- Sebastian Zmijewski
- Material Insights
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Wondering why Viperys rustic shelves cost more than those from popular chain stores? The answer lies in the details: this isn’t a mass-produced item, but a handmade piece crafted from solid wood, created with passion and attention to every detail. In this post, we’ll break down what makes handmade different from mass production and why it’s worth investing in something that has a soul. Get ready for a journey into a world of craftsmanship, quality, and style!
Quality of Materials: Solid Wood vs. MDF – Which Will You Choose?
At Viperys, we rely on real, solid wood—mainly pine and oak sourced from local sawmills in Poland. Each board has its own knots, grain patterns, and imperfections that make it unique. It’s a material you can literally feel—warm, sturdy, and with the scent of the forest.
And mass production? That’s where cheaper substitutes dominate: MDF (fiberboard), plywood, or laminated panels. They may look fine at first glance—smooth, even, and glossy. But what does that matter when they scratch easily, swell with bathroom moisture, and fall apart after a few years?
Picture this: you place a heavy book or a planter filled with water on the shelf. Our rustic floating shelves can handle it without batting an eye—solid wood is naturally resistant and stable. MDF products, on the other hand, may sag, or in the worst case, crack. If durability matters to you, the choice is obvious.
Uniqueness: Your Shelf, Unlike Any Other

Natural live edge – uniqueness in every inch.
When you buy from a chain store, you get a product that’s gone into hundreds, if not thousands, of homes. They’re all identical—machine-cut, coated in faux veneer, and lacking personality. At Viperys, it’s different.
Our solid wood shelves often feature natural live edges, meaning we keep the board’s original shape, just as nature intended. No two pieces are exactly alike. Each shelf is a small work of art, with a history written in its grain and irregularities.
Think of it like a fingerprint—your shelf is one of a kind. Whether you place photo frames, favorite books, or plants on it, it will still draw the eye. Tired of uniformity and repetition? Our shelves add character to your interior—whether it’s rustic, industrial, or Scandinavian in style.
Durability and Ecology: An Investment That Pays Off
Durability is another advantage of handmade. Shelves from mass production often don’t survive a single house move— their thin layers of glue and board can easily come apart. Solid wood? It’s a material that lives with you for decades.
At Viperys, we ensure our rustic shelves are sturdy—hand-sanded and treated with oil to handle the weight of books, decorations, or even a ceramic collection. Over time, they don’t lose their charm—on the contrary, they develop a patina that highlights their beauty.
What about ecology? In mass production, real wood is rare—synthetic materials and chemical finishes often prevail. We take a different approach. Some of our shelves are made from reclaimed wood—boards given a second life instead of heading to the landfill. This not only reduces the carbon footprint but also fits perfectly into sustainable design. By choosing Viperys, you’re opting for more than just furniture—you’re supporting a conscious attitude towards nature.
Viperys – A Passion Born in the Workshop
Who are we? Viperys is a small team—Seb, Monika, and Frankie—who, after the pandemic, decided to return to basics and create something heartfelt. You won’t find factories or production lines here. What we do have is a workshop, where each floating shelf is handcrafted—from cutting and sanding to oiling.
It’s a process that takes time and care, and that’s why our products have soul. Instead of mass production, we offer authenticity. When you order from us, you’re not buying from a corporation—you’re supporting people who love what they do. Every shelf tells a story—from a board in a sawmill to a finished piece in your home. It’s craftsmanship you can feel when you touch the wood.
Why Is It Worth It? Handmade Is More Than Just Furniture

Viperys in the bathroom – built to last with timeless style.
In short: rustic, handmade shelves offer a level of quality that mass production simply can’t match. Solid wood instead of MDF, uniqueness instead of clones, durability instead of disposable goods. It’s not just décor—it’s an investment in the style and future of your home.
At Viperys, we combine eco-friendliness, craftsmanship, and passion to give you something that will truly stand out. Ready to bring rustic charm into your home? Explore our rustic floating shelves – from classic pine to oak pieces with natural edges. Unsure what to choose? Get in touch—Seb, Monika, and Frankie will happily help you find the perfect shelf. See for yourself that handmade is a difference you can see and feel!
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