---
title: "Open Shelves (200)"
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
type: concept
status: compiled
namespace: pattern-language
pattern_number: 200
pattern_name: "Open Shelves"
source_repository: https://github.com/zenodotus280/apl-md
source_url: https://github.com/zenodotus280/apl-md/blob/master/Patterns/Open%20Shelves%20%28200%29.md
license_note: Non-commercial reuse with attribution; see namespace README and source LICENSE.md.
related_patterns:
  - "Thick Walls (197)"
  - "Farmhouse Kitchen (139)"
  - "Workspace Enclosure (183)"
  - "Waist-High Shelf (201)"
  - "Thickening the Outer Walls (211)"
---

# Open Shelves (200)

> Source pattern from the abridged `apl-md` corpus. Use as a design reference and constraint seed; do not treat as commercial-clean training data.

### Problem
>Cupboards that are too deep waste valuable space, and it always seems that what you want is behind something else.

### Solution
>Cover the walls with narrow shelves of varying depth but always shallow enough so that things can be placed on them one deep—nothing hiding behind anything else.

### Related Patterns
... within the [[Thick Walls (197)]], especially around the [[Farmhouse Kitchen (139)]] and [[Workspace Enclosure (183)]], but possibly throughout the building, there is a need for shelves. This pattern helps you decide exactly where you want them and how they shall be organized. Mary Louise Rogers first made the pattern explicit for us.

At waist height put in an extra deep shelf for plates, phonograph, TV, boxes, displays, treasures - [[Waist-High Shelf (201)]]. Mark the open shelves along with all the other deep spaces in the walls - [[Thickening the Outer Walls (211)]] ...

---

> [!cite]- Alexander, Christopher. _A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction_. Oxford University Press, 1977, p. 919.
> #APL/confidence/medium
>
> #APL/Building-Patterns/Thick-Walls