8 Beautiful Ideas for Floating Shelves

Floating shelves — those that attach to the wall without visible brackets — are sleek, chic and so versatile. From filling a tricky nook to customizing a workspace, floating shelves are an underrated workhorse all around the house. Here are eight ways to use floating shelves, plus key tips for when it comes time to hang them.

Cross a window. Desperately need more kitchen storage but lack extra wall space? Floating shelving may be just what you need — they’ll give you added storage without your having to give up any windows, as you might have to with cabinets. Installing floating shelves across a bank of windows is not too difficult, as long as your windows are narrow enough that you can place supports between the windows. A wide bank of windows without any gaps of wall between panes is trickier — have a pro advise on the best way to provide additional support. 

Once your shelving is up, maximize the sunlight by choosing light, airy pieces (clear glassware is ideal) to store on your shelves.

Fill a nook. Fill in unusually shaped nooks with cut-to-fit floating shelves for a customized look. This is a smart way to handle recessed arches and other nooks that are too awkwardly shaped for most furniture.

Offset the arrangement. Alternate the alignment of shelves hung on the left and right side of the wall for a fresh, asymmetrical look. The double-height gaps in an offset shelving arrangement are handy for displaying taller items.

More Ideas for Beautiful Floating Shelves

8 Beautiful Ideas for Floating Shelves