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There was a time when some cinder blocks and a few strips of wood were very common materials for do-it-yourself shelving. The materials were cheap (if not free), anyone could put these items together, and the shelves were strong enough to hold a television set and stereo. If I had a dollar for every apartment I'd seen with one of these units in it (just during my college years!), I'd be one rich guy. Another not-so-attractive (but often practical) trend in shelving involved acquiring plastic milk crates from the back of grocery stores (you can purchase them now at discount stores) and stacking them up. Although not as strong as the cinder-block-and-wood units, this type of makeshift shelf unit was (and still is) a favorite of teenagers and college students all over the country, thanks to its relative sturdiness and very low cost. Most of the apartment dwellers I know today are a little older and ready for something a bit more sophisticated, even if their budget is low. So what can you do when you want grown-up style shelving on the cheap? Try some of these ideas: Find two ladders of equal height (new or used) and paint them as you wish. Place them parallel to each other, several feet apart. Purchase a few pieces of glass or wood. (Paint or stain the wood.) Rest each end of the glass or wood shelves on the corresponding ladder step, and you have a great, Country-style shelf unit. Conserve floor space by purchasing deep molding, cutting several pieces to the same width, and then attaching them to a wallfor instance, each one foot apart vertically. This is a great place to display framed art, candles, a doll collection, and trinkets. Scour yard sales for bookshelves that appear to be the right size for your needs. If you find one you like, bring it home, sand it a bit, and then apply a primer. From there, use one of the faux finishing techniques you know. APARTMENT TIP HANGIN OUT If you're out for a display method that's more interesting than the standard hang-it-on-a-nail method, try hanging your art in one of the following ways: Ribbon. Suspend framed art from a ribbon for an elegant look. Removable adhesive hooks. If you're worried about leaving holes in the wall, try using hanging aids that adhere to the wall with removable adhesive. I like the ones made with 3M's Command Adhesive. Lean it. Pick up a decorating magazine these days and you're likely to see at least one photo layout that shows artwork (or photos, mirrors, and other such items) "leaning" instead of hanging. Try it by placing art on window ledges or on tables that are against a wall. Very large pieces look great right on the floor leaning against the wall. (You'll create no holes this way, and items are always easy to move when you're ready for a change!) Decorative hooks. Instead of hanging art on a nail or screw, try something more decorative. Decorative drawer pulls are great, and they're especially attractive if you suspend the art from them on wire, twine, or ribbon. I find these at home decorating shops for just a few dollars a niece, in a wide range of styles, from colored glass to ceramic. |
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