Shelving

Shelving is a system of horizontal surfaces used to store, organize, and display items. Shelves are supported by brackets, uprights, wall surfaces, or freestanding frames, and can be fixed or adjustable. Shelving is used in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings to maximize storage efficiency and access.

Common types include wall-mounted shelves, which attach to walls with brackets or tracks; freestanding units such as bookcases and utility shelves; and modular or adjustable systems that use perforated uprights and removable shelves. Corner and display shelves vary in depth and load capacity to accommodate different objects. In specialized settings, shelving may include wire racks, cantilever systems, or industrial pallet racking.

Materials used for shelving range from wood (solid wood, plywood, particleboard or MDF) to metal (steel, aluminum) and plastics or glass for display purposes. Many systems combine materials to balance aesthetics and strength.

Applications vary by sector. In homes, shelving serves as book storage, kitchen pantries, closet organization, and garage or workshop storage. In libraries and archives, regulated shelving supports durable, evenly spaced supports with standardized dimensions. Offices use filing and storage systems, while warehouses rely on heavy-duty racking and pallet systems. Shelving often incorporates adjustable shelves, allowing reconfiguration without replacing units, and may include features such as adjustable shelf pins, back panels, doors, or locking mechanisms.

Key considerations include load capacity, shelf depth and width, mounting method, accessibility, and safety. Proper installation requires suitable anchors and avoidance of overloading. In seismic regions, bracing and anchorage are important to prevent collapse during earthquakes.