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The 11 Best Floating Shelves for Every Wall of Your Home

Create a stylish, eye-catching storage space with a few well-placed shelves

Floating shelves we recommend on an orange background

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

We're big fans of home items that perfectly balance form and function, and floating shelves are a perfect example. You can easily add depth to a wall and display knickknacks or everyday household items for extra storage without adding more furniture to your space. Floating shelves can add a modern twist to your coffee corner or personalize your bathroom storage.

These shelves are easy to install with a few drywall anchors and often require fewer drilled holes than shelves with brackets and traditional supports. While floating shelves are a wonder of the modern design world, their purpose is limited by lower weight capacities and shelf depth.

You'll want to carefully consider where these shelves best serve you in your home before beginning your search. After familiarizing ourselves with common uses for floating shelves, we researched different designs based on materials, size, and installation requirements.

Our Top Picks

Gracie Oaks Joao Floating Shelf

Gracie-oaks-joao-2-piece-poplar-solid-wood-floating-shelf-set-of-2

Wayfair

This set of two floating shelves from Gracie Oaks is made with reclaimed wood that’s been naturally distressed to create a more “worn-in” aesthetic. Customers can keep the wood raw or choose a black or white finish, all provide a warm, rustic appearance. We also love that these shelves, which are handcrafted, come in a variety of sizes (more than 10) to accommodate your exact vision. 

You’ll need a drill and a screwdriver for installation, but the process is relatively easy. Though they look delicate, the shelves can hold up to 40 pounds each (that's approximately 8 hardcover books or 10 or more picture frames!). This makes it one of the highest-capacity shelves on our list and ensures you can mix and match items with varying weights. Because of the reclaimed wood construction, your shelves may differ slightly from the product photos online in texture and hue. However, we think this detail only adds to their character!

Dimensions: Varies; 13 sizes available | Material: Wood | Weight Capacity: Up to 40 pounds

Wallniture Nursery Room Floating Shelves

Amazon Wallniture Set of 2 Nursery Room Wood Floating Wall Shelves

Amazon

With Wallniture’s Nursery Room Wood Floating Shelves, you can display your little one’s wide board books or easily stash small stuffed animals, framed photos, and other nursery items within reach. The set is made with durable wood and has a relatively straightforward installation process, though you will need a drill to secure the wall anchors.

While designed for a nursery, these shelves’ slim profile and small size make them pretty versatile. Use them in the kitchen for spices, in the bathroom for medicine cabinet overflow, or anywhere else you need a narrow shelf. One downside to the set is that it only comes in a single color and size, but the white works well with most paint colors and aesthetics.

​​Dimensions: 3.5 x 15.8 x 3.8 inches | Material: Wood | Weight Capacity: 20 pounds

Ebern Designs River Ridge Metal Floating Shelf

Ebern-designs-river-ridge-6-shelves-wall-shelf-set

Way Fair

Featuring a white or black finish, these metal, modern shelves are so thin they nearly disappear, creating the illusion that your books are affixed to the wall. All six in the set can hold between 15 and 25 pounds, depending on the installation method you choose, so you’ll be able to display a good amount of books—just be careful not to overdo it and exceed the weight capacity of each shelf, as the metal bottom can bend or bow.

The shelves can be hung in a variety of configurations, meaning you can try out some clever floating shelf ideas. They’re also easy to install; a drill isn’t required, nor do you need to mount the shelves on a stud. While we wish they came in more sizes, the size offered certainly makes an impact.

Dimensions: 3.5 x 17 x 6 inches | Material: Metal | Weight Capacity: 15 to 25 pounds

These shelves from Sorbus are made with faux wood and can be purchased in a white, black, or natural finish. We recommend them for living rooms due to their simple design, which blends seamlessly with most decor styles. The two shelves can be configured in a few different ways, like stacked or side-by-side. Thanks to the shelves' water-resistant exterior, these could also work well in bathrooms, which tend to be damp and humid.

While these shelves are relatively easy to install, they require a drill; however, the rest of the mounting hardware you’ll need is included.

Dimensions: 9.3 x 23.6 x 1.5 | Material: Engineered wood | Weight Capacity: 22 pounds

Danya B Pristine Glass Floating Shelves

Home Depot Danya B Pristine Glass Floating Shelves

Home Depot

If you’re short on space in the bathroom or need to store more items within arm’s reach, this set of two floating shelves from Danya B fits the bill. They’re available in two shades, clear or black, and two designs: a simple rectangle or a quarter circle meant to be mounted in a corner. We like that the shelves are made from tempered glass (also known as safety glass), meaning the glass is heat-treated and will break into tiny pieces held within the frame rather than shatter if it ever falls. Glass is especially ideal for bathrooms because it’s easy to clean and won’t get damaged in damp environments.

The shelves can’t support a lot of weight (only up to six pounds), but it’s enough to carry bathroom staples such as rolled washcloths and jars of cotton balls, Q-tips, and the like. Installation is simple, with just a single screw required for each bracket. However, the brackets are a bit bulky compared to the sleekness of the shelves. They do, however, allow the shelf to sit flush against the wall. 

Dimensions: 2 x 16 x 6 or 3 x 10 x 10 inches | Material: Glass | Weight Capacity: 6 pounds

MyGift Vintage Floating Shelves

Amazon MyGift Vintage Brass Metal Floating Shelves

Amazon

These three brass shelves from MyGift are as decorative as they are functional. Put them on an empty wall in your bedroom to create a much-needed focal point or above your bed in place of a headboard. Each shelf is a different size, allowing you to build a unique motif, though the geometric lines still tie them together. We also like that all three shelves are quite lightweight, weighing just 4.87 pounds in total, so they don’t require heavy-duty hardware to hang.

What we don’t love about this product is the lack of mounting hardware, forcing us to identify and purchase the correct tools. There’s also no mention of how much weight each of the shelves can carry, though they’re only big enough to hold a few pieces of decor, like trinkets from travels, a single photo frame, or a tiny planter.

Dimensions: 6 x 16.5 x 13 inches | Material: Brass | Weight Capacity: Not listed

Bameos Floating Wall Shelf Set

Amazon BAMEOS Floating Wall Shelf (Set of 2)

Amazon

We recommend the BAMEOS Floating Shelf for a few reasons: It’s available in black or white and in several sizes, ranging from a six-inch square to a 47 x 9-inch rectangle. It’s also reinforced with hidden support beams built into the brackets, allowing the shelf to hold up to 22 pounds without detracting from the overall appearance.

Thanks to the sleek and modern design complemented by a water-resistant surface, this shelf works well in any room (including bathrooms; it’s a great option for storing bath towels!). However, this installation isn’t as straightforward as other items on our list. Though the hardware is included, you should opt for stronger, easier-to-drill fittings if you plan to max out the weight capacity of the shelves. If you’re taking a less is more approach, the existing support rods should suffice.

Dimensions: 24 x 6 inches; other sizes available | Material: Engineered wood | Weight Capacity: 22 pounds

Gracie Oaks Keegon Floating Shelf Set

Wayfair Gracie Oaks Keegon 2 Piece Floating Shelf

Wayfair

Using floating shelves in the kitchen can open up counter space and liberate frequently used items, like spices, from cabinets, making them more accessible. With the Keegon wood floating shelves from Gracie Oaks, a high weight capacity for each shelf (40 pounds!) means you can also store small dishware like bread and dessert plates, glasses, and cereal bowls. 

The set is available in seven finishes, including brick red, gray, and dark brown. The grain patterns in the wood and semi-exposed brackets give the shelves a rustic yet modern feel and the protective metal band around each one keeps items in place. There’s also a detachable towel bar, which can be used for dish rags or hanging mugs and utensils. To ensure the shelves sit flush against the wall, you may want to enlist the help of a handyman or woman.

​​Dimensions: 3.2 x 16.5 x 5.9 inches | Material: Wood, metal | Weight Capacity: 40 pounds

The Shelf Shop Corner Floating Shelf

The Shelf Shop 2-Inch Corner Floating Shelf Painted

The Shelf Shop

Corners aren’t the easiest to decorate, but these shelves from The Shelf Shop allow you to transform these often wasted spaces into something awesome. The floating shelves are made from wood—poplar and maple—and come in nine colors and four finishes. For a small additional fee, you can have them custom painted and even opt for a little trim. Customers also select the length and depth of the right and left shelves from a large list of measurements, or you can create your own size if the company doesn’t offer what you need. Weight capacity varies depending on the size, but these shelves can hold as much as 40 pounds each.

These are well-crafted and sturdy shelves that can be mounted with or without a stud on a number of different surfaces, including tile, plaster, brick, and drywall. Do note that the turnaround time from ordering to delivery can take a few weeks; for example, the estimated ship time is up to three weeks due to the construction of the shelves, so you’ll want to be prepared for a bit of a wait.

Dimensions: Varies; range of lengths and depths available | Material: Wood | Weight Capacity: Up to 40 pounds

Urban Outfitters Margot Single Wall Shelf

Urban Outfitters Margot Single Wall Shelf

Urban Outfitters

The Urban Outfitters Margot shelf is a petite and stunning accent piece. Handcrafted with resin, the narrow shelf—measuring 9.9 x 4.5 inches—offers just enough space to display a few precious baubles or frequently used items, like perfume bottles and keys. 

Despite its small size, the product can support up to 22 pounds. Hardware is included, just make sure to check the measurements closely; the shelf isn’t capable of holding large or heavy items, so it’s more decorative than functional.

Dimensions: 9.75 x 4.25 inches | Material: Resin | Weight Capacity: 22 pounds

IKEA Lack Wall Shelf

IKEA Lack Wall Shelf

IKEA

The Lack shelf from IKEA provides ample room for decor, daily essentials, and more thanks to its 74-inch length, which translates to just over six feet. Available in four different colors, this shelf is ideal for breaking up a long blank wall. It offers a weight capacity of 33 pounds and hangs from invisible hardware for a clean, attractive appearance. 

While installation is relatively straightforward, you might benefit from having a second person hold the shelf in place due to its length. You’ll also need to purchase the correct mounting materials. Surprisingly, IKEA does not include screws or fittings that attach its products to walls, so you’ll have to source hardware that works with the surfaces in your home.

Dimensions: 74.75 x 10.25 x 2 inches | Material: Fiberboard | Weight Capacity: 33 pounds

What to Look for in Floating Shelves

Size

What size you choose for your floating shelves should really depend on their purpose, Jennifer Stephan, interior designer at Jennifer Stephan Interiors, says. “If it's for books, you want something very sturdy and thick so the shelf doesn't look skimpy or frail,” she explains. If you’re planning to use your shelves for large items, consider heavier-duty options with extra width and longer lengths like the IKEA Lack Wall Shelf or Ebern Designs Shelf Set

“If you're looking to add some accessories to fill a wall space, thinner is better so the accessories pop and it doesn't look too heavy,” Stephan notes. A perfect example of this is the Danya B Pristine Glass Floating Shelves. Slim and meant for smaller items, these shelves won’t overwhelm the lighter or more decorative pieces you place on them–or your smaller bathroom essentials.

Weight Capacity

After considering the size of any set of floating shelves, you’ll next want to take a close look at each shelf’s weight capacity. This critical detail determines how much weight you can safely set on the surface. As chic as a floating shelf can be, they’re often not designed to carry a ton of weight. The ones on our list range from 6 to 40-plus pounds. 

Typically, since floating shelves are designed to be decorative, they can hold between 20 and 25 pounds. However, if you’re planning to place books, heavy decor, or a lot of items on your floating shelves, the options on our list with the greatest weight capacity are the Gracie Oaks Natural Joao Set, the Gracie Oaks Keegon Set, and The Shelf Shop Corner Floating Shelf, all of which can support up to 40 pounds.

When you overload a shelf’s weight capacity, you run the risk of damaging not only the shelf itself, but also your wall. Placing too much weight atop shelves can lead to issues like bowing, sagging, or even pulling out of the wall. To ensure your shelf stays put and as straight as possible, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for both proper installation and weight capacity. The last thing you want is the shelf to collapse.

Style and Design

No matter your style preference, floating shelves are an easy way to add a fun element to a bare wall or room. If you’re looking for rustic, farmhouse-inspired shelving, we like the natural style of Gracie Oaks’ reclaimed wood shelves. For a chic, brass finish, this metal option from MyGift includes three shelves in three different sizes, each with a pop of visual appeal. If nothing’s matching your vision, you can always DIY shelves to fit your needs perfectly.

Material

“Most floating shelves are made from wood or engineered wood, metal, or glass,” Kropovinsky explains. Wood is a warmer option, while metal and glass tend to read as more modern, he says.

Think about where you plan to hang the floating shelves to determine which material is best. For example, wood is great for living rooms and bedrooms, but it won’t hold up as well in damp environments like a bathroom. That’s why you typically see a lot of glass in bathrooms. If you are opting for wood or engineered wood in a bathroom, you can find water-resistant options that are better suited for accidental splashes, spills, or other slight dampness like the Sorbus Floating Shelf.

The Checkout Counter

Before you checkout, here are some other items to make installing your shelves a breeze.

  1. Amazon Basics 9-Inch Magnetic Torpedo Level: In case you don't already have a level in your toolkit, you'll want one to make sure your shelves are straight as you secure them to the wall.
  2. Hongway 276-Piece Picture Hanging Kit: While you're upgrading your wall decor, make sure you also have the proper accessories for hanging picture frames.
  3. Stanley Lever Lock 25-Foot Tape Rule: If you live alone, this self-locking tape measure will be useful for taking wall measurements solo. However, it's also another must-have accessory in any homeowner's toolkit, so you might as well stock up now!

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by long-time freelance writer Madeleine Burry, who has written for The Spruce since 2019. Her narrow kitchen benefits greatly from several IKEA floating shelves. For insights into what to look for in floating shelves, Burry consulted with interior designers, whose advice and feedback helped Burry curate this list, along with product reviews.

Our Experts:

Updated by Ashley Abramson
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