Shelving & Storage Buying Guide

The most important starting point is measuring up. Make sure you take measurements of the proposed area and bring a measuring tape with you when shopping in-store. At Heal's our Furniture Advisors will measure and detail all aspects of the furniture for you, but having a measuring tape to hand can help you decide on or eliminate furniture quickly.

Will the item you select fit through your front door and allow for ceiling clearance? If not, make sure you select a piece that can be assembled at home. Check our Access Guidelines for more information.

Once you've decided what needs to be stored/displayed it will determine the style of furniture needed: open shelving, bookcases, sideboards, chests or cupboards with closed compartments or drawers.

If space is at a premium, and there isn't enough wall space, think about using shelving and storage units as room dividers, especially if you have a through living/dining room - as it adds distinction between the two rooms. Choose low units to keep light flowing through the room. The Architrave Low Unit by Lee Broom in white will reflect light giving the feeling of space and it has ample storage for hiding away any clutter.

Modular or metamorphic units can be extended or retracted, a great idea if you are renting or planning to move, as you can adjust your storage to suit your surroundings. The Cell Extendable Shelving Unit can be opened and closed to extend the length. It even works around corners, making it a versatile choice. The Cell Storage Unit Range comprises a pair of open shelving units that can be opened and closed to extend the length, it even works around corners.

For TVs, Plasmas, LCD televisions and DVD players the natural option is an AV unit, allowing your electrical equipment to be stored with unsightly wires hidden. The Confide AV Unit has an ingenious design where the logo on the front functions as a remote sensor, transmitting all signals to the electrical equipment within.

Books, DVDs and CDs lend themselves to open shelving and bookcase style shelving, especially shelves built at different heights, Kay + Stemmer's Flow Shelving Unit is a stunning example and an investment piece. Bookends also look great and can help to provide more space. Black & Blum's James The Bookend, for example, is a truly modern man who will certainly keep your shelves neat and tidy.

If you need storage for CDs, then a CD Tower is ideal. Allowing the minimum amount of floor space to be used. The Wave CD Tower holds 60 CDs.

To display your prized possessions, consider a statement piece like the Arbete Shelving Range A tower unit adds presence, especially if you only have a few objects to display. The Monty Tower Unit in oak is a fine example.

Depending on space, office furniture can simply be just a desk with storage capabilities. The Coco Desk and Shelf Unit is a great example. This versatile design allows the desk to be used with the shelf on the left or the right handside.

If you need a secure area for confidential files then the Classic Cupboard, part of the Classic office range, offers distinctive design and practicality. For compact storage of paperwork look to the Bisley File Drawer.

Shelving Units

Sideboards

Cupboards

Do you have a question? Why not email our Product Advisor at productadvisor@heals.co.uk