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Handmade shelving unit from Nest at Number 20

Shelving Units for Perfect Storage

Finding shelving that adds something to a room as opposed to simply filling a space takes more thought than picking any flat pack option. At Nest at Number 20, the focus is on handmade, quality pieces that are built to last and designed to blend into homes through well considered interior detailing.

The 3ft handmade bookcase is a fine example of what that means in practice, crafted with care and finished to a high standard, it works equally well in a living room, study or bedroom, holding books, displaying objects or simply keeping a space tidy without drawing attention to itself. READ MORE

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Here’s some reviews of our furniture

“Couldn’t be happier with our media unit, which we had made to a customised size. Incredibly solid, well made and finished. Communication with Amy and the delivery company was excellent”

Helen, St Albans, Hertfordshire

Helen, St Albans, Hertfordshire

“We are thrilled with our 7ft TV cabinet. The service was great from start to finish and it arrived earlier than we were expecting. We are very pleased with the quality and finish. We also asked for an extra item of furniture to be made at the same time to match the cabinet.”

Clare, Cotswolds

Clare, Cotswolds

“The quality and design of this unit is excellent, it really makes our kitchen. Nest were very professional and accommodating to us, given we are up in the north of Scotland!”

Simon, Forres Scotland

Simon, Forres Scotland

Frequently Asked Questions for Shelving Units

How can shelving units improve my home office organisation?

Shelving units keep your workspace tidy by storing books, files, and supplies neatly. Whether modular, fitted, painted, or oak, they help maximise space and create an organised, stylish office.

What are the benefits of bespoke shelving?

Bespoke shelving is made to fit your exact space, including awkward corners and alcoves. It uses every centimetre efficiently and gives you storage designed around your needs.

Why choose fitted shelving units?

Fitted shelving creates a seamless, built-in look and makes the most of vertical space. It offers a polished, professional finish and helps keep your office clutter-free.

What makes painted pine shelves popular?

Painted pine shelves are affordable, durable, and available in many colours. They match most décor styles and are easy to refresh over time.

How does oak shelving compare to other wood types?

Oak shelving is strong, long-lasting and naturally beautiful. It’s ideal for heavy items and adds timeless character to your office.

Can modular shelving adapt to changing needs?

Yes, modular shelving lets you rearrange, add, or adjust sections as your storage needs change, making it a flexible long-term solution.

Should I choose handmade or standard shelving?

Handmade shelving offers superior craftsmanship, durability and unique character. Standard shelving works for basic needs, but handmade pieces provide quality and style that last.

How do I know whether freestanding or fitted shelving is right for my room?

The true answer is that it depends on how permanent you want the solution to be and how much the room’s layout works against standard furniture. Freestanding shelving, like a solid bookcase or a set of open shelves, gives you flexibility. You can move it, repurpose it in another room, or take it with you if you move house. It tends to suit rooms where the walls are straightforward and where storage needs might change over time. Fitted shelving, by contrast, is built around the room itself. Awkward alcoves beside a chimney breast, low ceilings with unusual angles, or a home office where every centimetre counts, this is where fitted units come into their own because the shelving is designed specifically for the space, nothing is wasted. The result tends to look more considered and intentional than a freestanding alternative placed against the same wall. If you’re renting or uncertain about your long-term plans, freestanding is the more practical starting point. If you’re settling in and want storage that genuinely fits the room, fitted is worth the investment.

What should I look for when buying a handmade bookcase?

The first thing to check is the joinery, how the shelves connect to the uprights and whether the back panel is solid or simply a thin sheet tacked on to stop things falling through. Well-made bookcases use proper construction methods that keep the unit square and stable over years of use, not just the first few months. Material matters too, solid pine or oak will behave differently to MDF or veneered board when humidity changes, particularly in older homes where conditions vary between seasons. Solid wood can be sanded back, repainted or repaired, whereas composite materials generally cannot. Finish is worth examining closely as well, a properly prepared and painted surface should feel smooth and even, with no brush marks, drips or thin patches around the edges. Rushed finishing is often the first sign that other parts of the build have been handled with similar carelessness. Finally, consider proportion, a bookcase that suits the scale of the room will always look more deliberate than one that simply happens to fit the available wall space.

Don’t see quite what you want?

Every shelving unit is made to order, so sizes, colours and finishes can be adjusted to suit your home. Send us your measurements or a photo of your space and we’ll come back with ideas.

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