To choose shelving units for a city flat, start with the floor plan rather than the furniture. Measure the walls that are genuinely free, decide whether each unit needs to store, display or divide space, and favour slim, tall designs with open backs that let light travel through the room. In most flats the most useful shelving is shallow, fixed safely to the wall where your tenancy allows, and light enough to move when you do.
Our modern shelving units UK collection includes compact towers, open frame bookcases and units that work as room dividers, all of which suit flat living. Below, we work through the questions to ask before you choose, from layout and light to renting and moving day.
City flats bring a particular set of constraints. Open plan living areas often combine kitchen, dining and lounge in one room. Walls are frequently interrupted by large windows, radiators, sockets and doors. Ceilings in purpose built blocks can be lower than in houses, while flats in converted period buildings may have very high ceilings but awkward alcoves and sloping walls.
Access is another consideration. Lifts, narrow communal corridors and tight turns on stairs all affect what you can bring in. A shelving unit that arrives flat packed or in sections is far easier to get into a fourth floor flat than a large assembled piece.
Shelving needs to sit comfortably within the rest of your modern living room furniture UK layout, which usually means working around a sofa, a television and perhaps a small dining table, all within the same space.
Walk around the flat with a tape measure and note every stretch of wall that has no door, window, radiator or switch in the way. You may find there are fewer than you think. Mark the width of each free section and the height to the ceiling.
Then consider the space in front of each wall. In a flat, the walkway in front of a shelving unit is often also the route to the kitchen, bathroom or front door. Aim to keep at least 70 to 90 centimetres clear in front of the unit so people can pass easily, and more where doors open into the same space.
Corners are often overlooked. A corner shelving unit can make use of an angle that would otherwise hold nothing, and a tall unit in a corner draws less attention than one in the middle of a wall.
Every unit in a small home should earn its place. Be clear about the main job before you choose a design.
If a single unit has to do several jobs, choose one with a mix of open and closed storage. Baskets on the lower shelves and open display above is a simple approach that works in most flats.
In an open plan flat or a studio, shelving can help create distinct zones. A unit placed at right angles to a wall can mark the edge of a living area, screen a desk or separate a bed from the rest of the room. Open backed designs are the key here, as they define the space while still letting light through from the windows.
Make sure a dividing unit is stable from both sides, as it may be approached from either direction. Some designs are made specifically for this purpose and are finished on all faces. If you need a lighter or movable screen, our modern room dividers UK offer an alternative that folds away when you need the full room.
Natural light is valuable in a city flat, particularly on lower floors or in buildings with close neighbours. Avoid placing tall, solid units directly beside windows where they will cast shadows across the room. Open frames, slim metal uprights and pale finishes all help to keep the space bright.
White, pale grey and light oak finishes reflect more light than dark wood. Glass shelves are almost invisible and suit displays in small spaces. If you love darker finishes, use them on smaller units or lower pieces so the room does not feel enclosed.
Tall units use vertical space efficiently and leave more floor free, which is useful in small rooms. Low units keep sightlines open and offer a surface for lamps and plants. Wall mounted shelves free up the floor entirely and suit kitchens, bathrooms and spaces above desks.
In many flats, a mix works best. A tall bookcase in a corner, a low unit beneath a window and a couple of wall shelves in the kitchen can together provide far more storage than one large piece. Our modern bookcases UK range includes slim designs that fit narrow walls well.
Many people in city flats rent, which brings its own considerations. Check your tenancy agreement before drilling, as some landlords allow small fixings for safety purposes while others prefer no holes at all. Tall units should still be secured where possible, and a single discreet wall strap is usually acceptable if you discuss it first.
Freestanding units that are easy to dismantle are the most practical choice for renters. They move with you and adapt to different layouts. Our guide to TV unit ideas for a rented UK flat covers similar thinking for media furniture and is worth reading alongside this article.
Hallways in flats are usually narrow, and in many buildings they form part of the route out of the flat in an emergency. Keep shelving here shallow and well clear of the front door, and avoid anything that could fall or block the way. Our article on hallway furniture and fire escape routes in UK flats explains how to keep these spaces both useful and safe.
A slim wall shelf for keys and post, or a narrow unit in a recess, is often enough. Larger storage is better placed in the main living area or bedroom.
Engineered wood with a quality finish is light, stable and practical for most flats. It copes well with central heating and is easy to carry up stairs. Metal frames are strong and slim, which is helpful in tight spaces. Solid wood brings warmth and lasts well but is heavier, so it is worth considering how you will move it in and out.
In kitchens and bathrooms, choose materials that cope with moisture, such as powder coated metal or sealed finishes, and keep shelves away from direct steam.
In a flat, shelving is always on show, so styling matters. A few principles keep it looking calm:
Keep the heaviest and largest items low, and lighter, decorative objects higher up. This looks more balanced and keeps the unit stable.
Before you order, check the size of the lift, the width of communal doors and any building rules on deliveries. Flat packed units can usually be carried easily, but take the largest panel dimensions into account. Assemble the unit in the room where it will stand, and keep the fixings and instructions somewhere safe for the next move.
When you are ready to choose, you can explore space conscious shelving, storage and living room furniture at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
Tall, slim and open backed units are usually the most effective. They use vertical space, keep the floor clear and let light pass through, which helps a small room feel larger.
Yes. Choose an open backed unit that is finished on both sides and stable from either direction. Place heavier items on the lower shelves to keep it steady.
Tall units should be secured for safety. Speak to your landlord first, as most will agree to a small fixing for a safety strap.
A depth of 25 to 30 centimetres suits most books and objects. In hallways and narrow spaces, shallower shelves of 15 to 20 centimetres are more comfortable.
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