Over a decade ago, I designed and installed a shelving system for my friend’s son, Bob, who was around ten years old at the time. The brief wasn’t complex — Bob needed a way to display his favourite things: action figures, models, books, LEGO builds, and various keepsakes that young collectors gather over time. But even at that age, it was clear that the right system would do more than just keep things tidy — it would shape the look and feel of his whole room.
We turned to a combination of Elfa platinum metalwork and custom-cut grey moisture-resistant MDF boards to create a bespoke layout of open shelving. This pairing delivered something that still stands the test of time: clean, modern lines with the flexibility to adjust and evolve. The use of Elfa melamine shelves in particular proved ideal. These are, in my view, absolutely unbeatable as an attractive and low-cost solution when you want to display collectables in a bedroom, living room, or creative workspace.
The melamine finish looks smart and is easy to wipe down — important when shelves are used by children — while the open format keeps the items on display visible and celebrated. In Bob’s case, the shelves provided the perfect home for Star Wars figures, treasured toys, football memorabilia, and later, books and display pieces that reflected his changing tastes. The twin-slot uprights and adjustable brackets meant the setup could be easily altered as he grew, with lower shelves moved higher and deeper boards swapped in where needed.
Designed for Collecting and Curating
There’s something special about a child’s bedroom that includes space to proudly display their collections. Whether it’s toy cars, figurines, pop culture collectables or books, having a curated display is a subtle but powerful way to encourage personal pride and a sense of ownership. Boys’ rooms in particular benefit from this kind of layout — instead of shoving everything in drawers or boxes, the collections are part of the room’s identity.
That’s what makes Elfa shelving so effective: its adjustability supports change without disruption. As Bob’s hobbies and interests shifted over the years, his Elfa setup adapted with him. What began as a layout for toys slowly transitioned into one that could hold tech, games, and books as he approached his teens — all without needing to replace a thing.
A Look That’s Back in Style
Interestingly, what began as a practical and affordable setup over ten years ago now looks remarkably current. The combination of platinum-finish uprights and muted grey MDF shelving aligns perfectly with today’s interior design trends. Across platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, we’re seeing a resurgence in interest around twin-slot shelving — not just for utility spaces, but for stylish, lived-in interiors that mix form and function.
Influencers like @a.start.of.something and @maisonbymia have popularised the aesthetic, showcasing how twin-slot systems can be styled with books, ceramics, and collectables. Bloggers such as Alice in Scandiland have demonstrated how simple systems can be elevated with thoughtful styling and high-quality finishes.
The key takeaway? Functional doesn’t mean boring. Shelving systems like Elfa’s allow for genuine self-expression — and when used to display collectables, they become an evolving visual story.
Conclusion
The Elfa shelving system I designed for Bob has lasted well beyond its original purpose. It started as a way to make a ten-year-old’s treasures part of his everyday life, and it has adapted beautifully to changing needs ever since. The combination of Elfa platinum metalwork and grey moisture-resistant MDF boards created a display that felt grown-up yet approachable — and one that has continued to function and look great well into Bob’s later teenage years.
If you’re looking to display collectables in a child’s room, creative studio, or lounge, Elfa melamine shelves are a brilliant option. They’re affordable, durable, and endlessly adaptable — and as this project shows, they’re built to last.
Read a wider assessment of this trend here
Organise Space – Elfa Experts
