Rossaio Wall Shelf - Black

This wall shelf brings a little humour to bedroom storage: a moustached strongman stands beneath a black board and holds it overhead like a barbell, with a round disc at each end to complete the joke. It is made from MDF and iron and measures 55cm long, 15cm wide and 25cm tall, the height taking in the figure that hangs below the board. At 0.746KG it is light and easy to handle while you put it up.

It belongs in a child's bedroom or playroom, where a shelf with a character on it earns a second look. The maker gives a maximum load of 3KG, which makes it a shelf for lighter things: a short row of picture books, a favourite soft toy, a small box of treasures or a few decorations. Heavier books and storage boxes are better kept on a bookcase that stands on the floor. Hung low, it puts a child's own things within reach and gives them somewhere to arrange them; hung higher, it becomes a display shelf for keepsakes that are looked at more than played with.

The finish is water based paint, and care is simple: wipe it clean with a moist cloth. The maker's assembly instructions come as a PDF download, so you can see how it goes together before you start. When you choose its spot, remember that the strongman hangs beneath the board and needs clear wall under the shelf, so allow for the full 25cm of height rather than the thickness of the board alone. Against a pale wall the black board and its round discs read crisply, and the figure looks best with nothing crowding him, above a low chest of drawers or a toy box.

Assembly instructions (PDF)

What is the shelf made from?

It is made from MDF and iron, with a water based paint finish. The board and the round discs at each end are black.

How much weight can the shelf hold?

The maker gives a maximum load of 3KG, so it suits lighter things such as picture books, soft toys and small keepsakes rather than heavy books.

How big is the shelf?

It is 55cm long, 15cm wide and 25cm tall. The height includes the strongman figure that hangs beneath the board, so allow clear wall space under it.

How do I clean it?

The maker's care advice is to wipe it clean with a moist cloth, so a damp cloth over the painted board and figure keeps it looking fresh.

Does it need assembling?

Yes, it needs putting together before it goes on the wall, and the maker's assembly instructions come as a PDF download.

How heavy is the shelf?

It weighs 0.746KG, so it is light to lift into place while you mark out its position and fix it to the wall.