This article will explore the different types of floating shelves, gauge their pros and cons, and show you what projects each one is good for.
There are different kinds of floating shelves, and the specific type you have will determine its weight-carrying capacity, ease of installation, aesthetics, and more. You can choose from wooden and metal floating shelves to glass and acrylic ones.
1. Wooden Floating Shelves
Wooden floating shelves are versatile and can be painted to fit in with different styles of decor. They come in different finishes, from natural wood tones to painted options. You’ll also find them in distressed and varnished styles. In addition, they can be made from hardwoods like maple, oak, and walnut or softwoods like pine.
Wooden floating shelves are usually strong enough to hold heavier items like books or kitchenware, depending on the thickness and type of wood used.
| Pros | Sturdy, long-lasting, and available in many styles, tones, and materials. |
| Cons | Can be more expensive than other types. May require regular maintenance. |
| Best For | Interior spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. |
2. Metal Floating Shelves
Metal floating shelves are preferred for being cheaper than wood. People also appreciate their durability, as well as the modern look they offer.
Metal floating shelves are heavy and usually used in spaces where moisture or heat might be an issue. They can be used to store heavy items like pots, pans, dishes, and other hardware or tools.
This type of floating shelf comes in copper, steel, brass, aluminum, and other variations of metals.
| Pros | Extremely durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to maintain. |
| Cons | Can be prone to scratches if not well-finished. |
| Best For | Kitchens, garages, workshops, or spaces with an industrial vibe. |
3. Glass Floating Shelves
Glass floating shelves are for people who appreciate elegance and sophistication, as opposed to strength and durability. These floating shelves are fragile, and as such, they’re commonly used to display lighter items like toiletries or decorative pieces.
Clear glass can make your space appear bigger since the transparency creates an open and airy aesthetic.
| Pros | Modern. Easy to clean. Great for small spaces due to their transparent nature. |
| Cons | Not suitable for heavy items; can be fragile if not properly installed. |
| Best For | Bathrooms, display areas, and rooms where a light and airy feel is desired. |
4. Corner Floating Shelves
As the name implies, corner floating shelves are designed to fit into the corners of rooms. The idea is to make use of interior space that would otherwise be wasted. They help you maximize space without intruding too much into the room.
Corner floating shelves can come in different shapes, often including triangles, hexagons, or curves. They can be found in various materials, including wood, glass, metal, and plastic, and are perfect for smaller rooms.
| Pros | Perfect for making use of unused space. |
| Cons | Limited weight capacity, since they often have smaller surface areas. |
| Best For | Bathrooms, bedrooms, and entryways where maximizing space is crucial. |
5. Acrylic Floating Shelves
Acrylic floating shelves are a cheaper alternative to glass floating shelves. They look just like glass but without the fragility.
This means that acrylic floating shelves are stronger and can handle heavier weight than their glass counterpart. Acrylic shelves are lightweight, and since acrylic is easy to mold and shape, shelves made from the material can come in a variety of designs.
| Pros | Affordable alternative to glass floating shelves. |
| Cons | Can discolor and become brittle over time. |
| Best For | Bathrooms, kitchens, display areas & high-traffic areas where glass isn’t ideal. |
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.
What to Read Next:
- What is a Floating Shelf?
- How to Hang Floating Shelves (For Beginners)
- How Far Apart to Hang Floating Shelves
- How to Hang Wall Shelves Without Drilling
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