Choosing the Right Shelf Style for Your Wire Shelving Unit

Not only do wire shelving units come in an array of material options, but shelf style options as well.

When choosing the right shelf style for your wore shelving unit, it’s best to keep in mind what you’ll be putting on the shelf and where the shelf will be going.

Below you will find our helpful guide to selecting the right shelf type to suit your needs.

 

Know Your Shelf Options

There are several types of commonly used shelf styles.

• Open Wire Shelving
• Solid Shelving
• Triangle Shelving
• Wire Basket Shelving
• Basket & Chrome Wire Shelving Combination
• Wine Rack Shelving
• Butcher Block Tops
• Customization options

 

Open Wire Shelf

Typically, wire shelving units have ventilated wire shelves, meaning vertical or horizontal openings for ventilation and air flow. Open wire shelving is the most common shelf style for wire shelving units.

Advantages: These are low-maintenance, dust-free, and very versatile.

Commonly Used In: Homes and apartments, restaurants,  and retail spaces. They’re excellent for housing computers and electronics. They are also ideal for pantries.

Keep In Mind: If you have small objects that need to go on this type of shelf, consider using baskets or additional shelf accessories, as the vented openings can cause certain items to fall through.

 

Solid Shelf

In contrast to the open wire shelves, solid shelves do not have openings on their surface. These tend to give off a more industrial appearance and usually made of galvanized steel or stainless steel.

Advantages: Store any size or type of object without the risk of it slipping through the rails.

Commonly Used In: Laboratories, warehouses, medical supply, food service, wash down areas, and corrosive environments.

Keep In Mind: Solid shelves are easy to clean, but they don’t breathe like open wire shelves. Avoid placing items on solid shelves that tend to overheat or cause moisture or mold.

 

Triangle Shelf

Triangle shelves are designed to fit precisely into corners. These are ideal for small spaces or rooms where you wish to maximize storage space.

Advantages: Perfect for storing or displaying items in areas with limited space.

Commonly Used In: Bathrooms, offices, small living spaces.

Keep In Mind: Triangle shelves typically come in open wire form.

 

Wire Basket Shelf

Basket wire shelves secure the storage of oddly shaped items that would usually roll off or are too bulky for traditional wire shelves.

Advantages: The drop front and sloped sides of this type of shelf provide easy access and ample space to store items. Plus, the open wire construction allows for quick visual checks.

Commonly Used In: Pharmacies. These basket shelves are also excellent for sports equipment, children’s toys, and loose or bulky objects.

Keep In Mind: Since this is the open wire concept, to avoid small or thin items from falling through the openings, organize such into plastic bins.

 

Chrome Wire and Basket Combo 

Additionally, you have the option of combining the basket shelves with the open wire shelves. The chrome wire and basket combination unit is used to help accommodate a wider range of storage needs than just the two styles separately.

Advantages: You get all the functionality of the wire basket shelves with the versatility of the open wire shelves.

Commonly Used In: Garages, stock rooms, and pantries.

Keep In Mind: Shelving units are easy to disassemble. So, you can always add basket shelves to your existing unit to create this type of storage.

 

Wine Rack Shelf

If you are considering wire shelving to store wine, these are the particular shelves designed to do such. Wine rack shelves have the open, ventilated wire construction, providing the perfect air circulation and temperature consistency for the wine.

Advantages: These shelves allow for the bottles to be situated horizontally to keep the wine in contact with the cork and preserve flavor. In addition, the wire cradles prevent bottles from bumping or rolling against each other and the design offers maximum visibility for easy selection.

Commonly Used In: Liquor stores, restaurants, wine cellars, or home kitchens.

 

Butcher Block Tops

The butcher block is an excellent addition to an open wire shelf. While it’s not necessarily a type of shelf style, it can be placed on top of a wire unit shelf to increase functionality or add charm. When paired with the right set of casters, you can even add mobility.

Advantages: The butcher block creates extra counter space for any kitchen or work area.

Commonly Used In: People often add the butcher block top to existing shelving units in their home, typically for kitchen use.

Keep In Mind: Butcher Block Tops come in an assortment of wood styles, such as maple or red oak.

 

Customization Options

Lastly, when it comes to choosing the right shelf style for your wire shelving unit, remember that Omega Products offers a wide array of customization options. Just take a look at this custom pentagon-shaped butcher block we designed for one of our customers.

If you would like us to custom create the perfect shelf for you, then contact us today! Our team of experts is happy to assist. Call us at 1-800-221-8665 or message us on the Live Chat.

If you are currently shopping for wire shelving units and looking for more information, make sure to check out our guides to Choosing the Right Material for Your Wire Shelving Unit and How To Choose the Right Casters for Your Wire Shelving Unit.