Origami shelves are foldable shelving units made up of metal, usually steel. These racks are based on the principles of origami, which is the Japanese art of folding paper into interesting and unique shapes. These shelving systems fold up for extremely compact storage and are quite easy to unfold; it just takes couple of minutes and your product is ready to be used. They’re generally collapsible vertically, meaning they fold in half and can be rolled out of the way. You can refold them flat if you want extra space when yours is not in use. There are many models of origami shelves available on market, most by a brand named Origami, so if you’re looking for some of these products for your home, see how a few of the top-rated models stack up against each other.
Click here to check price and reviews Origami R5-01W General Purpose 4-Shelf Steel Collapsible Storage Rack with Wheels, Large
Learn more about the Large Origami folding shelf here
This collapsible storage rack is quite versatile in nature and there are endless possibilities for using it. This origami shelving system opens and closes in just a few minutes and no tools are required to do so. Each shelf of this rack has a maximum weight capacity of 250lbs if this rack is standing upon its feet. If wheels are attached to the rack, then the maximum weight capacity per shelf decreases to 75lbs. This rack is made up of steel with a pewter finish and its dimensions are 62.5″H x 35.8″W x 20.85″D. It comes ready to use; no assembly is required. This origami shelving system is currently available at a price of $110.
Pros:
- This rack opens and folds in just a couple of minutes
- Can be refolded for storage
- Very smooth operation when folding it up
- Comes with four wheels for ease of movement
- Constructed with powder-coated steel
Cons:
- Some of the people who reviewed this rack feel that the size of the wheels provided with this shelving unit is too small in comparison, and they reduce the weight capacity too much
Conclusion: This shelving system is quite sturdy and roomy. It comes folded up flat and can be opened up effortlessly. It’s perfect for those people who do not want to go through the hassle of using nuts and bolts to assemble a shelving unit. This is a durable model for the price, but skip it if you want a model with casters, as this one loses too much carrying capacity when wheels are installed.
Origami General Purpose Steel Storage Rack with Wheels, 3-Shelf, Small
You can opt for endless storage and display possibilities with this heavy-duty general-purpose three-shelf rack. This rack can be unfolded and folded in a just a few minutes, making it quite easy to use. It arrives premade and can be unfolded without using any type of tools. The maximum weight capacity for each shelf is 250lbs if standing on an even, level surface, and if installed with wheels, then the weight capacity for each shelf stands at 75lbs. This rack is constructed of steel with a grey finish. The dimensions are 38.2″H x 28.75″W x 13.3″D. It’s currently available at a price of $59.97.
Pros:
- Can be opened and folded in just a few minutes
- Can be refolded flat for easy storage
- No construction required
- Made of strong gunmetal powder-coated steel
- Comes with four wheels for ease of movement
- Comes with a one-year warranty
Cons:
- Some of the people who reviewed this product have complaints about the wheels, as they do not lock effectively
Conclusion: This unit is quite suitable for people who require small racks to fit compact areas. Due to its small size and availability of wheels, this rack can even be used as a trolley, but you might want to skip it if you need something a bit more formidable for something like garage storage.
Origami R5S-BRONZE Heavy Duty Square Rack, Bronze
This collapsible storage rack opens and closes in just 20 seconds. Each shelf of this rack has a maximum weight capacity of 250lbs if it’s standing upon its feet. If wheels are attached, then the maximum weight capacity per shelf decreases to 75lbs. This rack is made of powder-coated steel and has dimensions of 24″W x 24″D x 60.3″H. No assembly is required. It’s available at a price of $119.99.
Pros:
- This rack opens and folds literally within seconds
- Can be refolded for storage
- Very smooth and easy operation
- Comes with four wheels for ease of movement
- Features powder-coated steel for durability
- Comes in four color variants to fit your décor: black, bronze, red, and pewter
Cons:
- Customers report that that quality control of this product is not up to par; some units feel flimsier than others
Conclusion: This shelving system is quite easy to unfold. If you require maximum weight placed on the shelves, don’t install the wheels. It’s nicer looking than other brands, but this seems to come at a sacrifice to the quality. Consider this one only if you’re interested in the different colors.
Origami RB-01 6-Tier Book Shelf
If you require a shelving system for storing your books and magazines, then this is the best choice. It comes with five spacious shelves that can be used for storing or displaying books, collectibles, and trophies. If you want to use this bookshelf for your office, then it is quite appropriate for storing paper stationery. It can be also used for other rooms where extra storage space is required. Open dimensions are 24”W x 10.6”D x 65.7”H. The folded size dimensions are 3.9”D x 11.8”W x 65.7”H. It’s currently available at a price of $184.95.
Pros:
- Can be opened and folded in just a couple of minutes
- Shelf weight capacity of 100lbs
- Five spacious shelves for storing books, stationery, collectibles, and more
- Durable steel
- Comes in black
Cons:
- Some of the people who have reviewed this product feel that the metal used to construct this rack is actually quite thin and has a tendency to bend easily
Conclusion: This is a good choice for a portable bookshelf as it is very lightweight and can be moved around with ease. It is also economical when compared to wooden bookshelves available in furniture shops. It should be noted that the wheels provided by the parent company are not suitable for this bookshelf but you can opt to buy casters available at hardware stores.
Origami RGH-04 4-Tier Greenhouse
This shelving system is designed as a mobile greenhouse that can be used for seed propagation and growing small plants that require a controlled environment. It comes with a full-length roll-up cover made up of PVC and has the ability to control humidity and light. If you want to display your plants, you can remove this cover. The sturdy shelves provided in this greenhouse can be used for pots or even germination trays. It works well for growing orchids, as the cover provided with this shelving system offers the required level of humidity along with light. It’s currently available at a price of $64.82.
Pros:
- Comes with clear PVC foldable cover
- Great option for seed germination, displaying cacti, growing orchids, and displaying houseplants
- Sturdy shelves easily bear the weight of pots and seed trays
- Easy to set up; no assembly required
- Can be folded flat for storage
Cons:
- The plastic cover provided is actually a bit opaque and you have to remove it if you want to display your plants
Conclusion: This is the best choice for anyone who lives in an apartment or has limited living space. This greenhouse has great mobility if wheels are attached to it, which makes it quite appropriate when you have to move plants depending upon the availability of sunlight.
Summary
As you can see, you have plenty of great options when it comes to purchasing an origami shelf. For top-notch quality and easy movement, consider the six-tier bookshelf. It doesn’t lose any weight capacity if you add casters, and it’s easy to move even when there are books lining the shelves. The general-purpose three-shelf rack is another great option; it’s similar to the four-shelf model, but while it’s lacking only one shelf, it costs half as much for similar quality. The greenhouse is another superior option; although it’s kind of a specialized product, it might be something you didn’t know you needed. It makes taking care of your plants so much easier.