For a child, as for any adult, a room has the meaning of personal space, where he feels like a little master. Accordingly, this tiny world must fulfill the individual needs of the baby. In the understanding of adults, it should be light, clean and spacious. For the baby, the most important thing is the atmosphere of the room, where he feels comfortable, first of all, with his favorite things. And each of them should have its own place. An option for storing toys, in addition to regular boxes, is a rack. Making it yourself means being able to provide all the child’s preferences.
Accordingly, this tiny world must fulfill the individual needs of the baby.
The benefits of creating a toy shelf with your own hands
Furniture made in a factory is devoid of individuality due to mass production. Production is on stream. Making your own items for storing toys has a number of advantages:
- ability to satisfy the most demanding requests;
- combination with the overall interior of the room;
- originality of execution;
- confidence in the quality of the materials used;
- convenience and functionality.
Making it yourself means being able to provide all the child’s preferences.
Photos of examples of children's interiors with shelves
A selection of interesting design solutions for shelves in the nursery:
Toy rack design and construction
It's hard to imagine a children's room without a shelving unit. From birth, it is able to perform the function of storing personal hygiene items. As the baby grows up, it begins to be used for its intended purpose. Toys, books, and construction sets appear on it.
For the baby, the most important thing is the atmosphere of the room, where he feels comfortable, first of all, with his favorite things.
The design and construction of a toy storage rack must be selected based on personal needs, as well as taking into account the following requirements:
- stability - the structure must have good support;
- safety - the absence of sharp corners and protruding parts will reduce the risk of injury to a minimum.
The simplest option for making children's furniture for storing toys is from fabric stretched over a frame or thick cardboard.
Depending on the age of the child, the toy storage system can be classified as follows.
- Up to 1 year - as a rule, at this age a baby has a minimum set of toys that can fit in one box or section with several shelves.
- From one to 6 years is the most active and inquisitive age, which is why the functionality of the children's room and the storage system for children's toys increases. There are a lot of items to play with and more space is needed to accommodate them to maintain order. In this case, an integrated approach to the issue is required: creating several boxes for storing toys that are interconnected.
- From 6 to 10 years is a transitional age for games. Some children continue to actively play with toys, others devote more and more time to studying and reading books. Accordingly, the role of furniture is changing. This can be a separate drawer or box for storing toys, or shelves that combine several tasks.
- After 10 years, there are usually a few favorite toys left that don’t take up much space. Functionality is directed to the placement of school supplies. It is most convenient to store them in a hanging cabinet, with open or closed shelves.
Depending on the type of rack, the materials and tools used in production will vary.
Depending on the gender of the children, the design of the children's toy rack will vary. For boys, it is preferable to choose more restrained tones in the design and keep decorations to a minimum. Furniture for girls should be more romantic, in bright colors, with a variety of decorations. However, the toy storage item must fit organically into the overall interior of the room.
Depending on the skills and abilities, it is possible to create an object from wood or rods, chipboards, plastic.
You can initially make a shelving unit for a children's room with your own hands in such a way that, as the child grows up, it will grow with him.
It is optimal to place niches along the free wall, which can gradually increase in number.
Among the variety of types of furniture with specific functions, single boxes, drawers, groups of boxes, ottomans, hanging shelves for storing children's toys and much more are distinguished for a children's room. It is optimal to place niches along the free wall, which can gradually increase in number.
For convenience, the toy rack is equipped with wheels and lids.
Functionality of shelves for a children's room
When choosing shelves for a nursery, it is important to take into account the weight load on their surface and fastening elements. Wall shelves should not be overloaded with heavy objects - these models are designed for soft toys, a small number of books or decorative elements. For heavier items or a large number of books and toys, it is better to use floor shelves or racks.
Do not hang overly bulky shelves above the child’s bed or fill them with heavy objects.
Bookshelf
A shelf for books in a children's room can be designed in the form of a ladder, using not very long straight shelves connected to each other by decorative elements.
For kids, a great option is a children's bookshelf in the shape of a fairy-tale house with a closing window in the center, in which you can place an original backlight with adjustable lighting power.
Kids will be able to use this house independently, putting their books and toys in it.
For heavier items, a floor version of the house is used. Here you can use a larger number of shelves, even equip them with a small soft chair, be sure to think through additional lighting for the baby to read comfortably and correctly. This is also a good option in a child's room for a floor shelf for books.
To store a large number of books, it is better to purchase a floor rack
It is important not to overcrowd the room. So, for example, in a room with an area of 18 meters there should not be more than 10 shelves. Corner shelves are considered the most convenient for a child's room. This is the most spacious and reliable option. Multi-colored models can be complemented with bright patterns.
Necessary materials
Depending on the type of rack, the materials and tools used in production will vary. Everything depends only on imagination. The simplest option for making children's furniture for storing toys is from fabric stretched over a frame or thick cardboard. This task will be feasible even for the mother of a baby. The choice of the fabric itself should be based on its ability to be durable and wear-resistant, i.e. have a tight weave of threads. These types include poplin, calico, satin, denim, as well as artificial leather and fur. Depending on the skills and abilities, it is possible to create an object from wood or rods, chipboards, plastic. For convenience, the toy rack is equipped with wheels and lids.
You can initially make a shelving unit for a children's room with your own hands in such a way that, as the child grows up, it will grow with him.
In addition to the basic materials you will need:
- glue – stationery, PVA, for gluing parts made of wood and plastic;
- colored paper and cardboard - for decorating the product;
- frame wire - for making fabric items;
- plywood - for the back walls.
Having decided on the type, design and construction of the toy storage rack, you need to make a sketch of it.
Why buy if you can make it yourself?
The Internet is replete with guides for craftsmen who have decided to take on making their own furniture. And racks and shelves are no exception.
It is worth remembering that parts of such a design must have rounded edges and have a completely smooth surface, since a child may inadvertently hit a sharp corner and get hurt.
In the photos below of shelves for the nursery, we can offer you several original design solutions for how you can interestingly combine the shelves in the overall atmosphere of the nursery.
Use the allocated space wisely, do not be afraid to experiment with colors and shades. You will succeed! Good luck!
Step-by-step production
Having decided on the type, design and construction of the toy storage rack, you need to make a sketch of it. Great artistic abilities are not required in this case. This can be simply a sketch on which the dimensions and overall dimensions will be noted. From these data the required amount of materials is calculated.
For an item consisting of three vertical shelves, you will need 1.3 m of fabric with a width of 1.5.
The production of a fabric variation does not involve the construction of special patterns and patterns; as a rule, markings, taking into account future sizes, are applied directly to the fabric.
Furniture for girls should be more romantic, in bright colors, with a variety of decorations.
For an item consisting of three vertical shelves, you will need 1.3 m of fabric with a width of 1.5. From the specified quantity, cut out and cut, taking into account seam allowances of 1.5-2 cm, elements of the following sizes:
- shelves – 4 pieces measuring 30*60 cm;
- side parts - 6 pieces measuring 30*30 cm;
- cardboard inserts – 4 pieces, size 28*28 cm;
- braid – 1 m.
The parts of the shelves are folded in half and stitched with a pocket, similar to a pillowcase.
The parts of the shelves are folded in half and stitched with a pocket, similar to a pillowcase. Then they are connected to each other by the side parts. Cardboard is inserted into the pockets to strengthen the bases. A braid is sewn onto the top of the finished structure and tied for hanging in the right place.
For boys, it is preferable to choose more restrained tones in the design and keep decorations to a minimum.
This type of rack is convenient because it is completely mobile, and the soft side walls, devoid of frame support, allow it to be folded like an accordion. The shelf is ideally placed in a closet if its purpose is to store children's supplies. Equipping the design with side pockets will provide additional storage space. This type will serve as a good alternative to a regular box.
A braid is sewn onto the top of the finished structure and tied for hanging in the right place.
Making a version from wood planks or chipboard will require more advanced skills, such as metalworking.
This type of rack is convenient because it is completely mobile, and the soft side walls, devoid of frame support, allow it to be folded like an accordion.
The manufacture of the frame begins with the walls: side, top and bottom. They are cut from laminated chipboard with a thickness of approximately 16 mm, according to the dimensions. Ordinary plywood is also perfect for the back wall.
Depending on the gender of the children, the design of the children's toy rack will vary.
The next step is making shelves with dividers. Rebates are cut out on the finished parts and grooves are made in the right places. The joints are glued with special wood glue and dried well. To ensure reliability of the structure, the elements are tightened from the inside with a metal angle. The boards must be provided with a good corner connection, which can be equipped with additional spikes and eyes. The sampling is performed with a chisel or chisel.
Making a version from wood planks or chipboard will require more advanced skills, such as metalworking.
Now you need to connect the shelves and vertical walls with nails and additionally glue them. The intermediate shelves are connected to each other with wooden pins. To do this, you need to make a through hole in the frame board, and drill sockets two-thirds the length of the pin in the shelves. They sit on glue. The back wall of plywood is nailed.
The design and construction of a toy storage rack must be chosen based on personal needs.
To equip a structure with drawers, it is important to accurately determine their dimensions. Installation takes place on special furniture casters.
According to psychologists, from early childhood a child must be taught order.
Finally, the finished structure is processed with sandpaper, the existing holes are filled with putty, and excess glue is removed.
And the evening collection of toys can be turned into a kind of ritual.
The wooden model is quite heavy, and therefore, in order to prevent falling and injury, it must be attached to the wall with a metal corner. In this way, sustainability will be ensured.
As the baby grows up, it begins to be used for its intended purpose.
What to build from
Selecting material to implement your plans is now not difficult. Children's shelves that are mounted on the wall with your own hands can be made from plastic or a combination of metal and wood. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Wooden shelves are classic products. Wood as a material is environmentally friendly and safe. The material is easy to saw and cut with any tool and can be easily shaped into any shape. Children's shelves made of plywood are short-lived for 1-5 years, but are also strong. But wooden ones can last up to 30 years without losing their original attractiveness.
A DIY plastic children's book shelf will be practically in no way inferior to a wooden one. Plastic is made using modern technologies and can withstand heavy mechanical loads.
On a note! Manufacturers tend to claim that plastic is safe and does not emit chemical compounds, but do not forget that it is flammable.
The main advantages of plastic furniture include:
- little weight;
- simplicity of design and assembly;
- small price.
The combination of wood and metal is an option where there is quality and reliability. Usually the frame is made of metal and the shelves are wooden. For example: a do-it-yourself shelf for children's books, made using metal and wood, will, without exaggeration, be considered eternal and will not be in danger of any deformation. Any of the listed materials will be a worthy alternative to store-bought products; the main thing is to correctly and positively think through the very idea of your design.
Decoration
Depending on who the children's toy storage rack is intended for - a boy or a girl, as well as the interior of the room, its decor is also carried out. But, despite all the strict rules, it should give the baby a feeling of joy and comfort. Any option can be combined with decorative elements such as butterflies, flowers, bows, cars or fairy-tale characters. They can be made of fabric or special paper and glued to the finished product. It can also be a ready-made decorative element purchased in a store.
- The finished wooden product, after finishing work, can be painted in the required color and varnished in the desired shade.
- Drawer fronts can be made directly using colored chipboard.
- The installation of melamine edging works well as a decoration. To do this, it must be applied to the end parts and ironed with a hot iron. After it is firmly fixed, the residues are removed with a knife. Another type of design is installing a baguette. This will make the rack look neater and more interesting.
- An interesting option would be to invite your child to decorate his children's bookcase himself.
It's hard to imagine a children's room without a shelving unit.
According to psychologists, from early childhood a child must be taught order. And this, in turn, is the baby’s personal belongings and toys laid out and placed in their places, forming a single storage system. Having a separate place will also be useful if a small family member does not have his own children's room. And the evening collection of toys can be turned into a kind of ritual.
Furniture made in a factory is devoid of individuality due to mass production.
Having a separate place will also be useful if a small family member does not have his own children's room.
Color scheme - the baby will tell you
If you decide to brighten up the interior of a children's room with a couple of wall shelves, then try choosing a non-standard color for them! Be sure to consult with your child if he is already talking, because a little thing like choosing a color for a child is extremely important. He will understand that you respect his choice and show complete trust.
It is important to remember that the world around us contains thousands of bright colors, and everything around us has its own color. Psychologists constantly remind parents that color carries an emotional charge.
Red – activity and activity. This is the color of vitality, overflowing and aimed at fulfilling your most cherished desires. If your child prefers this color, then we can confidently say about his determination and activity.
Orange is the color of health, friendliness and comfort, filling the room with light, warmth and an atmosphere of optimism. Psychologists also say that orange stimulates brain function. The “orange” shade creates an atmosphere of cheerfulness and fun. If your child prefers orange, he is active and cheerful.
Yellow is the color of wheat, joy and cheerfulness. The use of yellow will encourage the child to create unusual ideas. In combination with red and yellow, it creates an atmosphere of security and endless summer in the nursery.
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Green is the color of spring, rebirth, hope, and unfading youth. This color is preferred by children who are strong-willed, cheerful and have the ability to assert themselves. If you use this color in the design of a room, then you can use it to decorate a shelf to match the crown of a tree.
Blue is the color of clear skies, relaxation, innocence, trust. This color with all its shades is subconsciously associated in children with water, calmness and kindness. In a room with a blue interior, a child can relax, study or create. Doctors write that the blue color helps you relax faster and, as a result, fall asleep.
Blue is the color of the sea, harmony and reliability. According to child psychologists, work productivity in a room with blue decor increases significantly. If your child chose blue, then this indicates his desire to learn the hidden meaning of things.
Pink is the color of tenderness, feminine elegance and love. This color has long been attributed to the first beauties, fragile and spiritual. If you are using this color to decorate a room, a floral pattern would be quite appropriate.
Decoration in different styles
Products in a classic style are the most presentable and elegant
Manufactured shelves can be designed in various styles, each of which has certain features. Among the most popular styles are the following:
- Classical. This is a common furniture design style that has been popular for many years. Most often, designs made in a classic style are made of natural wood. This material gives the shelves elegance and presentability. To decorate such shelves, many manufacturers use forged metal elements or moldings.
- Nautical. This style is less popular, but is still often used in shelving. Marine style models are made of light wood. Such products are painted in light colors with a bluish tint.
- Provence. All shelves in Provence style differ from other models in their unique vintage design. Sometimes they have quite unusual decor using paintings.
Shelves made in Provence style are more suitable for teenagers' rooms.
Design options
You can create a beautiful composition by having several shelves on hand. Proper placement of them on the wall will make the room comfortable and cozy.
It is necessary to take into account that too much such furniture will overload the nursery, so it is worth limiting the quantity to pieces per 19-20 square meters.
Niches obtained by combining 6-8 shelves can easily be used with useful things.
We recommend reading:
- How to choose living room furniture: the best options and design ideas
- How to make a desk with your own hands, a computer desk with drawers and shelves: step-by-step instructions
- Shelves above the bed, what shape and design they come in, how to fit them correctly into the bedroom interior
The space for placing wall-mounted children's shelves is very wide: above the head of the bed, above the desk, in the corners of the room.
The most convenient option for placing shelves is the space above the radiators. This way you can not only disguise unpresentable pipes, but also save space in the room. It is convenient to place books, textbooks, and stationery on the shelves near the desktop.
In addition, there is a huge selection of functional furniture for children's rooms, for example, a children's table with shelves. On such interior items you can place souvenirs, photo frames or other things that you want to put on display.
On original shelves with LED lighting you can arrange a real exhibition of children's crafts or favorite toys.
An interesting idea for a child’s room would be figured, carved shelves. And the simplest options can be easily decorated with interior or beautiful children’s stickers.
Mount selection
Finished products are mounted on the wall with several types of fastenings, each of which is designed to perform its specific functions.
Furniture fittings
- Shelf supports .
Relatively new products that are built directly into a wall shelf. Shelf supports are hidden structures that remain unnoticed after installation. Concealed shelf holder - Holders-brackets .
Designed for fastening large shelves that must withstand heavy loads. For example, bracket holders are used when attaching shelves for a microwave oven. Where to place the microwave - Mortise mount . Another type of fastening used when installing wall shelves. Its peculiarity is that the product is installed inside the board itself.
- Overlay holder . A simple product that needs to be attached to the wall, and the shelf itself is installed on top of the overhead holder.
Shelf holder
Note! Experts recommend installing fasteners at the corners of the wall structure, and if the shelf is intended to store heavier items, then for reinforcement you need to install additional holders in the amount of 2-4 pieces. This will increase the strength of the structure.
