Woodlyn Folding Desk Shelf from Urban Outfitters presents a clever idea for an improvised workspace that takes virtually no room when not in use. Perfectly functional as a shelf, the piece can be unfolded to provide a writing (or typing) surface. Available for purchase here.
Dutch designer Johan van Hengel created this beautiful minimalist shelving line for Scandinavian design brand MUUTO. Inspired by a play on layers and shadow, shelf’s unique shape is based on a seemingly simple bending technique involving a single sheet of ‘folded’ metal (hence the name). The minimalist fold acts as a practical partition for graphically separating and securing items such as mail, books, perfume and more. This clever shelf also allows showcasing items, by creating interesting visual layers. The piece is available in three sizes and in four colors.
Cologne based design studio Kaschkasch created this space-saving beauty, called Fju. When folded down it serves as a small workspace. Folded up Fju changes it‘s appearance and transforms into a slim storage shelf. Fantastic.
If you like The Floyd Leg, you’re going to love this new addition to the line – The Floyd Shelf. The principle here is the same: a set of brackets holds a flat surface of your choice, instantly creating a shelf. Just attach the brackets to the wall and clamp them to the material. The piece comes in white, black, or red powder coat finish. It works with any surface up to 1 5/8″ (4 cm) thick. Available for purchase here.
This clever little shelf/bookend has been created by Tokyo based design studio YOY. The piece, called Extend, can be attached to a desk or to an existing bookshelf in order to generate some extra space. With the books in place, Extend becomes invisible and creates an illusion of books floating in the air. Beautiful. The piece is made from powder coated steel.
This idea is apparently so good, not one, but two companies had thought of it. Cubby by Materious (above) and Hooknook by Flip & Tumble (below) are variations of one clever storage solution – a hook that doubles as a small shelf. The item can fit any room and fulfill multiple duties around the house. Perfect for entry areas as a place to hang a scarf or a handbag and store keys at the same time, it will also work near your desk, in the kitchen or bathroom and hold small items or any kind. These little hooks with cubbies inside them are smart and unobtrusive. I also like that, thanks to the volume, they won’t damage coat collars or purse handles with sharp edges.
