At Upcycled by M, we believe that every home deserves a touch of warmth, character, and sustainability. Our bespoke reclaimed wooden shelves are more than just storage—they bring timeless charm, practicality, and a story into your space. Whether you're looking to create a cozy cottage aesthetic, maximize space in a small room, or add rustic elegance and character to modern interiors, our handcrafted shelves offer endless possibilities.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to use our reclaimed scaffold board shelves, plus expert styling tips to help you create a home that feels effortlessly stylish and functional.

Where to Use Reclaimed Wooden Shelves in Your Home (Plus Styling Tips!)

1. The Heart of the Home: Your Kitchen

The kitchen is often the busiest space in a home, making organization essential. Instead of bulky cabinets, open shelving creates an airy, inviting feel while keeping essentials within reach.

✔ Spice jars & pantry staples – Use matching glass jars with handwritten labels to create a charming and organized display.
✔ Cookbooks & recipe cards – Stack books in groups of three and add a small decorative item (like a ceramic pitcher or wooden spoon rest) for balance.
✔ Ceramics & glassware – Display your favorite mugs and plates in colour-coordinated arrangements.
✔ Herb planters – Small terracotta or white ceramic pots with fresh basil, rosemary, or mint add life and fragrance to your space. This is a great way to bring the outdoors in.
✔ Breakfast Bars – extra wide shelves can be made into breakfast bars, great for space saving and if you just want somewhere to perch and drink a morning coffee or sit and read the paper. They can also be used to make a lovely coffee station for when you want to entertain (see photo inspiration in kitchen gallery below).

💡 Styling Tip: Mix textures by pairing reclaimed wood shelves with black wrought iron or brass brackets for a vintage farmhouse touch.

Here are some examples of some of our wooden shelves/ breakfast bars in our lovely client’s kitchens to inspire you:

2. The Cozy Cottage Living Room

Reclaimed wood shelving transforms your living space by adding both function and character. Whether you're styling a feature wall or adding alcove shelves for extra storage, here’s how to make them shine:

✔ Bookshelves with a twist – Arrange books both vertically and horizontally for visual interest. Stack a few horizontally and top with a decorative object like a candle or small vase. Displaying items in sets of 3’s is always a good interior styling tip I like to follow. Display items with different heights to add another dimension.
✔ Personalized photo & artwork displays – Use wooden frames in natural, white, or antique finishes to complement the rustic look. These can also work well on corner shelves.
✔ Mood lighting – Layer warm, dimmable LED fairy lights for a cozy glow.
✔ Vinyl record storage – Display your favorite albums standing upright, leaning against the wall for a laid-back aesthetic.

💡 Styling Tip: For a true cottagecore feel, add vintage finds like an old clock, woven baskets, or dried flowers in rustic jugs.

3. A Serene & Stylish Bedroom

Your bedroom should feel like a retreat, and our wooden shelves help achieve a relaxed, clutter-free space.

✔ Floating bedside tables – Save space by mounting a shelf as a bedside table alternative. Add a small reading lamp, a favourite book, and a ceramic dish for jewellery.
✔ Jewellery & accessories storage – Use small decorative trays or glass cloches to showcase your most-loved pieces.
✔ Indoor plants for a natural touch – A trailing ivy, delicate fern, or dried lavender bouquet adds tranquility and freshness.

💡 Styling Tip: Keep it minimal with a neutral colour palette, soft linen bedding, and a mix of textures like cotton throws and wooden accents for a cozy, Cotswold-inspired look.

4. A Functional & Chic Home Office

If you’re working from home, the right shelving can make a world of difference in both organization and aesthetics.

✔ Work essentials & files – Use woven or wooden storage boxes to keep papers tidy while maintaining a natural, stylish look.
✔ Decorative accents – Incorporate calming elements like a ceramic mug filled with pens, a scented candle, or a framed inspirational quote.
✔ Productivity boosters – Keep a small plant (like a succulent or peace lily), a Himalayan salt lamp, or a diffuser with calming essential oils nearby.

💡 Styling Tip: A walnut-stained shelf pairs beautifully with modern home offices, especially when complemented with matte black or brass accessories.

We can also make extra wide shelving options which can be used as desk tops, simply add some hairpin legs for a free-standing option or have it built in, made a custom size for your specific space.

Here are a few photos of our custom made desks:

5. Hallways: First Impressions Matter

Your hallway is the first thing guests see when they enter your home—why not make it both practical and inviting?

✔ Keys & everyday essentials – Install a small floating shelf with a decorative dish for keys and wallets. Radiator shelves work well too.
✔ Family photo displays – Arrange a mix of small and large frames for a curated gallery-style look.
✔ Hats & scarves storage – Add vintage hooks beneath the shelf to double up on functionality
✔ Boot Room Set up - Pair a coat hook rack with with a farmhouse bench for seating and extra shoe storage.

We sell a range of bespoke farmhouse benches, from our chunky reclaimed top benches to our thinner top farmhouse benches. These are custom made to order. Our chunkier wooden bench tops are also made from reclaimed scaffold boards, just like our shelves.

Shop Farmhouse Benches:

Below is a gallery of some of our handmade farmhouse benches:

More boot room/ Hall way inspiration and coat storage solutions:

Images courtesy of Pinterest and images from our clients own homes.

💡 Styling Tip: Use a light oak finish for a bright, open feel, or opt for Tudor oak to create a warm, moody entranceway.

6. Bathrooms: Lots of storage is essential

Your bathroom needs lots of storage for those essentials, but it needn’t be messy.

✔ Display items – Install a small floating shelf for a diffuser or small pot plant.
✔ Add some rattan baskets– Great for hiding toilet rolls and bathroom cleaning materials.
✔ Add a wooden bath caddy - Perfect for when you want to relax in the bath with a book and glass of wine, or relaxing scented candle.

Scaffold shelves can also work really well in your Utility Room. They can be built in or kept as open shelves.

Images courtesy of clients own photos and pinterest.

The Benefits of Choosing Reclaimed Wooden Shelves

1. Sustainability: A Greener Choice

Our shelves are crafted from reclaimed scaffold boards, reducing waste and giving old wood new life. Choosing reclaimed wood means you're making an environmentally responsible decision without compromising on beauty or quality.

2. Character & Timeless Charm

No two shelves are alike—each carries unique grain patterns, knots, and imperfections that add to their rustic appeal. Whether your home is Cotswold cottage-inspired or modern minimalist, reclaimed wood complements any aesthetic.

3. Durable & Long-Lasting

Reclaimed wood is known for its strength and resilience, having already withstood the test of time. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, our hand-finished shelves are built to last for generations.

4. Customization to Suit Your Style

We offer a range of stain finishes—from light oak to Tudor oak and deep walnut—allowing you to match your shelves to your interior style. Whether you prefer a natural, Scandinavian look or a rich, antique aesthetic, we can craft the perfect piece for your home.

5. Handmade with Love in the Cotswolds

At Upcycled by M, every shelf is carefully handcrafted, sanded, and finished in our workshop. Unlike factory-made furniture, our pieces are made to order, ensuring quality and individuality in every single shelf.

FAQs About Reclaimed Wooden Shelves

1. What are the best places to install reclaimed wooden shelves?

Reclaimed wood shelves are perfect for kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms to add both storage and charm.

2. How do you style open shelving for a farmhouse look?

Mix vintage decor, ceramic pieces, books, and woven baskets for a warm, inviting farmhouse feel.

3. Do you offer custom shelving sizes?

Yes! We offer bespoke sizes & finishes to perfectly fit your space.

Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

Transform your home with our bespoke reclaimed wooden shelves that blend functionality, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

✨ Browse our collection or contact us for a custom order today! Your home deserves furniture with a story.

Shop Reclaimed Shelves Now