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What are floating shelves, and why are they so popular in modern homes? These sleek wall-mounted shelves provide storage without bulky brackets, making any space feel open and stylish.
In this guide, we will explore their best uses, the woods you should choose, and installation tips to help you design a practical yet elegant setup.
If you’ve ever seen shelves that appear to “float” on the wall without visible brackets, you’ve probably asked yourself: what are floating shelves? Simply put, floating shelves are wall-mounted storage units that are designed to hide their supports, giving the illusion that they are suspended in mid-air.
Unlike traditional shelving with metal brackets that often stick out and disrupt the aesthetic, floating shelves provide a sleek, minimal look. They’re popular in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms because they combine style with practicality. In fact, many homeowners turn to modern floating shelf collections like those found in IKEA Floating Shelves when they want affordable yet stylish options to refresh their homes.
But before you run out and grab a set, let’s explore which wood works best, whether they’re hard to install, and how you can use them to maximize your space.
When people first search what are floating shelves, one of the most common follow-up questions is about the best wood to choose. The type of wood you select will affect the shelf’s strength, how much weight it can hold, and how it blends with your home décor.
Solid Wood: This is the top choice for most homeowners. Solid woods like oak, walnut, or maple are incredibly durable and can hold heavier items such as stacks of books, dinnerware, or kitchen supplies.
Plywood: A budget-friendly option that’s lightweight yet fairly strong. Plywood shelves can be an excellent choice for light to medium use, such as displaying plants, picture frames, or decorative accessories.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): MDF is smooth, easy to paint, and perfect for homeowners looking for a modern, uniform finish.
So, when you’re asking yourself what are floating shelves made of and which wood is best, the answer depends on your needs. If you value durability and a premium look, solid wood is the best route.
For example, the 6 Floating Shelves Built from Real Wood from Tailor Wood Haven offer the best of both worlds - strength and style - ensuring your shelves not only look beautiful but also last for years.
A big hesitation for many homeowners who wonder what are floating shelves is whether the installation process is complicated. After all, the beauty of floating shelves lies in the illusion that they’re magically hanging on the wall with no support.
Here are the main concerns people have about installation:
Finding wall studs: Floating shelves hold best when anchored into studs.
Keeping shelves level: A crooked shelf ruins the look. Using a level is essential.
Weight capacity: People often worry their shelf won’t hold heavy items.
If you’re still unsure, remember that even professional designers rely on guides like Shelfology’s Ultimate Guide to Floating Shelves for expert tips. With these resources, you’ll see that the process isn’t as intimidating as it seems.
To give you peace of mind, let’s look at a simple breakdown of the installation process in the next section. By the end, you’ll realize that understanding what are floating shelves also means knowing they’re built for both beauty and practicality.
Once you understand what are floating shelves and why they’re so popular, the next step is learning how to install them correctly. A floating shelf is only as good as its installation - done right, it can last for years, but done poorly, it may sag or even fall.
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure your shelves look clean and stay secure:
Locate the Wall Studs – Use a stud finder to mark the studs.
Measure and Mark Accurately – A crooked shelf not only looks bad but also reduces stability.
Drill Pilot Holes and Insert Anchors – If you can’t align with studs, use heavy-duty wall anchors.
Attach the Bracket Firmly – Secure the hidden bracket to the wall using screws.
Slide the Shelf Over the Bracket – Gently push the shelf into place until snug.
To make the process smoother, it helps to buy shelves designed with easy installation in mind. For example, the Floating Shelves Bathroom Edition from Tailor Wood Haven come with a waterproof finish and user-friendly hardware, making them perfect even for first-time installers.
By following these steps, you can see that installing floating shelves isn’t as complicated as it seems. Once you know what are floating shelves and the right way to mount them, you’ll realize that they’re not just about design but also about function and safety.
The versatility of floating shelves is what makes them so appealing. Once you understand what are floating shelves and how they work, you’ll realize they can enhance nearly every room in your home.
Living Room – Floating shelves are perfect for showcasing books, art pieces, or family photos without bulky furniture.
Kitchen – Open shelving has become a trend in modern kitchens.
Bathroom – With limited space, a bathroom benefits greatly from compact shelves.
Bedroom – Instead of nightstands, floating shelves can serve as chic bedside storage, saving floor space and giving the room a sleek finish.
Office or Study – Perfect for organizing stationery, books, or small décor items, they help keep your workspace clutter-free.
To make the process smoother, it helps to buy shelves designed with easy installation in mind. For example, the Floating Shelves Bathroom Edition from Tailor Wood Haven come with a waterproof finish and user-friendly hardware, making them perfect even for first-time installers.
So, are floating shelves good for every room? Absolutely. Once you know what are floating shelves and how to install them properly, you’ll see that they’re a practical yet stylish solution that adapts to almost any space in your home.
If you love DIY projects and want shelves that truly last, making your own solid wood floating shelf is a great choice. But before jumping in, it helps to fully understand what are floating shelves and how they’re designed.
This is a straightforward step-by-step guide:
Choose Your Wood – Go for hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut if you want maximum durability. These not only support more weight but also give your shelf a beautiful natural grain.
Cut to Size – Decide the exact length and depth you need. A good rule is to keep shelves under 48 inches in length if you want to minimize sagging.
Hollow Out the Back – Drill or carve out a channel on the backside of the wood to fit the mounting bracket or steel rod.
Secure the Bracket to the Wall – Make sure you anchor the bracket into wall studs, not just drywall.
Slide the Shelf Into Place – Once the bracket is secured, carefully slide the hollowed-out shelf onto the bracket.
When done correctly, your solid wood floating shelf will be just as sturdy as any store-bought option - if not stronger. And now that you know what are floating shelves and how they work, you’ll appreciate how this simple DIY upgrade can transform your space into something both functional and stylish.
Of course, not everyone has the tools, time, or skills to build their own. If you prefer a ready-made option with a timeless look, check out these mid-century modern floating shelves.
Depth is crucial. Too shallow, and the shelves won’t hold much. Too deep, and they may overwhelm the wall. Standard guidelines are:
8–10 inches: Perfect for books, small plants, and decorative items.
10–12 inches: Best for plates, bowls, and larger décor.
12–15 inches: Ideal for heavier storage but requires strong anchors.
When deciding, think about both aesthetics and function. For example, a 10-inch shelf in the kitchen balances beauty with utility, while a 12-inch depth works better in the living room for larger décor.
Floating shelves are mainly used to save space and add style without bulky brackets. They’re perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms where you want storage and décor combined.
Yes, but it depends on the wood type and how well they’re installed. Solid wood shelves anchored into studs can support heavy books or dishes, while MDF is better for light décor.
Floating shelves can be made from solid wood, plywood, or MDF. Solid wood is the strongest and most durable, while MDF is affordable and easy to paint for a sleek look.
So, what are floating shelves? They’re sleek, wall-mounted shelves that provide storage without visible brackets, making them both stylish and practical. Whether you’re choosing solid wood, exploring DIY projects, or simply installing pre-made designs, floating shelves can transform any space into something more organized and beautiful.
If you’re ready to upgrade your home with long-lasting and stylish shelving, explore Tailor Wood Haven’s real wood floating shelves today and create a cleaner, more functional home.
