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Choosing the right floating shelves - Where to begin??
Are you tired of constantly tripping over, or bumping into all the clutter around your home?
Or maybe you're just looking for a new way to display your prized collection of rubber ducks? (I'm jealous now)
Either way, floating shelves might be just what you need to elevate 
your space and add a few more stylish storage areas to your home.
But let's be honest, not all floating shelves are created equal.
Some may be too flimsy to hold your hefty books, while others might look like they belong in a tacky '80s sitcom set.
With soooo many of them out there it's easy to get overwhelmed!
But fear not, my reader friend, because I've combed through a sea of floating shelves to bring you the crème de la crème.
In this article we'll explore the factors you should consider when choosing the best floating shelves for your needs and reveal the top picks that will take your home décor game to new heights.
Whether you're looking for a statement piece to showcase your favorite objects or a simple and practical storage solution, I've got you covered with many great options.
So, get ready to float on and let's dive in!
"But, I don't have much time to read the whole article..."
No problem! Here are the best overall you'll want to check out:
(Check out the rest of the recommendations below.)
The Factors to Consider When Choosing Floating Shelves - It Matters!
When looking at any potential floating shelf, here are the most important things you should pay attention to:
- Weight Capacity
- Materials
- Size and Shape
- Style and Design
- Installation Requirements
- Price/Budget
First, take a look at the weight capacity- because let's face it, nobody wants a shelf that droops like a sad puppy once you have your things on it. Make sure to think about how much total weight you'll be putting on top of the shelf.
The material of the shelf is a big part of determining how much weight it can hold.
Naturally, some materials are sturdier than others (i.e., Metal and Solid wood).
However, for the most part, MDF will be the most common (as also cheap in price).
Next, consider the size and shape of the shelf itself; You don't want a shelf that's too tiny to hold your collection of hot sauce bottles (don't try the Carolina Reaper sauce), or so big that it doesn't properly fit onto your wall space.
Measure out the area where you're thinking of installing the wall shelf. And take measurements of the items you'll be placing on top to make sure they'll fit (if you already have those items on-hand).
Once you know about how much weight you need to hold, and you have a rough estimate of the size and shape you need, think about the style and design you want.
This is a crucial step because if your floating shelf doesn't fit your aesthetic it's just gonna float there, mocking you and your questionable taste in home décor.
Kidding! But still...
After that, identify what the installation requirements are. If you're not comfortable with drilling holes in your wall (or, aren't allowed), then certain shelfs just aren't going to work.
Lastly, the price; How much are you willing to spend?
If the shelf you have your eye on is WAY over budget, then it's eliminated. Most options are very reasonably priced though, so pricing may not be such a big deal.
A friendly PSA/FYI: DO NOT overload your floating shelf! Many of them are easily prone to sagging/slanting downwards, especially if they have too much weight on them.
All of the recommended products mentioned here have taken this into consideration and I've attempted to bring you only the ones with no reports of sagging issues out of the box (unless you overload them).
Best for The Kitchen
Why These Were Selected
- Visually appealing for a kitchen setting.
- Aimed for solid wood or stainless-steel options because they seem more appropriate for the kitchen.
- These materials are more durable against liquids and foods compared to MDF.
- Stayed away from glass, acrylic, and plastic since they can look out of place here.
- Solid wood options are good quality compared to other items found.
Winner: Homeforia White Floating Shelves
Winner: Why This One Wins (IMO)
Best for The Living Room
Why These Were Selected
- Great prices! All under $30.
- They all come in sets of 3+ shelves, instead of just buying 1 at a time.
- Come in various styles and colors.
- Simple installation instructions.
- MDF material since it's sufficient for most items found in a living room.
- Their weight capacities are enough to handle pretty much any living room decor.
- Stayed away from metal, plastic, and acrylic because they'll look a bit out of place.
- Stayed away from glass since the living room is a high traffic area, so there's a chance of it shattering into tiny pieces if it falls.
Winner: Annecy Floating Shelves
Why This One Wins (IMO)
Best for The Bathroom
Note: If you're going with wood material here, I would recommend applying a protective sealant to the surface to help protect against the humidity.
Why These Were Selected
- All come with multiple shelves.
- Great prices (all under $30).
- Highly rated shelves.
- Looked for metal, acrylic, or solid wood options since these materials hold up to humidity better. (MDF will start to peel after prolonged. exposure to humidity - just ask my own bathroom cabinet.)
- Avoided glass since the dust and grime easily shows. It saves you from having to clean it often.
- All have guard rails to help prevent items from falling. Items in bathroom tend to be moved around more (i.e. hand lotions, soaps, etc.).
Winner: ZGO Floating Shelves
Why This One Wins (IMO)
Best for Bedrooms
Why These Were Selected
- All come in various colors to fit any bedroom's style
- Come in packs of 3+ shelves
- Can hold over 30 lbs
- All under $25
Winner: BAYKA Floating Shelves
Why This One Wins (IMO)
Best for A Home Office
Why These Were Selected
- Can all hold over 20 lbs each.
- Have some kind of guard rail, ledge, or lip to better accommodate books and other related office-like items.
- Depth is long enough to fit the average book size, file, binder, etc.
- Multiple shelves included per pack.
- Highly rated with tons of reviews.
- I know this is subjective, but these options all have more of an 'office setting' look.
- Stayed away from metal, acrylic, and plastic since they could look out of place.
- Come in multiple colors to match any home office style.
Winner: YGEOMER Floating Shelves
Why This One Wins (IMO)
Best for Plants
Why These Were Selected
- I know this is subjective, but these have a nice 'nature-ish' look.
- More of a solid, durable wood since a lot of options are made with super soft wood materials with untreated surfaces.
- Can handle the average weight of plants; Minimum of 25 lbs.
- Have support braces on each end to avoid a sagging shelf, just in case your plants start to weigh more whenever they're watered.
- Highly rated with tons of reviews.
- All have depths of at least 5 inches. I measured all of my plants, and this seemed to be a good common size to fit the average house plant.
Winner: HXSWY Rustic Wood Floating Shelves
Why This One Wins (IMO)
Best for Renters & Apartments
Note 1: Even with an adhesive option, you will STILL run the risk of peeling the paint from the wall upon removal. Use heat gun to soften the adhesive before removing it and it'll lessen the risk. Don't fall for the term "damage free"; You can still potentially tear the paint off the drywall when removing it if you're not super careful.
Note 2: Another friendly reminder that these adhesive options will NOT be able to hold as much weight.
Why These Were Selected
- High quality with lots of reviews.
- No need to drill and make holes.
- All come with multiple shelves per pack.
- Selected smaller sized options because bigger shelves will be a bigger PAIN to remove. Plus, bigger adhesive shelves are more prone to unsticking from the wall because of the weight.
- Selected options don't require too much adhesive. Less is best since you'll most likely be removing these.
Winner: Fytz Design White Small Floating Shelf Set
Why This One Wins (IMO)
Best for Heavy Items (Making a Shelf Heavy-Duty)
I found that the quickest, and most cost effective, way of getting a heavy-duty floating shelf would be to:
- Use one of these mounting kits to increase the overall weight capacity of your existing floating shelves.
- Screw in the mounting hardware directly into the studs located behind your drywall (have at least 1 screw pierce the stud). This will add even more stability and further increase the weight capacity that's supported.
Why This One Wins (IMO)
Best Budget Options
I compared ALL prices for EVERY recommended shelf in this article and selected the top 5 choices that were priced at $7.50 and under (each);
(At the time of writing this article.)
Why This One Wins (IMO)
BONUS: Honorable Mentions - Alternative Floating Shelves
Here are some other alternative shelf options to check out!
These couldn't quite fit into any of the other categories mentioned above but are still awesome.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: "Are floating shelves any good?"
A: Yes! They're a great way to add some style and storage capacity to any room.
The advantage of floating shelves is that they can be installed at any height and in any configuration, allowing you to create a customized storage or display solution that fits your space and style.
They also take up less visual space than traditional shelves, making them a great choice for smaller rooms or areas with limited wall space.
However, it's important to note that floating shelves typically have weight limits, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use appropriate hardware for installation. It's also a good idea to periodically check the shelves and their mounting to ensure they are secure and stable.
Q: "Are floating shelves strong? How much weight can they hold??"
A: The overall strength largely depends on a few factors, including the mounting hardware used, build material, shelf size, and the weight distribution of the items placed on the shelves.
In general, a well-constructed floating shelf can typically hold around 15-30 pounds per linear foot (with drywall anchors), although some shelves can hold even more weight (mounted on studs).
It's best to stay on the lower end though, since you don't want all your dog pictures to suddenly come crashing down from too much weight.
Q: "What do I need to know before installing floating shelves?"
A: Great question!
Here are some important things to know beforehand:
- Condition of your Wall: Make sure that the wall where you want to install the floating shelves is sturdy and can support the weight of the shelves and their contents. Make sure that there are no electrical wires, plumbing, or other obstacles behind the wall that may affect the installation.
- Consider how much weight you'll put on each shelf: Make sure that the shelves can support the weight (check the specifications of the shelf).
- Mounting hardware: Choose high-quality and appropriate hardware for mounting each shelf. (i.e. High-quality wall-anchors, brackets, or other supports). I will typically use my own wall anchors if I see that the included hardware is cheap and frail. I would HIGHLY recommend you do the same!
- Take note of the height and spacing of the shelves and how they will look in the room.
- Take a quick glance at the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you have all the appropriate tools.
Q: "What is the best material for a floating shelf?"
A: This can be subjective, and opinions vary from person to person.
It also depends on what you'll be putting on top of each shelf.
However, here are my two cents:
- For weight capacity and durability: Solid wood (with a sealant on the surface) and Metal (Stainless Steel) are best.
- Most cost-effective material: MDF, Acrylic, and Plastic are cheapest.
Q: "What is the standard size for a floating shelf?"
A: The sizes can vary widely depending on the manufacturer. However, here are some common average dimensions for floating shelves:
- Length (or Width): Floating shelves typically range from 12 to 48 inches in length. Longer ones can be used to create a statement wall or to provide more storage space.
- Depth: The standard depth can range from 6 to 12 inches. Shelves with a deeper depth are ideal for storing larger items, while shallower ones are better for displaying smaller objects.
- Thickness: The common thickness varies from 1/2 to 1.5 inches. Thicker options can provide a more substantial and sturdy look, while thinner shelves can have a sleeker and more minimalist appearance.
Q: "Are floating shelves fashionable? Are they still in style??"
A: Absolutely!
Floating shelves are considered fashionable and have been a popular trend in interior design in recent years. They are a practical solution for adding storage or displaying decorative items in a variety of spaces.
One of the reasons why floating shelves have become so popular is their sleek and modern look. They create a sense of weightlessness and airiness that can make a room feel more spacious and open.
Additionally, floating shelves can be customized to fit any style, whether you prefer a rustic, industrial, or the minimalist look.
They can also be installed in unique configurations, such as staggered or angled, to create a visually interesting focal point.
Their timeless appeal means that they will likely remain a popular choice for years to come.
Q: "At what height should a floating shelf be installed at?"
A: The average height for installation is typically between 50 and 60 inches from the floor. This is the standard height for installing shelves, artwork, and other wall décor in most homes.
However, the exact height at which you should install a floating shelf depends on several factors, including the intended use of the shelf and the height of the furniture or fixtures that the shelf will be installed above.
For example, if you plan to use the shelf to display decorative objects or books the shelf should be installed at a height that allows for easy viewing and access.
If you plan to use the shelf for storage, the height should be determined by the height of the items that'll be stored on it.
When installing a floating shelf above a piece of furniture, such as a sofa or bed, the shelf should be placed at a height that complements the height of the furniture.
For example, a shelf installed above a sofa should be at a height that allows for comfortable viewing while seated.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
First, I've gotta say... WOW, I did not expect this article to turn into such a long one 
. But I digress...
In conclusion, floating shelves are an excellent addition to any home, providing both modern style and storage functionality.
We have explored some of the best floating shelves available, each with their unique features that cater to different needs and preferences.
Whether you want to display your favorite books, showcase your prized rubber ducky collection, or anything else, there's a floating shelf out there that's perfectly suited for you!
Remember to consider factors such as material, size, and weight capacity when selecting the perfect floating shelves for your home.
With the right choice, you can transform your living space into a beautiful and organized haven that reflects your style and personality.
That's all I've got for you today.
If you have any questions, comments, compliments, concerns, etc. feel free to reach out via email or leave a comment.
Until next time, be well and take care!