Looking to add some visual interest and storage space to your home?
Floating bookshelves are a great way to display books, photos, plants and other decorative objects while freeing up floor and table space.
Unlike traditional bookshelves that sit on the ground, floating shelves are mounted on the wall and seem to “float” in the air.
This creates a lightweight, airy look perfect for small spaces.
Floating shelves come in a wide variety of materials, sizes, shapes and styles to match any aesthetic.
They can be used to decorate living rooms, home offices, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways and more.
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Rustic Wood Plank Shelves
Warm and natural, wood floating shelves infuse any space with organic style.
For a rustic look, opt for reclaimed wood planks in varying widths.
Arrange them in an asymmetrical pattern for visual interest.
Wood slices, planters and woven baskets filled with greenery make excellent accessories.
Scour salvage yards and flea markets to discover weathered barn boards, old tabletops or fencing wood.
Sand and seal them to create rustic shelves that seem straight from a cozy cabin.
For a more polished look, use new oak or pine boards with clean, straight lines.
Place the shelves above a sofa, bed or console table to display framed photos, ceramics and books.
With their understated charm and versatility, wood plank floating shelves work in casual, country, industrial, mid-century modern and other relaxed decor styles.
Let them inspire you to curate a personalized gallery wall or reading nook.
Geometric Black Shelves
For a bold, graphic statement, install floating shelves in sleek black finished wood or metal.
Arrange them in triangular, diamond, zigzag and other angular formations.
Mix up different sizes and shapes for visual dynamism.
Paint the wall behind the shelves a contrasting color like white, beige or navy blue for maximum drama.
Decorate these geometric shelves minimally with just a few decorative objects.
Opt for white vases, gold or marble accessories and green potted plants to complement the black.
Place the shelves above a desk to hold office supplies and books in a modern home office.
Or mount them above the sofa or sideboard in a living room.
With their strong lines and shapes, black geometric floating shelves lend eye-catching style to contemporary, modern and industrial spaces.
Make them the focal point of an accent wall or stark backdrop to lighter, softer furnishings.
Rope Woven Shelves
Searching for a bohemian or nautical vibe?
Rope woven shelves deliver breezy, coastal style perfect for relaxed living areas.
Use natural fiber rope in neutral hues like jute or sisal.
Coil and wrap it around a wooden frame to create loose, organic shelves.
For added texture, weave in pieces of bamboo, rattan or driftwood.
Hang these easygoing woven shelves above sofas, chairs and tables throughout the home.
Fill them with potted succulents, seashells, stones, glass floats and other natural objects.
The casual charm of rope shelves pairs perfectly with whitewashed woods, rattan furniture and decorative salvaged oars.
Inspired by sand and sea, rope floating shelves bring a touch of paradise home.
Let them infuse your space with laidback style and breezy vibes.
Industrial Pipe Shelves
Edgy industrial style is easily achieved with pipe floating shelves made from plumbing pipes and fittings.
Use iron or steel pipes in black, bronze or silver.
Mount them horizontally or vertically using elbow and T-shaped joints.
For contrast, combine different pipe sizes and metal finishes.
The unfinished utilitarian look of pipe shelves works great in urban lofts, factories and modern homes.
Fill them with found objects, framed photos, plants and books.
Or use pipe shelves in the kitchen to display cookbooks and cherished pottery.
For extra flair, add Edison bulbs, pendant lights or track lighting.
The cool metallic pipes pair nicely with worn woods, concrete, leather and mix-and-match vintage decor.
Infuse your space with warehouse chic using rugged metal pipe shelves.
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Mirrored Shelves
Add light and spaciousness to any room with sleek floating shelves backed by mirrors.
The reflective surface makes the shelves seem to disappear while amplifying the room.
Choose glass, acrylic or metal shelves in clean lined styles.
Install them in front of a large mirror secured to the wall.
Use mirrored floating shelves intight spaces like hallways, small bedrooms or apartments.
The illusion of depth and width makes rooms feel more expansive.
Display decorative accents, candles and small plants on the shelves.
The transparent glass maintains an open, airy look while doubling visual space.
Mirrored shelves open up possibilities for stylish small rooms.
Let them reflect light and possibility into your home.
Wall-Mounted Ladder Shelves
Vintage library ladders repurposed into shelving inject shabby chic,French country or industrial style.
Search architectural salvage yards for old wooden library ladders with side rails and rungs.
Affix them securely to the wall studs.
Then fill the rungs with potted greenery, flower pots or organic accessories.
For a different look, turn the ladder horizontally and mount it just below the ceiling.
Use it to display framed photos, string lights and delicate decorations overhead.
White and pastel ladders complement French country decor.
While darker wood finishes give off an industrial warehouse vibe.
Wall mounted ladder shelves provide plenty of storage and a great conversational piece.
Let them display your favorite things in a unique way.
Corner Floating Shelves
Take advantage of wasted space with corner mounted floating shelves.
The triangular shelves tuck right into the corner above beds, desks, sofas or media centers.
Opt for basic wood or metal brackets with removable shelves that are easy to install.
Use corner shelves to neatly display books, plants and knickknacks.
The shelves keep frequently used items within reach while opening up the rest of the room
Floating corner shelves are perfect for college apartments and kid’s bedrooms in need of extra storage.
Or fill them with delicate china and collectibles to create an elevated display.
With their efficient use of space, corner floating shelves minimize clutter while maximizing style.
You’ll wonder why you didn’t think of this clever storage solution sooner.
Contemporary Chrome Shelves
Sleek and shiny chrome shelving adds modern elegance to minimalist spaces.
Use long commercial-style metal shelves in silver, white or black finishes.
Mount them high on the wall above a sofa or sideboard.
The lightweight floating design creates airy, open storage.
Style these contemporary shelves with ceramic vases, tablebooks, framed photos and green leafy plants.
The mix of materials and textures adds organic interest against the metal shelves.
With their simple yet sophisticated look, chrome floating shelves elevate modern and contemporary rooms.
Let them lend a upscale, gallery feel to your home.
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Whimsical Driftwood Shelves
Bring an playful, oceanfront feel with floating shelves made from flattened driftwood pieces.
Look for weathered gray driftwood with organic shapes and holes.
Use the natural contours of the wood to create asymmetrical ledges.
Mount the pieces in a random formation using metal brackets.
Leave the wood in its raw, unfinished state for a coastal look.
Or give it a whitewashed finish to lighten the look.
Accent the shelves with sand dollars, sea glass, shells and bleached coral.
The natural ocean elements paired with found wood design an inviting, beachy display.
Add a casual, carefree accent to seaside cottages or landlocked homes with driftwood floating shelves.
Let them spark playful style and remind you of summers by the shore.
Rustic Pallet Wood Shelves
Pallet wood is the perfect raw material for creating rustic floating shelves.
Source used shipping pallets made of unfinished oak or pine.
Dismantle them to harvest the weathered wood boards.
Cut them to size and mount directly to the wall or attach them to a bracket backing.
Arrange the reclaimed boards in an overlapping asymmetrical pattern.
The varied sizes and natural imperfections of the wood create charming shelves with personality.
Display houseplants, ceramics and found objects on your pallet wood creation.
With their well-worn patina, pallet wood shelves infuse homes with laidback country farmhouse style.
Let the recycled boards tell a unique story in your space.
Modern Concrete Shelves
The mottled texture and cool grey color of concrete makes a modern, minimalist statement.
Install floating shelves made of precast concrete mounted on metal brackets.
Or build custom poured concrete shelves edged with wood.
The weighty industrial material contrasts beautifully with glass, metal and wood accents.
Use the shelves to display modern ceramics, bonsai plants, art books and textural items.
Concrete’s neutral tone provides the perfect backdrop.
Lean and sleek, concrete floating shelves lend an edgy downtown loft vibe.
Let them provide an organic earthy feel to modern decor.
Rustic Box Shelves
Wooden box shelves made from reclaimed crates, boxes and chests repurpose materials with history.
Look for worn and weathered shipping crates, fruit containers and luggage chests at flea markets.
Refurbish them with new backings, hinges or handles if needed.
Mount the vintage boxes on the wall to create shelving with built-in character.
Display the boxes open or closed, stacked or staggered for an eclectic look.
Fill them with books and objects that hint to the crate’s origins.
Rustic box shelves work well in country cottages, farmhouses and shabby chic spaces.
Let them bring repurposed charm to your home.
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Mid-Century Modern Angled Shelves
For a retro modern look, install angled floating shelves made of wood or molded plastic.
Use the iconic slanted and triangular shapes seen in mid-century design.
Mix floating ledges cut at 45 and 60 degree angles.
Combine wood tones like walnut and teak for contrast.
Decorate the angled shelves with ceramic vases, elephant decor and other vintage accessories.
The bold lines and geometric motifs of the mid-century shelves complement sectional sofas, egg chairs and abstract wall art.
With their nod to the past, angled floating shelves build a undeniably groovy, Mad Men-inspired lounge.
Let them transport your space back to the atomic age of design.
Floating shelves make excellent use of vertical wall space while contributing visual interest to rooms.
We’ve explored just some of the many possibilities from rustic barnwood to sleek chrome.
When choosing materials and configurations, consider the style of your space.
Also think about what decorative items the shelves will display.
Place them above furniture, in entryways or on a blank accent wall.
Floating shelves offer easy storage solutions for any room.
Install them yourself or have them professionally mounted for safety and stability.
With the right floating shelf design, you can build attractive displays, maximize space and elevate your decor.
