Add Wall Accents and More Storage Space With These Floating Shelves (2024)

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This set of two floating shelves from Gracie Oaks is made with reclaimed wood that’s been naturally distressed to create a more “worn-in” aesthetic. Customers can keep the wood raw or choose a black or white finish, all of which provide a warm, rustic appearance. We also love that these shelves, which are handcrafted, come in a variety of sizes (more than 10) to accommodate your exact vision.

You’ll need a drill and a screwdriver for installation, but the process is relatively easy. Though they look delicate, the shelves can hold up to 40 pounds each (that's approximately 8 hardcover books, or 10 or more picture frames!). That makes it one of the highest-capacity shelves on our list, and it allows you to mix and match items with varying weights. Because of the reclaimed wood construction, your shelves may differ slightly from the product photos online in texture and hue. However, we think this detail only adds to their character!

_{Dimensions: Varies; 13 sizes available | Material: Wood | Weight Capacity: Up to 40 pounds}

With Wallniture’s Nursery Room Wood Floating Shelves, you can put your little one’s wide board books on display or easily stash small stuffed animals, framed photos, and other nursery items within reach. The set is made with durable wood and has a relatively straightforward installation process, though you will need a drill to properly secure the wall anchors.

While designed for a nursery, these shelves’ slim profile and small size make them pretty versatile. Use them in the kitchen for spices, in the bathroom for medicine cabinet overflow, or anywhere else you need a narrow shelf. One downside to the set is that it only comes in a single color and size, but the white works well with most paint colors and aesthetics.

_{​​Dimensions: 3.5x 15.8x 3.8 inches | Material: Wood | Weight Capacity: 20 pounds}

Featuring a white or black finish, these metal modern shelves are so thin they nearly disappear, creating the illusion that your books are affixed to the wall. All six in the set can hold between 15 and 25 pounds, depending on the installation method you choose, so you’ll be able to display a good amount of books—just be careful not to overdue it and exceed the weight capacity of each shelf, as the metal bottom can bend or bow.

The shelves do lend themselves to a variety of different hanging configurations, meaning you can try out some clever floating shelf ideas. They’re also easy to install; a drill isn’t required, nor do you need to mount the shelves on a stud. While we do wish they came in more sizes, the size offered certainly makes an impact.

_{Dimensions: 3.5 x 17 x 6 inches | Material: Metal | Weight Capacity: 15 to 25 pounds}

These shelves from Sorbus are made with faux wood and can be purchased in a white, black, or natural finish. We recommend them for living rooms due to their simple design, which blends in seamlessly with most decor styles. The two shelves can be configured a few different ways, like stacked or side-by-side. Thanks to the shelves' water-resistant exterior, these could also work well in bathrooms, where it tends to get a little, well, damp.

While these shelves are relatively easy to install, they do require a drill; however, beyond the drill and drill bit, the rest of the mounting hardware you’ll need is included.

_{Dimensions: 9.3 x 23.6 x 1.5 | Material: Engineered wood | Weight Capacity: 22 pounds}

If you’re short on space in the bathroom, or simply need to store more items within arm’s reach, this set of two floating shelves from Danya B fits the bill. They’re available in two shades, clear or black, as well as two designs: a simple rectangle or a quarter circle that’s meant to be mounted in a corner. We like that the shelves are made from tempered glass (also known as safety glass), meaning the glass is heat-treated and will break into tiny pieces held within the frame rather than shatter if it ever falls. Glass is especially ideal for bathrooms because it’s easy to clean and won’t get damaged in damp environments.

The shelves can’t support a lot of weight (only up to six pounds), but it’s enough to carry bathroom staples such as rolled washcloths and jars of cotton balls, Q-tips, and the like. Installation is simple, with just a single screw required for each bracket. However, the brackets are a bit bulky compared to the sleekness of the shelves. They do, however, allow the shelf to sit flush against the wall.

_{Dimensions: 2 x 16 x 6 or 3x 10 x 10 inches | Material: Glass | Weight Capacity: 6 pounds}

These three brass shelves from MyGift are as decorative as they are functional. Put them on an empty wall in your bedroom to create a much-needed focal point or above your bed in place of a headboard. Each shelf is a different size, allowing you to build a unique motif, though the geometric lines still tie them together. We also like that all three shelves are quite lightweight, weighing just 4.87 pounds in total, so they don’t require heavy-duty hardware to hang.

What we don’t love about this product is the lack of mounting hardware, forcing us to identify and purchase the correct tools needed. There’s also no mention of how much weight each of the shelves can carry, though they’re only big enough to hold a few pieces of decor, like trinkets from travels, a single photo frame, or a tiny planter.

_{Dimensions: 6 x 16.5 x 13 inches | Material: Brass | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

We recommend the BAMEOS Floating Shelf for a few reasons: It’s available in black or white and a variety of sizes, ranging from a six-inch square to a 47 x 9-inch rectangle. It’s also reinforced with hidden support beams that are built into the brackets, allowing the shelf to hold up to 22 pounds without detracting from the overall appearance.

Thanks to its sleek and modern design that’s complemented by a water-resistant surface, this shelf works well in any room (including bathrooms; it’s a great option for storing bath towels!). However, this installation isn’t as straightforward as some of the other items on our list. Though the hardware is included, you might want to opt for stronger, easier-to-drill fittings if you plan to max out the weight capacity of the shelves. If you’re taking a less is more approach, the existing support rods should suffice.

_{Dimensions: 24 x 6 inches; other sizes available | Material: Engineered wood | Weight Capacity: 22 pounds}

Using floating shelves in the kitchen can open up counter space and liberate frequently used items, like spices, from cabinets, making them more accessible. With the Keegon wood floating shelves from Gracie Oaks, a high weight capacity for each shelf (40 pounds!) means you can also use them to store small dishware like bread and dessert plates, glasses, and cereal bowls.

The set of two is available in a total of seven finishes, including brick red, gray, and dark brown. The grain patterns in the wood and semi-exposed brackets give the shelves a rustic yet modern feel, and the protective metal band around each one helps keep items in place. There’s also a detachable towel bar, which can be used for dish rags or hanging mugs and utensils. To ensure the shelves sit flush against the wall, you may want to enlist the help of a handyman or woman.

_{​​Dimensions: 3.2 x 16.5 x 5.9 inches | Material: Wood, metal | Weight Capacity: 40 pounds}

Corners aren’t the easiest to decorate, but these shelves from The Shelf Shop allow you to transform these often wasted spaces into something awesome. The floating shelves are made from wood—poplar and maple—and come in nine colors and four finishes. For a small additional fee, you can have them custom painted and even opt for a little trim. Customers also select the length and depth of the right and left shelves from a large list of measurements, or you can create your own size if the company doesn’t offer what you need. Weight capacity varies depending on the size, but these shelves can hold as much as 40 pounds each.

These are well-crafted and sturdy shelves that can be mounted with or without a stud on a number of different surfaces, including tile, plaster, brick, and drywall. Do note that the turnaround time from ordering to delivery can take a few weeks; for example, the estimated ship time is up to three weeks due to the construction of the shelves, so you’ll want to be prepared for a bit of a wait.

_{Dimensions: Varies; range of lengths and depths available | Material: Wood | Weight Capacity: Up to 40 pounds}

The Urban Outfitters Margot shelf is a petite and stunning accent piece. Handcrafted with resin, the narrow shelf—measuring 9.9 x 4.5 inches—offers just enough space to display a few precious baubles or frequently used items, like perfume bottles and keys.

Despite its small size, the product can support up to 22 pounds. Hardware is included, just make sure to check the measurements closely; the shelf isn’t capable of holding large or heavy items, so it’s more decorative than functional.

_{Dimensions: 9.75 x 4.25 inches | Material: Resin | Weight Capacity: 22 pounds}

The Lack shelf from IKEA provides ample room for decor, daily essentials, and more thanks to its 74-inch length, which translates to just over six feet. Available in four different colors, this shelf is ideal for breaking up a long blank wall. It offers a weight capacity of 33 pounds and hangs from invisible hardware for a clean, attractive appearance.

While installation is relatively straightforward, you might benefit from having a second person hold the shelf in place due to its length. You’ll also need to purchase the correct mounting materials. Surprisingly, IKEA does not include screws or fittings that attach its products to walls, so you’ll have to source hardware that works with the surfaces in your home.

_{Dimensions: 74.75 x 10.25 x 2 inches | Material: Fiberboard | Weight Capacity: 33 pounds}

FAQ

• How much weight can a floating shelf hold?

  This depends on a variety of factors, including the material of the shelf, how it’s installed, and the quality of the materials, Stephan says. Another factor: Your walls. Shelves installed on drywall typically can’t hold as much as ones that are installed onto studs or in wooden walls.“Typically, a well-installed floating shelf can hold around 20 to 75 pounds,” Kropovinsky says.

  For the best results, follow the manufacturer's instructions and hire an expert to help to install the shelves if you're worried about doing it incorrectly.

• Do floating shelves sag?

  The elegance of a floating shelf gets undercut when it sags. This can happen when you overload a shelf or when the shelf isn’t installed properly, says Kropovinsky. To avoid sagging, consider what you plan to put on the shelf before you purchase it and adhere to the manufacturer’s listed weight limit. As for installation, the best way to avoid mishaps is to hire a professional.

• What is a good thickness for floating shelves?

  “The [ideal] thickness of a floating shelf depends on its intended use and the overall aesthetic of the space,” Kropovinsky explains. “A good starting point is a thickness of at least two inches for a robust, functional shelf that can hold a reasonable weight without the risk of sagging.”
  Stephan adds that you’ll typically want a thicker shelf for storing heavier items like books, but can opt for a thinner option to display small plants and lightweight accessories.

The 11 Best Floating Shelves for Every Wall of Your Home