Living room shelving ideas are a brilliant way of working more storage into a key space where it’s often lacking. Living rooms are where we want to wind down and relax, but it can be hard to switch off if we’re faced with crammed shelves and cluttered surfaces. Instead turn your wall shelves into a creative living room wall decor idea.
Off-the-peg shelving is an easy and often inexpensive option that can be worked into a living room scheme without too much upheaval. From sleek floating shelves or simple wooden shelves on brackets, fixing up a row of shelves shouldn’t be beyond the skills of most competent DIYers.
Freestanding shelving units are another option that offer extra storage space for bulkier items such as TVs and media equipment and can often be slotted into alcoves or work as a standalone piece.
As an alternative to off-the-peg shelving and freestanding pieces, made-to-measure living room wall shelves and fitted furniture offers a bespoke solution tailored to more specific needs or size of room requirements.
‘The demand for custom built and fitted furniture is on the rise and mirrors the shift in priority towards making our homes work as hard as they can for our changing needs’ says Rachal Hutcheson at Sharps.
‘As well as providing storage for books and decorative accessories, fitted living room furniture can help to house TV and audio equipment; efficiently hiding unsightly cables and mounts. While integrated lighting solutions can be discreetly fitted under shelves or into cupboards, creating mood lighting for cosy spaces and task lighting for working areas.’
Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain
Finding off-the-peg living room storage to fit a specific space can be tricky if you have an awkwardly-shaped living room. Opting for made-to-measure shelving allows you to design a piece of furniture that’s the perfect fit and is tailored to your specific requirements.
Fill a narrow spot in a small living room with a neat run of cubbyhole shelving. Painting it to match the wall colour will help it blend in and make the space feel bigger. Style up shelves with pieces in punchy colours to match your decor and arrange the height of shelves so they are slightly taller than the height of the tallest item you’ll be storing on them.
‘If you want your furniture to be a specific size, style, finish or fit, you’ll want to buy bespoke,’ say the design team at Jali. ‘Bespoke or made-to-measure furniture is made for you, rather than being mass produced and will add more character to your living space.’
Image credit: Neptune
A line-up of open shelves makes a great easy-access option for a family living room, with plenty of space to stash books, toys and games. Arrange so that little ones can reach their things easily, with children’s belongings on lower shelves and grown-ups’ things higher up.
Combine tall and short shelving to fill wall space and leave an open area for display. And keep open shelves neat and orderly by adding a few woven baskets or fabric tubs where you can stash smaller odds and ends and keep clutter hidden out of sight.
‘If shelves are so full that it puts you off giving them a regular dust, then you might have gone overboard with the knick knacks,’ says professional organiser, Vicky Silverthorn at Youneedavicky. ‘It’s easy to get carried away buying more things, but too much clutter looks untidy and the less you have out, the easier it is to keep clean.’
Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young
Easy-up floating shelves are an inexpensive but stylish option for living room shelving ideas. Create a whole wall of storage with a stack of longline floating shelves running the entire width of one wall.
Start by positioning your first shelf at roughly tabletop height. It can be used for display, but also double up as a resting surface for a lamp or cup of tea when positioned next to a sofa or armchair.
Keep open shelves orderly by including a couple of lidded boxes and baskets amongst your display items. Use these to corral small-scale clutter so that surfaces don’t look messy or become a magnet for dust.
Image credit: Sharps
TV storage is a must in most living rooms, but can be tricky to get right. Modern flat-screen TVs tend to be fairly large and can dominate a room if you’re not careful.
Try incorporating the TV into your scheme by creating a whole wall of living room shelving and media storage combined. Set against a dark backdrop, the TV blends into the decor and isn’t so dominant and overpowering. A mix of open and closed shelving gives space for display plus somewhere to hide the less-than-lovely stuff.
‘If you’ve invested a significant sum of money sourcing the best TV for your budget, then the most prudent way to get the most from it is by taking the same care and attention in housing it,’ says Rachal Hutcheson, National Retail Manager at Sharps. ‘Made-to-measure furniture ensures you make best use of available space and tailor it to your unique requirements.’
Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore
Alcoves either side of a chimney breast are a prime spot for introducing some extra living room shelving. If the alcoves are a standard size, such as 80cm or 100cm in width, then off-the-peg floating shelves are an inexpensive option either in white or a natural wood finish.
Non-standard sized alcoves will require built-in shelving rather than shop-bought. DIY shelves are a fairly simple project for a competent DIYer, or for bespoke shelving, consider using a carpenter or fitted furniture company.
Choose chunky shelves in a natural wood finish for a rustic country-inspired look or opt for classic white shelves that will complement most room styles. For a bespoke look, consider painting shelves to match wall colour in a bold tone or soft neutral – it will make shelves look as if they have always been there.
Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore
If you own lots of books but are running out of space to store them, why not utilise wasted wall space above a living room sofa? A great option for high-ceilinged rooms, try running a full-width shelf on one, or all of the walls.
Position shelving at a low-enough height so that you can reach books easily, but high enough above a sofa so that you won’t hit your head when getting up. Use low-tack painters tape to mock-up the height of your shelf so that you can test it before putting it up.
Image credit: Future PLC/Mel Yates
Make bespoke built-ins the focal point of your living room with a bold colour block treatment. White shelves will stand out against a bright background and it’ll also draw attention to the items on display and make them pop too.
Use the same colour all over to give a bold contrast backdrop or use varying tones of the same colour to create an ombre effect. Match your background colour to living room furniture and soft furnishings for a chic, colour co-ordinated effect.
Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore
Make use of narrow alcoves or wasted space in-between cabinets by building in a set of slimline shelves – a great solution for decorating the wall behind the sofa. A depth of between 15-20cm is wide enough to hold narrow books and can be used as a display area for ceramics, pictures and favourite things.
Paint shelves to match wall colour to create an integrated look and pick display items in toning colours to complement living room decor. Arrange shelves by starting with books and larger items first. Then add artwork towards the backs of shelves, layering in smaller decorative items at the front.
Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore
Sturdy cube shelving is an inexpensive option that can house all manner of living room essentials. Give a standard Ikea piece a high-end look with a few luxe add-on items.
Adding a pair of inexpensive clip-on lights (one at each end) gives a bespoke look and will illuminate decorative items displayed on shelves. Bring order to open shelving by investing in coloured storage boxes, fabric baskets and smart box files that can be slotted in and used to hide away any non-decorative pieces.
Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars
Make use of an empty alcove by adding floor-to-ceiling shelving for storing favourite books, pictures or album covers. Consider this a decorative alternative to a living room wallpaper idea. DIY shelves are an inexpensive option and adding a lip on the edge will prevent items slipping off when displayed front on.
Paint shelves to match walls in a dark, matt finish to give a polished, seamless look. It will make shelves blend in and look like part of the architecture and make the items on show stand out more against a dark backdrop.
On a practical level, shelves are most-often used for storing books and media kit (such as DVDs, CDs and games). A library of books will look eclectic and colourful and won’t need much arranging, unless you choose to arrange by colour, size or alphabetically. Media kit can look a little messy out on display, so it’s a good idea to store discs and games equipment in fabric-covered boxes if they are going to be out on open shelves.
Decoratively speaking, shelves can be styled up with all manner of items. Ceramics and glassware will add colour and pattern to shelves, alongside art work, pictures and family photographs. While plants and greenery are super-popular at the moment and are a great way of bringing life and colour to open shelves. The choice is yours.
Always start with the larger items first, such as tall vases, baskets or art work. Arrange these towards the back of your shelves and then introduce smaller items, layering them in front of taller items and varying them in terms of shape, size and colours.
Books are a great way of bringing balance to shelf displays. Mix it up by positioning books vertically and then with a few stacks positioned horizontally here and there. Stacks are a great way of giving displays extra height, by placing smaller items on top of your stacks.
‘If it’s a large open-plan area and you’re expecting lots of traffic, then try zoning the space with open shelving,’ says Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf. ‘By creating a slight separation, you can keep the flow without losing the cosy feel of your living room.’
The post Living room shelving ideas – 10 creative ways to sort, store and organise appeared first on Ideal Home.
This buy-to-let mortgage guide will help you if you’re thinking about buying a second home or holiday property. If you’re lucky enough to be in the position to do so, you can rent it out to paying guests to boost your income.
More than 770,000 families in England own a second home according to the English Housing Survey 2018-19, the most recent year for which official statistics are available. Of these, almost 40% use their second pad as a holiday home for themselves, friends or to let out to holiday makers.
It’s not hard to see why. You can earn thousands of pounds each year depending on the charm and location of your holiday home. It could be an investment that generates regular income and long-term gains, if house prices increase. Or the income could help you cover the cost of a mortgage on the property, while leaving you free to enjoy it at other times.
If you fancy making money from your countryside bolthole or city pied- à-terre, here are some helpful buy-to-let mortgage tips to get you started.
Picturesque destinations with year-round appeal that are accessible to large populations such as the Peak and Lake Districts and the Cotswolds are a win with holiday makers. North Wales and the Welsh Borders are also sought-after locations, according Luxurycottages.com.
Think about how easy it is to get to your property using different transport links and your home’s proximity to attractions or the coast. If your home is near a beach or in easy walking distance to tourist hotspots you can charge more.
City lovers might want to invest in an urban pad. Last year, analysis by Vanquis found the top three most profitable cities to be an Airbnb landlord were Cardiff, Belfast and Manchester.
Image credit: Future PLC/Anya Rice
You’ll need to go the extra mile to attract quality guests and charge a premium. Holiday homes positioned as premium getaways can generate up to 2.5 times the income of a standard property.
Chief executive of Luxurycottages.com Alistair Malins says: ‘Every guest wants to feel special when they’re away and thoughtful little touches like a hamper of local produce, or a bottle of wine on arrival really help set the tone for their stay.
‘Being able to enjoy some of the luxuries that you don’t have at home, such as a hot tub, sauna or warming up by a log burner all add to the authentic experience of staying in a luxury home.’
Speak to local letting agents to find out the going rate for properties like yours. Ask how long the booking season lasts and what rates you can charge in high and low seasons. How much you can charge, however, will partly depend on the quality of your online reviews.
During your first year before you have any reviews you may want to offer your property at a discount so you can attract holiday makers and build up positive feedback.
Your property may not always be let, especially outside the holiday season. So if you have a mortgage on the home that you’re expecting to repay from lettings income, factor some empty periods into your calculations.
Airbnb is one of the most popular platforms used by holiday homeowners. You pay around 3% per booking to use the website. You have to manage your own bookings and respond to guest queries. Similar websites include Booking.com, Cottages.com and VRBO.com, formerly known as HomeAway.
An alternative is to pay a property agent to market your property, manage guest admin and maximise lettings for you. Agents tend to charge between 15% and 20% of every booking.
Image credit: Future PLC
Income you earn from letting out your holiday home is taxable. You will need to declare it on your annual tax return. You’ll then pay income tax at 20%, 40% or 45%, depending on whether you’re a basic-, higher- or additional-rate taxpayer.
More happily, you can qualify for a host of tax perks on your holiday home if it meets the Furnished Holiday Let rules. The main rules to remember are that it must be available to let for at least 210 days a year and let to paying guests for 105 days a year.
If you meet the requirements, you can deduct expenses from your earnings before tax such as:
You’re also entitled to tax relief on items such as furniture, fittings and equipment bought to enhance the value of your holiday home.
Setting up your holiday home in the first year can be expensive. Don’t worry though, you can carry any losses forward into the next tax year for tax purposes.
Here’s some more tax advantages:
It’s advisable to speak to an accountant for tax advice.
You’ll need a specialist holiday buy-to-let mortgage which typically requires a 25% deposit. It’s best to speak to a mortgage broker who can find you the best mortgage rates for your circumstances. Specialist insurance is a must too. Everyday home insurance won’t cover your needs because there is an increased risk of damage and theft.
You may want public liability cover too, which insures you if a guest is injured in your property. Price comparison websites will allow you to search for specialist cover.
The post Buy-to-let mortgage guide for rentals and holiday homes appeared first on Ideal Home.
Interior designer Nicki Bamford-Bowes has shared how to refresh your home for 2022. Because after Christmas, it kinda needs it, right?
When it comes to getting primed and pumped for the new year, our homes deserve a little love too. From cosy living room lighting ideas to decluttering, Nicki has plenty of tips.
She also believes this Crimbo limbo period we now find ourselves in is the perfect time to restyle your home.
Image credit: Lol Johnson Photography @still_loljohnsonphotography
‘You’re drowning in presents that need homes and there are decorations everywhere,’ she says. It’s time to make some new year’s resolutions for your home.
‘I always think it’s good to start with a blank canvas,’ she tells us. ‘Indulge that empty feeling you have when you take all the Christmas decorations down and everything feels a bit bland.
‘Because you know what? This is a really good thing,’ she reassures us.
Image credit: Norsu Interiors
‘Just rethink everything. Go into each room, think how you use that space, what’s important to you and your family,’ says Nicki.
What we need from our homes is constantly evolving. Nicki says we should be asking ourselves some key questions about how we really use our homes day to day.
Do you need a better workspace at home? If your children are just starting secondary school, do they need a desk? Do you just need more storage? There’s no shame in it, friends.
Image credit: Loaf
Take a step back from the rush of everyday life and imagine what you would suggest in your home if you were an interior designer paid to come up with practical solutions.
Now you’ve done the hard work, it’s time for some restyling. Nicki says the final thing to think about is: ‘How am I going to make this feel really great and cosy for the longer nights and shorter days?’ There are loads of winter living room ideas to help with this.
Image credit: Norsu Interiors
‘The key things we generally look for at this time are warmth and light,’ she says. ‘If it’s just a simple restyle that’s easy to achieve with lighting.
‘Lots of little table lights, a corner light to light up that dark corner, perhaps adding more warmth in with colour,’ she says. Nicki recommends adding in the best rugs. ‘It always makes a space feel snug. Even if your space is small, make those rugs big and it makes it really cosy.’
Happy new (old) home!
Nicki Bamford-Bowes is an Interior Designer, Stylist and the owner of Then They Went Wild who will act as Home Essentials curator of content across the brands home decoration and interior design.
The post Interior designer reveals 3 easy ways to refresh your home before the New Year appeared first on Ideal Home.
