Wall shelving systems are used for function and decoration in homes and offices. The variety of styles, materials, colors, and brackets available to mount shelving on your wall or simply place against a wall provides an option for every home and décor. Shelves can be used as a focal point in a room or shelving can take up an entire wall of a room.

Location is critical when it comes to making a decision on the style and type of shelving you want for your walls. Make sure to take measurements before you purchase a shelving system. Do you enjoy rearranging your furniture often? You may want to consider a freestanding shelving unit that will fit on any wall in your living space. Otherwise, a shelving unit mounted into the wall will offer more support and hold heavier objects.

What will you display on your shelves? If you are creating a shelving area for your extensive library, your shelves will need to be very sturdy. Other items such as trinkets, photographs, baskets and favorite collections may not require as much support. Wood or glass shelves are better suited for smaller items, whereas wire shelving will accommodate larger items and linens very well. The more items you can store up and away using wall space means a cleaner and more organized home overall.

Everyone wants their shelving to compliment their décor. A variety of materials are used today to create shelving, so choose ones that will not only serve the function of holding your treasures, but also will blend into and match your existing décor seamlessly. Choose from solid woods of every color and grain, stainless steel, composite, or glass to make your shelving fit your personal style. Shelving comes in every shape as well, whether it be rectangular, round, square, curved, half-moon shaped, or triangular, and can pretty much fit into any and every space.

Wall systems can be freestanding, hanging, modular, adjustable, or fixed, just to name a few options available. There are corner units, floating shelves, hanging shelves, track systems and fully adjustable wall units. The most flexible system is a track system. You can adjust the height of the shelves to accommodate several different sized items. This type of shelving gives you the freedom to frequently change your displays without too much fuss. You can tailor this style of shelving to fit your specific needs.

In the area of hanging shelves, you have several choices when it comes to the style of brackets and hardware. A good rule of thumb is to use hardware well suited to the structure of the existing wall. Wall-mounted shelves with ready-made shelves and adjustable brackets are ideal for the laundry room, pantry, home office or your child's room.

If you prefer a freestanding shelving system for your wall, be sure it is sturdy enough to stand on its own, or somehow secure it to the wall with cables or hooks. This safety precaution will ensure no one will be able to pull it over and securing your wall system will keep your breakables safe as well.

Wall shelving systems can be purchased ready-made or can be custom built to fit your space. Consider corner shelves and every size and shape of wall shelving in order to maximize wall space in every room of your home.