The 10 Best Floating Shelves for Showcasing Books, Spices, and Everything in Between
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During our last move, my boyfriend and I lost some square footage, forcing us to brainstorm ways to store all the stuff we suddenly didn’t have room for. On the flip side, we gained a bit of wall space, thanks to our new apartment’s 11-foot-high ceilings. So we decided to strategically install a few floating shelves—you know, those ledges with a hidden support system that make them seem like they’re suspended in midair.
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Together, we scoured the Internet in search of the best floating shelves that matched our criteria: quick to install, lightweight, and easy to maintain. We placed one sill near the top of every closet, creating more areas to keep items we didn’t need to frequently access. And we installed another in the kitchen, taking advantage of the extra-tall recessed pantry. We also put an additional shelf in each bathroom for toiletries, and a mini ledge next to the front door for our keys.
For the kitchen, we selected a model that was deep enough to accommodate a standard cereal box and came in a wooden finish that complemented our cabinetry. (Note: It’s the popular Pottery Barn pick below.) As for the closets, we went with a sleek white number made of steel due to its slim silhouette and high weight load.
If you’re thinking about investing in a floating shelf (or three), here are a few points to mull over before you start shopping.
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Floating Shelves
Style: What exactly are the floating shelves for, and what type of look or feel do you want them to evoke? Align your choice with the theme and atmosphere of the room where they will hang. Also consider how bold or discreet you’d like the ledges to be: eye-catching enough to make a statement, or inconspicuous enough to blend into the background? Ultimately, your decision should hinge on functionality and personal preference.
Material: The best material depends on your intended use and which room you plan to install your floating shelves. If they’re meant to provide extra storage in a bathroom, for instance, avoid metal (which will eventually rust) and unfinished wood (which easily absorbs moisture). And in the kitchen, steer clear of materials that can potentially warp or melt under high heat, such as plastic or vinyl. For those areas, go for fire-resistant options, like stone, metal, or concrete.
Weight Load: How many pounds will your floating shelves have to carry? Before you commit to one, be sure to take note of the maximum weight it can hold—otherwise, it could collapse without warning. Not quite sure how much support you’ll need? When in doubt, it’s always better to overestimate. Also note that floating shelves made of heavier materials can’t be secured on drywall without an anchor, so be sure to place one before installation to prevent damage to your wall. And don’t forget to use a stud finder to pinpoint the right spot!
Dimensions: Floating shelves come in a variety of lengths, depths, and heights. Select the size that best suits whatever you’re looking to showcase. For small decorative items, a slim, narrow ledge will probably do. But books, trophies, and other big items will likely require more depth. And how much wall space are you hoping to cover? Make sure the floating shelves you settle on fit comfortably in the area you’re hanging them in—typically four to five feet above the floor, and 11 to 18 inches apart. It’ll look awkward if they’re spaced too far away or close to each other, so measure carefully before drilling any holes.
BEST SOLID WOOD FLOATING SHELF
Baobab Workshop Floating Shelf
Add a rustic touch to your home with these heavy-duty shelves, carved out of pine and treated with a water-resistant wax coating (so you’ll never have to worry about moisture seeping in). Baobab only uses wood with high ring density, which translates to a stronger, longer-lasting product and ensures each piece is one of a kind.
Material: Pine wood.
Dimensions: 16 or 24 inches in length; 6.7 inches in depth; 1.2 inches in height.
MOST INNOVATIVE FLOATING SHELF
Kartell Bookworm Shelf by Ron Arad
A guaranteed conversation starter, this sinuous statement piece by industrial designer Ron Arad can be configured in a number of ways, thanks to its flexibility. Made in Italy, the ingenious work of art—a nod to the proverbial bookworm—consists of 11 bookends, each able to hold up to 22 pounds. It can be a little difficult to install, but the awesome effect makes it well worth the trouble.
Material: Vinyl.
Dimensions: 204.75 inches in length; 7.88 inches in depth; 7.5 inches in height.
BEST CONCRETE FLOATING SHELF
Burke Decor Lyon Béton Sliced Shelves
Create an effortless industrial look with these smart slabs, made of raw concrete reinforced with glass fiber. The sturdy shelves—designed by French furniture-maker Lyon Béton, famed for his high-quality molded creations—can be used in covered outdoor areas, with the largest version able to support up to 15 pounds.
Material: Glass fiber-reinforced concrete.
Dimensions: 11.81 to 47.24 inches in length; 4.72 inches in depth; 1.57 inches in height.
BEST CORNER FLOATING SHELF
Tronk Design Franklin Novelty Corner Shelves
Create a warm, cozy feel in a petite room with the help of this contemporary corner unit from Cincinnati-based Tronk. Made of solid hardwood, the handsome build can hold up to 300 pounds and comes available in three wooden finishes.
Material: Steel.
Dimensions: 20 inches in length; 20 inches in depth; 23.75 inches in height.
BEST METAL FLOATING SHELF
West Elm Floating Lines Metal Ledges
If you’re in the market for something narrow to hold spices and seasonings (or a series of frames), these sleek shelves are just the thing. Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, the iron ledges—sold individually—can carry anywhere between 25 and 72 pounds, depending on their size.
Material: Iron.
Dimensions: 24 to 72 inches in length; 4 inches in depth; 2 inches in height.
MOST VERSATILE FLOATING SHELF
Brighton Floating Wood Shelves
Perennial bestsellers, these streamlined shelves can be made to suit any style or decor, from urban modern to farmhouse chic, depending on which finish you choose. Featuring kiln-dried mango veneers, the sustainable and ethically crafted pieces come in three different lengths and five finishes, so you’re bound to find a good fit.
Material: Wood.
Dimensions: 18 to 60 inches in length; 8 or 14 inches in depth; 2.5 inches in height.
BEST INVISIBLE FLOATING SHELF
Umbra Conceal Floating Shelves
These modern L-shaped shelves make it appear as if your books are magically levitating, creating a cool optical illusion. Great for tight spaces, they’re incredibly clever, functional, and built to last—not to mention super easy to install.
Material: Steel.
Dimensions: 7.2 inches in length; 7.1 inches in depth; 6.9 inches in height.
BEST NATURE-INSPIRED FLOATING SHELF
Phillips Collection Large Gray Stone Floating Shelves
If you’re aiming to create an organic feel, this unique stone-like option will do the trick. Made of solid chamcha wood, the gray slab features a rounded irregular edge that resembles a raw rock formation, giving it a tough yet refined look.
Material: Wood.
Dimensions: 24 inches in length; 9 inches in depth; 2 inches in height.
BEST ACRYLIC FLOATING SHELF
Kartell Shelfish Floating Shelves
For an ultramodern vibe, opt for this trendy transparent shelf, created by Milanese designers Ludovica and Roberto Palomba. Available in seven playful hues, the smooth, bright piece infuses texture and personality to any room. To really make it shine, place the shelf in a spot where it will get hit with plenty of light.
Material: Methacrylate
Dimensions: 17.8 in length; 5.88 in depth; 1.57 in height
BEST MARBLE FLOATING SHELF
Gustav Marble Floating Shelves
Instantly elevate your wall with this urbane cut, which sports a blush-and-ivory Blue Coast marble veneer that’s unique to each piece. Use the elegant sill to showcase glassware, pottery, or decorative figurines in the dining room or kitchen.
Material: Marble, aluminum, engineered wood.
Dimensions: 34 inches in length; 10 inches in depth; 3 inches in height.
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