We used 3 posts and 7 shelves total (here is the system). The shelves are quite deep which was our choice because the room is very long and felt like it would provide storage on both sides so each kid would have room for their things. I styled it up a bit with some crates and boxes, books and some of their favourite things. I think it’s going to get messy fast so I may add more crates/boxes later. The Elvarli also comes in narrower and shorter shelves which would be a great option in a smaller room trying to achieve a similar result (here).
The system could hold twice as many shelves so we may add more later. We also made one of the shelves a desk for Mae. It’s not meant to be a desk and definitely shouldn’t have a kid put all their body weight on it, but Mae is careful. She has been begging for a desk (and a guinea pig) so this desk seemed like the easier option. We didn’t do the same for Theo’s side because I think it is too low and I think he would be too hard on it. We may add another desk for him in the corner of the room. But i still standby my theory that kids do not need desks and just pile them with stuff. Theo does the majority of his homework at the dining table with parental prompting. Just mentioning this because I hear a lot of guilt or concern from other parents that they don’t have room for a desk for their kid and I truly think any flat surface will do.
Anyway I am really happy with how this shelf system turned out! They now have clearly divided sides of the room. As they get older and possibly need more privacy we can add a ceiling mounted curtain. But for now they are thrilled with this development.
It is time to let go of the wall bunks they served us so so well in our 600 square foot apartment and they really need to go to a home that needs them more. A trundle twin bed is all the kids need now.
As I look at the photos I took of their impossible to photograph dark room I realize I could add more context of how their room relates to our room. Will work on that! Let me know if you have any other questions!
