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Floating shelves are the ultimate minimalist decor solution. They offer a clean, uncluttered look while providing much-needed storage and display space. There’s no complex engineering or professional woodworking skills required to build them yourself. In this guide, we'll give you a no-fuss, step-by-step tutorial that will answer the question: "how to create floating shelves?" Let's get right to the tools and instructions you need to build a perfect shelf in just one afternoon.
Before you pick up a single tool, the most important part of this project is the design. The choices you make now about wood, finish, and dimensions will define the final look. Knowing how to create floating shelves that match your vision starts here.
Your choice of wood is the first major decision in this project, and it affects everything from your budget to how easy it is to work with. This is a crucial step when learning how to create floating shelves. Here's a quick breakdown of your best options:
Plywood: A favorite for a reason. It's affordable, stable, and won't warp like solid wood. This makes it ideal for the hollow shelf method. Its only downside is that you have to cover the edges for a clean look.
Pine: Inexpensive and widely available, pine is a great choice for beginners. It's soft and easy to cut, sand, and finish. However, because it’s a softwood, it can dent or scratch more easily than hardwoods.
Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Walnut): If you're looking for durability and a beautiful, natural finish, these are your best bet. They’re much harder to work with and more expensive, but the result is a high-end, long-lasting shelf.
Reclaimed Wood: Reclaimed wood brings a unique story and texture to your shelves, but it can be a challenge. It's often very heavy and may contain hidden nails, so you need to be prepared with the right tools.
The right wood for your project depends on your budget, skill level, and desired aesthetic. If you're looking for a timeless addition to your space, these walnut shelves are the ideal choice.
The finish is what gives your shelves a professional, high-quality look. It is the final, crucial step in learning how to create floating shelves. Here are your main finishing options:
Stain: Use a stain to highlight the wood’s natural grain. Always test the color on a scrap piece first, as the final color can vary.
Paint: For a clean, solid color, use a good primer and a few thin coats of paint for a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Clear Coat: To protect the wood while keeping its natural look, apply a clear coat like polyurethane or wax. A matte or satin finish is a great choice for a modern look.
The thickness and depth of your shelves are key to the final aesthetic. A thinner shelf (2 to 3 inches) offers a sleek, minimalist look, while a chunkier, thicker shelf (4 to 5 inches) creates a more substantial, rustic feel. When learning how to create floating shelves, remember to balance the dimensions with the size of the room and the items you plan to display.
One of the great things about this project is that it can be completed with a few basic, affordable tools. Having the right equipment makes the process of learning how to create floating shelves much simpler and more enjoyable.
Lumber (based on your choice)
Wood glue
Wood screws (both for assembly and for mounting to the wall)
Wood filler
Sandpaper (in a few different grits)
Finish (paint, stain, or clear coat)
A miter saw or a circular saw
Drill
Tape Measure
Stud finder
Clamps
Blind Shelf Supports
This guide breaks down the essential steps - from preparing the wood and installing robust hardware to achieving a seamless, professional mount. With these instructions, you'll discover exactly how to create floating shelves for a modern look.
First, you must create the shelves themselves. This involves milling rough lumber, gluing the boards together, and then planing, cutting, and sanding them to their final dimensions. After the shelves are shaped, they should be finished with an oil or other coating. This is the first step in learning how to create floating shelves.
The second part of how to create floating shelves is installing the hardware. This requires using robust support brackets that can hold the shelf's weight securely. You'll need to locate the wall studs, precisely mark the shelf's height, and then drill pilot holes before you can safely secure the mounting plates to the wall. This thorough process ensures a sturdy and reliable installation.
Once the hardware is installed, you need to prepare the shelves for mounting. This involves placing the shelves on the brackets to mark where the pins hit the wood. Then, you transfer those marks to the back of the shelf and drill the holes for the hardware. You need to carve a shallow groove into the back of the shelf. This lets the metal support bracket sit inside the wood, which allows the shelf to lie perfectly flat against the wall with no gap.
The final step for how to create floating shelves is to install them. If the previous steps were done correctly, the pins will align with the holes. A rubber mallet can be used to gently tap the shelf into place until it is fully flush with the wall. For first-timers, installing floating shelves can be a challenge. To make the process easier, the Lolly Jane’s guide includes clear, step-by-step images to help you out.
You have the steps on how to create floating shelves. Now, it's time to put your skills to the test and build beautiful, convenient shelves just like these.
The little details can make all the difference. Learning how to create floating shelves that look like they were made by a pro requires a bit of patience during the finishing process.
Sanding is Essential: Don't rush this step. Start with a medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out imperfections, then move to a finer grit for a silky finish. This will ensure your paint or stain goes on flawlessly.
Fill All Imperfections: Use a small amount of wood filler to cover any screw holes or tiny gaps in the joints. Sand it smooth once it's dry.
Apply Thin Coats: Whether you're painting or staining, it's always better to apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick one. This prevents drips and gives you a more even, durable finish.
After you’ve mastered the art of how to create floating shelves, it’s time for the most creative part: styling them to fit each room’s unique purpose. The right decor can transform your shelves from a simple storage solution into a personalized design statement.
Living Room: This is your chance to create a visual centerpiece. Start with a few favorite books, either stacked horizontally or arranged vertically with a unique bookend. Layer in small pieces of art or framed photos, and add a decorative bowl or a sculptural vase to break up the lines. The goal here is a curated, intentional display that reflects your personality.
Knowing how to create floating shelves gives you a beautiful canvas to display all your cherished items.
Kitchen: Blend practicality with style. Use your shelves for items you use often but want to keep accessible. Think about displaying a stack of your go-to cookbooks, glass canisters filled with coffee or pasta, or a small pot of herbs. This approach makes your kitchen feel both organized and inviting.
These shelves and simple arrangement are all you need to transform your kitchen into a much tidier and more aethestic space.
Bedroom: For a peaceful, calming atmosphere, style your bedroom shelves with a personal touch. Add framed photos of loved ones, a collection of candles for a cozy ambiance, or a small plant that brings a bit of nature indoors. Avoid clutter to maintain a serene feel.
Bathroom: Turn your bathroom into a spa-like retreat. Floating shelves are perfect for holding rolled-up guest towels, scented candles, or apothecary jars filled with cotton balls and soaps. A small succulent can add a fresh pop of color and life to the space.
You've done it. You took on a complex project and created a beautiful, solid shelf from scratch. This isn't just a simple piece of furniture, it's a testament to your hard work and attention to detail. The hours spent on milling, finishing, and precisely mounting the wood have resulted in a piece that is both stunning and built to last. Moreover, you also get the ideas to decorate your shelves. The answer to how to create floating shelves is found in this craftsmanship, and you now have a functional work of art to display with pride.
