How to build wall shelves: choosing between classic and floating solutions
- mybettershelf
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Are you looking for a shelf for your living room, but you don't know whether a striking console solution or a clean-lined floating shelf would suit your home better? In this article, we not only compare classic and floating shelves, but also give you insights on how to build wall shelves step by step. We will help you make the right decision – keeping style, load capacity, and sustainability in mind.
1) Classic shelf (with visible shelf brackets)
The classic shelf, most often made of wood, metal, marble, or even glass, is a familiar feature in every home or office. It is characterized by shelf boards placed on visible shelf brackets. These brackets can also be decorative – made of wrought iron, wood, or even minimalist, modern metal.
Materials and styles
Wooden shelf: matches a natural look and works well in modern or rustic spaces.
Glass shelves: modern, airy look, typically with a lower load capacity, looks good especially in bathrooms or living rooms.
Metal shelves or metal-framed shelves: ideal for industrial style, sturdy and with a high load capacity.
Marble/stone shelf: elegant and durable, but heavier, so proper fastening is extremely important. Gives a premium look, recommended mainly for elegant homes or kitchens.
Kitchen shelf with visible brackets
How to build wall shelves with proper fixing?
Proper fastening is the most important thing. A dowel that is too thin or a screw that is not suitable for the wall material can easily make the shelf dangerous. If overloaded, the shelf may break and damage the wall. Always choose a screw-plug combination that is suitable for the type of wall.
Where can you get shelf boards?
It is worth having them cut to size (with edge sealing and edge rounding) at a sheet metal shop or purchasing them in ready-made sizes at a specialist store.
Built-in shelf
A built-in shelf recessed into the wall provides a very clean look, but it is worth designing it when building the wall. Its great advantage is that it makes maximum use of the available space, fits harmoniously into the interior, and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. These shelves are stable, durable, and particularly practical in places where space-saving and customized storage solutions are important.
When is a classic shelf a good choice?
If you are looking for quick, cost-effective storage
If you like the character of visible brackets
If you need a higher load capacity
or plan to rearrange things frequently (easily adjustable)
2) Floating shelf – with hidden brackets, minimalist effect
In recent years, floating shelves have taken the design world by storm: these shelves look as if they are "floating" on the wall without any fasteners. The trick lies in the hidden support structure, which is drilled into the wall – the shelf itself completely covers the bracket.
The three main solutions in brief
Thick, "boxed" floating shelf
A hollow, framed structure supported by a strong spine attached to the wall; this makes it highly load-bearing and extremely stable. It requires more tools and time, but the end result blends into the space almost like built-in furniture.
Thin shelf with semi-concealed brackets
A classic shelf supported by discreet yet clean-lined brackets. A quick and budget-friendly option; the hardware barely distracts from the decor.
Thin shelf with 100% hidden brackets
Precise, right-angled holes are drilled into the back of the shelf, into which the support rods of the wall-mounted brackets slide; you literally "slide" the shelf onto the fixture. The work requires precise preparation, but the end result is the cleanest, most airy look.
When would it be a good idea to build a floating shelf?
If you want a clean, minimalist look and want to make the space appear lighter.
If you want to leave the floor free, even in small or walk-through rooms.
If you are planning a fixed, well-thought-out composition and the elegance of hidden fastenings is important (stable with precise installation, ideal for everyday objects).
In summary
If you are wondering how to build wall shelves that are both practical and stylish, here’s what to keep in mind:
Traditional shelves are a good choice if you need high load-bearing capacity, maximum versatility, easy replaceability, or if you want to complement the atmosphere of the room with eye-catching brackets.
Floating shelves are perfect if you want to achieve visual clarity in the space, are looking for a light, modern effect, or want to display decorative items, lighter books, or works of art.
Sustainability
Choose solid wood from responsible sources (FSC/PEFC) and low-VOC surface treatments – this way, your shelf will not only be beautiful and durable, but also a conscious choice.
Closing remarks – we can help you with this
Mybettershelf specializes in floating furniture: if you like 100% hidden solutions, you've come to the right place!
We can help you get the most out of your home in the following ways:
If you want custom shelves in custom sizes but with hidden brackets, write to us! We will send you the floating shelves together with the shelf brackets, so all you have to do is mount them on the wall.
If you have a shelf bracket of your choice, send us its dimensions and specifications, and we will tailor your shelves to fit it perfectly.
We can even manufacture shelf boards to custom sizes if you want to use a "semi-concealed" shelf bracket.
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Photo: Pinterest, mybettershelf, Tonn Furniture
