Rafturi

Rafturi, the Romanian term for shelves, are horizontal flat surfaces used to store, display, and organize items. They can be fixed to walls, integrated into furniture, or installed as freestanding units such as bookshelves. The word refers to shelves in Romanian but is widely used in many contexts to describe similar storage surfaces.

Materials commonly used include wood (solid timber, plywood, MDF), metal (steel, aluminum), and occasionally glass or durable plastics. Finishes range from natural wood and veneered surfaces to painted, lacquered, or powder-coated options. The choice of material and finish affects durability, load capacity, and aesthetics.

Types and configurations include wall-mounted floating shelves with hidden brackets, standard bracket-supported shelves, corner shelves that fit into room corners, and modular or ladder-style systems. Freestanding options include bookcases, cube shelves, and open-shelving units. Mounting can be wall-fastened or freestanding, and load-bearing depends on wall structure and hardware.

History and use: Shelving appears in various historical periods, from ancient wooden shelves in households to elaborate library shelving in the modern era. Today shelves are used in homes for books and decor, in offices for files and supplies, in kitchens for dishes and pantry items, and in retail environments for merchandise display.

Care and maintenance: Regular dusting and cleaning with appropriate wipes; protect wood from excessive moisture; use coasters for glass or decorative items; tighten fittings periodically; check wall anchors and brackets for signs of wear. For metal shelves, apply rust protection as needed.