Urban Shelf - Blog

Grip tape addition eliminates Urban Shelf sliding

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 15:59:37 GMT

After some head scratching, we figured we try out some skateboard grip tape for the bottom of our shelf to see if it would decrease the phenomena of slide out (for frame-less beds). The test was a success, so... we are going to begin shipping two 1" x 4" strips with each shelf in the next few months. The strips will be inside and if you want to use them, just peel the backing and stick. We found the outer locations pictured to be the most effective. Keep the one side flush with the hinge. Make sure to keep your shelf close to the headboard as well to decrease bouncing when moving around in bed. We will be using Jessup Griptape as it is made in Illinois USA and a staple among skateboard enthusiasts.

Essential changing table accessory

Sat, 19 Oct 2013 16:36:26 GMT

Changing tables are very useful, but often there is no good place for the wipes or diapers that are within easy reach. The ever versatile Urban Shelf solves that challenge. There is nothing worse than trying to clean baby and having the wipes across the room on the dresser, or down below where you can't get to them efficiently. Use the cord holders to hold nail clippers, Q-tips, teethers, etc… The changing pad holds down the shelf securely and allows you to place your "extra" shelf on the back or sides of most tables. So consider ordering two or three instead of just one for your bedside shelving needs.

How to make Fusion shelves

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:21:35 GMT

You listened to Sheryl Crow when you were younger or have a poster of James Dean or Steve McQueen on the wall.

You're an 'Original' and want your Urban Shelf to reflect that unique style. David in Oregon, after seeing the new pink and blue colors was inspired to create what is now known as 'Fusion' shelves - the melding of two different colors into one. Here are some instructions on how to make your own at home with shelves you already have (or will have). Alternatively - we'll be marketing them as pre-made twin packs in a few weeks. Blue and black looks good, but we think the contrast of pink and black looks so sick!

Re-assemble in the reverse order, best to use a carpeted surface to press the pieces back and provide a little stability. You may need a friend with some strength if you have an advanced case of office hands. Caution: Urban Shelf is very rugged when assembled, but if you tear the pieces apart like a barbarian - they can be broken. Use some caution, particularly with the outside hinges when removing the bottom piece from the middle section. We have found that if you rock the pieces back and forth as you separate them, they come apart easily. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any Urban Shelf components that might be damaged during your own fusion experimentation. Add a fun automotive style decal to complete your custom look like some of the ones below.

Urban Shelf - iPad stand instructions

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:45:44 GMT

Early in the history of Urban Shelf, some told us that our product really needed one more thing in its bag of tricks to be a smash. We debated, had meetings, and sketched on the drawing board for a long while on what could be added to achieve this goal. Eventually we gave up and brought it to market regardless of the critics remarks…... Until a few months ago - when a clever customer emailed us with pictures of her cat clad iPad resting comfortably on Urban Shelf. Mary told us that she did not like the viewing angle when flat on a table so she began experimenting with different folding configurations of her black Urban Shelf. At first we thought that changes to the design might be required, but lo and behold - tablet stand functionality was already built-in.

Simon, the now famous 'Cat in the iPad'

Simply fold Urban Shelf back upon itself as depicted below - whalla, instant iPad stand. Another perk is that the orientation(portrait or landscape) or a presence of a case or not makes no difference, Urban Shelf will still work well. Some of the phones available today also work well with this configuration, (as many have built-in kickstands to enable comfortable landscape viewing, but not portrait mode.) Who knew Urban Shelf could help you with your high stakes Scrabble game?

Strengthen your Urban Shelf

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 17:28:07 GMT

So how much weight can an Urban Shelf really hold? The question seems simple - but just like many of life's mysteries, it really depends on location and positioning. Some beds have no box spring, just a wooden or metal slat frame - which increases strength. When the base of the Urban Shelf is well supported at the bottom hinge, it benefits the weight capacity the most. Some mattresses are extremely soft on the edges. When coupled with a box spring that's ultra plush and has large rounded edges, the load capacity of Urban Shelf decreases.

incorrect mattress position

correct mattress position = stronger

Increase the strength of your Urban Shelf: Make sure that the mattress is lined up vertically with the box spring, or push in the mattress slightly. Keep the base of the Urban Shelf pushed all the way into the bed, this keeps everything tight and minimizes flexing under load. The same principles can be applied if you are using Urban Shelf on a couch.

Update: 9-15-13
Does your shelf bounce too much when you move around the bed? There is an easy solution - slide your Urban Shelf as close as possible to the headboard. Even the most acrobatic of couples will have a hard time making their Urban Shelf bounce when placed near the headboard. Sliding Urban Shelf closer to the headboard also makes it a tad easier to get in and out of bed.

Save time and power

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 19:24:39 GMT

Outlet switch is great for charging phone

Wanted to show how to save a little time and power when using your Urban Shelf. I utilize both cord holders, the small one holds the cord firmly in place down to the outlet - the larger side holds the charging tip when not in use ( but allows the cord to slide easily). This allows me to use the phone in bed, as there is plenty of slack so long as you have about 6' of cord. The standard iPhone and some other manufacturers cords are only 3', so I recommend getting a 6' USB extension cable to give yourself a little more slack.

On the power saving side, I utilize a handy outlet switch from GE (though the Belkin one appears to be highly functional as well)

This allows me to never have to unplug the charger or reach down to the floor. Although the power draw is small - every little bit helps over time.

Just make sure to flip the switch to the on position prior to getting into bed each night. Note: These days, I like to use white power cables, easier to see in the dark.

Hotel room outlet hide and seek

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:01:55 GMT

I used to travel for a previous career - a lot actually,.. around 150 nights per year. Numerous times I found myself in hotel rooms with two queen beds and a large nightstand in the middle. More often than not, no outlet existed on or near the nightstand. However, almost always there was an outlet was situated along the wall adjacent to the bathroom. Even with an extension cord, my charging phone would still be in an unfamiliar place during the night.

After doing some analysis, I figured that the space between the bed and the wall was always at least about 7-8". This small space is what helped us to shape the dimensions for what is now known as an Urban Shelf. No nightstand existed that could accommodate for this small useable space and allow for easy portability.

An Urban Shelf placed against the wall side of a hotel room bed would allow most charging cords to reach the outlet, as well as provide the perfect place for a phone while sleeping. Using the shelf in the room for a multiple day stay is where is really shines - especially when you begin to rely on its practicality. Urban Shelf has become a 1 lb travel accessory that I always keep in my laptop bag.