What is a whatnot shelf?

A whatnot is a multi-tiered freestanding open shelf unit designed for ornaments and small books. These pieces appeared in various rooms to maximise display space without heavy cabinetry. Victorian examples often incorporated mirrors, small drawers, or turned supports, making them both decorative and functional additions to a domestic interior.

Are these shelves adjustable?

Many nineteenth-century and Edwardian open bookcases listed here feature adjustable shelving. Makers employed systems using vertical wooden ratchets, rows of peg holes, or brass strips to allow shelf repositioning. This adaptability makes period bookcases practical for housing modern books of varying heights while retaining their original timber framework.

Where should I place wall shelves?

Wall-hanging shelves suit compact spaces where floor area is limited, offering display capacity above desks, sideboards, or seating. Ensure secure fixing to a solid wall to support the weight of timber and books. Early examples often feature shaped brackets or fretwork plates designed specifically for wall attachment.