Using the accent light shelves for storage

mikedec5to14

Newbie here.  I just purchased a 2020 320S Sofitel.   I searched for ideas on how to use the side shelves for storage but did not find any such discussions.  (If there is one, please point me to it.)  I don't want to block the accent lights but I'd love to put those shelves to some use.  Here is what I came up with unilaterally but I'd love to hear other ideas.  I went to the post office and got small (VCR cassette size) priority mail boxes and I spray painted one side using Rust-oleum Gloss Protective Enamel (smoke grey, #7786) (see picture 1).  I formed the box folding the closing flaps inside the box so that everything visible is painted.  Then I cut 1"x.75" strips of Styrofoam (see picture 2).  The Styrofoam is placed in front of the boxes below the accent light bulb and ensures that the box is wedged in place and will not fall during transport.  I am envisioning storing various small items such as extra fuses, batteries, hitch pins, papers, etc. in these boxes.  Six boxes can fit in the two rails (including one under the smoke detector!) in the horizontal position and more in the vertical position (see third picture).  The paint is glossy so that it reflects the accent light actually enhancing (in my opinion) the lighting effect.  The boxes are free and the spray paint cost $6 so this is a low cost modification.  My questions to the community are: Having much more experience than I, do you think this will be viable?  Are there other ideas of how to use the space for storage without blocking the accent lights?

Sharon_is_SAM

I have seen wooden rails installed to provide more storage space and to contain things inside the shelf.  I will look for pics.

Sharon_is_SAM

Found this, but I know there are others out there.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/10382/more-storage

Cargo nets, too.
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6927/boondock-style-cargo-nets#latest

More rails
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6593/window-valance-modification-for-extra-storage#latest

Michigan_Mike

I installed the cargo nets in our 2015 T@B 320 and will say that it was a worthwhile installation.  The cargo netting keeps things in place and allows for more storage.  And inasmuch as the accent lighting is nice, you won’t miss it for the added storage space gained.

Tampakayaker

Our 320 came with the cargo nets.  We have these clipped onto the outside of the wood from IKEA  SUNNERSTA .  It's a white square storage cup  The back of the cup has a lip that can go over the wood.  We also use some clear plastic containers with lids from IKEA that fit into the shelf space.  They are like small cereal containers.  I can't post the images from the IKEA catalog because they are huge.

mikedec5to14

Thank you all for the ideas and feedback.  I was thinking in terms of hidden storage and retaining the accent lights but i will rethink it and experiment with some of these ideas.  If i come up with a hybrid idea i will follow up.  Thanks again!

Denny16

Using clear containers allows the light to somewhat shine through...
cheers