Definition

• Rather than looking like square cubbies, each with two vertical sides and horizontal tops and bottoms, diagonal shelves provide diamond-shaped storage spaces. If you took two "V"s and stacked them vertically, then turned the top "V" upside down, you'd get the idea as to what a single cubby in a diagonal shelf looks like. Place many "X"s side-by-side and on top of each other, and you get the idea of what a diagonal bookshelf looks like.
  
  

Functionality

• Diagonal shelves provide almost as much function as shelving with horizontal storage surfaces. Books can be stored the same way as in horizontal storage, except that instead of sitting upright with the spines in a position perpendicular to the floor, they sit at a 45-degree angle. Soft toys like stuffed animals can be stored on diagonal shelving, but instead of sitting on a horizontal surface they will sit on the "V" that makes the bottom of each cubby.
  
  

Limitations

• Because diagonal shelves don't provide completely horizontal surfaces, these shelves are not ideal for items like toy cars and delicate figurines that must remain in an upright position. For instance, a toy car placed on a diagonal shelf will roll down and end up, likely on its side or upside down, at the bottom of the "V." Figurines meant to sit straight up will likely tip over and possibly off the shelf, potentially breaking as they fall to the ground.
  
  

Availability

• Furniture stores specializing in modern pieces are likely to carry diagonal shelves. Alternately, you can make your own. If you're handy, making your own may be the better option, since you can choose sturdy wood rather than settling for particle board. Making your own also means that you can build a shelf that accommodates the amount of space you have to work with; you opt for a short but wide shelf or a narrow, tall one. And you can paint the shelving in a kid-friendly color that goes with the decor in your child's room, even adding stencils.