Steps are a design element that serves more than a functional purpose. In general, they create a sense of elevation in a room. They can make a ceiling seem higher or a room bigger. Additionally, since they are associated with moving forward, they are an unspoken invitation to enter an area.
Steps are also known to affect mood and perspective. Just looking at them or standing upon them, even if they lead nowhere, can make you feel whimsical, adventurous or floating on air.
What are step shelves?
Step shelves have the appearance and/or functionality of a set of steps or stairs. Each level can be identical in size and shape, wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, or mixed sizes and shapes throughout. Construction materials include wood, plastic, natural stone, concrete, glass and wire.
What are the benefits of using step shelves?
Visibility
Items placed on steps are extremely visible. When you store items inside cabinets, such as canned goods, spices and glassware, they can be accidentally pushed to the back or lost behind larger items. The installation of a small 2-, 3- or 4- tiered step shelving unit can quickly solve this problem. Another popular style of step shelving, open-style floor-to-ceiling ladder shelves, can offer even more visibility in a kitchen. They provide a clear front and back view of display items, such as art pieces, special dinnerware or cookware pieces, and cookbooks.
Increases Storage Space
Step shelves give you a variety of space and organization options. For example, many small-tiered shelves are expandable. Additionally, custom-built stair-style units, or existing stairs, can double as shelves while providing the functionality of a step stool or stairs. They also provide additional storage space. You can add a riser drawer under each step or install shelves, cubbies or drawers beneath the stairs. You can also turn the area beneath kitchen stair units into extra space for a workstation, large appliances, portable island storage or a mini breakfast nook.
Design Your Step Shelves
Step shelving, no matter the design or functionality, immediately draws positive attention to shelf items. Additionally, whatever your kitchen theme, you can easily modify step shelves with color, lighting, molding and appliqués to match. Step shelving has also proven to be useful to certain pet owners. Some that have cats or ferrets hang staggered step units on walls for their pets to climb. The shelves provide exercise and a perch away from clean counters or underfoot.
