Tips For Making Garage Storage Shelves Look More Luxe And Aesthetic

Storage shelves can be a valuable addition to a garage. Not only can they help you organize the garage like a professional, but they can also make the area feel more spacious. With your belongings stored on a shelf, you'll find it easier to walk around, grab a tool for your next DIY project, or just grab the groceries out of the car after returning home from the store. However, while garage shelves can be a true asset in terms of increasing the organization and functionality of a garage, there is one area in which they are often lacking: aesthetics.

Let's face it, garage shelves are just not that attractive. Whether you DIYed some heavy-duty storage shelves from wood or picked up industrial-style metal ones, they're not exactly doing anything to give your garage a luxe or appealing look, are they? If you're tired of your industrial-style shelves, don't just accept that your garage is destined for blandness. From painting the shelves to adding some stylish storage bins, there are plenty of ways to give them a major style overhaul.

One easy way to give your shelves an upgraded look is to paint them a new color. Color selection will be key here. Part of the reason you don't like your current shelves is likely because of their boring or overly harsh/industrial-looking color. So, consider your style preferences, and any other decor elements in your garage, then choose a color that will align with those elements. You might decide to choose something more neutral, such as gray, white, or black. Alternatively, you could make the shelves the focal point of the space by making them pop with bright red, turquoise, or yellow paint.

The best way to paint your garage shelves will depend on which material they're made from. If you have wooden shelves, you'll want to begin by sanding them to remove any rough spots or edges. After sanding (and cleaning) the shelves, apply a primer designed for use on wood before applying at least two coats of your selected paint color.

Metal shelves can also be painted, but the steps you'll follow will look different from those for painting wooden shelves. For garage shelves, you might want to use an oil-based paint, as they'll offer better protection against rust. Begin by cleaning the shelves and applying primer if there is any rust on the surface. Once primed, apply the oil-based paint. Consider using a paint sprayer for this step, as it will simplify the process while also ensuring you're able to get more even coverage. After the first coat dries, apply at least one more coat until the shelves have a smooth finish.

Clutter can turn practically any space into an eyesore. Your garage shelves are no exception. If they're covered with tangled strands of Christmas lights, random sports equipment, or half-finished DIY projects, then it's no wonder you don't feel that they're enhancing the visual appeal of your garage. While you probably can't (or don't want to) relocate all the stuff you're storing in your garage, you can change how you're storing it. One way to do that is by using storage bins.

Storage bins can help you contain the clutter and keep it out of sight. If you choose more aesthetically pleasing storage bins — or at least make sure you purchase multiple bins of the same size and color to achieve a coordinated look — your once messy and dull shelves will look neat and tidy, giving the space a more premium feel. As you're shopping for storage bins, look for ones that have a lid. Not only will the lid keep the contents better hidden, but it will also ensure that your belongings don't get covered in dust or grime from the garage. Don't forget to add labels to the bins so you'll know what's inside each one and won't have to frantically dig through them when you're looking for something. A label maker, such as the DYMO Label Manager, can make quick work of this task.

Painting your garage shelves or adding storage bins are just two of the possible ways you can give them a more luxe look. Instead — or in addition to one or both of these ideas — you could also consider creating hidden shelves with a DIY curtain. Since your shelves obviously won't have an integrated curtain rod, you'll need to get a bit creative. The best way to hang curtains may depend on the location of your shelves within the garage and the type of material from which they are made. For example, if you have wooden shelves with flat boards running across the top, then you might be able to attach these 3M Command Hooks across the top and use them to hold the grommet holes on a pair of window curtains. If your shelf is in a corner or has a deep enough opening, you may also be able to rig up a tension rod and use it to hang a curtain.

One final idea is to work in a few design elements. Since we're talking about the garage, you obviously won't want to choose any breakable decorations, but you could consider strategically placing a few outdoor decorations — such as the Chisheen Garden Frog Statue or the Evergreen Garden Beautiful Turtle and Butterfly Metal Garden Statue — on the shelves to give them some character.