Last Updated on November 15, 2023 by bethrmartin
If you want to increase your storage while adding style points, floating shelves are the perfect option for any space. They come in endless sizes and designs and can fit into any decor style.
Floating shelves can add storage to your bathroom, replace upper cabinets in a kitchen, or be used to spice up your wall decor – the options are unlimited.
They are a stylish way to add additional storage and increase visual interest in your home. Wall mounted floating shelves can even be used as a contemporary nightstand.
So let’s jump in and find the best option for your space!
Skip Ahead to the Best Floating Wall Shelves ↓
Before Buying Floating Shelves
What Are Floating Shelves?
Floating shelves are wall mounted instead of resting on the floor like a standard bookshelf. Invisible floating shelf brackets can make this type of wall shelf appear to levitate, or sometimes, visible brackets are a design feature.
Just FYI, is no difference between “wall mounted floating shelves” and “floating shelves”. You will see both terms used often.
Where Can Floating Shelves Be Used?
Floating shelves are available in a huge range of sizes, so you can use them in most places in your home. As long as you mount your shelves properly and consider the depth you need for the objects you want to display, there’s no limit to where you can use floating shelving.
How Do You Install Floating Shelves?
Install floating shelves using drywall anchors or screw directly into the wall studs to ensure the wall shelf can meet its weight limit potential. Use a wall stud finder if necessary because this step is vital for wall shelves to be securely mounted.
Most floating shelves will come with the necessary hanging hardware. You should also use the provided hardware for the best results.
What are the Best Floating Shelves?
Here are my favorite floating shelves this year:
- Homeforia Floating Shelves – Best Overall
- Modern Wood Floating Shelves – Most Affordable
- DIY Cartel Metal Shelf – Best Metal Shelves
- Invisible Floating Wall Ledge – Best Lucite Shelves
- Cloud Wall Shelf
- Welf Small Wall Shelf
- Joao Solid Wood Shelves
- Aubrey Entryway Shelf
- Urban Legacy Accent Floating Shelves
- Wood Corner Storage Shelves
- Rainbow Floating Shelves
- Mariella Headboard Wall Shelf
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1. Homeforia Floating Shelves – Best Overall
These beautiful solid pine wood floating shelves are the perfect option for almost any room. The substantial thickness makes them look and feel expensive, but you will be shocked by how reasonable the price is.
Each shelf can hold an impressive fifty pounds, making this the perfect choice for kitchens or living spaces. Multiple finish options make these shelves very adaptable to any decor, and there is even an unfinished option for ultimate flexibility.
With all these great options, these shelves from Homeforia are the best floating shelves on the market today.
- Three width options: 16”, 24”, 36”
- Four finishes: Natural (no stain at all), American Walnut, Honey Oak, White
- Weight Capacity: 50lbs per shelf
- Hardware is included
2. Modern Floating Shelves – Most Affordable
These compact floating shelves are almost too good to be true. You get four in the set, and they can hold up to 30 lbs each. That is plenty of capacity to hold all your keepsakes, picture frames, or even kitchen items that you constantly reach for, like olive oil.
Since you get multiple shelves, they can be used together to fill larger wall space or separated and used in different areas. These floating shelves would be fantastic in a bathroom or tight kitchen corners, allowing you some much-needed extra display space.
At this great deal, there is no end to where you can use these simple floating shelves. These are hands down the best floating shelves on a tight budget, and they are so functional you might need more than one set!
- Comes as a set of four shelves
- Each floating shelf is 16.5” wide x 5.7” deep x 1.2” high
- Floating shelf weight capacity: 30 lbs. (for each floating wall shelf)
- Invisible metal brackets
- Two available finishes: White and Black
- Hardware is included.
3. DIY Cartel Metal Shelf – Best Metal Shelves
If you are searching for highly durable floating shelves with a minimal profile, look no further than these sleek metal shelves. These wall shelves are crafted from steel and finished with a tough powder-coated, making them a versatile option for any room.
This steel floating wall shelf will last a lifetime while looking super chic at the same time. With multiple sizes and colors available, mixing and matching these wall shelves makes creating the perfect set for your home easy.
All these great options make this selection the best metal wall shelf available.
- Each floating shelf is sold as a single wall shelf.
- Various sizes and depths are available.
- Three powder-coated colors are available.
- Made in the USA.
- Wall hardware is included.
4. Invisible Floating Wall Ledge – Best Lucite Shelves
Simplicity meets practicality perfectly with these contemporary acrylic shelves. They are an unbeatable price and are an excellent elegant storage solution to keep you organized.
The slim depth of this wall shelf makes them ideal for displaying books, records, picture frames, or other cherished items. These floating shelves are simple to install, and their minimal aesthetic is easy to style.
Not only will they look great with any decor, but they will also help keep you organized. These are the best floating shelves in lucite and are the perfect minimalist design picture ledge.
5. Cloud Wall Shelf
This floating cloud wall shelf set is so cute that just one or two can make your child’s nursery beyond adorable. Pairing a couple together to create a collage is just what you need to add whimsy to your little one’s space.
- Comes as a set of two shelves.
- Dimensions: 15.7″ wide x 4.3″ deep x 8.3″ high
6. Welf Small Wall Shelf
This steel floating wall shelf will last a lifetime while looking super chic at the same time. Available in multiple fun colors, this minimal profile is modern yet timeless.
This true floating shelf will look sleek and stylish and has no visible supports. Add storage capacity and flair to your modern home at the same time with this sophisticated yet durable floating shelf.
- Each floating shelf is sold as a single wall shelf.
- 24” wide
- 8.3” deep
- Eight fun colors are available
- Wall hardware is included.
7. Joao Solid Wood Shelves
These versatile floating shelves have clean lines that complement any home decor style while still having a rustic vibe. Made from reclaimed solid wood, you can expect quality construction, and the texture will add charm to your wall space.
They are even handmade by Amish artisans in Lancaster County, PA!
These rustic shelves are an excellent option for any spot you want to add texture and functionality. They can hold significant weight and come in many sizes and color options.
These are fantastic floating shelves for high capacity and durability, as long as you don’t mind a little rustic character.
- Six width options: 18”, 24”, 30”, 36”, 40”, 48”
- Each width is available in two different depths: either 4.5” or 7”
- Three available finishes: Natural (no stain at all), Coffee Bean, White Washed
- Weight Capacity: Ranging from 7lbs-40lbs
- Hardware is included
8. Aubrey Entryway Wall Shelf
Banish clutter and make your entry look its best with this floating shelf from Pottery Barn, designed with your entryway in mind. The top of this clever floating shelf is an excellent place for extra storage space or decor, and four iron hooks are perfect for holding your coats, hats, handbags, or anything you might grab as you’re running out the door.
Pair this floating shelf with the other components to make the ideal setup for your home entry. Finally, everyone will know right where those shoes are supposed to go!
- Dimensions: 45″ wide x 9″ deep x 14″ high
- Hardware finish: antique-bronze
- Includes 4 iron hooks for storage
- Floating shelf weight capacity: 90 lbs
- Hook weight capacity: 5 lbs. each
- Pair this piece with other items from the Pottery Barn collection to complete the look.
- Necessary hanging hardware is included and must be mounted into wall studs.
9. Urban Legacy Accent Floating Shelves
The extra-thick construction and unique charm of this reclaimed wood in this floating shelf set will add instant charm and texture to any room. These shelves are constructed from reclaimed barn wood and have a rustic look but would be the perfect complement to a cozy living room or rustic inspired kitchen.
This set of floating shelves is effortless to install and is offered in many sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for any room in your home.
- Comes as a set of two shelves
- Multiple size options
- Floating shelf weight limit: dependent on wall shelf size – Weight capacity ranges from 10-23 lbs per wall shelf.
- Handmade in the USA from reclaimed wood
- Mounting hardware is included and easy to install.
10. Corner Floating Shelves
Don’t forget those little corners when you are designing your next project! These solid wood floating corner shelves have an attractive design and will give you that extra storage you hoped for.
These are the best floating corner shelves because they are so easy to add to any space.
- Comes as a set of 4
- Dimensions: 16″ wide x 11.4″ deep x .6″ high
- Floating shelf depth: 5.5”
- Two available finishes: Brown and white
- Floating shelf weight limit: 40 lbs. (for each wall shelf)
11. Rainbow Floating Shelves
Embrace color with a charming floating shelf in a bold hue. Hang one for a pop of color, or multiple together to create a fun rainbow wall display.
The colors are sophisticated enough to be used in living rooms or bedrooms but could also add whimsy to a child’s playroom. And just because they are from Pottery Barn Kids, don’t feel like you can’t use them in grown-up spaces too!
- Each floating shelf is sold separately.
- Dimensions: 24″ wide x 5″ deep x 3.5″ high
- Available in 12 fun colors.
- Necessary mounting hardware is included
12. Mariella Headboard Wall Shelf
If a new headboard isn’t in your budget, but you want to add something to define your bed, this floating shelf from Urban Outfitters is a fantastic option. This piece is the perfect width to complement your bed and adds extra storage space to hold all those odds and ends.
The light wood will add warmth and character to your bedroom, and the unique shape almost looks like an antique. This wall shelf could also be a good option over a sofa.
- Dimensions: 64.57″W x 11.42″D x 17.72″H
- Made from looped rattan
- Floating shelf weight capacity: 44 lbs
- Mounting screws not included
What Are The Pros + Cons Of Open Shelving?
Floating shelves can be beautiful and complement a space if done correctly. However, there are a few pros and cons you should consider before making the plunge if this will be a major design feature in your room:
Pros
1. You can display all your favorite objects.
Open shelving means you can see all your favorite items every day. These decorative displays can be changed seasonally, adding charm to your home.
2. Floating shelves are cheaper than built-ins.
Whether looking for a temporary solution or a long-term cheaper alternative, floating shelves are cheaper than built-in cabinets or a whole furniture piece.
If used thoughtfully, this can be a great way to save money, and no one will know it was a budget choice.
3. Add storage quickly and easily.
Almost everyone needs more storage space, and you can find a floating shelf to fit in nearly any area. With minimal effort, you can maximize your storage square footage in style!
Cons
1. Dusting more frequently is a must.
Since this type of shelving is entirely open, dust can be an issue. Ideally, open shelves will have objects you use frequently or don’t mind dusting.
2. Too much open shelving can make a room look cluttered.
There’s no hiding a mess on floating shelves. This type of storage will look best if you are the type of person who likes to keep curated collections. If not, this look will feel more like visual clutter.
3. Be mindful of your shelves’ weight capacity.
It’s vital to properly mount your floating shelves to get the maximum weight capacity out of them. Still, it’s also essential not to overload the weight.
This can be a delicate balance in a space like a kitchen if your shelves are installed post-construction.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for additional storage or want to add something to make a visual impact, floating shelves are the perfect option for any space. They come in so many different styles and prices that you can find the right piece for any room.
Opting for wall-hung shelves instead of a traditional bookshelf is a great way to save floor space. They can be as dramatic or as minimal as you wish.
Since floating shelves come in many size variations, the best floating shelf is the one that fits your space and aesthetic.
That being said, I love the Homeforia solid wood floating shelf from Amazon because it will complement any decor. You can stain the unfinished option to match your home perfectly or choose one of the lovely prefinished options.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my floating shelf review. If you found this guide helpful, check out my article on The Best Modular Sectionals or the Best Womb Chair Replica!
Cheers!
