A Love for “What-Not” Shelves

shelves

I had never heard of the term “what-not” to explain a shelf until I was in my teen years shopping around an antique store.  The shelves that earned this name were usually made of wood and often were painted white.  A few had graduated shelving sizes while others were uniform and made to mount on a wall.  Similar to this style…

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While shelves from the 1880’s-1950’s varied in size, style, and location, their purpose never changed: to display one’s most treasured items!

While the term “what-not” isn’t used as often, the technique is still very much alive, and with even more creative shelving styles!  I have collected several of my favorite examples of shelves featured in a variety of places in the home.

Here we go!

These open shelves in a kitchen, are perfect to display dishes and treasured pottery!

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Image from Adorn Inc.

Suitcases are a great option for an office or above a small desk in a bedroom.

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Available for purchase from PB Teen.

This display is ideal for those true Victorian lovers…look at all those lovely floral patterns!

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Image from Elfnpulver

Fabric can be displayed in this unique arrangement of wooden crates!

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Image from Apartment Therapy

This is perfect for a bathroom, nursery, or sewing room!

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Image from Woman’s Day – link not available.

So get creative and display your treasures on a shelf equally as special and unique!

All the best, 

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