Floating Shelves

Floating shelves offer a versatile approach to organization and design, transforming any space, from your home office to the kitchen. They're not just a place to store stuff; a floating shelf offers a unique canvas for displaying your personality and taste. Showcase your prized possessions, favorite books, or artful displays, turning your walls into a reflection of you. It's not just about storage; it's about crafting visually captivating moments that elevate your home's charm. Wall shelves like these embody the minimalist spirit. By favoring a "less is more" approach, they contribute to a serene, uncluttered environment. Their sleek design shifts the focus onto your curated items, creating a space that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Embrace the versatility of open shelving with floating shelves. They're the perfect way to unlock a world of stylish organization and add a touch of modern flair to any room.

Learn more about floating shelves and open shelving:

• Shelfology's Ultimate Guide to Floating Shelves
• How Much Weight Can a Floating Shelf Hold?
• Floating Shelves 101: How to Hang Your Shelves Like a Boss

Floating Shelf General FAQ's:

What are the differences between floating shelves and open shelving?

Floating shelves are attached to the wall using invisible support brackets. As a result, they appear to magically “float”. They're often used for decorative purposes or to display smaller items. Open shelving typically refers to standalone units with visible supports, like brackets or legs. In short, all floating shelves are also considered “open shelving”, but not all open shelves are necessary floating shelves.

What are the pros and cons of floating shelves and open shelving?

Floating shelves offer a sleek and modern look, can create a minimalist aesthetic, and are relatively easy to install. However, they can be difficult to adjust or remove once installed. 

What materials are floating shelves and open shelves made from?

Common materials include wood like oak, maple, walnut, and alder.  Metal options like steel are also popular. 

How much weight can floating shelves and open shelves hold?

The weight capacity of floating shelves depends on the material, size, and installation method. Our heavy-duty floating shelf systems can support 50 pounds per attachment point when installed correctly. A more typical range would be from 10-20 pounds. Open shelving can hold much heavier items, depending on the construction and support system. 

How difficult is it to install floating shelves and open shelves?

The typical installation only requires basic tools and just about anybody can do it. Yes even you! Each of our ready-to-install shelf kits and floating shelf brackets includes an easy-install guide. Also you can find install videos on our product pages. For best results, we recommend securely attaching the shelf brackets to wall studs.

How do I choose the right size and style of floating shelves for my space?

Consider the size and shape of your space, the items you'll be storing or displaying, and the overall style of your room. Also think about what you'll put on the shelves.  The goal is that your shelves look good in the room and don't feel too cramped. Consider using painter’s tape to stage the wall where your shelves will go to get an idea of how a particular shelf length will look on the wall. 

What is the best height for floating shelves?

While a general rule of thumb suggests placing shelves at eye level, roughly 4-5 feet from the floor, the ideal height can vary depending on the room's purpose and design.  Ultimately, you want shelves that complement surrounding elements and are easy to reach for their intended use.

How thick should my floating shelves be?

For optimal support and a visually pleasing look, aim for a minimum thickness of 1.5-2 inches for your floating shelves.  At Shelfology, we ensure even our thinnest options offer reliable stability without sacrificing style. 

How deep should my floating shelves be?

The depth of your shelves should be determined by the items you plan to store.  Here's a quick guide:  decorative items typically need 6-8 inches of depth, while toiletries require 8 inches (if placed above a toilet, ensure sufficient headroom). For coffee mugs, aim for 8-9 inches, books require 10-11 inches, and dinnerware generally fits well on an 11-inch deep shelf.  Pots and pans will need a full 12 inches of depth.

Can I custom order floating shelves?

Absolutely! Most of our shelf systems can be ordered to custom dimensions (length, depth, and thickness) by-the-inch. 

Floating Shelf Installation & Placement FAQ:

Are there any disadvantages to floating shelves?

No, not really. Unlike a standing shelf or bookshelf any wall shelf, floating or otherwise, is only as strong as its hardware bracket and attachment to the wall. Since floating shelves rely exclusively on the invisible bracket for support, it is extremely important that 1) you select a quality floating shelf bracket and 2) you anchor your floating shelf bracket into as many solid attachment points as possible. For instance, we highly recommend installing blocking between each wall stud and attaching into the stud/blocking as frequently as possible along the length of your floating shelf bracket. That, coupled with a heavy duty floating shelf bracket like our Aksel or Tromso models will ensure that you can float even the heaviest of loads. 

Do floating shelves naturally sag over time? 

No, under normal circumstances your floating shelves will never sag as long as 1) you buy a quality floating shelf bracket 2) your shelf is made of quality solid hardwood and 3) you install the floating shelf properly (e.g. attach the floating shelf to wall studs). 

What tools do I need to install floating shelves and open shelving?

Floating shelves require a drill, level, measuring tape, pencil, anchors (for drywall), and installation screws (included with all of our shelf kits).

Can I install floating shelves and open shelves on drywall?

Yes… but we never suggest that your shelves are only fastened to drywall. For a safe and secure installation always attach to a minimum of 2-3 wall studs.

How do I measure and mark the wall for floating shelves and open shelving?

Position the bracket on the wall so its holes and channels face upwards. Secure one end of the bracket to the wall using your drill. Ensure the bracket is perfectly level before securing the other end. To ensure precise placement for a flawlessly level and secure shelf, mark all fastener holes and channels on the wall with a pencil before permanently securing your floating shelf. Be sure to use a stud finder to mark all studs in the desired location as you want to be sure to hit as many of those as you possibly can. We always recommend measuring twice, and installing once. Check out or installation FAQ for more details. 

How do I choose the right placement for floating shelves and open shelving?

Consider the function, aesthetics, and accessibility of the shelves.  Place them where you need storage or display space, while maintaining visual appeal and ensuring easy reach for items.

What should I consider when planning the spacing between shelves?

Leave enough space between shelves for the items you'll store. Also, consider the overall proportion of the shelves and the objects displayed for visual balance.

Floating Shelf Style & Decor FAQ:

Are floating shelves out of style for 2025?

Not at all! In fact, according to the who’s-who of style and decor, floating shelves are here to stay. We're talking timeless, folks. Floating shelves will never NOT be in style. They're just too versatile and practical to be a passing trend. Whether you're going for sleek and modern or a more rustic charm, there's a floating shelf design for every taste.  They're all about maximizing space and showcasing what you love, and that's a winning combination that never goes out of style. But don’t take our word for it: Eva Mendez and Ryan Gosling just installed floating shelves. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are rocking floating shelves. So there you have it… if its good enough for Hanks and Gosling… we rest our case.

What are some creative ways to use floating shelves and open shelving?

Display books, plants, art, collectibles, photos, or kitchenware.  Use them for storage of towels, toiletries, kitchen supplies, or office materials. They can also be used to create visual separation in a room. If you really want to level up your space, choose one of our LED Floating Shelf kits to add a dramatic lighting effect.

What are some styling tips for open shelving?

Group similar items to create visual interest with clusters of related objects.  Use color and texture by introducing varying shades and materials for a dynamic look. Avoid over-crowding the shelves and add decorative accents like baskets, trays, or vases to balance empty space. 

How can I make my floating shelves and open shelving look more cohesive with my existing décor?

Choose materials that complement existing décor. For example, use similar wood tones or metal finishes. Maintain a consistent style by aligning the shelves with your existing décor theme (minimalist, modern, rustic).  Consider color schemes and select shelves and storage accessories that match your room's color palette.

What are some popular trends in floating shelves and open shelving design?

Geometric shapes like triangles, circles, and irregular forms offer a modern edge.  Natural materials like mahogany and teak add a rustic or sustainable appeal. Floating Shelves with Integrated LED lighting offer a contemporary and functional touch, while minimalist designs with simple, clean lines, and subtle colors create a streamlined aesthetic.   

Can I use floating shelves and open shelving in a small space?

Yes, but be mindful of scale. Opt for smaller shelves and avoid overloading them. Open shelving can create a sense of openness and help maximize space.

What are some good ideas for lighting floating shelves and open shelving? 

Integrated LED lighting creates a modern look.  Spotlights highlight specific items or create a dramatic focal point.  Wall sconces provide ambient lighting and add visual interest.  

How do I clean and maintain floating shelves and open shelving? 

Dust them regularly with a microfiber cloth or duster.  Wipe down spills immediately to prevent staining. Clean with appropriate cleaners following the manufacturer's recommendations for specific materials.