This article will tell you everything about how far apart to hang floating shelves, including the vertical and horizontal distances, when to make it longer than 12 inches, and more.
If you’re not anchoring to wall studs, place the shelves at least 12 inches apart. If you’re anchoring to wall studs, place the shelves at least 16 inches apart. Depending on other factors, you can also space the shelves up to about 24 inches apart.
Ideal Horizontal Distance Between Floating Shelves
The horizontal distance of your floating shelves will heavily depend on the distance between your wall studs. Wall studs are typically 16 inches or 24 inches apart, so the horizontal spacing of your floating shelves will be about the same.
To align your floating shelves with your wall studs with greater accuracy, you’ll need to pinpoint the exact location of the studs. Check out our articles about how to find studs with a stud finder and how to find studs without a stud finder.
When You Don’t Need to Follow the Distance Between Your Wall Studs
If the spacing of the wall studs doesn’t fit your aesthetic, you can hang your floating shelves anywhere from 12 to 24 inches apart. This range is fine for a compact and spacious look, but the specific distance you choose will depend on how much space your wall has.
If your floating shelves will be storing light items, you can use drywall anchors instead of wall studs. However, drywall anchors can get weaker over time and may collapse or sag.
I’ve learned that it’s always better to space your floating shelves according to the distance between your wall studs. This will give the floating shelves much-needed support and stability and reduce the risk of damaging the wall.
Quick Tip: When hanging floating shelves, you should consider the visual appeal. This means not leaving too much space or not enough space. The former might create a disjointed look, while the latter can create clutter.
Ideal Vertical Distance Between Floating Floating Shelves
Next, you’ll need to calculate the vertical distance. Like the horizontal distance, the vertical distance between floating shelves is not one-size-fits-all. It will depend on your use case and room dimensions.
| Example: The vertical distance between floating shelves in the bathroom won’t be the same as floating shelves in the living room or kitchen. Bathrooms typically have less wall space, and your shelves will need to accommodate taller items like stacks of towels or toiletry bottles. |
If you’re hanging floating shelves for book storage, the vertical spacing should account for the height of standard books, which is about 9 – 12 inches. To make removing and returning the books easy, you should add 2-3 inches above your tallest book. This means that the ideal vertical spacing for bookshelves will be 12 to 15 inches apart.
If you’re using your floating shelves to display decorative items like frames, vases, or sculptures, your vertical distance will be determined by the height of said items. A good rule of thumb for vertical spacing is to leave at least 10 to 18 inches of space between each shelf.
For smaller items, you can space the shelves as close as 10 to 12 inches. And for taller items or to give your items breathing space, you can leave more space (up to 24 inches).
Quick Tip: To calculate vertical spacing, just measure the height of your tallest item and add a few inches.
Ideal Distance Between Floating Shelves and the Floor
Floating shelves should be hung at eye level. This usually means hanging the bottom shelf about 4 to 5 feet from the floor.
If you’re hanging floating shelves above furniture like a couch, like in living rooms, leave at least 10 inches of space between the bottom of the lowest shelf and the top of the furniture.
The table below highlights a breakdown of the recommended heights for hanging floating shelves in different locations.
| Location | Height from the Ground | Reason |
| Kitchen | 18 inches to 24 inches above the counter | Prevents shelves from obstructing countertop use |
| Bathroom | About 10 to 12 inches above the toilet tank | Makes it easy to remove and replace the toilet tank lid |
| Living Room | At least 10 inches above the back of the couch (if hanging above a couch) At least 4 feet from the floor (if not hanging above a couch) | Ensures aesthetic appeal while keeping shelves at eye level |
| Hallway | At least 5 – 6 feet from the floor | Keeps displayed items at eye level, making the display more accessible |
| Dining Room | At least 4 – 4.5 feet from the floor | Provides space for décor items like vases |
| Desk Area | About 22 to 24 inches above the desk | Leaves enough space on the desktop for working |
| Art Display | Centered at 57 inches from the floor | Keeps artwork at eye level for most adults |
FAQs About How Far Apart to Hang Floating Shelves
Can I Hang My Shelves Closer Together?
Yes, you can hang your floating shelves closer together. This is especially true if you want to display smaller items or create a compact look. However, for practicality, it is best to leave at least 10 inches between the shelves.
What Tools Are Needed to Hang a Floating Shelf At the Correct Distance?
Apart from the actual shelves and brackets, you’ll need a few essential tools for accuracy and stability.
A level ensures the straightness of the shelf. A measuring tape helps in determining the correct distance. A drill is used to drill holes for the brackets, and screws are used to secure the shelves. A stud finder is used to find the studs; where there are no studs, drywall anchors can be used for support.
When to Call a Pro
If you’re new to DIY home improvement, a little help can go a long way toward making sure the job is done right.
Read More:
- How to Hang Floating Shelves
- How to Hang Wall Shelves Without Drilling
- How to Hang Floating Shelves Without Wall Studs
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Main Photo Credit: Pickpik
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