Living in a home with a growing collection of DVDs, CDs, and video games can quickly lead to overflowing cabinets and stacks on every available surface. This was exactly the problem I faced – a passion for media clashing with the need for an organized living space. Finding an effective, yet stylish, way to store these collections was essential, not just for aesthetics, but to keep them accessible and protected from damage. Without a proper system, the clutter would only worsen, making it impossible to find anything and adding unnecessary stress to my home environment. A good storage solution would have made a world of difference in regaining control of my space.
Things to Consider Before Adding Wall Storage
Before committing to any storage solution, particularly for media like video games or DVDs, it’s wise to pause and think about your specific needs and space. The primary reason people look for items in this category is to tame clutter, free up valuable floor space, and create an organized system for their collections. Wall-mounted storage like floating shelves or racks are perfect for individuals who have extensive media collections but limited floor space, or who simply prefer a minimalist look that keeps surfaces clear. They’re also great for collectors who want to display their items rather than hide them away in cabinets.
On the other hand, someone who owns a truly colossal collection that requires bulk storage, or perhaps needs to store items that are unusually shaped or significantly heavier than standard media cases, might find dedicated wall racks less efficient than larger, floor-standing units. Similarly, if you’re uncomfortable with the process of drilling into walls for installation, or if your wall type isn’t suitable for standard anchors, alternative storage methods might be a better fit. Before purchasing, consider the size and weight of your collection, the type of walls you have, the aesthetic you’re aiming for, and how accessible you need your items to be. Also, think about the installation process – do you need something completely tool-free, or are you prepared to handle some basic mounting? Understanding these factors will help you choose the right storage solution for your home.
Introducing the You Have Space Black Floating Shelves
The You Have Space Black Floating Shelves for Wall, 34 Inch Video Games CD DVD Storage Shelves, Cube Storage Organizer Shelf Set of 3 is a set of three wall-mounted metal racks designed specifically to store and display media collections. They promise to clear up space, add a modern touch to your decor, and keep your video games, DVDs, CDs, and even small books or collectibles neatly organized. When you purchase the set, you receive three 34-inch metal shelves, along with the necessary mounting hardware, including screws, anchors, and even a tiny level to help with installation. Compared to bulky cabinets or traditional bookshelves, these offer a sleek, minimalist alternative that utilizes vertical wall space. This specific shelf set is ideal for gamers, movie enthusiasts, or anyone with a modest to medium-sized collection looking for a modern, space-saving solution. It might not be the best fit for someone needing to store a truly massive library of items or those with extremely heavy collectibles, given the stated weight limit.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Sleek, modern design in black metal.
* Excellent space-saving solution by utilizing wall space.
* Durable metal construction feels solid.
* Versatile mounting options (vertical or horizontal).
* Comes fully assembled with basic mounting hardware included.
* Good capacity for standard DVD, Blu-ray, and modern game cases.
Cons:
* Included installation tools (mini-screwdriver) are very basic and tedious to use.
* Included wall anchors may not be suitable for all wall types (especially drywall) and stronger alternatives might be needed.
* Horizontal mounting can cause instability for some media types.
* Capacity per row is limited for certain larger items like retro game boxes.
* Welds are functional but not cosmetically perfect upon close inspection.
Getting Organized with You Have Space Shelves: Features in Detail
Having used the You Have Space Black Floating Shelves for quite some time now, I can confidently delve into the features that make them a worthwhile addition to any media enthusiast’s home, along with some nuances I’ve discovered through practical use.
Sleek, Space-Saving Aesthetics
One of the immediate draws of these shelves is their visual appeal. The minimalist black metal design is incredibly versatile, blending seamlessly with modern, industrial, or even more traditional decor styles. Their narrow profile means they don’t protrude far from the wall, making them ideal for hallways, smaller rooms, or mounting behind furniture. This design isn’t just about looks; it’s fundamentally about function. By getting your media collection off the floor or out of bulky cabinets, you instantly free up significant space. This not only makes a room feel larger and less cluttered but also simplifies cleaning and organization. The vertical orientation, which I’ve primarily used, maximizes storage density along a narrow strip of wall, which is perfect when horizontal space is limited. It’s a smart way to utilize often-ignored vertical real estate.
Robust Metal Construction and Durability
Constructed from metal, these You Have Space shelves feel sturdy and well-built, especially considering their relatively lightweight profile. The painted or powder-coated black finish is smooth and seems durable enough to resist scratches under normal use. While some reviewers noted the welds weren’t showroom perfect upon very close inspection, in my experience, they are structurally sound and hold the shelves firmly. The metal design is far more robust than plastic alternatives and provides a stable platform for your valuable media. This durability translates directly into peace of mind, knowing that the shelves can reliably support the weight of a full load of DVDs, games, or CDs up to their 4.86 kg limit per shelf. You don’t have to worry about sagging or warping over time, which can be an issue with less sturdy materials. The “wipe with dry cloth” care instruction is straightforward, making maintenance a breeze.
Capacity That Works for Collections
The advertised capacity for the You Have Space Black Floating Shelves mentions up to 36 DVDs or 60 CDs per shelf when stacked vertically, or 9-10 standard game cases per row. With four rows on each 34-inch shelf, a single shelf can theoretically hold up to 40 Blu-rays or modern game cases (like Xbox One or PS4/PS5) or 36 DVD/Xbox 360 cases. The set of three provides a maximum potential storage for 120 Blu-rays/modern games or 108 DVDs/Xbox 360 games. This is quite a substantial capacity for a wall-mounted unit and was more than enough to house a significant portion of my collection. The benefit here is straightforward: it allows you to consolidate many items into a relatively small footprint on the wall, making it easy to see your collection at a glance and find what you’re looking for quickly. While the capacity per row might feel limited for bulkier items or some retro game cases (as noted by some users), for standard-sized modern media, it’s quite effective.
Versatile Mounting Options
One feature that adds significant value is the ability to mount these floating shelves either vertically or horizontally. This flexibility is a major plus. Vertical mounting maximizes density for items like DVDs and Blu-rays, lining them up neatly like spines on a traditional shelf. Horizontal mounting, while potentially less stable for upright cases as some users pointed out (they could tip forward if not leaning against something), works well for displaying smaller collectibles, figurines, or even small books. It also allows you to arrange them to fit awkward wall spaces or create unique visual patterns. The benefit is the adaptability to different room layouts and different types of items you might want to store or display, extending the utility of the shelf set beyond just media.
Installation Process – Mostly Effortless (With Caveats)
The “No Assembly Required” claim for these shelves is accurate – the metal racks arrive as single pieces. Installation involves attaching them to the wall using the included hardware. You get screws, wall anchors (of the plastic drywall variety), and even a small mini level. This sounds simple enough, and in theory, it is. However, based on my experience and correlating with user feedback, while the *concept* is easy, the *execution* can be less so depending on your wall type and preferred tools. The included mini level is cute and functional for its size, but a larger level provides much more accuracy over the 34-inch length. The main pain point is the included small L-shaped screwdriver. It’s incredibly tedious and uncomfortable to use, especially when driving screws into wall anchors or studs. Installing these shelves is significantly easier and faster if you use your own standard screwdriver or, ideally, an electric drill/driver with the appropriate bit. Furthermore, the included plastic wall anchors might not be sufficient for all wall types, particularly older plaster walls or potentially drywall if loaded near the weight limit. Many users, myself included, found it beneficial to use stronger anchors (like toggle bolts for hollow walls) or screw directly into studs whenever possible for maximum security. So, while no *assembly* is required, be prepared to potentially supply your own, better tools and possibly different anchors for the *installation* itself to make it truly effortless. The benefit is that the core product is ready to hang, but don’t rely solely on the included hardware kit for a smooth process on all wall types.
Beyond Media: A Versatile Display Solution
While marketed primarily as media storage, the design of the You Have Space Black Floating Shelves makes them incredibly versatile. Their 4-inch depth and 6.2-inch height per row mean they can accommodate more than just DVDs and games. I’ve used them to display small action figures, collectible items, Funko Pops (though fitting them might depend on the box size), and even small paperback books or decorative items. The open design ensures visibility for display purposes. This versatility means you’re not limited to just storing media; the shelves can evolve with your needs and become part of your overall home decor, adding functionality and style wherever you need a bit of elevated storage or display space.
Social Proof: What Other Users Think
Scouring online reviews reveals that many users share a positive experience with the You Have Space Floating Shelves. Numerous reviewers praised their sleek appearance, noting how well they integrated into their game rooms or living areas. Many were pleasantly surprised by how much media these seemingly slim shelves could hold, effectively clearing clutter and organizing collections. Users frequently mentioned the durability of the metal construction and the overall value for the price. While some echoed concerns about the ease of installation with the provided tools and hardware, the consensus remained positive regarding the final look and functionality once mounted. People were generally thrilled with the space-saving aspect and how the shelves allowed them to proudly display their collections.
Final Thoughts on Organizing Your Collection
Dealing with a growing collection of video games, DVDs, and CDs can quickly turn into a space-consuming problem, leading to clutter and difficulty finding your favorites. It’s a problem that needs solving not just for tidiness, but to protect your valuable media and make it easily accessible. The You Have Space Black Floating Shelves for Wall, 34 Inch Video Games CD DVD Storage Shelves, Cube Storage Organizer Shelf Set of 3 offers a fantastic solution. Its modern, space-saving design helps reclaim floor space, the sturdy metal construction provides reliable storage, and the generous capacity allows you to consolidate a significant portion of your collection. If you’re ready to tackle media clutter and add a stylish organizational element to your walls, these shelves are definitely worth considering. Click here to check them out and see if they’re the perfect fit for your space!