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crystaldawn

Shelves HELP!!:)

13 years ago
I love my shelves however I'm not sure they're working how I placed them...Should I forget my thought of using them to flank the fireplace and maybe set them side by side on one side of the fireplace?

Comments (37)

  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I don't think they "fit" there. Too delicate . Could they flank a sofa or a doorway? They also get lost because the walls are so light.
    Traditional Family Room · More Info
  • 13 years ago
    I think that might look better in an area were they can stand side by side
  • 13 years ago
    ugh I know they are too delicate...my house is small with an open floor plan...I don't have a lot of options for relocating them....may have to consider selling them and starting over;)
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    If you relish them ,why sell them ?
    Why don't you put wall paper at the back of the delicate shelves you love keep the same distance on both sides to scones and then place this delicate shelves there , they will pop .
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    If you relish them ,why sell them ?
    Why don't you put wall paper at the back of the delicate shelves you love keep the same distance on both sides to scones and then place this delicate shelves there , they will pop .
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    The shelves are not only too delicate, they are too tall and therefore conflict with the wall sconces. If you are considering selling them and starting over, look for something that is 3/4 the height of the wall, or at the midpoint of the TV. Shelving with sides and a back will provide the weight necessary to compliment the mass of the columns/fireplace. Units with sides and a back will also present opportunities for painting the inside a complimentary color to pop the items on the shelves.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    My shelves do not have backs or sides, so adding fabric or paper to the back isn't an option Vikrant...thanks though!! @Portal Design do you have any pictures of product ideas that that could help me? I think I know what your saying however I would like to see an idea if you have something??
  • 13 years ago
    Frankly, they look cheap and off-the-shelf. What you're looking for is the built-in feeling and that is going to cost you. However, well worth it. Search "built-in fireplace" under the dropdown "photos" in the box above to get an abundance of inspiration.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I disagree with decoenthu , As A Designer , I think it looks Classy not Cheap,
    So Sorry Crystaldawn ,I saved on typing the back wall , I can be so miserly with typing ,Lol
  • 13 years ago
    Are your shelves adjustable? Can the top shelf and 4 supports be removed? If so I would do just that. Are they wood? If they are, you can go to any big box home improvement store and they can cut a piece of plywood to the necessary dimensions. You can then paint it,, remove everything from your shelf units and lay them flat on the floor, put the painted plywood on top and add a few screws to secure it. It's easier than it sounds!
  • 13 years ago
    what about something like this from RH? I'm thinking the oak drift finish ?? or should I go with something that has a white painted finish?? dimensions for the RH piece is 41w x 77"
  • 13 years ago
    No the shelves were not cheap :) They are made by Noir and Yes they are wood, mahogany with a white washed finish....built ins are an option...i just don't like the cookie cutter builder built in look so I was trying for a more creative ecletic look:) .
  • 13 years ago
    When I look at the second picture of your room, it looks very elegant and well appointed.

    I just think if you go with a shelf unit that's sort of "thin" looking, that doesn't have beautiful moldings it's just not going to workl.
  • 13 years ago
    I totally agree! I'm struggling with this wall...finding something that doesn't compete with the fireplace but doesn't look messy and out of place, maybe I need a complete fireplace surround overhaul and then adding built ins...is the best option...ugh lol
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    See Crystal , when I ask a View I get many so they will keep coming , but everything about your L.room is good and reflects your Fine taste , what I like someone else may not like and that does not change my liking for that thing ....Keep these lovely shelves , still if you want to get rid of them , Please Fedex them to India , My B'day was last week . Lol
  • 13 years ago
    Crystal, what about floating shelves? Two or three on each side under the sconces. Ikea is a great source for these.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I love to hate IKEA but here goes http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80173068 this may be a little short but you could add a small floating shelf above it.
    OR
    This one may be too tall, and the glass doors are just an option. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40176342/#/20176343. The one you posted from RH works too, basically the same idea.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Here is the Hemnes
  • 13 years ago
    Bobbi I thought about those!! they wouldn't compete, they're substantial in size and come in varying lengths....they do not have size or backs obviously but I don't think it would matter...Plus I wouldn't be spending a bunch of $$$...hmmm my wheels are turning:) Thanks!
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks Portal Design!! I thought about Ikea also :)
  • 13 years ago
    Sorry if I was insulting. I knew you weren't looking for "cookie cutter" by the rest of the room, and the shelves reminded me of the plastic snap together ones we used in college dorms. They might be very workable in a young girls room. They have that delicate, feminine look, just not the heft you require to flank the fp.
  • 13 years ago
    I wasn't insulted:) but thank you for your in put...
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Remove white shelving all together.
    Visually elongate that wall.
    Consider floating some long darker wood shelfs, randomly placed on either side of the fireplace.
    Can't see the sides of the room, but can you build 2 18" stoops (low walls) on both sides of fireplace.
  • 13 years ago
    yes I have plenty of room on both sides of the fireplace,,,not sure what you mean by stoop walls? do you have a picture for an example? dark floating shelves? dark brown? black? of a reclaimed look?
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I found some floating shelves at Ikea a while back. Might still have them. Maybe 42" long . Invisible hardware. Dark brown. Also, the stoop would be more of an extended hearth just raised. If I find a photo, I will send it. If only i could sketch it on this posting....
  • 13 years ago
    I agree with comment Deborah. Built-ins will enhance the area. I suggest 2 duplicate pieces flanking both sides, with closed shelving on the bottom in glass or wood fronts, and open shelving above. It will give you the weight you need to enhance the fireplace. This would all be done in white.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Remove them. They look to me like pvc pipe shelving. The fireplace is beautiful. and the room is decorated nicely. The shelves take away form its beauty. Built-ins will look better and enhance the fireplace and room.
  • 13 years ago
    my picture must be really bad lol heres a close up..
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I like the shelves & would work with them. Ideas: Paint fireplace area behind TV the same light tan as walls. I think FP is too stark white. Add matching white pottery to top of shelves.
    Living Room Fireplace · More Info


    Style shelves with larger items, & have some green plants on some of the shelves.
    Great Room · More Info



    Here are 2 articles -Ideabooks- on shelf styling http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9874/list/How-to-Arrange-Shelves-with-Style https://www.houzz.com/magazine/11-styling-tips-for-shelves-youll-love-stsetivw-vs~490100
  • 13 years ago
    Oh wow thank you for all the ideas!! The area behind the tv is open, it's recessed into the wall
  • 13 years ago
    Not directly behind the TV!...the white area that is "framing" the TV.
  • 13 years ago
    Oh! Ok
  • 13 years ago
    lol. I'd try the shelves so they are between the FP & the sconces. Now, shelves seem closer to the FP.
  • 13 years ago
    You're so helpful!! Thank you very much!!:)
  • 13 years ago
    Those are nice shelves, but for a different spot. Could they hold towels and accessories in a bath room? Or placed inside a walk in closet to hold sweaters?