10 Floating Shelves Ideas

10 Floating Shelves Ideas

by — Andra DelMonico
Published on March 9, 2021
Updated on March 17, 2025

Do you have a blank wall that you wish you could do something with? Large, bare walls that have nothing on them. What you need is a floating shelf.

This gives you the freedom to do anything with it. You could use it as a display space for decor or use it to create additional storage.

What’s nice about floating shelves is that you can install them in any room of your home. You can use them in any style of interior decor. You can also use them in any sized room.

These floating shelves ideas will help you choose and install the perfect floating shelf in your home.

1. Optimize Bathroom Space with Floating Shelves

Adding a floating shelf or several shelves to your bathroom is a great way to create a decor display space or extra storage in your small bathroom.

Your bathroom floating shelves are the ideal extra storage space that you need for arranging spare towels and toiletries.

Two wooden shelves with toilet paper rolls, potted succulents, a wire basket, and decorative text "#LOVE" on a white wall — Source: @making.my_.happy_.place_ via Instagram

Wooden floating shelves above a toilet with decorative plants, jars, and a wire basket for storage in a modern farmhouse bathroom — Source: @numbertwentytwosomerset via Instagram

Bathroom shelves with decor: potted plants, towels, seashell jar, a framed sign reading "Wash your hands, you filthy animal," and a toilet roll — Source: @rockycanyonrustic via Instagram

Rustic floating shelves above a toilet decorated with greenery, jars, a 'Bless' box, and a wire basket for toilet paper storage — Source: @sharystudio via Instagram

Two wooden shelves with decor: "WASH" sign, framed art, basket with toilet paper, and potted greenery against a beige wall — Source: @theplacewherewecallhome via Instagram

Hexagonal shelves with decor items: basket, candles, jars, and framed photos; wall-mounted above a towel bar; neutral wall color — Source: @wovenandwicker via Instagram

White floating shelves with greenery, candles, decorative figures, and a humorous letter board add a modern touch to this bathroom — Source: @candyspradg via Instagram

Two wooden shelves with potted plants, candles, a bottle, and small jars against a white shiplap wall — Source: @erin_vt via Instagram

Two floating shelves with decor: framed leaf print, white geometric vase, orchid, ammonite sculpture, plant, candle — Source: @homewithsimone via Instagram

Wood and leather strap floating shelves with potted plants add a natural touch above a freestanding bathtub in a modern bathroom — Source: @lime_lace via Instagram

Your bathroom is in a high moisture environment. So choose a shelf material that will be impervious to the extra moisture.

You also don’t want to install your shelves in a place that will experience constant moisture, such as splashing from the shower. A good place to mount a floating shelf is above the toilet or vanity.

2. Utilize Corners Effectively with Creative Shelf Ideas

Take a look around your home and count how many empty corners you have. It’s probably a lot more than you think you have. These are corners that are essentially dead space. Why not put them to work with a corner shelf?

Rustic wooden corner floating shelves with books, a globe, and storage jars complement a vintage map and black dresser in a cozy space — Source: @4men1ladyblog via Instagram

A cozy home office with a desk, computer, and chair; a white corner shelf above holds photos, plants, and art; walls are light gray — Source: @homengineer_design via Instagram

Wooden zigzag wall shelves with plants, books, and decor items; a hanging plant trails down the middle; white walls and a wooden door — Source: @inside_no_8 via Instagram

Gray corner shelf with three tiers, holding a potted plant, candle, dispenser, cup, and tube against a beige wall — Source: @riverridgehome via Instagram

White corner floating shelves decorated with framed art, plants, and personal touches create a stylish and cozy wall display — Source: @second.hand_.home_ via Instagram

Cozy corner nook with rustic wooden floating shelves, small plants, and a framed photo above a plush mustard-yellow papasan chair — Source: @shoptoshelf via Instagram

Install a single floating shelf over a countertop. Or you could install multiple floating shelves in an empty corner. You can size the shelf to fit the amount of wall space that you have.

You can put these corner shelves in any room you want, from the bathroom to the kitchen. You also don’t have to put them in a corner that’s created by two walls.

If you have a cabinet mounted on the wall, you could have mini corner shelves mounted on the side of the cabinet.

3. Enhance Decor with Stylish Shelf Arrangements

Mounting your shelf on the wall is the easy part. The hard part is arranging your floating shelf decor.

There are several decorating ideas out there, but not all of them are good. The easiest thing to do is to pick decorative items that you like and then worry about arranging them later.

Hexagon floating shelves with plants and decor add a stylish touch above a rustic desk in a cozy, well-lit home office — Source: @home_down_south via Instagram

Wall-mounted TV above a dark fireplace, flanked by hexagonal shelves with plants and vases, two vases with tall grass on each side — Source: @jilldunnfit via Instagram

Minimalist dining area featuring a round white table, white chairs, a beige woven rug, and white shelves with plates; wall art is seen above — Source: @katriina_sch via Instagram

Stylish floating shelves with liquor bottles, glassware, and decor create a chic home bar setup with gold accents and soft pastel tones — Source: @livs.home_ via Instagram

Rustic bedroom with wooden floating shelves, a dark accent wall, and a cozy bed featuring a bold chevron-patterned duvet — Source: @lottieshousebuild via Instagram

White decorative wall shelves with books, a gift box, flowers, and two figurines sitting on a middle shelf against a green wall — Source: @novakagiftshop via Instagram

Wooden shelves with plants, art, a large jar, and a colorful plate; a height chart is on the wall — Source: @rainbows_on_the_hill via Instagram

Home office with a desk, chair, and laptop; shelves hold decor and candles; a tall plant is beside the window with white curtains — Source: @sunshine.and_.lily_ via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with a white bunk bed, yellow bedding, and shelves holding a model ship, a toy, and decorations

Visually balance the display you create. Have a single central high point or two high points on either end.

Layer the decor with taller items in the back and shorter items towards the front. Use pieces of varying widths and layer items left to right across the shelf. Balance the color across the shelf.

4. Personalize Your Space with DIY Shelf Projects

Build your own floating shelf and have a custom piece to display your decor. Your DIY floating shelf could be made of wood, metal, glass, stone, or any other material you choose. What’s nice about a DIY shelf is that you’re only limited by your shelving ideas.

Wooden shelves with jars of ingredients, a coffee maker, plant, and cookbooks on a kitchen counter — Source: @eighty_onthebay_ via Instagram

Stylish home bar setup with floating shelves displaying liquor bottles, glasses, and decor above a wine rack and counter with more bottles — Source: @goldenhomediy via Instagram

Home office with dark floating bookshelves, an industrial desk, and a cozy reading nook, creating a warm and creative workspace — Source: @goodgollymrsholley via Instagram

Three-tiered hanging shelves with photos, plants, decor items, and books set against a light wall: Cozy and decorative display — Source: @iansfurniture via Instagram

Wooden shelves with decor: plants, candles, framed quotes, bottles, and geometric accents on a beige wall; cozy and artistic setup — Source: @inspiredlivingwithshanna via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with copper countertops, wooden floating shelves stocked with jars, a white fridge, and a basket of apples on the counter — Source: @rancholaflor via Instagram

Two white shelves with potted green plants on a white wall near a window — Source: @shelfbarfloatingshelves via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with a white vanity, gold faucet, round mirror, and shelf with decor above, white tiled shower in the background — Source: @uniquelytaylormade via Instagram

Just like any other shelf you hang on your wall, you need to do it the right way. This means mounting it to the wall studs behind the drywall.

You’ll also want to use drywall anchors. You can use a stud finder to easily find the studs in the wall.

5. Bring Strength and Style with Industrial Shelves

Certain rooms of your home don’t need fancy decorative shelves. Instead, they need industrial shelves that are sturdy and strong.

Your laundry room is a perfect example of this. Floating shelves can give you the extra storage space that you need.

Industrial-style floating shelves with black pipe supports hold toiletries and toilet paper above a toilet in a modern farmhouse bathroom — Source: @fauxcitrusfarmhouse via Instagram

Bathroom shelves with potted plants, candles, a mirror, and toiletries, against a white tiled wall — Source: @home.bylarissa via Instagram

Wall-mounted wooden shelves with black metal brackets, holding a woven basket, documents, decorative tins, and small potted plants — Source: @number22darlington via Instagram

Wall-mounted shelf with candles, perfumes, diffuser, decorative boxes, and a small artwork — Source: @nvkitchens_interiors via Instagram

Industrial-style floating shelves with metal pipe brackets on a gray wall, decorated with candles, art, and eclectic decor pieces — Source: @our.renovation.diary_ via Instagram

Kitchen corner with patterned tiles, wooden shelves holding jars and plants, a bouquet of flowers, kettle, and sink by a window — Source: @ourhomeonwatitune via Instagram

Wall shelves with jars and decor items, featuring an industrial pipe design against a light blue wall — Source: @pipeworkpieces via Instagram

Industrial-style floating shelves with metal pipe brackets above a black sideboard, styled with plants, coffee decor, and rustic accents — Source: @rahuffs via Instagram

Wooden shelves with woven baskets, framed photos, candles, a small plant, and decorative items neatly arranged in a cozy display — Source: @steelwood_craft via Instagram

These shelves are typically made from metal that’s been coated. They aren’t the most attractive, but they’ll get the job done. You’ll also see them in closets. Here though, they’ll have a track that they hook into. This lets you customize the height of each shelf to fit your storage needs.

6. Transform Your Kitchen with Chic Open Shelving

The open shelving look has been popular in recent years for the kitchen. The problem with this is that it lacks functionality. Who wants to have all of the items on display in their kitchen?

Take a modern approach to the trend by installing a few floating shelves on an empty wall. Then you can keep the functionality of your cabinets while also enjoying the open wall shelf trend.

Black kitchen shelves with various items: a coffee maker, jars, glasses, bowls, mugs, and a small plant, all neatly organized — Source: @4.4home via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, open shelves displaying decor and dishes, granite countertop, and stainless steel fridge — Source: @be_kind_and_design via Instagram

Eclectic kitchen with wooden floating shelves, blue tile backsplash, colorful decor, and open shelving for glassware and spices — Source: @bunnipunch via Instagram

Rustic kitchen with a wooden floating shelf, decorative tile backsplash, potted plants, and vintage-inspired decor above a wooden countertop — Source: @carolynjayneinteriors via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a large island, barstools, pendant lighting, and a black and white color scheme featuring open shelving with plants and decor — Source: @freedom_kitchens via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with a wooden countertop, barstools, open shelves with jars and plants, stove, and a black fridge with magnets — Source: @notjustagreyandwhitehome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with wooden floating shelves, black metal brackets, potted plants, and stylish mugs hanging above a white subway tile backsplash — Source: @perfecthomeland9 via Instagram

Rustic wooden floating shelves with glassware, jars, and a hanging mug rack add charm to a bright kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash — Source: @renovating_no_36 via Instagram

Modern kitchen with black metal floating shelves, decorative tile backsplash, and a bright countertop framed by large windows — Source: @tati_creates via Instagram

If you have an open layout for your floorplan, you can tie your kitchen and dining room spaces together.

Use the same wooden floating shelves in both rooms. Or have one long shelf that extends from one room to the other. This visual continuity creates a cohesive design throughout your home.

7. Elevate Your Living Room with Elegant Wall Shelves

Create a stunning display on your living room wall with a large floating shelf that extends the length of your living room.

Mount it above your sofa and create a focal point in the room. You can also use a rustic floating shelf to create a faux fireplace.

Modern living room with wall-mounted TV, electric fireplace, chic shelves with decor, and white cabinets on a wooden floor — Source: @barnhousecompany via Instagram

Cozy living room with rustic wooden floating shelves, a fireplace, built-in cabinets, and warm decorative lighting around a TV — Source: @creativityinct via Instagram

Living room with a wall-mounted TV, shelving with decor, a coffee table, and ceiling fan; neutral colors and a tiled floor — Source: @custom_made_by_steven via Instagram

Minimalist white living room with built-in floating shelves, a wall-mounted fireplace TV, soft neutral sofas, and modern decor — Source: @hellohouse_uk via Instagram

Modern living room with a large TV, black wall shelves, a cozy sofa, patterned poufs, and decor accents beautifully illuminated by bright natural light from windows — Source: @jverainteriors via Instagram

Cozy living room with Halloween-themed shelves above a brown leather sofa, featuring bats, a ghost, and fall decorations — Source: @littlecajunhouse via Instagram

Festive living room with a beige sofa, Christmas pillows, and decorated shelves above featuring holiday decor such as wreaths and mini trees — Source: @nickithedecormama via Instagram

Living room with navy walls, floating wooden shelves displaying framed photos, small plants, and lanterns, a gray couch with cushions — Source: @thefrazierguy via Instagram

Modern living room with a large TV, white shelves displaying decor items, and minimalistic furniture featuring light wood flooring — Source: @woodzlover2020 via Instagram

You don’t have to commit to a single large floating shelf. Instead, try using several white floating shelves that are small and mounted among other decor.

You could have small wooden crates, photographs, and art. This creates a custom gallery wall with various textures and colors.

8. Incorporate Sleek Metal Shelves for a Modern Touch

Give your home an industrial feel by choosing metal for your floating shelves.

This style of floating shelving unit also works well in your kitchen or bathroom. Metal is a smooth material that doesn’t have crevices for bacteria to get in. You can clean and sanitize the metal.

Geometric wall shelves with books, cacti, and a vase on a dark green wall, bright yellow interiors add contrast — Source: @carolealiazarinteriors via Instagram

Modern black metal floating shelves in geometric shapes, decorated with books, vases, and plants for a minimalist wall display — Source: @daniafurniture via Instagram

A black wall shelf with a skull, decorative bat, crow, vase, and various curiosities, including plants and trinkets, arranged on it — Source: @house_of_beaks via Instagram

Two wall shelves with a teacup, books, decorative items, bottles, a cactus, and a teapot arranged neatly against a white background — Source: @mamaschaefers via Instagram

Modern black metal floating shelf with a mirror, holding perfume bottles and small potted plants for a sleek and minimalist look — Source: @no.8our_1930s_home via Instagram

Try mixing metal with your wood floating shelves for an industrial look. You can build a hanging shelf by using a metal pipe for the framework and then using wood planks for the shelves.

Another beautiful option is to use bold metal straps to mount the wood shelf on the wall.

9. Maximize Minimal Spaces with Compact Shelving Solutions

Adding a small and simple floating shelf can create a beautiful accent in unexpected places.

Your floating wall shelf needs to only be big enough to hold a candle or small figurine. Install several of them in a single corner to create a complete display.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, black countertop, electric stove, microwave, sink, and decorative items on floating shelves — Source: @acton.life_.and_.home_ via Instagram

Cozy reading nook with a gray chair, round side table, and four shelves of books on a green wall, next to framed pictures — Source: @chyracarmelle via Instagram

Wooden hanging shelves with nursery decor: a doll, star wand, candle, and small suitcase, against a rainbow-patterned wall — Source: @essentiallyrawdesigns via Instagram

Triangle rope shelf with beach photo, glass bottle, gold giraffe, rainbow ornament, and three small potted plants on a gray wall — Source: @llcustomcreationsuk via Instagram

Cozy farmhouse kitchen with small wooden floating shelves, vintage tin backsplash, and rustic decor surrounding a bright sink window — Source: @makingourhaven via Instagram

Wooden wall with industrial-style shelves holding a vintage camera, decorative bowl with plant, and antique telephone — Source: @pipe_decoration via Instagram

Cozy nursery corner with dark wooden floating bookshelves, a tufted sofa, and a crib, creating a charming reading nook — Source: @thedomesticatedgoddesss via Instagram

Wooden shelves with decor: a black bowl with fruit, two wooden pears, books, a plant, a mortar and pestle, and kitchen utensils — Source: @theflagfall via Instagram

A cozy kitchen corner with a stainless steel fridge, white cabinets, a pantry door with a wreath, and rustic shelves with jars and decor — Source: @truemanstreasures via Instagram

These smaller shelves work well in places that are limited, such as your bathroom. Or they could be on the outside edge of your kitchen cabinets.

Try using them in your bedroom in the corner behind your bedroom door. The small size and angled edge of the open shelf won’t interfere with your door opening.

10. Infuse Natural Warmth with Wooden Shelf Designs

Adding a wooden shelf to your interior design is an easy way to bring nature indoors. Wood is warm and has texture.

Reclaimed wood is perfect for creating an authentic look to your rustic or farmhouse decor. Elegantly stained wood is perfect for a luxurious or elegant feel.

Cozy home office with a white desk, chair, laptop, and decor; large window with plants, art, and shelves in a bright room — Source: @alittlesprucing via Instagram

Wooden shelves with gold candle holders, potted grass, decorative jars, and abstract gold sculpture against a light wall — Source: @demjohnsonshome via Instagram

Rustic home bar with wooden shelves displaying various liquor bottles; wine rack and decorative items on wooden cabinet below — Source: @dustylumberco via Instagram

Kitchen shelves with potted plants, glass jars, lanterns, and a "This kitchen is for dancing" sign above a tiled backsplash — Source: @florellaclean via Instagram

Rustic coffee station with wooden floating shelves, a vintage cabinet, mug ladder, and farmhouse decor for a cozy kitchen setup — Source: @life.stylewithjess via Instagram

A cozy dining area with a wooden table, pink flowers, and three shelves featuring plants, decor, and framed art on the wall — Source: @littlegreenrambler via Instagram

Wooden shelf with amber bottles, a heart-shaped stone, a candle, and packaged items against floral-patterned wallpaper — Source: @millysgiftshop01 via Instagram

Stylish home office with wooden floating shelves, white cabinetry, framed photos, and organized workspace essentials for a cozy setup — Source: @phantastication via Instagram

Two wooden shelves with metal brackets holding a potted plant, a hexagonal mirror, books, and a small red box — Source: @the.mid.terrace via Instagram

A wooden shelf with a potted plant, a leafy wreath, and a sign reading "Love makes this house a home" — Source: @the_swanky_home via Instagram

Modern white geometric shelves on a white brick wall, holding a kettle, boxes, yarn, and small decorative items — Source: @theseriousgentleman via Instagram

When picking your wood shelf, look at the length and thickness of the wood.

Thicker planks look more substantial and visually balanced on the wall. You may even want to build boxes to create a custom look for your shelves.

How do you make floating shelves look good?

Start by buying a shelf that is the right length and depth for the room. This will keep it looking balanced on the wall. Your next step is to arrange the decor on the shelf.

Balance the visual heaviness of the items on the shelf. Then consider their height. Finally, consider the color scheme that you’re using. Bolder colors will demand more attention.

Where should floating shelves be placed?

If you’re hanging a floating shelf over your sofa, it should be at least ten inches higher than the sofa.

Floating shelves in your hallway should be somewhere between five and six feet off of the floor. Your living room and dining room can support floating shelves that are between four and five feet off of the floor.

How much weight can a floating shelf hold?

The weight that your floating shelf can hold will depend on the size of the shelf and how you install it.

Most floating shelves that are mounted directly into the studs can hold somewhere between thirty and seventy-five pounds. However, some floating shelves could hold up to 300 pounds.