Open shelves add storage, decor, and texture to any room. Here's how to use this sleek shelf style in your space.
8 Best Floating Shelves Ideas
Updated Aug. 12, 2024
Struggling to fill an empty wall in your house? You’re going to love these floating shelves ideas! Unlike artwork or photos, floating shelves aren’t simply decorative; they also add storage and dimension. They come in various colors, materials, and sizes, so you’re sure to find what you need for any room.
What Are Floating Shelves?
A floating shelf is a shelf that is attached to the wall without any visible support. Instead of decorative shelf brackets positioned underneath the shelf, the bracket is located inside the shelf where you can’t see it; giving the illusion of a “floating” shelf.
There are both pros and cons to floating shelves, according to Desiree Kludy, interior designer and owner of Design Key Studio – Decorating Den Interiors. “Floating shelves are a great way to create a modern look and keep the decor minimal,” says Kludy.
But be cautious about what you put on the shelves. “Because of the nature of the brackets, some floating shelves can’t hold much weight,” says Kludy.
How much weight can a floating shelf hold?
A high-quality floating shelf with heavy-duty brackets attached to wall studs is quite strong. According to UltraShelf, a floating shelf can hold 50 lbs. for every stud your bracket is attached to. Just be aware that the materials and installation technique of your shelf will determine how much weight it can safely support.
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Feature Wall
In this living room from Decorating Den Interiors, floating shelves are installed against a black wall to create a focal point. The high-contrast look makes a big impact, and the lack of shelf brackets matches the minimal theme of the room.
What We Like About It: “This gives the illusion of extra height by allowing the eyes to move up the wall with a creative vision to follow,” says Kludy.
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TV Wall
Filling the blank areas near your TV can be challenging—you want to decorate the space without too much visual clutter. This floating shelves idea from @firwood.farmhouse is the perfect solution. The four small shelves and simple accessories bring the perfect balance.
What We Like About It: “The floating shelves really help to add decor and interest to an otherwise boring wall,” says Kludy. “When you see bracket-type shelves, it gives a different feel to the look.”
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Laundry Room
Of course floating shelves aren’t only for looks, they’re functional too; as in the case with these laundry room shelves by @interiorniche. They hold laundry supplies and decorative accessories. Along with the beadboard wallpaper and bold green paint color, it’s a beautiful space that makes us actually want to do some laundry!
What We Like About It: The shelves are nice and sturdy. “It really takes a good installer to make floating shelves look extra special. If the shelf is improperly installed, in time, the shelf will angle down if the weight is too much,” says Kludy.
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Textured Styling
In this lovely living room by Emi of @house_of_7feathers, she filled the two niches next to her fireplace with floating shelves. “When I style my shelves, I stick to one color palette and spread the items evenly to make it cohesive and balanced,” says Emi, “I stick to one color. I prefer use different textures and shapes instead.”
What We Like About It: The streamlined style of the shelves allow the curated collection of accessories and antiques to be the star.
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Kitchen Corner
Floating shelves are a staple in the kitchen. They can hold dishes and decor and help break up all the cabinets, giving your kitchen an open and airy feel. They’re also great for an awkward corner, like this example from @seifdesigns. The shelves fit nicely in what otherwise might be wasted space.
What We Like About It: Kitchen shelves are timeless. “This is not a current trend that will look dated in a few years,” says Kludy. “They will be a style for years as materials become more sophisticated.”
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@lizpacini EASY DIY FLOATING SHELVES Wood Required: • 1/2" thick sanded plywood • 1×3 pine board • 1×2 common (for the wall cleats) Stain Combo: • Pre-stain wood conditioner • 1 coat Provincial by @minwaxusa • 1 coat Simply White by Minwax • 1 coat polyurethane top coat Find step by step instructions on www.lizpacini.com. Everything is from @Lowe’s ! #lowespartner #lowesproject #diyproject #bathroomupgrade #powderbath #diyhome #woodworkingcommunity ♬ original sound – Liz Pacini
DIY Bathroom Shelves
Follow along this simple process as @lizpacini builds floating shelves for her bathroom. She cuts and stains pieces of plywood and pine to build the shelves, attaching them to the walls with wall cleats. The custom shelves fit perfectly above the toilet and contrast nicely with the light wallpaper.
What We Like About It: This is a great example of how easy it is to build your own floating shelves. Be sure to use wood conditioner before staining the wood for an even finish.
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@adelainemorin so happy with how it turned out 💛 nobody lean on it tho idk how sturdy she is lol… #shoe #organization ♬ original sound – sofiadivene
Floating Shoe Shelves
Install several floating shelves together to transform an entire wall into shoe storage! That’s the idea behind this project from @adelainemorin. The floating shelves look much better than a typical shoe organizer, and keep all the shoes visible and tidy.
What We Like About It: Floating shelves are a clever alternative for a built-in closet system. They work great and are much more affordable.
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@thattilechick Backlit floating LED shelving
♬ Fake ID x Walking On A Dream (TikTok Mashup) – Remix – Tik Tok Virales
Lighted Floating Shelves
These shelves from @thattilechick deliver much-needed storage in the home office and a sophisticated look. It’s all thanks to the lighting! She attached battery-operated LED lights to the bottom of each shelf, giving them a cool back-lit element.
What We Like About It: The LED lights elevate the shelves to another level, making them look sharp and expensive; even though they’re actually the result of a DIY project!
About the Expert
- Desiree Kludy is an interior designer and owner of Design Key Studio – Decorating Den Interiors in Florida. She has over 25 years of experience in the design field, and holds a BS in Interior Design. She loves helping clients’ visions come to life with her meticulous eye for detail.
Originally Published: August 05, 2024
