You have a room in mind. You know the wall, alcove, corner, or awkward run that has to perform better. You might even have a few measurements, some inspirational pictures and a shopping list of what needs to be stored.
The harder question is how you get there.
Do you need bespoke joinery? Will a standard modular shelving unit suffice? Or is a made-to-measure modular shelving solution better suited to your needs?
There isn’t just one correct path here. Ultimately the best route is based upon your specific brief. There are rooms that require the flexibility of joinery. There are rooms that benefit from the simplicity of standard modular units. And there are rooms somewhere in the middle, where a made-to-measure modular solution allows a ‘fitted’ outcome, without having to create everything bespoke.
This guide reviews made-to-measure shelving solutions versus bespoke joinery solutions, along with a practical route choosing tool for real home projects.
Short answer
Select bespoke joinery when the design must be completely unique, either built into the architecture of the property, or built around complex features that cannot be resolved by a system.
Select standard modular shelving units when the space is relatively forgiving, the dimensions are not critical, and you can operate comfortably within set parameters.
Select made-to-measure modular shelving units when the room presents significant challenges, but the overall requirements of the brief do not demand an entirely new bespoke build.
This is often the case for Mestra’s design-led modular shelving and storage solutions created to your specified room dimensions and manufactured from genuine birch plywood.
What each solution means
Bespoke joinery is designed for one project, one room and one client
Bespoke joinery provides the ability to accommodate uneven walls, conceal services, create seats and desks etc., and can form part of the building.
Bespoke joinery is typically required when the storage forms an integral component of the building. Examples include wall-to-wall cabinetry, under-stair storage, fitted wardrobes and other complex room junctures.
The primary disadvantage of bespoke joinery is that freedom of choice usually requires more choices. Once installed, it is typically associated with that location.
Standard modular shelving uses standard dimensions and pre-determined parts
Standard modular shelving is ideal for use in rooms with simple walls and where an exact fit is not a priority.
The principal advantage of standard modular shelving is its ease of use. However, standard modular shelving offers compromises. Typically you will find yourself accepting gaps or atypical proportions.
Made-to-measure modular shelving exists between both solutions
Made-to-measure modular shelving takes advantage of a designed system whilst adapting it to meet the needs of a particular room. The dimensions and proportions are important. Ideally, the final result should appear intentional, as opposed to being ad-hoc.
Mestra's solution falls into this middle ground
Mestra provides modular shelving and storage systems, which are specifically tailored to a room's actual dimensions. The system provides structural integrity. The measurements ensure an accurate fit. Genuine birch plywood provides each shelf with a robust yet aesthetically pleasing material presence.
Mestra's solution can be used in living rooms, home offices, studios etc.