Floating shelves are an increasingly popular form of wall storage. A floating shelf is a wall-mounted shelf with no visible brackets or means of support. The design of this fixture creates the illusion that the shelf is ‘floating’ against the wall.
What are Floating Shelves?
The defining feature of this wall-mounted shelving system is its hidden support. Floating shelves are attached to the wall with invisible or barely visible means of support. Think about regular shelves but without the clutter of brackets, screws, or other visible hardware.
Floating shelves are typically installed by screwing a bracket or rod into the wall (more specifically, a wall stud) and then inserting the shelf onto it. This method creates the ‘hovering’ or ‘floating’ effect that floating shelves are known for.
A floating shelf provides storage and display space while maintaining a discreet and minimalist appearance. It’s an efficient way of storing items and beautifying your interior without sacrificing too much space.
Homeowners love this shelving system because it’s practical for storing everyday items in the kitchen, living room, bathroom, office, or other appropriate settings. And since it’s also perfect for showing off artwork, plants, and collectibles, floating shelves are well-received by interior designers and collectors.
It’s worth noting that just as a floating shelf is one type of shelving unit, there also are types of floating shelves. Read about them in our article covering all the different types of floating shelves available.
What Sets Floating Shelves Apart?
Floating shelves are not the only kind of shelves that exist. Other shelf types include regular shelves and freestanding shelves.
These other shelf types are different from floating shelves in more ways than one. Below, I’ll compare the features of floating shelves to other popular shelf types.
Installation
- Floating Shelves: Mounted directly with hidden wall brackets
- Enclosed Wall-mounted Shelves: Visible attachments to wall
- Freestanding Shelves: No installation is required. Just find a free space to place it agasinst the wall
Appearance
- Floating Shelves: Sleek, modern, and best for minimalistic spaces, Creates a “floating” or “hovering” effect
- Enclosed Wall-mounted Shelves: Uses visible supports. Works well in traditional, classic, or industrial settings
- Freestanding Shelves: Comes in various designs, ranging from simple to complex. Might look out of place in minimalistic settings
Space Efficiency
- Floating Shelves: Saves more space due to the lack of visible support
- Enclosed Wall-mounted Shelves: May take up more space because of the frames and supports
- Freestanding Shelves: Takes up floor space. Not efficient for small spaces
Cost
- Floating Shelves: Usually less expensive because they require less material
- Enclosed Wall-mounted Shelves: Generally cost-effective and affordable. Cost varies by design and material type
- Freestanding Shelves: Cuts across all price ranges, from budget to high-end
DIY Difficulty
- Floating Shelves: More challenging to install because of the need for secure mounting
- Enclosed Wall-mounted Shelves: Easier to DIY because of the visible brackets
- Freestanding Shelves: Easiest to DIY because there is no installation required, some assembly may be necessary
Weight Capacity
- Floating Shelves: Hidden supports reduce load-carrying capacity. Best for lightweight to medium-weight items
- Enclosed Wall-mounted Shelves: Supports heavier weight depending on bracket or support strength
- Freestanding Shelves: Can carry the heaviest weight, because it is supported by the floor
Wall Impact
- Floating Shelves: Requires drilling and wall anchors, which can cause wall damage
- Enclosed Wall-mounted Shelves: Also requires drilling, and could potentially cause wall damage
- Freestanding Shelves: No impact on the wall, since it requires no installation
FAQ
How Much Weight Can a Floating Shelf Hold?
Generally, floating shelves can hold anywhere from 15-50 pounds. However, if your floating shelf bracket is attached to multiple wall studs, it’ll be able to hold more weight, with each stud being capable of carrying up to 50 pounds.
How Do Floating Shelves Work?
For floating shelves, you only need three components; the shelf, the mounting bracket, and a sweet spot on the wall. These components work together to give that floating effect.
The shelf is connected to the wall via the mounting bracket. The bracket acts as support and bears the weight of the shelf board which serves as the storage space.
How Do I Install a Floating Shelf?
Installing a floating shelf involves securing the hidden bracket to the wall. This will let your shelf hang from the wall without any visible brackets or frames.
To learn more, check out our detailed, step-by-step guide on how to install a floating shelf.
Can Floating Shelves Be Installed on Any Wall?
Floating shelves can be installed on most types of walls, including plaster, drywall, and brick. However, the installation process varies by wall type.
For instance, drywall installation requires wall studs for maximum stability, while brick walls may require special masonry anchors.
If you’re dealing with a wall where drilling is not an option — like in rental properties or delicate walls, — check out our guide on hanging wall shelves without drilling.
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.
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Main Image Credit: pauljoelhancock / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
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