Floating shelves are a stylish and functional way to maximize your space. Whether you need extra storage, a place to display your favorite items, or simply want to add a modern touch to your home decor, custom floating shelves can do it all. And the best part? You can easily build them yourself with a few basic materials and tools.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create your own custom floating shelves. We’ll cover everything from design considerations to the materials and steps required to build them, ensuring that you’ll have sturdy, sleek shelves to elevate your home.

1. Why Choose Floating Shelves?

The Appeal of Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are incredibly versatile and can fit seamlessly into nearly any room. Unlike traditional shelves that use brackets, floating shelves appear to “float” because the brackets are hidden inside the shelf. This minimalist design gives them a modern and clean aesthetic, perfect for showcasing art, books, or even plants.

Benefits of Floating Shelves:

Maximized Space: Floating shelves add vertical storage without taking up floor space, making them perfect for small apartments or homes.
Sleek, Modern Look: The absence of visible brackets creates a sleek, contemporary feel that suits nearly any interior style.
Customizable: You can design your floating shelves to fit any space, making them ideal for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or living rooms.
Easy to Install: Floating shelves are relatively easy to install, and you can make them yourself with just a few tools and materials.
Flexibility: They’re perfect for displaying books, plants, art, or even kitchen essentials, and can be adjusted as your needs change.

Whether you’re looking to save space, display decorative items, or add a functional storage solution to your home, floating shelves offer a simple and stylish way to do it.

2. Materials You’ll Need

Gathering Your Supplies

Building floating shelves doesn’t require a long list of complicated materials. Most of what you’ll need can be found at your local hardware store. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Materials:

Wood for the Shelf: Choose a type of wood that fits your desired look, whether it’s a rich hardwood like oak or a more affordable option like pine or MDF.
Shelf Brackets: You’ll need concealed shelf brackets (also called floating shelf brackets) that are designed to fit inside the shelf, allowing it to “float.”
Screws and Wall Anchors: Heavy-duty screws and wall anchors are necessary to secure the floating shelves to the wall. The size of the screws will depend on the weight of the shelf and the items you plan to display.
Wood Finish or Paint: Depending on your aesthetic, you can either leave the wood natural or stain or paint it to match your decor.
Drill and Bits: A power drill is needed to make holes for the brackets and secure the shelf to the wall.
Measuring Tape and Level: Accurate measurements and a level are essential to ensure your shelves are aligned correctly.

Optional Materials:

Wood Glue: If you plan on joining two pieces of wood to create a longer shelf, wood glue can help create a strong bond.
Sanding Block: To smooth out any rough edges and create a polished finish.
Varnish or Sealer: To protect your wood and ensure its longevity.

Having all the materials ready will make the entire process smoother, so make sure to check your list before getting started.

3. Planning Your Floating Shelves

Designing the Perfect Shelves

Before you start building, it’s important to plan out your floating shelves. Think about where you want to install them, what they will be used for, and the style you want to achieve. Custom floating shelves can be as simple or as intricate as you like, and the design can be tailored to fit any space.

Considerations for Planning:

Shelf Size: Decide how long, deep, and thick you want your shelves to be. The depth of the shelf should depend on what you plan to store or display.
Weight Capacity: Make sure your floating shelf brackets and screws can support the weight of the items you plan to place on the shelf.
Wall Material: Determine what kind of wall surface you’ll be attaching the shelves to. Is it drywall, brick, or wood? The type of wall will affect the type of screws and anchors you need to use.
Spacing: If you’re installing multiple shelves, think about how far apart they should be. For a balanced look, keep consistent spacing between each shelf.

For the perfect floating shelf, consider the room’s overall theme. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic farmhouse vibe, industrial look, or a minimalist design, your shelves should reflect that aesthetic.

4. Cutting and Preparing the Wood

Sizing and Shaping Your Shelf

Once you’ve planned the design of your floating shelves, it’s time to cut your wood to the correct size. If you’re not experienced with cutting wood, many hardware stores will cut the wood for you to the desired measurements for a small fee.

Steps for Cutting the Wood:

Measure the Space: Measure the length and depth of the space where you want to install the floating shelves.
Cut the Shelf to Size: Use a saw (circular saw, jigsaw, or hand saw depending on your comfort level) to cut your wood according to the measurements. Ensure the cuts are straight and smooth.
Smooth the Edges: Use a sanding block or power sander to smooth out any rough edges and corners. This will ensure that your shelf looks clean and polished.
Pre-drill Holes for Brackets: Use a drill to make holes where you’ll install the shelf brackets. These holes should align with the concealed bracket system.

If you’re staining or painting the wood, it’s better to do so before attaching the brackets or installing the shelves. This will give a more even finish.

5. Installing Floating Shelf Brackets

Securing the Brackets for a Stable Shelf

Installing the floating shelf brackets is a critical step in ensuring your shelf stays secure. Floating shelf brackets are designed to be inserted into the shelf, but they also need to be mounted securely to the wall.

Steps for Installing Brackets:

Mark Placement on the Wall: Use a measuring tape and level to mark where the floating shelves will go. Mark the spots where the screws will go and ensure everything is level.
Drill Holes into the Wall: Drill pilot holes for the wall anchors, ensuring they’re in the correct spots. If you’re attaching the shelf to drywall, use wall anchors to provide extra support.
Insert Brackets into the Wall: Place the bracket into the holes and secure it with screws. Make sure the bracket is firmly attached and level.
Prepare the Shelf: Insert the other end of the floating shelf bracket into the pre-drilled holes in your wood shelf. Ensure that the bracket fits snugly into the shelf.

Once the brackets are installed and the shelf is in place, double-check the level to make sure everything is aligned correctly.

6. Installing the Floating Shelf on the Wall

Mounting Your Shelf

Now that the brackets are installed and the shelf is ready, it’s time to mount it on the wall. This step requires careful attention to ensure that your floating shelf remains level and securely attached.

Steps for Mounting the Shelf:

Align the Shelf with the Brackets: Carefully align the shelf with the installed brackets on the wall.
Slide the Shelf Into Place: Gently slide the shelf onto the brackets, ensuring the brackets are fully inserted into the shelf.
Secure the Shelf: Some floating shelf systems have screws that you can use to secure the shelf to the brackets. Use these screws to tighten the shelf into place.
Check for Stability: Once the shelf is mounted, check to ensure it’s stable and level. Make any necessary adjustments.

Your shelf should now be securely mounted and ready to hold your items.

7. Styling Your Floating Shelves

Decorating Your New Shelf

Once your floating shelves are up, it’s time to style them! Floating shelves are perfect for displaying art, plants, books, and other decorative items. Whether you’re going for a minimalist look or a more curated display, floating shelves provide the perfect surface to showcase your style.

Styling Tips for Floating Shelves:

Books and Greenery: A few stacked books and small potted plants can create a sophisticated and balanced look.
Art and Decorative Items: Display your favorite artwork, sculptures, or vintage finds to add personality to the shelf.
Use Matching Containers: If you want a cohesive look, consider placing items in matching containers, such as vases or baskets.
Play with Heights: Vary the heights of your items to create visual interest and balance.

The key to styling floating shelves is to keep it simple and avoid overcrowding. Less is often more when it comes to floating shelves, so leave room to breathe and make each item stand out.

8. Maintenance and Tips for Long-Lasting Floating Shelves

Ensuring Longevity and Care for Your Shelves

Floating shelves require very little maintenance, but a few simple steps can help keep them in top condition for years to come.

Maintenance Tips:

Clean Regularly: Dust your floating shelves regularly to keep them looking neat and fresh.
Check the Stability: Periodically check the stability of your shelves and the brackets to ensure they remain secure.
Touch Up Finish: If you notice any scuffs or scratches on the wood, touch up the finish with stain or paint.

Floating shelves are sturdy and easy to maintain, so with just a bit of care, they’ll continue to look great and serve their purpose in your home.

FAQs

Can I install floating shelves on drywall? Yes, floating shelves can be installed on drywall. However, make sure to use wall anchors or toggle bolts for extra support.
How do I make sure my floating shelves are level? Use a level during both the marking and installation stages to ensure your shelves are straight and even.
What type of wood is best for floating shelves? Hardwoods like oak or walnut are durable and look great, but softer woods like pine are more affordable and still work well.
How do I install floating shelves on a brick wall? Use masonry screws or wall anchors designed for brick when installing floating shelves on brick walls. You’ll also need a hammer drill to make the pilot holes.
Can floating shelves hold heavy items? Yes, as long as you use the correct brackets and wall anchors, floating shelves can support a variety of weights, from books to decorative pieces.
How far apart should floating shelves be? The spacing between floating shelves depends on the size of your items, but a common distance is around 12 to 18 inches between shelves.
How long does it take to build and install floating shelves? Building and installing floating shelves usually takes a few hours, depending on your experience and the complexity of the project.
Do I need to use a stud finder? Yes, it’s a good idea to use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall, ensuring a stronger and more secure installation for your floating shelves.
Can I paint my floating shelves? Yes, you can paint your floating shelves to match your decor. Just make sure to apply a suitable primer and paint for wood surfaces.
Can I customize the size of my floating shelves? Absolutely! You can cut your shelves to any size you need, making them perfect for small or large spaces. Just be sure to choose brackets that can support the shelf’s weight.

Custom Shelving: Build Your Own Floating Shelves for Extra Storage