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Floating Shelves: Minimal Design, Maximum Flexibility
Spare your walls with a shelf that holds an ever-changing collection of the stuff you love
I am an Interior Decorator in PA, stitching my urban roots into suburban spaces from NY to Philly. I am living my dream helping people achieve inspirational spaces. Visit me at www.loveyourroom.com and check out my blog for inspirational ideas.
I am an Interior Decorator in PA, stitching my urban roots into suburban... More »
If you are noncommittal when it comes to hanging a gallery of photos or artwork, a floating shelf lets you change out the framed pieces without nailing all those holes in the wall. Little souvenirs and small framed photos that clutter a tabletop can become a pleasing display when arranged as a collection on a floating shelf. And the hidden hardware creates a clean, sophisticated look.
You can use one shelf or multiple shelves — mounted horizontally, vertically or staggered — to create a big impact in a room. They are typically made from MDF or wood in a variety of finishes and styles. Their 2"-3" thickness hides a bracket hanging system in the back that allows them to seem to float on the wall.
Many of these smaller shelves that can carry lightweight items (check their load capacity before buying). The hardware should come with your purchased shelf, and the instructions should make it easy to install. Bigger shelves for heavier items, such as pottery or stacks of books, need to be secured into the studs and may require a woodworker to customize your shelf with stronger hardware and internal support.
You can use one shelf or multiple shelves — mounted horizontally, vertically or staggered — to create a big impact in a room. They are typically made from MDF or wood in a variety of finishes and styles. Their 2"-3" thickness hides a bracket hanging system in the back that allows them to seem to float on the wall.
Many of these smaller shelves that can carry lightweight items (check their load capacity before buying). The hardware should come with your purchased shelf, and the instructions should make it easy to install. Bigger shelves for heavier items, such as pottery or stacks of books, need to be secured into the studs and may require a woodworker to customize your shelf with stronger hardware and internal support.
Display children's artwork, favorite books, trophies and other fun décor on floating shelves in their rooms. I use floating shelves in my childs' bedroom to hold all the little arts and crafts she creates. This will help keep the dressers and nightstands clear of clutter.
by anni lissee
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Add a large floating shelf over a bed to display personal photos and precious mementos. Place the shelf high enough so that you don't hit your head when sitting upright in bed.
Bring in an accent color from your bedding with an initial like this one. Just buy papier-mache letters at Jo-Ann Fabrics and paint them.
Bring in an accent color from your bedding with an initial like this one. Just buy papier-mache letters at Jo-Ann Fabrics and paint them.
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Place floating shelves over the TV so your eye has a place to land on the wall instead of on the big screen. BlueStone Shelves is a good website to find shelves for any room in many finishes, shapes and sizes.
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| Stagger your floating shelves for visual interest. Add artwork and objects of different heights and shapes. Again, you barely notice the TV under the shelves — the shelves creatively divert your eye. |
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| If your foyer is not roomy enough for a table, install a floating shelf. |
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by Aurelio Vazquez
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| Add a shelf to your dining room! A floating shelf in a warm finish, with barely noticeable drawers able to hide table linens, can be functional and feel rich. For shelves like this one, work with a carpenter or woodworker to secure it properly and be sure the wall can hold the weight. |
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| Use a floating shelf as a bedside table. Make sure it is deep enough to hold your table lamp and an alarm clock. This is a great alternative if you do not have the room for a nightstand. |
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by Jane Ellison
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| Add multiple floating shelves in the kitchen to display your collection of dishware, pottery or other cookware. Try floating shelves in a finish that contrasts with your cabinets. They will break up the space and create a beautiful mix of finishes. If you are looking to display plates, find a shelf with a ledge or lip so the plates do not slide off. |
| Outfit an entire wall in floating shelves anchored securely to the wall studs. Have deep shelves made if you want to hold books. |
| Add multiple shelves to a wall in different shapes and it becomes a large sculpture piece. If you can't find shelves like these, try straight shelves of different lengths and stagger them on the wall. |
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Install floating shelves above a tub for keeping wash cloths, bath soaps and other necessities handy. For a dramatic look, use a finish that pops against the wall color.
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Add floating shelves to your laundry room and place cleaning items on them, use them to store extra rolls of paper towels or a basket of sewing supplies.
by Atypical Type A
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Floating shelves over a desk can be functional, holding extra supplies, or they can be filled with inspirational objects that you can change out whenever you want. Play with the arrangement of multiple shelves.
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| If you have a cutout in a wall, add a floating shelf underneath for an interesting architectural detail. |
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A floating shelf is the perfect solution for adding interest to a long narrow hall.
A floating shelf unit turns a niche into a workstation.
| Place shelves of various sizes and shapes together, then build them up using accessories with similar hue values or multiple pieces that match. |
by Pottery Barn
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Don't have a traditional bar but would like the benefit of one? Try these floating shelves from Pottery Barn. Use two or three on either side of a mirror and place a small buffet, parsons table or other countertop below it — instant bar!
by Seltzer Studios
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This is a very cool and creative way to display books. You can't even see the thin ledge. Display colorful books on multiple shelves in a tall column or horizontal row.
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by Crate&Barrel
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| Try a simple, narrow floating ledge like this to display picture frames. Place a few above one another, side-by-side or in a step-down pattern on a wall down a stairwell. |
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This floating Spine Wall Shelf from West Elm gives you five shelves to show off collectibles. Mix in some books for a more casual feel.
by Pottery Barn
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This rich wood will warm up any wall and gives you space for your favorite tchotchkes.
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There are many kinds of floating furniture pieces you can install in a wall, too! They are great space savers and look really sleek and contemporary.
Next: More ways with floating furniture
Next: More ways with floating furniture
Comments
scarbowcow I almost skipped this ideabook because I thought, 'How creative can you get with just shelves hanging on the wall?' I'm amazed at the variety of floating shelves and the things you can do with them. Great ideabook!
18 months ago · Like
Shoshana Gosselin I am amazed also at how genius these houzz contributors were! :)
18 months ago · Like
kandy smith REALLY enjoyed this one!
18 months ago · Like
Becky Shankle Great post! Thanks so much for a nice collection of ideas, & especially for the BlueStone link! I hadn't heard of them & they fit the bill for several projects I've got rolling.
18 months ago · Like
Heather Wood This is a cedar floating shelf My DH made for me to modify a entertainment center that was designed for a 52" projection tv (yuck)! It doesn't touch in the back just on the sides! 
18 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Nov. 14, 2011.
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