1. Introduction
1.1 What is a Floor Rack?
Simply put, a floor rack is a shelf-type furniture that is placed directly on the ground to store, display or support items. It is not as closed and heavy as a wall mount, and its core features are open (or semi-open) design, easy to assemble, and can be flexibly adapted to different space sizes. Whether it is a corner of a small apartment or a functional area of a large apartment, you can see it.
1.2 Versatility and home value of floor shelves
Many people think that the ground shelf is just a “shelf for putting things”, but in fact it is an “all-rounder” of home space. It can not only solve the pain points of debris accumulation, but also act as a decorative carrier, and even divide the space function – for example, the living room uses it to separate the sofa area and the reading area, and the bedroom uses it to replace the bedside table, which has both practical and aesthetic value. According to data from the home furnishing industry, the rational use of floor shelves can increase the utilization rate of home space by more than 30%, which is also the core reason why it has become a must-have for modern home furnishings.
1.3 Purpose and structure of this paper
This article aims to help you understand the floor shelves in a comprehensive way, from types and design materials to functional applications to practical selection tips. Whether you want to find a home for books, a home for green plants, or simply want to make your home tidier, you can find a suitable solution after reading this article.
2. Types of ground shelves: “exclusive models” to adapt to different needs
The type division of the ground shelf is very clear, the core is according to the purpose of distinction, and the design focus of different types is also different, the following table will help you quickly sort it out:
Type | Core use | Design features: | Practical case |
|---|---|---|---|
Bookshelf | Store books, magazines, ornaments | Adjustable spacing of shelves and strong load-bearing capacity (single-layer shelf load-bearing ≥ 15kg) | My study uses a multi-layer wooden bookshelf with adjustable floor height, which can not only hold large hardcover books, but also stuff small pocket books, and the top floor can also be used to place photo frames |
Storage rack | Store miscellaneous items, clothes, kitchen utensils, etc | It can be matched with drawers and storage boxes, and the partition is clear | The kitchen uses metal storage racks to put pots and pans, and after placing them in layers, the stove will no longer be messy, and it is easy to access |
Plant stand | Place all kinds of green plants | Multi-layer staggered design, good ventilation, reserved watering space | A stepped plant stand is placed on the balcony, succulents, pothos, and ficus are placed in layers, which do not take up space and allow each pot of flowers to bask in the sun |
Shoe rack | Store shoes against dust and moisture | The shelves are tilted and have many ventilation holes, and the height is suitable for different shoe types | The metal shoe rack at the entrance door can hold 12 pairs of shoes, and the bottom leaves space for the sweeping robot to pass through, and there are no dead ends when cleaning |
Special purpose racks | Exclusive storage of fitness equipment, musical instruments, tools, etc | Customized design, strong load-bearing, fit the shape of the item | The gym uses a special ground rack to place yoga mats and small dumbbells, and after classifying and placing them, students can take and return them in a more orderly manner |
3. Design and materials of the ground shelf: choose the right one to be versatile
3.1 Common materials: each has its own advantages and disadvantages, choose according to your needs
The material of the ground shelf directly determines its load-bearing, durability and style, and the characteristics of different materials are distinct:
- Wood: high appearance, good texture, suitable for a variety of home styles. It is divided into solid wood (such as oak and pine) and board (such as particle board, density board), solid wood is load-bearing and durable, but the price is high; The plate is cost-effective and suitable for friends with limited budgets. Note: Wooden shelves should be avoided in humid environments (such as bathroom doors) and should be treated with moisture-proof.
- Metal: Excellent load-bearing capacity (single-layer laminate can bear up to 20-30kg), moisture-resistant and wear-resistant, suitable for wet areas such as kitchens and balconies. Common materials include iron, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys, among which stainless steel has the best rust prevention effect, but the price is slightly higher.
- Plastic: Lightweight and portable, inexpensive, and colorful. However, the load-bearing capacity is weak (suitable for placing light objects), and the durability is average, making it suitable for temporary use or rental parties.
3.2 Design style: It looks good when it fits the home
The style of the ground shelf should be unified with the overall home style, otherwise it will look abrupt:
- Modern and simple style: the lines are simple, mostly black, white and gray, and the material is mainly metal + plate, which is suitable for Nordic style and minimalist style home.
- Retro style: mostly made of solid wood, with carving and aging technology, suitable for American and French retro homes.
- Industrial style: mainly made of metal, with black and dark gray, the design is rough, suitable for industrial style and loft apartment types.
- Pastoral style: mostly wood or rattan materials, fresh colors (such as white, light wood), suitable for pastoral style and Japanese home.
3.3 Selection tips: Choose the right ground frame in three steps
- Clarify the purpose: Think clearly about what to put (books, green plants or shoes) first, and then determine the load-bearing needs and size. For example, for large books, choose a bookshelf with a height of ≥ 30cm and a single-layer shelf load-bearing ≥ 15kg.
- Measure space: Measure the length, width and height of the placement to avoid buying too much or wasting space if you buy too small. For example, the shoe rack at the entrance door should consider whether opening the door will be obstructed.
- Matching style: Choose materials and colors according to the overall style of the home, such as Nordic-style homes, and give preference to simple models with white plates + metal brackets.
4. The function and application of the ground shelf: not only storage
4.1 Improve space utilization
The biggest headache for small apartments is the lack of space, and the ground shelf can make full use of vertical space. For example, in a small bedroom of 10 square meters, a bookshelf with a height of 1.8m can not only hold books, but also place ornaments, saving more floor space than traditional bookcases. According to actual measurements, a 1m wide and 1.8m high floor shelf can replace the storage capacity of 2 traditional bedside tables.
4.2 Organization and storage solutions
Ground shelves keep clutter in order. For example, the remote control, magazines, and children’s toys in the living room are classified and placed with storage shelves with drawers, and the living room is instantly tidy; The pots and tableware in the kitchen are placed in layers with multi-layer metal storage shelves, and the countertop will no longer be messy. I used to help my friend transform a small apartment, using 3 different types of floor shelves to solve the storage problem of the living room, kitchen, and bedroom.
4.3 Decoration and beautification of space
The ground shelf itself is a “decoration”. For example, put a stepped plant stand in the living room, full of green plants; A retro solid wood bookshelf is placed in the study room, and books and ornaments can not only show personality, but also enhance the style of the space. Many home bloggers will use the ground shelf to create an “Internet celebrity corner”, which shows its decorative value.
4.4 Flexibility and Mobility
Unlike fixed cabinets, most floor shelves are easy to assemble and can be easily moved. For example, renters can directly take it apart when moving; If you want to change the layout of your home, you can directly move the floor shelf to a new position without having to disassemble it. Some ground shelves also have wheels for easier movement.
5. Yigu (purchasing agent) point of view
As a senior purchasing agent, I recommend that when choosing a floor shelf, give priority to “material + cost performance”. In household scenarios, the combination of solid wood + metal bracket is the optimal solution, taking into account both appearance and durability; commercial (such as gyms, convenience stores) prefer stainless steel, which has strong load-bearing capacity and is easy to clean. When purchasing, it should be noted that the connection of the high-quality ground shelf will have a reinforced design, and the edges of the shelves will be hemmed to avoid scratching your hands. In addition, bulk procurement can be directly connected to the factory, which can save 20%-30% of the cost, and can also customize the size and color to adapt to the needs of special scenarios.
6. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the load-bearing capacity of the ground shelf?
The load-bearing capacity of different materials and sizes of floor shelves is different: the plastic single-layer shelf has a load capacity of about 2-5kg, which is suitable for placing light objects; The board model is about 8-15kg, suitable for books and clothes; The metal model is about 15-30kg, suitable for heavy objects such as pots and equipment.
Q2: What kind of floor frame is suitable for renters?
Renters give priority to simple assembly, light and portable styles, such as plastic folding models and metal simple assembly models. This type of floor shelf is inexpensive, can be easily disassembled and taken away when moving, and can be adjusted according to the space of different rentals.
Q3: Which floor shelf to choose for humid environments (such as balconies, kitchens)?
Preferential choice of metal (such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy) floor shelves in humid environments are moisture-proof and rust-proof; Avoid choosing wooden shelves, if you must choose, you need to do a good job of moisture-proof treatment (such as brushing moisture-proof paint, pad moisture-proof mats).
Q4: Does the ground shelf need to be assembled? Is it difficult?
Most ground shelves require simple assembly and are not very difficult. The merchant will be equipped with assembly tools and instructions, and the steps are clear, and ordinary people can assemble it in about half an hour. Some styles support door-to-door assembly service, suitable for friends with weak hands-on ability.