Space is the eternal challenge for galleries and museums. You’ve got precious artworks, historical artefacts, and priceless collections that need proper storage, but you’re constantly running out of room. Whether you’re a small local gallery or a major national institution, the question remains the same: how do you store more whilst maintaining the highest standards of care and accessibility?

The answer lies in sophisticated storage solutions that work smarter, not harder. Pull-out and lateral art racking systems are revolutionising how cultural institutions approach storage, delivering dramatic space savings without compromising on collection care or access.

Understanding Pull-Out and Lateral Art Racking Systems

Let’s start with the basics. Pull-out art racking consists of mesh panels that slide out individually from a compact storage unit, much like files in a filing cabinet. Each panel holds artwork vertically, separated and protected, whilst allowing you to access any piece without disturbing others.

Lateral art racking takes this concept further by mounting these systems on mobile shelving carriages. Picture a series of mesh panels that can move along tracks, compacting together when not in use, then creating aisles when you need access. It’s storage that adapts to your needs in real-time.

These aren’t just fancy shelves – they’re engineered solutions developed to the unique challenges of storing artwork. The mesh construction provides excellent airflow around pieces, preventing moisture buildup whilst keeping items visible for quick identification.

The Space Revolution: Up to 70% More Capacity

Here’s where these systems truly shine. Traditional static storage requires permanent aisles between every storage unit. That means roughly half your floor space is dedicated to walking areas rather than actual storage. It’s wasteful, especially when you consider the premium on space in most cultural institutions.

Mobile lateral systems eliminate this waste. When you’re not accessing a particular section, the units compact together, creating one solid wall of storage. Need to reach something? Simply move the relevant units apart to create an aisle exactly where you need it.

The numbers speak for themselves – you can achieve up to 70% more storage capacity in the same footprint. That’s not just impressive; it’s transformative for institutions struggling with space constraints.

Consider this: if your current storage room holds 1,000 pieces, implementing a mobile lateral system could potentially accommodate 1,700 pieces in the same space. That’s room for years of acquisitions without requiring expensive building extensions.

Bespoke Solutions for Every Collection

No two collections are identical, and your storage shouldn’t be either. Modern art racking systems are completely bespoke, designed around your specific collection needs. Got oversized contemporary canvases? No problem. Delicate textiles that need special spacing? We’ve got you covered. Unusual shaped pieces that don’t fit standard dimensions? That’s exactly what made-to-measure is for.

The beauty of bespoke design is that it maximises every inch of available space. Standard, off-the-shelf solutions inevitably leave gaps and unused areas. Custom systems are designed to fit your exact room dimensions, ceiling height, and collection requirements. Every millimetre counts when you’re trying to maximise storage density.

At Rackline, we understand that flexibility is key. Collections evolve, and your storage needs to evolve with them. That’s why our art racking systems are designed with modularity in mind – you can reconfigure, expand, or adapt as your collection grows and changes.

Enhanced Collection Care and Security

Maximising space means nothing if you’re compromising on collection care. Fortunately, these advanced racking systems actually improve protection for your artworks.

The mesh panel construction provides excellent airflow, crucial for preventing moisture damage and maintaining stable environmental conditions around stored pieces. Unlike solid shelving that can create microclimates, mesh systems allow air to circulate freely whilst still providing physical separation between artworks.

Many systems also offer dustproof solutions for particularly sensitive items. These can include protective covers or sealed environments that shield artworks from dust and light exposure whilst maintaining the space-saving benefits of the racking system.

Security is enhanced too. When lateral art racking units are compacted together, there’s no access to the stored artworks without deliberately creating an aisle. This creates an additional layer of security whilst the compact storage also makes monitoring easier – you’ve got less floor space to supervise.

The vertical storage approach also reduces handling. Instead of stacking items (which requires moving top pieces to access bottom ones), vertical systems allow direct access to any piece. Less handling means less risk of damage – it’s better for your collection and more efficient for your staff.

Real-World Applications and Global Success

Pull-out and lateral art racking isn’t just theoretical – it’s being used successfully by cultural institutions worldwide. From small community galleries making the most of limited space to major museums managing vast collections, these systems are proving their worth daily.

Museums report significant improvements in both storage capacity and workflow efficiency. Curators can locate and access specific pieces more quickly, whilst conservators appreciate the improved environmental conditions and reduced handling requirements.

The flexibility of these systems makes them suitable for various types of cultural institutions:
 

• Art galleries storing paintings, prints, and photographs
• Museums with mixed collections including textiles, documents, and artwork
• Archives managing large format materials and historical documents
• Educational institutions preserving collections whilst maximising limited space
• Private collections requiring professional storage solutions

The Importance of UK Manufacturing Expertise

When you’re investing in storage for priceless collections, quality matters. UK-manufactured systems offer several advantages that are worth considering. Local manufacturing means shorter lead times, easier communication during the design process, and ongoing support that’s just a phone call away.

British manufacturing also brings decades of engineering expertise and quality control standards. These aren’t mass-produced solutions – they’re precision-engineered art racking systems built to last decades whilst protecting irreplaceable cultural heritage.

Working with UK manufacturers also means better understanding of local requirements and regulations. From building codes to conservation standards, domestic suppliers understand the specific challenges facing British cultural institutions.

Making Space Work Harder

The key to maximising space with art racking isn’t just about cramming more into less room – it’s about making every square foot work harder and smarter. These systems achieve this through several key principles:

Vertical efficiency: Making full use of ceiling height rather than just floor space
Elimination of wasted aisles: Creating access only when and where needed
Optimal spacing: Custom spacing that maximises density whilst maintaining proper airflow
Modular flexibility: Systems that can adapt and expand as needs change

Planning Your Storage Transformation

If you’re considering upgrading your storage systems, start with a thorough assessment of your current collection and future growth plans. What types of items do you store? What are your access patterns? How often do you need to retrieve specific pieces?

Rackline can help evaluate your space and collection requirements, then design systems that deliver maximum efficiency. This consultative approach draws on years of experience with similar institutions and ensures you get a solution that’s perfectly matched to your needs.

The investment in advanced art racking systems pays dividends through increased capacity, improved collection care, and enhanced workflow efficiency. When space is at a premium, these systems offer a path to dramatic expansion without the massive costs of building extensions.

Your Next Steps

Ready to explore how pull-out, lateral and vertical art racking could transform your storage capacity? The first step is understanding exactly what you’re working with and what you need to achieve.

At Rackline, we specialise in creating bespoke storage solutions for cultural institutions. Our team combines decades of engineering expertise with deep understanding of collection care requirements. If you’re looking for advice on maximising your storage space whilst maintaining the highest standards of collection care, we’d love to help.

Get in touch to discuss on 01782 770144, email us at: info@rackline.com or fill in the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Download our artwork brochure here.