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Shelves at Greenpicks

Sustainable Shelves are flexible pieces of furniture

To keep shelves in perspective they are storage areas This describes the classic definition of the flexible furniture: They are used to store dishes, cosmetics, books, wine bottles, shoes, files, toys and much more. But they also divide a large room and present decoratively favourite objects. The practical use of a shelf as storage space is decisively influenced by the design history of the 20th century – the Bauhaus – and puts it on a pedestal of designer furniture. Nowadays there are no limits to the imagination. Shelves can be found in all conceivable colours, shapes, sizes and materials.

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Difference between eco-friendly shelves and conventional shelves

Anyone who imagines how long a tree needs to grow will for sure realize that cheap furniture is not a sustainable alternative. Responsible consumption means careful handling of natural resources. The wood for eco friendly shelves comes from sustainable forestry, which is recognized among others by the seals FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programs for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes). Regional woods, short transport routes as well as fair and social production are further indications of the ecological standard of shelves. The sustainable character of shelves is also complemented by formaldehyde-free water-based dispersion glue and a surface treatment that isn’t dangerous to health. This includes organic oils, vegetable oils (from the food sector), linseed oil varnish and non-polluting colours and paints. In addition, wood is recyclable or compostable. Properly recycled, skilled hands can build new furniture and shelves from recycling wood.

For organic shelves also speaks the quality: Solid wood is very robust. High-quality workmanship and, if handled correctly, shelves made of solid timber and recycled wood are designed for durability. They are so long-lasting that they can be inherited from generation to generation. Just like once grandmother's furniture, which can be found more than 100 years later in the antique trade.

Upcycled shelves made from recycled raw materials

A special feature of eco-friendly shelves are upcycled shelves. For this purpose, disused materials are processed, such as wood from boat bridges, old barns, old beams, bicycle tire and inner tubes, chains, spokes, wine and fruit boxes, used furniture knobs, scrap metal, glass and much more. Virtually, upcycling combines design based on recycled raw materials into a new, higher-quality shelf. From no longer usable europallets or disposable pallets spice racks, cosmetic shelves and shelves for the indoor or outdoor garden, on which herbs and flowers can be put down. Designers, small factories and joinery have specialized in developing unique shelves from surplus production and material scraps.

Whether urban lifestyle, shabby chic or green lifestyle – unusual furnishing characterizes individualists. Almost all used materials, including plastic and glass, can be processed into upcycled shelves. Thus, they fit in both a modern, bright interior as well as in a classically furnished living room and youth room. Whether in the kitchen, in the bedroom or in the dorm – clashing with the style with new eco-friendly furniture and upcycling shelves can create modern contrasts. Shelves made of recycled wood waste tell a story of their past lives. Stylishly combined with existing furniture, signs of usage and small defects ensure a cosy atmosphere in the flat.

What purpose should eco friendly shelves serve?

Storage space is very important in the studio flat. Crockery, care products, the favourite CD and DVD collection want to be stored attractively and practically. Shelf modules and wall shelves offer a good opportunity for this and keep the room tidy in a sophisticated way. If you have more living space and are a bookworm, you might want to build a small library and keep books well sorted and handy. The solution: a bookshelf that reaches from the floor to the ceiling and is strong enough to carry the weight of many books.

Music lovers stage their music equipment in the appropriate shelves – whether classic stereo or modern digital players. In the immediate proximity you can place your blue ray, DVD and CD collection in a free-standing shelf. Massive walls might also take a rack for musical masterpieces.

Shelves are available in a variety of sizes and as flexible as no other piece of furniture. Some of the best known uses for shelves:

  • The classic: Bookshelves are available as a rack or free-standing shelf, as a complete shelving system.
  • For presentation and storage: wall shelves for collections such as books, CDs, vases, decorative items, model figures, dolls and more.
  • To keep the kitchen and bathroom tidy: Kitchen shelves for small household appliances, dishes, cookbooks and spice racks; bathroom shelves for toiletries, cosmetics, towels, brushes, hair dryer, shaver.
  • Atmospheric storage: bedroom shelves for books, picture frames, radio, jewellery box.
  • Practical storage: shelves for toys, stuffed animals, diaper accessories in the nursery.
  • Hallway: Shelves for storing shoes, hats, caps.
  • Room divider, the combination of shelf and screen divides a studio flat into living and sleeping areas or structures a very large room.
  • Modular shelving systems and rack shaped like a cube serve as shelves and storage space and can also be a sitting accommodation, side table and bedside table. Advantageous: they can be extended as required.
  • Robust storage space in the storeroom, cellar, garage: metal shelves
  • Wine racks: particularly popular are the bottle racks, which are designed from recycled wood from old wine barrels.

The right shelf – tips for the purchase decision at online shopping

Before you decide on a shelving system, take some time and answer the following questions for yourself:

  • In which room will the shelf stand? – Living room, kitchen, bathroom, youth room, cellar?
  • Should the shelf structure a room, ie serve as a room divider?
  • How much storage space do you need? – Do you want to present your blue ray, DVD and CD collection, build a small library, store dishes or cosmetics in style or have files at hand?
  • How much utility space or wall area is allowed to occupy by the shelf? – Better save than sorry and measure.
  • Which material do you prefer? – Wood stands for cosiness and creates a warm atmosphere. Metal and glass are minimalistic and provide clear structures.
  • Are the walls suitable for fixing a shelf? – Old buildings or new construction?
  • Would you like to enlarge a shelf later with an extension? – Recommendation: shelf modules.
  • For which shelf type is the chosen space particularly suitable? – Floor shelf, wall shelf, room divider, cube storage shelves, shelving systems, bookshelves, office shelves?
  • Which sustainability criteria does the shelf fulfill? – Organic wood, recycled materials, upcycling design?

Eco shelves combine sustainability and design

The border is flowing between shelves that harmonize with existing interior design and monotony. In your own interest regarding sustainability and environmental protection, there are clear limits to the choice of shelves. Cheap furniture is not a compromise, because over the course of a lifetime, more money is spent on shelves that often cannot survive a move. In addition, resources are wasted. Sustainable shelves ensure a good room climate, order and homely atmosphere. Shelves at Greenpicks show that the liaison between sustainability and design is in the limelight.

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