15 Breathtaking Floating Shelves That You Don’t Have to DIY

When it comes to home storage solutions, floating shelves are about as good as it gets for three reasons:

1. Floating shelves take up zero square feet.
2. They allow natural light to flow freely through your apartment.
3. They’re absolutely gorgeous.

But there’s just one problem:

So many wall shelves are DIY, and you don’t always have the free time to build them.

Sometimes, you just need a quick fix.

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Understanding Floating Shelves: What Are They?

Floating shelves are sleek, modern storage solutions that give the illusion of floating on a wall without visible supports. Unlike traditional shelving units, they lack bulky brackets or hardware, creating a clean, streamlined appearance that complements any room’s decor.

Wall-mounted floating shelves are versatile, and they can be utilized to showcase decorative items, store books, or keep things organized essentials in any room, from the living room to the bathroom.

Cool floating shelves come in various designs and materials, ranging from wood to metal, and can be tailored to fit minimalist, industrial, or rustic styles. The unique floating shelf designs available today, including those that are minimalist or elegant, make it easy to find a solution that fits your space perfectly, whether aiming for a modern or traditional look.

Exploring the Varieties: 6 Types of Floating Shelves

There is a wide variety of floating shelves to choose from, each serving different purposes and aesthetics:

1. Minimalist Wall Shelves:

These shelves focus on simplicity and are defined by clean lines and understated designs that blend seamlessly with any decor. They often use materials like wood or metal with a sleek finish.

2. Designer Wall Shelves:

For those looking to make a statement, designer wall shelves offer unique shapes, materials, and finishes that elevate the style of any room. These are perfect for showcasing artwork or collectibles.

3. Unique Floating Shelves:

These shelves stand out due to their unconventional shapes, materials, or construction techniques. They are ideal for those who want to add a touch of individuality to their home.

4. Elegant Floating Shelves:

These shelves combine style and functionality with a refined design that enhances a space’s sophistication. Often made from high-quality materials, they are perfect for displaying valuable items.

5. Floating Rack Shelf:

A more robust option, floating rack shelves are designed to hold heavier items such as kitchen appliances or large books, offering strength and style.

6. Alternatives to Floating Shelves:

If floating shelves don’t suit your needs, consider Grove made wall shelf alternatives or unusual floating shelves that offer different aesthetics or functionalities, like modular or adjustable shelving systems.

Selecting the Perfect Shelves: How to Choose the Right Floating Shelves

Choosing the right floating shelves depends on several factors:

1. Purpose: Determine what you need the shelves for—displaying decorative items, storing books, or organizing everyday essentials. This will help you select the proper size, material, and design.

2. Style: Consider the overall decor of your space. For a minimalist look, opt for minimalist wall shelves. If you want to add a touch of luxury, elegant floating shelves may be the right choice. For a bold statement, look for designer or unique floating shelves.

3. Material: The shelves’ material should match or complement your existing furniture. Wood, metal, glass, and laminate are common choices, offering different aesthetic and functional benefits.

4. Space: Measure your wall space to ensure the shelves fit perfectly. Consider the weight capacity if you plan to store heavy items.

5. Alternatives: If floating shelves are not ideal for your needs, explore alternatives to floating shelves like modular systems or Grovemade wall shelf alternatives, which offer different features and aesthetics.

A Simple DIY Project: Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Floating Shelves

1. Choose the Location: Decide where to install the shelves. Use a level to ensure they will be straight.

2. Mark the Wall: Use a pencil to mark the locations of the wall studs. If you’re installing wall-mounted floating shelves, it’s essential to anchor them into studs for maximum support.

3. Prepare the Shelves: Assemble the shelves according to the manufacturer’s instructions if necessary. For unique floating shelves, ensure you understand any special installation requirements.

4. Drill Holes: Drill pilot holes into the wall at the marked locations.

5. Mount Brackets: If your floating shelves use hidden brackets, secure them to the wall using the provided hardware. For designer wall shelves, follow any specific mounting instructions that come with the product.

6. Attach Shelves: Slide the shelves onto the brackets, ensuring they are secure and level.

7. Check Stability: Once installed, check the Stability of the shelves by gently applying pressure. For floating rack shelves designed to hold heavier items, ensure they can bear the intended load without sagging.

8. Decorate: Once your shelves are securely installed, you can decorate shelves with books, plants, or other items. Consider using decorative items that enhance the overall aesthetic for elegant or attractive wall shelves.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to easily install the program’s floating shelves, which provide practical storage and enhance the visual appeal of your space.

Below are 15 breathtaking floating shelves that are already cut and stained. Which means the only thing you actually have to do is mount them to your wall.

1. Bamboo Three-Tier Floating Shelves by Lipper International

Price: $16.69

Here’s a great kitchen storage hack: not having to build one. And the three-tier floating shelf by Lipper International is a prime example.

Made from sleek and sustainable bamboo, this 10” x 10” x 9.5” shelf fits nicely into a corner to keep your dishware safe and handy at all times.

2. SKOGSTA Wall Shelf by IKEA

Price: $34.99

Hailing from SKOGSTA, one of IKEA’s newer lines, is one seriously beautiful natural wall shelf. Because its mounting is concealed, you can enjoy four feet of shelving that seems to emerge from your wall.

3. Cubist Wall Display floating shelf

Price: $40

If your home office is looking to hire a CTO (as in, Chief Tiny Organizer), the cubist wall display from Erika Kovesdi is the #1 candidate.

This wire floating shelf is simple, affordable, and minimal, and will free up your desk space while looking sharp. And for only 10 bucks more, there’s a larger option that has space to store a tiny plant:

4. Fungi Shelf from Gridy

Price: Starts at $54.95

These elegant little wall shelves blend into their surroundings like their natural inspiration:

Tree mushrooms.

Their slight curvature appeals to your eye, enhancing your decor while offering functional storage space that comes in small, medium, or large size.

For the full “fungus that grows horizontally on trees” effect, cluster and stagger five of these stunning shelves at various heights, like this:

5. Marble Wall-Mounted Shelves from CB2

Price: $59.95

CB2 carries a nice selection of affordable wall-mounted shelves and this marble piece is definitely one of their prettiest.

Cut from solid rock, the wall shelf’s clean stone and brass brackets will add a touch of elegance to your kitchen, living room, or bathroom walls.

6. Rustic Pipe Floating Shelf

Price: $79

Sure, there’s a bunch of pipe floating shelves floating around on Pinterest that you can DIY. If you have the time.

Since you sometimes don’t, you can DIY nothing and order this prefab rustic industrial pipe shelf on Etsy instead.

Numerous sellers offer industrial floating shelves, but the one you see above is one of our favorites. Available in weathered grey, dark walnut, or ebony, this  36″ x 7.5″ x 2” floating shelf easily stores three feet of books and comes with zero buyer’s remorse.

7. Coffee and Tea Shelf from (del) Hutson Designs

Price: $105

If coffee or tea is among your deepest pleasures in life, we found your storage soulmate.

Its name: Coffee and Tea Shelf.

Its parent’s name: (del) Hutson Designs.

Handmade with reclaimed wood from pallets, fences, and barns, this floating shelf offers appropriately earthy storage for your appropriately earthy morning ritual.

And in the event that ritual includes DIY-ing creative storage solutions in your spare time, check out our list of cheap and easy wood pallet projects that will revitalize your home.

8. Wall Bar with Fold Down Shelf by BSEID

Price: $110

By now you’re well aware that wall storage isn’t just for books, pottery, and keys. But did you know that wall storage can also function as a bar?

That’s right, this wall-mounted shelf/mini bar from BSEID offers storage space for your favorite spirits and a fold-down shelf where you can hone your speakeasy mixology skills.

Just install, stock, and release your raucous bacchus.

9. Laurel 3-Piece Wall Shelf by IMAX

Price: $143.99

Does your apartment crave a little splash of French Farmhouse decor?

Quench its thirst with these circular wall shelves that, despite what its manufacturer’s name might lead you to believe, do not transform into IMAX theaters.

They do, however, come in a set of three wall shelves and range from 16.25″ to 21.25″ in diameter, making them perfect hallway or kitchen storage solutions. Which is wonderful, especially if you’re looking for smart ways to save a ton of space in your kitchen.

10. Bloomingville House Shelf

Price: $150

For a more playful design, consider the House Shelf from Denmark-based Bloomingville.

Sporting clean lines typical of Scandinavian design, these five house-shaped floating shelves stretch out over three feet. They offer unique and practical storage for tiny, happiness-increasing plants, trinkets, and toys.

11. LiliLite floating shelf

Price: $142

While you’re shopping across the pond, consider LiliLite, a floating shelf that’s beautiful and one of the best book storage hacks we’ve ever seen.

If you love reading but don’t have room for a nightstand, add a LiliLite above your bed. Its zig-zag body offers storage space for your books while its built-in lamp illuminates the pages of the book you’re currently reading before bed.

 

 12. Curio Shadow Boxes by Sierra Living Concepts

Price: $199

This solid Indian Rosewood wall shelf is as much a piece of art as it is a piece of practical storage. Billed as curio shadow boxes, these cubicles could store anything from mementos and makeup (here are 11 more beautifully easy ways to store makeup), to small plants and books.

Not sure what books should stay in your home?

Here’s how to decide what books to keep or get rid of.

13. Floating Mid-Century Cabinet from West Elm

Price: $249

What’s a cabinet but a set of shelves with walls, a ceiling, and doors?

While this beautiful cabinet from West Elm floats like the best of floating shelves, it adds a distinct mid-century style that few other pieces can invoke.

With three feet of storage above and below, and hanging hardware included, this cabinet arrives ready to create space.

14. Franklin Shelf from Tronk Design

Cost: $400

Made with love in the US, this little floating shelf was nominated for a design award for a good reason:

It helps you MakeSpace for storage in the least-used, but perfectly usable, section of a room — the corner.

Tronk doesn’t sell their products themselves, but you can find a lot of their retail partners, like YLiving, by contacting Tronk.

15. Up on the Wall shelves from Bent Hansen

Price: Contact Bent Hansen

Made from compact laminate, these white or black floating shelves from Bent Hansen can be as simple or complex as you’d like.

Sold in single units, these long (about 30”) or short (about 23”) shelves are sleek and inconspicuous. Yep, even if you mount them to your wall in a geometric Snake-like pattern.

 

5 Creative Ways to Style Floating Shelves

1. Layering and Overlapping: Layer items of different heights and sizes to create an engaging and dynamic display. Overlapping frames, books, and decorative objects can add depth and interest to your shelves, transforming them into an eye-catching focal point.

2. Symmetry and Balance: For a more polished and organized look, arrange items symmetrically on your floating shelves. Pair similar items on either side, such as matching vases or candleholders, to create a harmonious and balanced display that exudes elegance.

3. Incorporating Greenery: To bring life to your floating shelves, add plants or succulents. The fresh Greenery can soften the overall look, adding a touch of nature that enhances the atmosphere of any room.

4. Mixing Textures and Materials: Combine different textures, use different colors, and mix materials to create an eye-catching contrast on your shelves. Mix wood, metal, glass, and ceramic items to add layers of interest and create a more dynamic, curated appearance.

5. Personal Touches: Make your floating shelves reflect your personality by including personal items like family photos, travel souvenirs, or handmade crafts. These personal touches can make your shelves feel more intimate and meaningful.

Keeping Your Floating Shelves Pristine: 5 Essential Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

1. Regular Dusting: To keep the appearance of your floating shelves alive, dust them regularly with a soft cloth or duster. This helps prevent the accumulation of dust and debris, ensuring that your display items remain fresh and clean.

2. Gentle Cleaning Solutions: Wipe down your shelves using mild, non-abrasive cleaning solutions, especially if they are made of delicate materials like wood or glass. Avoiding harsh chemicals can prevent the surface from damage. 

3. Avoid Overloading: Ensure your shelves remain sturdy by not overloading them with too many heavy items. Periodically check the weight capacity and adjust the items on your shelves to prevent sagging or damage.

4. Check for Stability: The brackets or anchors holding your floating shelves may loosen over time. Regularly check the stability of your shelves and tighten any screws or brackets as needed to make sure they remain securely attached to the wall.

5. Rotate Display Items: To avoid uneven wear and tear, periodically rotate the items on your shelves. This keeps your display fresh and helps prevent certain areas of the shelves from becoming faded or scratched due to prolonged contact with specific objects.

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Conclusion

Incorporating floating shelves into your home decor is an effortless way to elevate functionality and aesthetics. The 15 exquisite floating shelves we’ve explored offer diverse styles, from understated elegance to daring and distinctive designs, demonstrating that achieving a stunning look doesn’t necessitate DIY efforts. These pre-made options effortlessly elevate your space, perfectly balancing practicality and visual appeal. Whether you aim to showcase cherished items or infuse your home with sophistication, these floating shelves are guaranteed to inspire and leave a lasting impression.

FAQs for Breathtaking Floating Shelves That You Don’t Have to DIY:

Which is Better: Floating Shelves or Bracketed Shelves?

Floating shelves offer a sleek, modern look without visible supports, making them ideal for minimalist or contemporary designs. They are a great choice when you want a clean, uncluttered appearance. However, bracketed shelves might be more suitable for heavier loads or a more traditional aesthetic, as they provide extra support.

How Do Floating Shelves Stay Up Without Visible Support?

Floating shelves are designed with hidden brackets or support systems that are anchored into the wall. These supports are securely attached to the wall studs, providing stability and the illusion that the shelves are “floating.” This clever engineering allows the shelves to bear weight while maintaining a streamlined appearance.

What Materials Should I Choose for Floating Shelves?

The best materials for floating shelves depend on their intended use and the overall decor of your space. Solid wood is a popular choice for its durability and natural beauty, while MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is often used for painted finishes. Metal and glass shelves offer a modern, industrial look and are also strong and versatile options.

How Far Apart Should I Space Floating Shelves?

The ideal spacing between floating shelves generally ranges from 12 to 18 inches, depending on the items you plan to display. For a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look, consider the height of the items you’ll place on the shelves and ensure there’s enough space to avoid overcrowding.

Can Floating Shelves Be Installed in a Bathroom?

Yes, floating shelves can be a stylish and practical addition to a bathroom. When installing in a bathroom, choose moisture-resistant materials, such as treated wood or metal, to prevent warping or rusting. Floating shelves can provide extra storage and display space for toiletries, towels, and decorative items, even in smaller bathrooms.

Top image via ArchVisuals and Design Milk.

This article was written by David Michael McFarlane, a writer from Texas and Oregon who lives in New York and loves smart design and organization.