and available floor depth
• Note radiators, sockets, skirting, coving and window frames
• Measure the tallest and deepest items you want to store
• Decide on open, closed or mixed storage
• Choose a material that suits the room and the load
• Check doorways and stairs for delivery access

Once you have your numbers, you can browse and compare designs across the full range at Furniture in Fashion. We offer free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes, and Returns are available up to 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a standard shelving unit depth?

Most living room shelving units are between 28 and 35cm deep. This holds books and display pieces without taking up too much floor space.

How do I stop shelves from sagging?

Choose thicker shelves, shorter spans between supports and solid wood or quality engineered board. Keep the heaviest items close to the uprights rather than in the centre of each shelf.

Are glass shelves strong enough for books?

Toughened glass can hold a modest number of books, but it is better suited to display. For a full book collection, wood or metal shelves are the more practical choice.

Do I need to fix a shelving unit to the wall?

Tall units should always be fixed to the wall with suitable fittings. It keeps the unit stable and prevents it from tipping if a shelf is pulled.