Shelves as Partitions

Architect Mason Kirby Inc.
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Open shelves that divide a space provide both storage and partitioning - two birds with one stone! Below are some lovely examples of shelves that are not only furniture but spatial elements providing visual access as well as room definition.
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modern hall by MusaDesign Interior Design
by MusaDesign Interior Design
by MusaDesign Interior Design
Unlike a solid wall, this shelf partition divides the space without compromising visual access, and keeps the feeling of open space and unified rooms.
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modern living room by Griffin Enright Architects
by Griffin Enright Architects
by Griffin Enright Architects
Shelves need not be full height to serve as attractive and practical dividers. her a single low shelf successfully creates two rooms from one.
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modern home office by Ilija Mirceski
by Ilija Mirceski
by Ilija Mirceski
Here the shelves and closet space become more of a solid partition, but the open space above keeps it airy and simple.
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modern kitchen by Hurt Partners Architects
by Hurt Partners Architects
by Hurt Partners Architects
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contemporary home office by Ron Yeo, FAIA Architect
by Ron Yeo, FAIA Architect
by Ron Yeo, FAIA Architect
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modern dining room by Schwartz and Architecture
by Schwartz and Architecture
by Schwartz and Architecture
This simple shelving unit creates a foyer where before there was none.
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modern kitchen by mark gerwing
by mark gerwing
by mark gerwing
The hanging shelves in this kitchen allow natural light in without compromising storage space.
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modern living room by 450 Architects, Inc.
by 450 Architects, Inc.
by 450 Architects, Inc.
These low bookcases mimic the linear hallway and partition off the living room while keeping it central and accessible.
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contemporary living room by Smith & Vansant Architects PC
by Smith & Vansant Architects PC
by Smith & Vansant Architects PC
The bench of this eat-in kitchen handsomely backed by open shelves on the side that can't have windows above.
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contemporary dining room by Freespace Design LLC
by Freespace Design LLC
by Freespace Design LLC
Mixing areas of open shelf and opacity adds spatial interest to these free-standing shelves.
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contemporary bedroom by Smith & Vansant Architects PC
by Smith & Vansant Architects PC
by Smith & Vansant Architects PC
A low headboard with built-in storage creates a space for the bed in this room.
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modern living room by Chr DAUER Architects
by Chr DAUER Architects
by Chr DAUER Architects
Putting shelves in a doorway seems counter-intuitive, but this case of treasures fits perfectly into the progression of spaces here.
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traditional dining room by Bosworth Hoedemaker
by Bosworth Hoedemaker
by Bosworth Hoedemaker
Big kitchen windows bring in lovely light but limit the amount of upper cabinet space available. These open-shelves are certainly an adventurous solution!
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modern entry by Hufft Projects
by Hufft Projects
by Hufft Projects
This is truly more of a partition with a few shelves rather than shelves that create a partition, but the effect is original and modern.
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contemporary kitchen by Mikel Irastorza
by Mikel Irastorza
by Mikel Irastorza
Keeping the shapes varied and the color in step with the wall color gives the objects stored in this partition the appearance of floating.
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hall by Architect Mason Kirby Inc.
by Architect Mason Kirby Inc.
by Architect Mason Kirby Inc.
Lining the stairs with a wall of books is an unexpected source of storage, and turns the stairs themselves into a tiered reading room.
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modern dining room by Hufft Projects
by Hufft Projects
by Hufft Projects
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