7 items that should not be stored on open shelves
What things should not be stored in the open space (photo: Freepik)
Open shelves are a convenient and stylish element of the interior that allows you to emphasize your taste and organize the space. However, not all things are suitable for such storage, because it can spoil both their appearance and the atmosphere in the house.
Documents and papers
Documents, receipts, contracts, and other important papers should not be stored on open shelves. Dust, sunlight, and humidity can quickly deteriorate paper, making it unusable.
In addition, such items look chaotic and create the impression of disorder. It's better to use special folders, boxes, or drawers to store your documents. This will help you keep them in good condition and quickly find the right paper when you need it.
Medicines
A first aid kit on an open shelf can look aesthetically unpleasing and be dangerous for children and pets. Most medicines are sensitive to light, temperature, and humidity, which can cause them to lose their properties.
Store your medicines in closed cabinets or special containers in a cool, dark place. This approach will not only preserve their effectiveness but also make your interior look tidier. Also, remember to regularly check the expiration date of your medicines.
Food and products
Storing food on open shelves is not only unhygienic but also dangerous. The lack of packaging or containers makes food vulnerable to dust, moisture, and pests. In addition, spices, cereals, or other foods can lose their flavor when exposed to light and air.
Use airtight containers or closed cabinets to store food. This will help prevent food from spilling and make your kitchen more organized.
Dishes on open shelves may not always look neat (photo: Freepik)
Cosmetics and perfumes
Cosmetics and perfumes look beautiful, but storing them on open shelves can lead to rapid deterioration. Sunlight and temperature fluctuations negatively affect the composition of cosmetics, and dust can settle on the surface of the packaging.
Instead, store these items in special organizers or cosmetic cases that can be placed in a closed cabinet. This will extend the shelf life of your products and keep them clean. Cosmetics and perfumes should be stored in a cool and dark place to maintain quality.
Clothing and textiles
Items left on open shelves quickly absorb dust and odors. In addition, bedding, towels, or clothing in plain sight can create the impression of clutter.
Instead, store your textiles in closed closets, dressers, or special containers. This will help preserve their freshness and protect them from external factors. Use scented sachets or dry moth repellent to keep things pleasantly scented.
Electronic devices
Tablets, laptops, chargers, and other gadgets should not be kept on open shelves. They quickly become covered with dust, which can negatively affect their performance. In addition, wires and cables create a visual clutter that spoils the overall look of the room.
Store your electronics in special compartments, boxes, or drawers that protect them from external influences. This will also help to avoid tangling cables and keep the space tidy.
Electronic devices do not match well with dust that collects on open shelves (photo: Freepik)
Personal items and trinkets
Open shelves are not suitable for storing personal items such as keys, jewelry, small accessories, or memorabilia. Due to their light weight, these items are easily lost, and dust and moisture can damage them.
It is better to use special boxes, drawers, or organizers for such items. This will not only protect them but also add more conciseness and style to your space. Keep important little things in places where they are easy to find but hard to damage.
Earlier, we wrote about which colors should never be combined in the interior.
Sources: Apartment Therapy, Homes and Gardens, Forbes Home.
