Modern Shelving FAQs – Your Questions Answered
Find answers to common questions about Modern Shelving's modular storage solutions. Learn about weight capacity, installation, custom pricing, material options, and shipping timelines. Our FAQ covers everything from compression pole-mounted systems to custom shelving designs, ensuring you get the best fit for your space.
At Modern Shelving, we want to make your shopping experience seamless. Our FAQ section covers everything you need to know, from installation tips and weight capacity to custom design options and shipping details. Whether you're looking for strong compression pole-mounted shelves or a custom shelving solution, find the answers you need to create the perfect storage setup.
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Before You Buy Product & Durability Installation Ordering, Pricing & Delivery Trade & Commercial About Modern ShelvingBefore You Buy
What is modular shelving?
Modular shelving is designed to change with you. Instead of buying a fixed piece of furniture, you can add shelves, move components, expand the system, or reconfigure the layout as your space and needs change.
Start with what you need today. Add to it tomorrow. Take it with you when you move.
Is Modern Shelving worth the price?
We design Modern Shelving to be a long-term investment, not furniture you replace every few years.
We have customers who bought their systems more than 20 years ago, moved multiple times, and continued to reconfigure, expand, and reinstall the same shelving.
Because the system is modular, you also don't have to buy everything at once. Start with what you need today and add to it over time.
Invest once. Enjoy forever.
Will Modern Shelving work in my space?
In most cases, yes.
Modern Shelving can be configured around different wall sizes, ceiling heights, corners, windows, TVs, desks, collections, and other architectural features.
If you're unsure, send us a photo and measurements of your space. Our design team can help create a system around your room.
Which shelving system is right for me?
It depends on your space, wall type, ceiling height, and how you want to use the shelving.
We offer wall-mounted systems and pole-mounted configurations, including floor-to-ceiling compression systems.
Not sure where to start? Send us a photo of your space and we'll help recommend the right system.
Can I start small and expand later?
Absolutely. That's one of the main benefits of modular shelving.
Start with what you need today, then add shelves, cabinets, desks, additional bays, or other components as your needs change.
You don't have to build your entire system at once.
Is your design service really free?
Yes.
Send us photos, measurements, and an idea of what you want to store or display, and our design team can help create a layout for your space.
There's no charge for the design service and no obligation to purchase.
Product & Durability
How sturdy is Modern Shelving?
Modern Shelving is designed for real storage, not just display.
Our systems are used for books, records, media equipment, collections, everyday storage, and more.
If you're planning to store particularly heavy items, our team can help recommend the right shelf and configuration.
How much weight can each shelf hold?
Weight capacity depends on the shelf type, width, mounting system, bracket configuration, and how the weight is distributed.
Some Modern Shelving aluminum shelf configurations can support up to 100 lbs per shelf when properly installed and evenly loaded.
For heavier applications, contact us and we'll help design the appropriate configuration.
What is Modern Shelving made from?
Many Modern Shelving components are made from architectural-grade aluminum, including 6063-T6 aluminum.
Aluminum gives the system a strong combination of durability, strength, relatively low weight, and a clean architectural appearance.
Wood and wood-look components are also available depending on the system.
What finishes are available?
Available finishes vary by component.
Core options include clear satin aluminum, black, and white, with additional finishes available on selected products or by special order.
Our design team can help coordinate the finishes throughout your system.
How long will Modern Shelving last?
Modern Shelving is designed for long-term use.
Instead of replacing the entire piece when your needs change, the modular system allows you to reconfigure, expand, move, or replace individual components.
Some of our customers have continued using and adapting their systems for more than 20 years.
Can I reconfigure my shelving later?
Yes.
Shelves, cabinets, desks, and other components can be repositioned as your needs change.
Add more storage, change shelf spacing, create a workspace, or redesign the entire configuration without starting over.
Can I take Modern Shelving with me when I move?
Yes.
Unlike traditional built-ins, Modern Shelving is designed to be disassembled, moved, and installed again.
Your new space may require a different configuration, but many of the same components can be reused.
Can I add components or replacement parts years later?
Yes.
That's one of the advantages of a modular system.
You can add shelves, cabinets, brackets, poles, and other components instead of replacing your entire shelving system.
If you're expanding an older system, contact us and we'll help determine what you need.
Installation
Can I install Modern Shelving myself?
Yes. Many customers install their own systems.
If you're comfortable assembling furniture and using basic household tools, installation is generally straightforward. We provide instructions and installation resources to guide you.
For larger or more complex installations, some customers prefer to hire a handyman or contractor.
Do I need to drill into the wall?
It depends on the system.
Wall-mounted systems require attachment to the wall.
Our floor-to-ceiling compression systems use tension between the floor and ceiling to secure the poles, reducing the need for traditional wall mounting.
If minimizing wall attachment is important, tell our design team and we'll recommend the most suitable option.
Do I need wall studs?
Not always.
Whenever possible, attaching a wall-mounted system to studs provides excellent support. Depending on your wall construction, appropriate anchors or other mounting hardware may also be used.
The correct installation method depends on your wall type and how the system will be loaded.
Can renters use Modern Shelving?
Depending on your lease and the system you choose, yes.
Our floor-to-ceiling compression system can be particularly useful for people who want substantial shelving without installing traditional built-in cabinetry.
We recommend checking your lease requirements before installation.
Can Modern Shelving work with high ceilings?
Yes.
Our pole systems can accommodate a range of ceiling heights, including many spaces with ceilings up to approximately 12 feet.
Send us your floor-to-ceiling measurement and we'll help determine the correct configuration.
Can Modern Shelving work in corners or awkward spaces?
Yes.
Because the system is modular, it can often be configured around corners, windows, uneven wall lengths, desks, TVs, and other architectural features.
Send us photos and measurements and our design team can help find the best layout.
Can I use my own shelves with Modern Shelving hardware?
In many cases, yes.
Customers sometimes combine Modern Shelving hardware with their own wood, reclaimed materials, or custom-made shelving.
Contact us before ordering so we can make sure the dimensions and hardware configuration are appropriate.
Ordering, Pricing & Delivery
How do I order?
You can purchase pre-configured systems and individual components online, or work with our design team to create a shelving system specifically for your space.
For a custom design, send us photos and measurements and tell us what you'd like the shelving to accomplish.
We'll help develop the layout and provide a quote.
How long does an order take?
Lead times depend on the products, finishes, and level of customization.
Standard components may ship relatively quickly, while powder-coated finishes, wood components, cabinets, and custom systems may require additional production time.
For a custom project, we'll provide an estimated lead time with your quote.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping depends on the size of the system, packaging requirements, and destination.
Because every order can be different, shipping is calculated based on the specific project rather than using a single flat rate.
You'll see or receive the shipping cost before your order is finalized.
Why can a custom system cost more than a similar pre-configured system?
Pre-configured systems use standardized dimensions and combinations, making them more efficient to manufacture and package.
Custom systems may require special dimensions, cutting, additional components, finishing, design work, or specialized packaging.
So even when two systems appear similar, the work required to create them may be different.
Keep this FAQ. This isn't really another “price objection” question — it addresses a specific customer confusion about custom vs. pre-configured pricing.
Can I get an itemized quote?
For custom systems, we generally quote the complete configuration rather than pricing every component as an individual retail item.
The total reflects the complete project, including any customization, fabrication, hardware, finishing, and packaging required for the design.
What happens if something arrives damaged or a part is missing?
Contact us as soon as possible and include photos of the packaging and the damaged or missing component.
Our team will review the issue and help determine the appropriate replacement or solution.
Please keep the original packaging until the issue has been resolved.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept major credit cards and other available payment methods shown during checkout or included with your project quote.
For larger or custom projects, contact our team if you have specific payment requirements.
Trade & Commercial
Do you work with architects and interior designers?
Yes.
We work with architects, interior designers, builders, developers, and other trade professionals.
Our team can assist with layouts, custom configurations, specifications, samples, quotes, and project planning.
Do you offer a Trade Program?
Yes.
Our Trade Program is designed for architects, interior designers, and other professionals specifying Modern Shelving for client projects.
Benefits include design support, project assistance, custom 3D designs, trade resources, and other benefits for qualifying professionals.
Can you handle commercial projects?
Yes.
Modern Shelving can be used in retail stores, offices, hospitality spaces, showrooms, multifamily projects, educational spaces, and other commercial applications.
Send us your plans, quantities, timeline, and requirements and our team can help develop the appropriate system.
Can you handle large-volume orders?
Yes.
We can accommodate larger projects and repeat orders depending on the quantities, finishes, customization, and project timeline.
For larger projects, we recommend contacting us early so we can review your requirements and production schedule.
Can you provide samples or specifications?
Yes.
Architects, designers, and trade professionals can contact us for finish samples, product specifications, technical information, and other resources needed for project planning.
About Modern Shelving
Where is Modern Shelving made?
Modern Shelving systems are designed and manufactured in the United States, with many components produced and finished in California.
Certain materials and components may come from specialized suppliers depending on the product.
How is Modern Shelving different from traditional shelving?
Traditional shelving is usually designed for one location, one configuration, and one purpose.
Modern Shelving is designed as a system that can evolve with your space.
You can start small, add to it, reconfigure it, move it, change how you use it, and keep it for years.
Instead of buying new furniture every time your needs change, you can adapt what you already own.
How is Modern Shelving different from inexpensive ready-to-assemble shelving?
Inexpensive shelving can be a good solution when you need something temporary or purely functional.
Modern Shelving is designed for a different purpose: a durable, architectural system that can become part of your home and adapt over time.
Rather than throwing out the entire piece when you move or your needs change, you can reuse, expand, and reconfigure the system you already have.