Both our floating and bracket shelves bring a sense of rustic charm while adding a stylish yet highly practical feature to any space in your home. Each option is built with specifically designed fixings to ensure durability and long-lasting strength you can trust over time. While both shelving styles share the same commitment to quality and design, it's important to recognise that floating and bracket shelves each offer their own unique characteristics and advantages.
From the sleek, minimalist appeal of floating shelves hidden fixings to the added support and visual interest of exposed brackets, each style brings something different to your space. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right shelving solution for your needs and space, allowing you to shop with confidence and create a home that reflects your personal style whilst working perfectly for the way you live.
What is a Floating Shelf?
A floating shelf is designed with no visible fixings, giving the illusion that it sits flush against the wall and floats, hence the name. It uses a concealed mounting system attached to the back of the shelf to achieve this clean look. Check out our step-by-step installation guide to see how our floating shelves are fitted behind the scenes. Floating shelves provide a sleek, modern finish that remains timeless while being a practical addition to any space.
Advantages of our Floating Shelves:
- Sleek, Modern Look - Hidden fixings create a clean finish, drawing attention to the wood rather than visible metal brackets.
- Space-Saving - Without brackets, you can install multiple shelves at any height to create a flexible storage solution tailored to your space such as specifically designed shelving for mug storage in the kitchen or books in the living room.
- Practical for Organisation - Their compact design and choice in length means they can fit into almost any alcove or corner, helping you maximise storage and keep your space organised.
Potential Drawbacks of Floating Shelves:
- Wall Type Matters - They're ideal for solid walls, but for plasterboard it's best practice to have the help of a joiner to mount help so the fixings are secured properly to timber studs to ensure the shelf's strength.
- More Complex Installation - Requires precise measurements and thorough wall preparation to achieve a secure and level finish.
What is a Bracket Shelf?
A bracket shelf offers a more rustic look, featuring visible supports beneath the shelf that hold it in place. These brackets come in a wide range of styles, from traditional farmhouse designs to modern geometric options, allowing you to customise the look to suit your space. They also come in various finishes, such as black, copper, or iron, making it easy to match your chosen aesthetic.
Advantages of our Bracket Shelves:
- Versatile Style Options - Bracketed shelves let you choose from a variety of designs, allowing you to enhance or define your desired aesthetic and better personalise your space.
- Easier Installation - Suitable for any wall type and highly flexible in placement, people often find installing brackets more straightforward.
- Easy to Reposition - Bracket shelves can be moved more easily, as you can simply remove the fixings without causing hassle with the wall.
Potential Drawbacks of Bracket Shelves:
- Less Minimal Look - Visible brackets can interrupt a clean, streamlined aesthetic, which may not suit more modern or minimalist interiors.
- Takes up more Visual Space - Brackets can make an area feel busier or more cluttered, especially in smaller rooms.
- Design Consistency Needed - Because brackets are visible, they need to match the overall décor, otherwise they can look out of place.
Explore our shelving range to find your shelving solution
Discover our full collection of shelving, designed to suit every style and space. Whether you prefer the clean, modern look of floating shelves or the character and versatility of bracket shelving, each piece is crafted with durability and functionality in mind. From showcasing decor to creating practical storage, our shelves are made to help you organise your home and enhance its overall look.
Explore the range to find the perfect fit for your needs and create a space that feels uniquely yours. Get inspired by how our customers style their shelving in real homes, or head over to our Pinterest for even more inspiration and styling tips.
