Shelves, Cupboards, and Drawers – why choosing the right one makes a difference.
In our quest for an organised and clutter-free living space, the choice of storage solutions plays a crucial role. Shelves, cupboards, and drawers are three popular options, and they might feel a little interchangeable. Understanding their characteristics and knowing when to use them can significantly enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your home. But how do you know which one you should opt for? Let’s explore the distinctive advantages of shelves, cupboards, and drawers, so you can make the best decision in terms of style and functionality.
Image Credit: Optimise Design
Shelves
Shelves are great when you have decorative, statement items worthy of display, such as frames, vases, and small sculptures. They create an inviting atmosphere and can be utilized to enhance the aesthetics of a room.
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Shelves optimise vertical space, making them ideal for small rooms or areas with limited floor space. They maximise storage capacity without encroaching on valuable floor space.
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They are great for accessibility, offering quick and easy access for frequently used items. However, when it comes to functional storage, they are not the best option for small, bitsy items that don’t hold themselves up well. Often, shelves create an additional need for baskets and boxes to hide smaller objects that might be better suited in cupboards or drawers.
Cupboards
Cupboards are ideal for storing items that do not require frequent access, valuable belongings that need protection, or when you prefer a streamlined and concealed storage solution. They are great for stacks and collections that don’t necessarily have any ‘display appeal’, such as folders, linen, board games and cleaning equipment.
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Cupboards offer the flexibility to incorporate shelves, dividers, and compartments, allowing you to customise the storage space based on your specific needs. This enhances efficiency and organisation. By enclosing stored items, cupboards shield them from dust, sunlight, and potential damage. This is especially important for delicate or valuable possessions.
Image Credit: Kingston Lafferty Design
Though, as is the case with shelves, cupboards are also not ideal for small items like stationery and cutlery that require additional storage solutions to keep them together. Save cupboards for larger items that you don’t want to clutter the aesthetic of your space.
Drawers
Drawers are well-suited for organizing smaller items, optimizing space in compact areas, or when you desire a streamlined and uncluttered visual aesthetic. Short items such as staplers, paperclips and utensils that can’t be stacked, would be a waste of the vertical space offered by shelves and cupboards.
Image Credit: String System Workspace by Arrival Hall
Drawers offer the ability to categorise and compartmentalise various items. With the aid of dividers or trays, they enable efficient organisation, ensuring everything has its designated place. The diversity of options ranging from tallboys to single-drawer side tables, gives us countless opportunities to minimise visual clutter in a way that suits any room.
Image Source: Apt M93 - Designed by Joanna Laven, Studio Lawahl - Photo by Kristofer Johnsson
When it comes to storage solutions, shelves, cupboards, and drawers each offer distinct advantages. Shelves excel in accessibility and display, cupboards provide concealed storage and protection, while drawers are the go-to for smaller collections in any room. Whether you seek functionality, aesthetics, or a balance between the two, leveraging these storage solutions will help you create an organised and harmonious living space.
