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Shelf


From Design+Encyclopedia, the free encyclopedia on good design, art, architecture, creativity, engineering and innovation.
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Good Shelf
Good Shelf
370152
Shelf

A shelf is a flat horizontal or vertical surface that is used to store or display items in various settings, such as homes, offices, libraries, and stores. Shelves can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, plastic, and composite materials. They can be attached to walls, freestanding, or built into furniture, such as bookcases, cabinets, and wardrobes. Shelves come in different shapes, sizes, and designs to fit different purposes and aesthetics, from simple and functional to ornate and decorative. One important aspect of shelves is their capacity to organize and optimize space. By providing a designated area for items, shelves can reduce clutter, improve accessibility, and enhance visual appeal. Shelves can also facilitate categorization, labeling, and inventory management, which can be useful for businesses, schools, and households. Moreover, shelves can be adjustable, modular, or expandable, allowing for flexibility and customization over time. Another aspect of shelves is their cultural and historical significance. Shelves have been used for thousands of years by various civilizations to store and showcase objects of value, such as books, manuscripts, art, and artifacts. Shelves have also been associated with social status, education, and taste, as evidenced by the design and placement of shelves in palaces, libraries, and museums. Furthermore, shelves have inspired artistic and literary works, such as Jorge Luis Borges' The Library of Babel and Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose, which explore the symbolism and meaning of shelves. In conclusion, shelves are versatile and ubiquitous objects that serve practical, aesthetic, and cultural purposes. Whether as a humble kitchen shelf or a grand library shelf, shelves reflect human ingenuity, creativity, and aspirations. By understanding the nature and function of shelves, we can appreciate their role in shaping our physical and mental environments.

storage, display, organization, history, culture

Eric Smith

221217
Shelf

The word shelf is a common noun and typically denotes an object with a flat, often vertical surface that may be used to store items. Synonyms of the word shelf could include ledge, support, ledge, rack, or stand. Antonyms of the word shelf would include abyss, crevasse, gulch, or hole. Cognates of the word shelf include the German word fach, the French word rayon, and the Spanish word estante. Variations of the word shelf might include shelfage, shelving, or shelflike.

etymology morphology lexicography lexeme language derivation affixes

George Adrian Postea

221210
Shelf

The word shelf is derived from the Old English word scylfe, which was developed from the Germanic and Proto-Indo-European words. The meaning of the word shelf has evolved from a inclined surface or ledge to a flat, horizontal surface for storing objects or for display. Morphologically, the word is a noun, which is derived from the same word stem of shelf. The word also carries a pragmatic meaning, as it is related to physical objects, as well as ideas and concepts.

Etymology, Morphology, Linguistic, History, Pragmatics.

Henry Fontaine

202994
Shelf

A shelf is a flat, raised surface that is used to support items. It is common in homes, offices, and warehouses for storage and display purposes. Shelves can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, metal, and plastic, and can be attached to a wall or placed on a stand. Important works in the furniture industry that use shelves include Scandinavian designs by BerntPedersen and contemporary designs by Australia-based furniture designer TomFaulkner.

Storage, shelving, display, accessories, organization.

Minh Nguyen

187846
Shelf

A shelf is a flat horizontal surface used to store or display items. It is typically composed of a board or panel, held up by brackets or a frame. Shelves are used in a variety of contexts, including the kitchen, bathroom, office, garage, and living room. They are often used to organize items, such as books, clothing, toys, or other items. Shelves can also be used to display items, such as trophies, photographs, or artwork.

Storage, organization, display, panel, brackets, frame.

Robert Johnson


Shelf Definition
Shelf on Design+Encyclopedia

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