,Choosing the right floating shelves and installing them properly can get tricky. Whilst floating shelves are a functional way to create additional storage, you can also use them to style your home, showing off your books, plants, home decor, or even as open storage for your kitchenware & crockery. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about floating shelves, from selecting the right option for your wall type, to easy step-by-step instructions.
What Are Floating Shelves?
Floating shelves give the illusion of being suspended on your wall without visible brackets. This creates a seamless, sleek look as the shelf conceals the support mechanism within the shelf itself. Floating shelves are usually made from wood or metal; as these provide the structure required to create the floating effect.
Why Choose Floating Shelves?
Space-Saving: Perfect for small rooms or apartments.
Aesthetically Pleasing: Clean lines and a modern look that works in almost any room.
Versatile: Ideal for displaying artwork, books, plants, and more.
Easy to Customise: Available in various sizes, materials, and finishes to match your home’s style.
How to Choose the Right Floating Shelves for Your Home
Choosing the right floating shelves depends on your style preferences, the material you prefer, and the weight of the items you plan to store. Let’s explore the different factors to consider:
1. Material
The material of your floating shelf plays a major role in both its aesthetic and durability. Some popular options include:
Wooden Floating Shelves: Perfect for a warm, rustic look. Solid wood floating shelves are durable and ideal for heavier items like books or small appliances.
Oak Floating Shelves: A top choice for a more refined, natural appearance. Oak shelves offer both strength and beauty.
Metal Floating Shelves: Metal shelves are perfect for industrial-style spaces and are great for lighter items like decorative pieces. (Metal floating shelves usually use a hidden lip to attach to a wall).
Be sure to choose the material that suits your home’s decor and functionality. Whether you're after oak floating shelves or prefer rustic wooden floating shelves, there's an option for every style.
2. Size and Weight Capacity
Before purchasing floating shelves, consider what you’ll be placing on them. Choose a shelf that can comfortably hold the weight of your items. For example:
Books: Opt for sturdy wooden shelves that can handle the weight.
Decorative Items: Metal floating shelves can be sufficient.
Look for weight capacity information in the product description, and make sure to buy shelves that suit your needs. A sturdy floating shelf should hold up to 35kg on a solid wall.
3. Design and Style
Floating shelves come in a variety of designs, from modern minimalist to rustic farmhouse. Choose a style that complements your home’s existing decor. Some design options include:
Simple Rectangular Shelves: A classic, clean look that works in almost any room.
Mantel beams: Whilst technically not a shelf, floating mantel beams are great for a slimmer fit in a room and appear to be built into your wall when mounted with invisible brackets.
Corner Shelves: Unfortunately, not all homes sit at a perfect right angle. For this reason, we always recommend using 2 shelves to create a corner shelf effect; ensuring you can get your shelves to sit flush against the wall.
How to Install Floating Shelves
Installing floating shelves can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and instructions, it’s a manageable DIY project. Watch this simple how-to video on how to install floating shelves, and follow these simple steps to install your floating shelves securely.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Drill
- Spirit Level
- Pencil
- Tape Measure
- Adjustable Spanner
- Hammer
6 Steps to install your floating shelf:
- First, decide where to position the shelf and use a tape measure and level to mark up the drill holes.
- Drill a 10mm diameter hole and put the wall plug in, hammering it flush with the wall.
- Next, slip the washer onto the screw thread and screw the shelf's supporting pin into the wall plug. At this step, the screw is not centred with the bracket as it allows you to adjust it.
- Push the shelf on, so it is snug to the wall.
- Now, use a spanner or an adjustable wrench to level the shelf. The steel brackets included with our floating shelves adjust when rotated. Turning the screws tightens the fitting and adjusts the height. Push the shelf all the way to the wall.
- Once you are completely happy with the height of the floating shelf, and it is level, push the shelf all the way to the wall.
Read the full guide on how to install a floating shelf here.
Decorate Your Shelf: Once your shelf is installed, it’s time to add your items! Whether it's books, plants, or family photos, make sure to arrange your pieces in a visually appealing manner. Use the guides below on styling your shelves for inspiration:
Tips for Maintaining Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are easy to maintain, but here are a few tips to keep them looking their best:
- Regular Dusting: Dust your floating shelves regularly to prevent buildup.
- Check Weight Distribution: Over time, check to make sure the weight of items on the shelves is evenly distributed to prevent sagging.
- Re-tighten Screws: If you notice any wobbling, tighten the screws and check the brackets to ensure they are securely in place.
If you opt for wooden shelves, click here to learn how to care for them.
Where to Buy Floating Shelves
When it comes to purchasing floating shelves, you'll find a variety of options, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end designs. Look for reliable brands that offer solid wood floating shelves.
Check out our collection of oak floating shelves, wooden floating shelves, and more, all available at Funky Chunky Furniture. With various materials, sizes, and styles, you’re sure to find the perfect shelf for your space.
Floating shelves are an excellent choice for timeless, functional home decor. By understanding the different materials, sizes, and styles available, and following the installation steps, you can easily transform your living space. Whether you choose oak floating shelves or a rustic wooden design, these shelves will not only add beauty to your home but also provide ample storage and display space. You can find more information on all variations of wall shelves on this wooden shelves buying guide.
