20 DIY Floating Shelves [For Every Place]

Are you struggling with cluttered spaces and a lack of stylish storage solutions? I know how frustrating it can be to find the perfect way to showcase your favorite books or decorations. 

That’s why I decided to explore DIY floating shelves! In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of creating your own, transforming any room into an organized and visually appealing haven. 

Let’s dive in!

DIY Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a fantastic way to add both style and storage to any room. These shelves appear to “float” on the wall, giving a sleek, modern look. 

To create your own, you’ll need materials like wood, brackets, and a drill. Start by measuring the space and cutting the wood to your desired length.

Securely attach the brackets to the wall, then place the shelf on top. Not only are they simple to make, but they also provide a perfect place to display books, plants, or art.

1. Minimalist Wooden Floating Shelves

If you’re aiming for a clean and sleek look, minimalist wooden floating shelves are a fantastic choice.

You can use pine or oak wood, sand it down, and stain it to match your decor. Install them using hidden brackets to achieve that true floating effect.

These shelves are perfect for displaying your favorite books, small potted plants, or decorative items without overwhelming the space.

They’re relatively easy to make with a few basic tools. You’ll just need to ensure your measurements are accurate to keep everything level.

I love how they add both function and style to any room, offering a perfect spot to showcase my treasures while keeping the room looking tidy and organized.

2. Rustic Reclaimed Wood Shelves

For a more rustic vibe, reclaimed wood floating shelves can add character and warmth to your home.

Find some old barn wood or pallets, cut them to size, and mount them with industrial brackets.

The imperfections in the wood add a lot of charm and history to the space. These shelves are ideal for a farmhouse-style kitchen or living room.

Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also provide a sturdy spot for heavier items like cast iron pots or a collection of vintage books.

Whenever I walk into the room, these shelves always catch my eye and remind me of the beautiful history behind each piece of wood.

3. Invisible Bracket Shelves

Invisible bracket shelves are a modern take on traditional shelving. They use hidden supports that make the shelves look like they’re floating on the wall.

These are perfect if you want a clean, minimalist look without visible brackets. I recommend using sturdy materials like hardwood or MDF for these shelves.

They’re perfect for displaying picture frames, small plants, or a few of your favorite novels. Installing these can be a bit tricky, but the seamless look is worth the effort.

I’ve always admired how these shelves can make a room feel more open and spacious by not adding any visual clutter.

4. Industrial Pipe Floating Shelves

Combining wood and metal, industrial pipe floating shelves are perfect for a loft or modern farmhouse look.

Use metal pipes and fittings as brackets and sturdy wooden planks as the shelves. These shelves are not only functional but also a statement piece.

I enjoy the blend of rustic wood with the industrial pipes, which adds a unique and edgy touch to any room.

They’re also highly customizable in terms of length and height, making them suitable for any wall space.

The industrial style pairs well with various decor themes, from rustic to contemporary.

5. Geometric Floating Shelves

For something a bit more artistic, try creating geometric floating shelves. You can cut wood into various shapes like hexagons or triangles and assemble them into a unique design.

These shelves are perfect for displaying small plants, trinkets, or candles. I love how they add a playful yet sophisticated element to the room.

Depending on your design, they can be a bit more complex to build, but the end result is a stunning and functional piece of art.

6. Corner Floating Shelves

Maximize your corner spaces with corner floating shelves. These shelves can be tailored to fit any corner in your home, providing an excellent solution for utilizing space that often goes unused.

Use sturdy wood and L-brackets to create these shelves. I find corner shelves especially useful in smaller rooms or apartments where space is limited.

They offer additional storage without taking up valuable floor space.

They’re perfect for displaying photos, plants, or collectibles, adding both function and charm to your corners.

7. Floating Bookshelves

Floating bookshelves are perfect for book lovers who want to create a library-like atmosphere without bulky furniture.

Use sturdy metal brackets that are hidden behind the books, creating the illusion that the books are floating. This design is not only functional but also a conversation starter.

I love how this type of shelving allows me to display my book collection in a unique and space-saving way.

It also keeps my books easily accessible, making it a practical solution for any avid reader.

8. Floating Shelves with Rope

Credit: bigw.com.au

Add a nautical touch to your decor with floating shelves suspended by ropes. Use wooden planks for the shelves and thick ropes to hang them from the ceiling or wall brackets.

This style is perfect for a beach house or any room with a coastal theme. I enjoy the casual and relaxed vibe these shelves bring to a space.

They’re also quite versatile, allowing you to adjust the height of each shelf as needed.

It’s a simple DIY project that adds a lot of character and charm to any room.

9. Glass Floating Shelves

For a sleek and modern look, consider glass floating shelves. These shelves are perfect for bathrooms or kitchens, where they can hold toiletries or glassware.

Use tempered glass for safety and sturdy brackets that blend in with your wall color.

I appreciate the airy and open feel that glass shelves provide. They don’t overwhelm the space and keep the focus on the items displayed.

They’re easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for high-use areas.

10. Live Edge Floating Shelves

Live edge floating shelves bring a touch of nature indoors with their organic and raw edges.

Use slabs of wood with natural edges, preserving the unique shape and grain. These shelves are perfect for a rustic or boho decor style.

I love the way they add warmth and a natural element to the room. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, showcasing the beauty of the wood.

They’re ideal for displaying plants, art pieces, or other decorative items, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

11. Floating Box Shelves

Floating box shelves offer a modern and geometric look to your wall storage. Constructed as open boxes, they provide a framed display for your items.

Use wood or MDF, and paint or stain them to match your decor.

I find these shelves perfect for creating a curated display, where each item has its own dedicated space.

They add depth and dimension to the wall, making it an attractive focal point. They’re easy to mix and match in different sizes for a custom look.

12. Floating Shelves with Drawers

Combine storage and style with floating shelves that have built-in drawers. These are perfect for entryways or offices where you need extra storage for small items like keys, mail, or office supplies.

Use wood or MDF to create the shelves and add small drawers underneath.

I love the practicality of these shelves, as they keep clutter out of sight while providing a sleek and modern look.

They’re a bit more complex to build, but the functionality they offer is worth the effort.

13. Floating Shelves with LED Lighting

Add a touch of ambiance with floating shelves that feature built-in LED lighting. Use strips of LED lights under the shelves to create a soft glow.

These shelves are perfect for living rooms or bedrooms, where they can highlight decorative items or provide gentle mood lighting.

I enjoy the cozy atmosphere that these shelves create, especially in the evening.

The LED lights are energy-efficient and can be customized in different colors and intensities to suit your mood.

14. Floating Shelves with Metal Brackets

For a touch of industrial chic, floating shelves with visible metal brackets can be a stylish addition. Use sturdy metal brackets and wooden planks for the shelves.

The combination of metal and wood adds a rustic yet modern vibe to any room.

I appreciate the robust look these shelves provide, making them perfect for heavier items like books or kitchenware.

The metal brackets add a decorative element, giving the shelves a bit of an edge and personality.

15. Floating Shelves with Plants

Integrate greenery into your shelving with floating shelves designed to hold plants.

Use sturdy wooden or metal shelves and add planters directly onto the shelves or hang small pots underneath. I love how these shelves bring a fresh and vibrant feel to the room.

They’re perfect for small spaces where you might not have room for a lot of floor plants.

The greenery adds a natural element that can make any space feel more lively and welcoming.

16. Floating Shelves with Mirrors

Enhance the sense of space with floating shelves that incorporate mirrors. Use mirrored panels as the back of the shelves to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger room.

These shelves are perfect for small apartments or rooms that need a bit of brightening up.

I enjoy the way the mirrors catch and reflect light, adding a bit of sparkle and elegance to the space.

They’re also practical for entryways or bedrooms where a quick glance in the mirror is handy.

17. Floating Shelves with Leather Straps

For a unique and stylish look, use leather straps to support your floating shelves. Attach sturdy leather straps to the wall and place wooden planks on them for the shelves.

This design is perfect for adding a boho or eclectic touch to your decor.

I love the combination of soft leather and natural wood, which creates a warm and inviting look.

The leather straps add a bit of texture and interest, making the shelves stand out as a design feature.

18. Floating Shelves with Copper Pipes

Combine elegance and industrial style with floating shelves supported by copper pipes. Use copper pipes as the brackets and wooden planks for the shelves.

The warm tones of the copper add a touch of sophistication, while the wood keeps it grounded and rustic.

I enjoy the chic and stylish look these shelves provide, making them perfect for kitchens or bathrooms.

The copper pipes are not only sturdy but also add a decorative element that enhances the overall aesthetic.

19. Floating Shelves with Pegboard

For a customizable and versatile shelving solution, use a pegboard as the backing for your floating shelves.

This allows you to move and adjust the shelves as needed, perfect for changing storage needs.

I love the flexibility that pegboard shelves offer, making it easy to rearrange and organize my items.

They’re ideal for craft rooms, kitchens, or garages where adaptable storage is a must. The pegboard adds a bit of visual interest and texture to the wall.

20. Floating Shelves with Wicker Baskets

Incorporate extra storage and a touch of natural texture with floating shelves that include wicker baskets. Use sturdy wooden shelves and add wicker baskets for additional storage.

These shelves are perfect for bathrooms or bedrooms where you need to store small items like toiletries or accessories.

I love how the wicker baskets add a bit of warmth and texture, making the shelves feel cozy and inviting.

They’re a practical solution for keeping clutter out of sight while maintaining a stylish look.