Living in a compact home, whether it's a flat in London or a small cottage, usually means working around limited space. Every centimetre counts, and standard furniture can quickly overwhelm a room. That is why we make our handcrafted rustic wooden shelves in slim depths, starting with the 14.5 cm shelf, designed for walls where a standard shelf would get in the way.
Why 14.5 cm deep?
Because it uses the wall without taking over the room. A standard shelf is often 20–25 cm deep, which sticks out too far in a narrow hallway, a small bathroom or above a radiator. At 14.5 cm, a shelf gives you:
- A slim profile: it sits close to the wall, so it works in tight spots where a deeper shelf would become an obstacle.
- Room for everyday essentials: paperbacks, photo frames, small plants, toiletries or spice jars, the things you want close at hand.
- A calmer look: a shallow shelf keeps the wall uncluttered, which helps a small room feel more open.
Before you order, measure the wall you have and the deepest item you want to put on the shelf. If that item is deeper than 14.5 cm, one of the deeper options below will suit you better.
Where slim shelves work best
Narrow shelves fit into almost any room. Here are the places where a slim shelf makes the biggest difference.
1. Above radiators
The wall above a radiator is often wasted space. A shelf there gives you a spot for plants, photos or small decorative pieces. Leave a gap between the radiator and the shelf so warm air can still rise and circulate. Our 14.5 cm deep rustic floating radiator shelf and its curved-edge version are made for this spot, and if you need something even slimmer there is a 12 cm deep rounded shelf.
2. Narrow hallways and entryways
The hallway is the first thing guests see, and often the narrowest part of the home. A slim shelf holds keys, post, a small plant or a piece of art without getting in the way. Pair it with one of our solid wood coat racks, or with a slim console table if you have a little floor space to spare.
3. Compact bathrooms
Where space is tight, a shallow shelf keeps toiletries, folded hand towels or candles organised without crowding the sink or the shower.
4. Kitchen nooks
Use a spare bit of kitchen wall for spices, small jars or favourite mugs. The rustic finish adds warmth to modern and traditional kitchens alike.
5. Bedrooms
If there is no room for a bedside table, a slim shelf next to the bed can hold your phone, a book or a small lamp, and it keeps the floor clear. If you would rather have a table, our guide to choosing the right depth for a narrow bedside table will help you measure.
When 14.5 cm isn't the right depth
A slimmer shelf is not always the better shelf. Larger books, plant pots and storage boxes need more depth, so we make our shelves in several sizes:
- 12 cm: the slimmest option, for photo frames, small ornaments and the tightest walls.
- 14.5 cm: the everyday slim depth for paperbacks, toiletries and small plants.
- 17.5–22 cm: for larger books, bigger plant pots and kitchen storage.
Our rustic floating shelf comes in every depth from 12 to 22 cm, and the shelf with L brackets from 12.5 to 22 cm. You can compare every style in our solid wood shelves collection.
How our shelves are made
Every shelf is handmade to order from solid pine in our workshop in Dagenham, East London. You choose the length and the finish, from natural (no wax) to oak, walnut, mahogany or slate grey. If your wall needs a size that isn't listed, send us your measurements on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we can make.
Handmade to order - 7-14 working days to make, then 5-7 days tracked delivery. Shipping is free on orders over £100.
Frequently asked questions
What fits on a 14.5 cm deep shelf?
Paperbacks, photo frames, small plants, candles, toiletries and spice jars all fit comfortably. For larger books or plant pots, choose a 17.5–22 cm shelf.
Can I put a wooden shelf above a radiator?
Yes, our radiator shelves are designed for that spot. Leave a gap between the top of the radiator and the shelf so warm air can rise freely, and keep anything sensitive to heat somewhere else.
Can I order a custom length?
Yes. Our floating shelves are listed in lengths from 30 to 150 cm. If you need a different size, message us on WhatsApp with your measurements.
How long does delivery take?
Handmade to order - 7-14 working days to make, then 5-7 days tracked delivery.
Make the most of a small wall
Limited space doesn't have to limit how you furnish your home. A slim solid wood shelf adds storage and warmth exactly where a standard shelf won't fit. Browse our handmade solid wood shelves and measure your wall before you choose.