Wood shelves offer a sleek, classic look that can make your home feel timeless. If you’re storing anything from decorative vases to trinkets and other memorabilia, this type of shelving will add depth and visual interest to your home. But not all wood is created equal, so it’s important to choose the right material for your shelving project. Keep reading to learn more about what makes different types of wood a good choice for shelves, as well as how thick the wood should be and other vital factors to consider when selecting your materials.
Unlike some other materials, solid wood shelves are a timeless and durable option. They’re also easy to maintain with some simple dusting and polishing. Wood is a natural material, so it can take on a beautiful patina over time, as well. The varying grains and color tones of different woods can also create an eye-catching aesthetic that can help your shelves stand out in any space.
Oak shelves are a popular choice for those looking to add an elegant touch to their homes. With a gorgeous deep brown color that gets richer over time, this type of hardwood is a great choice for those who want to achieve a classic and timeless look with their shelving. Oak is also a very sturdy and durable species of wood, so it’s up to the task of handling most any weight that might be placed on your shelves.
Cherry wood shelves are another timeless option that can add a pop of color to any space. With reddish-brown tones and a light pink color, this type of wood is quite durable and also relatively easy to work with. It’s worth noting that there is a lot of variation in coloring between cherry boards, so you may need to stain your shelves to ensure consistency.
Maple shelves are another common choice for those looking to add a modern touch to their homes. This type of wood is incredibly strong and dense, with a smooth surface that easily accepts and holds paint. It’s also a great choice for long shelf surfaces, as it dries into a straight-grained material that provides uniform appearance for lengthy runs of shelving. Maple can even feature some interesting figuring, including bird’s eye, burl, and fiddleback patterns that can add visual interest to your storage solutions.
Particle board shelves are a more budget-friendly option that can still provide plenty of strength for most shelving projects. It’s made from sawdust or other fine particles bonded together with adhesives, which helps to reduce wastage and is easy to cut into shapes for shelving. It can be stained or painted for a more customized aesthetic, but it’s not ideal for shelving that will need to support a heavy amount of weight.
For a more sustainable option, consider these eco-friendly wooden shelves from Formr. Made from recycled wood, this type of shelving is a great way to give back to the community while beautifying your home. These shelves are available in a variety of colors, including versatile neutrals like seadrift and rustic wood. They’re also a great choice for those who are looking to display their most prized trinkets, as they won’t be damaged by water or heat.