Floating shelves are a unique style of shelf that are mounted to a wall with no visible means of support. As the name suggests, floating shelves appear to "float" in the air. However, the shelves are actually secured to the wall, typically to wall studs, with carefully recessed mounting brackets attached to the backside of the shelf.
Benefits of Floating Shelves
Floating shelves offer several benefits to any room of your home.
Add an eye-catching accent
Floating shelves create a unique, and eye-catching, look. Their floating appearance and minimalist design make them an excellent complement for a range of interior design styles.
Functional storage space
While they offer a one-of-a-kind look, floating shelves also provide functional storage space. They can be used to store dishes in a kitchen, movies in a family room, or even bottles and glasses in a home bar.
Simple installation
Lastly, floating shelves are simple to install. All you need is a level, a measuring tape, and a drill. We provide more detailed installation instructions later in this article.
How Do Floating Shelves Work?
A floating shelf is made from two main components: the shelf, which can be made from a range of materials, and the mounting bracket.
The shelf is the flat surface that serves as the storage space. The mounting bracket is the important part; the bracket is what both bears the weight of the shelf and creates the floating look.