Over-the-Door Shelves Offer Sneaky Storage
Capitalize on the serendipitous space above a door with shelving filled with whatever suits your fancy
Finding creative ways to store and display valuables is a never-ending quest for many people. If your tables are cluttered and your bookcases are bursting at the seams, it's time to look up. Over-the-door shelving systems let untapped space work as sneaky storage.
The standard ceiling height is 8 feet, while most doors or pass-throughs are only 6 feet, 8 inches. After taking into account the door frame and crown molding, you’ll still have a sizable space — as much as a foot (more if you have tall ceilings) — for an overhead shelf.
A single shelf provides space for books, vases or baskets.
Multiple shelves provide more space for smaller collectibles. If you have the space for two or more shelves above a door frame, make sure they fit your collection. Books, for example, need about 10 inches of shelf height to stand upright.
Pez dispensers, to which this over-the-door shelving pays homage, need only a few inches. Determine what you wish to keep in the area before installing anything. Once that's settled, you can either purchase prefab floating shelves or have a carpenter custom build shelves to your doorway's measurements.
Keep everything in its place. Shelves can be flat panels, have molded edges or come with a decorative lip to keep items from falling. To keep this lightweight Pez collection from flying off the shelf, the narrow shelves feature a handy 90-degree front lip.
Keep everything in its place. Shelves can be flat panels, have molded edges or come with a decorative lip to keep items from falling. To keep this lightweight Pez collection from flying off the shelf, the narrow shelves feature a handy 90-degree front lip.
Be safe. If you'll be storing heavy objects over doorways, take precautions to keep your overhead wares secure with wire, dowels or adhesive — especially if you live in earthquake country.
Decide on a color. Wooden shelves against Sheetrock present an opportunity to use color to either highlight the shelves and/or wall, or let them blend in. This built-in unit follows the room's colors and molding detail for a cohesive look.
Tip: If you're looking to add a shelving system that looks like it was always there, use the same molding (or a slimmer version of the same style) to frame the entire feature.
Tip: If you're looking to add a shelving system that looks like it was always there, use the same molding (or a slimmer version of the same style) to frame the entire feature.
This shelving is darker than the walls, making the back wall appear deeper and the room larger.
Though shelving can't actually make a room larger, over-the-door shelving provides useful space in a spot that may have otherwise gone untapped. Take this loft balcony, for example. The pony wall that's needed to keep people from falling doubles as a well-stocked library. In turn, the top tiers of books that may have taken up valuable floor space somewhere else now add extra character — and perhaps the convenience of being able to reach the top shelf from the second level.
Taking the library to new heights. If you have a tall room, emphasize its height with a floating library that doesn't rob floor space. Just make sure you can access it. A rolling library ladder like this one fits the bill nicely.
If a rolling ladder isn’t your style — or if your space can’t accommodate one — make sure you have another safe way to access your shelves. Folding ladders stash out of view when not in use.
If a rolling ladder isn’t your style — or if your space can’t accommodate one — make sure you have another safe way to access your shelves. Folding ladders stash out of view when not in use.
Decide on a material. Don't box your project in by thinking wooden shelves are your only option. Metal can be shaped to whatever dimensions you wish and can add a hip, industrial vibe. Here the metal shelving system is as much part of the art display as the artwork itself. With the accent color added to the wall, the shelves and their contents take on the attitude of the chosen hue.
Brace it. For a long stretch of shelving, like this one spanning a wide door, brackets will keep it and whatever it holds from bowing under too much weight. Use wooden or metal brackets for practical and decorative purposes.
How to use an over-the-door shelf. Because this sort of shelf is open for all to see, make sure your collection is something worth showing off.
Here a single bowl draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller, while its minimalism provides the doorway with breathing space that's accentuated by the glass-filled cabinets on either side.
Here a single bowl draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller, while its minimalism provides the doorway with breathing space that's accentuated by the glass-filled cabinets on either side.
Add the unexpected. Here a collection of vintage hats creates an interesting scene between rooms.
Utility. This bathroom pushes the limits of its dimensions by using an over-the-door shelf for necessary supplies. No hapless guest will ever have to yell, "Where's the t.p.?"
More ingenious places for the t.p.
More ingenious places for the t.p.
Extra towels are always accessible when stored up here.
Increase your closet's storage with an extra shelf for purses, hats and seasonal accessories you don't need every day.
Trophies have a tendency to take up precious bookcase space, and their awkward, pointed shapes can make them painful on a desk. Give that oversize collection its own place where it can be admired without endangering anyone. Again, make sure each trophy is secured, so a slammed door won't turn any into a projectile.
Your turn: How do you use over-the-door shelving?
More: Browse library ladders in the Products section
More: Browse library ladders in the Products section