General Guidelines for The Right Height to Hang Shelves
Since we have painted and upgraded the house a little, I have been very careful with making the right choices for hanging things on my walls. I did an online search for guidelines for the right height to hang shelves the other day. In my research I found the eHow gave me the best advice. I thought it was valuable so I thought I’d pass it on along with my own insights!
General Guidelines I learned:
- For hanging shelves above a couch, measure 10” above the back of the couch.
- When hanging shelves on a hallway wall, measure up from the floor 5-6 feet.
- For hanging shelves on a dining room or living room wall, measure up from the floor 4-4.5 feet.
What You Will Need:
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I started by measuring the width of the wall space and the width of the shelf. I wanted it centered so I subtracted the shelf width (from the screw holes) from the wall width and divided by 2. The remainder is the distance between the ends the shelf and the wall. I also measured 4.5 feet from the floor.
With the help of my husband, I had him hold the shelf in place while I used a free level app on my iPhone to make sure the shelf was straight. This one from Ridgid did the job, but any level app (or level) will do. I used a pencil to mark where the screws should be placed and screwed in the first (bottom) shelf.
For the second shelf, I had in mind what knick knacks I wanted to put on top of it, and decided on placing it 16 inches above the second shelf. At the very minimum, your shelves should be at least 12 inches apart. However there are exceptions, depending on the use. It can range from 8″ to 16″. Again, I used the level to make sure it was straight. It looks a little off in the picture, but I blame that on my picture taking skills. Ha! I promise you, they are straight!
Take-Aways:
- Download any free level app; it’ll make your project much easier.
- In my opinion, the general measurement guidelines above were perfect!
Other Suggested Height Guidelines
- The shelf height above a desk should be 22″ to 24″.
- A cabinet or shelf above a toilet should be about 2 feet above the tank.
- Shelves above a kitchen counter should be about 18″ to 23″, with about 15″ in between shelves.
Other Helpful DIY Tips and Tricks
You may also like this YouTube video I made on how to upgrade your switch plates with fabric! I’d love it i you subscribed! Thank you in advance!
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on February 07, 2024
Finding the Ideal Shelf Setup
When it comes to optimising the storage in your garage, one of the key elements to consider is shelf spacing. Shelf spacing or the number of shelves per storage unit can make a world of difference in maximizing your garage's storage potential. In this post, we'll explore the ins and outs of garage shelf spacing, offering valuable insights to help you achieve the perfect setup for your needs.
Why Is Garage Shelf Spacing Important?
Before going into specifics, let's understand why shelf spacing matters:
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Efficiency: Proper spacing ensures the efficient use of space, allowing you to store more items while keeping them accessible.
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Safety: Well-spaced shelves reduce the risk of items falling or becoming disorganized, so promoting a safer garage environment.
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Organization: Finding the right balance between shelf height and gaps between shelves is essential for keeping your garage tidy and organized.
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Versatility: The ideal shelf spacing accommodates various item sizes, from small tools to large plastic tubs and everything in between.
7 Steps to Determine the Ideal Garage Shelf Spacing
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Inventory Assessment: Begin by taking stock of what you plan to store in your garage. Categorize like items together e.g. sporting equipment, tools etc. Then break them down by size, weight, and frequency of use. This will help you understand your storage needs better.
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Draw a plan of Your Garage: Measure the dimensions of your garage, including height, width, and depth. Draw up a floorplan and plan of the storage along the walls and allocate your item categories to specific areas of the garage. Allow space to move around the car and account for any obstacles like garage door mechanisms, lighting fixtures, or outlets that may affect shelf placement.
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Shelving Unit Selection: Choose appropriate shelving units that match your garage dimensions and storage requirements. Adjustable longspan shelving units
, like the one shown below,
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Spacing Between Shelves: Consider the following guidelines:
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Heavy Items: For heavier items like power tools, paint cans, or car parts, aim for a shelf spacing of 30-45cm. This ensures stability and easy access.
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Medium Items: Items like storage bins, gardening supplies, or camping gear can have shelves spaced 45-60cm apart.
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Light and Bulky Items: Leave larger gaps of 60-90cm for lighter, bulkier items like sports equipment or Christmas decorations.
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Accessibility: Go as high as you can with your shelving units, while still ensuring that the top shelf allows enough clearance for taller items. Also make sure the lower lower shelves are placed for easy access.
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Future Expansion: Leave some room for growth. Garage storage needs tend to evolve, so having extra shelf space available can prevent overcrowding.
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Safety Measures: Anchor your shelving units securely to the floor or the wall to prevent accidents, especially if you're storing heavy or potentially hazardous items on an uneven floor.
In Summary
Achieving the ideal shelf spacing for your garage is crucial for maintaining a well-organized and functional space. By following the 7 steps above and tailoring your shelving setup to your specific needs, you can transform your garage into an efficient and clutter-free zone that enhances its overall functionality.
The key to getting you shelf spacing right is striking a balance between accessibility, safety, and the efficient use of space. Once balanced, your garage can become a well-organized space where you can easily find and store your belongings.