Ideas for floating shelves: Why are they practical, and where do they look best?
- mybettershelf
- Aug 27
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 3
The floating shelves are the perfect combination of minimalism and functionality — a piece of furniture that meets both storage and decorative needs while taking up very little space. Thanks to their hidden brackets, they look airy and modern and can be installed almost anywhere, which is why so many people love them.
Read on if you are interested in this topic!
The biggest advantage of floating shelves is that they visually expand the space: the floor remains clear and the walls are tidy and gallery-like. You can place them wherever and however you need—either in pairs or as a shelving system. They suit any style, from minimalist and Scandinavian to Japanese and industrial, and can easily be adapted to suit your tastes with the right choice of wood tone and profile. They are also highly functional, providing practical storage space for everyday items and helping to maintain visual order.
Below, we'll discuss where and how they work best, and then present classic, curved, live edge and fluted solutions with specific examples.
Why do we love the idea of installing floating shelves?
They have an airy appearance because there are no visible supports, making the space appear larger and cleaner.
They can be arranged freely, so you are not limited by the height of the cabinets and can place them at a comfortable height.
Flexible storage: one shelf, two shelves or a whole shelving system — the choice is yours.
Easy cleaning: the floor remains clear, making it easier to vacuum.
Visual appeal: your favourite items will always be in plain sight.
Floating bathroom shelves
They are perfect for displaying towels, scented candles or cosmetic products in attractive boxes. When placed above or below the sink, they create a more visually appealing space and help you to keep your daily essentials organised. Ensure the shelf has an appropriate waterproof or water-repellent surface treatment in humid rooms!
Kitchen shelves are perfect for spices and cups
There's no need to hide your beautiful dishes behind doors; use floating shelves to display your attractive porcelain and spices instead.
Place items that you use daily (e.g. tableware, glasses and cups) here so that dusting won't create extra work for you, and your kitchen will look brighter. The room will feel lighter and more welcoming than if you had completely closed wall cabinets.
Floating shelf above the TV in the living room
This shelf will become the focal point of your living room. It balances the wall and provides space for displaying books, vases and other decorative items.
Use the floating shelf as a bedside table
It's a miracle weapon for small, cramped bedrooms as it doesn't take up any floor space yet can hold a lamp, a book and a glass. You can vacuum underneath it with ease, and the subtle floating effect will make the room look bigger.
Floating bookshelf
A minimalist alternative to traditional, sturdy bookshelves for book lovers. Arrange several floating shelves one above the other to create an airy library wall, even in an unused corner of the living room. Consider the load-bearing capacity of the shelves, as stable, hidden brackets and proper fastening are particularly important here.
Shelf above the fireplace
If you want to display seasonal decorations in an eye-catching way, choose floating shelves on which to arrange picture frames, vases and wreaths. Consider the distance from heat sources and the surface treatment; hardwood shelves are a classically elegant option.
Hallway shelf for keys and small items
This is the 'drop zone' where keys, wallets and sunglasses end up. A narrow floating shelf placed next to the entrance can help to create order — combined with hooks, it can even be turned into a mini wardrobe.
Hallways often don't have enough space for proper decoration. However, a dark-coloured floating shelf mounted on a white wall creates a striking contrast in itself.
Shelves for pantries and laundry rooms
In storage rooms, floating shelves keep necessary food and cleaning supplies within easy reach while ensuring a clean and tidy appearance in an often cluttered space. Floating shelves can also be used in attics or in narrow spaces under stairs instead of bulky furniture.
A window shelf in the kitchen
If you have a kitchen window that isn't used for ventilation, install a floating shelf in front of it to create extra storage space. Paint it a colour that matches the adjacent cabinets so that the shelves themselves fade into the background and the illuminated objects take centre stage.
You can use the shelves primarily for storing decorative items or frequently used dishes.
What types of floating shelf do we have?
Why are they good? They have clean lines and a timeless design. They fit in with almost any style, from Scandinavian to minimalist.
Recommended locations: kitchen, bathroom, TV wall, hallway.
Why are they good? Their soft curves and friendly contours make them particularly well suited to children's rooms, hallways, and more organic interiors.
Recommended locations: bedroom, children's room, bathroom.
Why are they good? They have unique patterns and natural 'live' edges — each piece is different. They add character while maintaining a sense of lightness.
Recommended locations: living room (above the fireplace), dining room, gallery wall.
Why are they good? Their delicate texture and play of shadows make them an instant statement on the wall with a premium effect.
Recommended locations: entryway (drop zone), TV wall, bedroom.
Here's a quick tip for sizing: where should each shelf go?
Kitchen (spices/cups): A depth of 15–22 cm is sufficient for most glasses and mugs. Leave 35–45 cm between shelves so that cups can fit easily.
For books, a depth of 22–28 cm is comfortable for normal-sized books. Leave 30–35 cm between shelves.
For a bedside table, the top of the shelf should be approximately the same height as the top of the mattress (±5 cm) and have a depth of 18–25 cm.
Above the TV, a distance of 15–30 cm from the top of the TV looks aesthetically pleasing and creates a sense of space.
In the hallway, a narrow shelf (12–18 cm) is sufficient for keys and wallets so that they are out of the way.
In the bathroom, a waterproof or oiled surface and high-quality hardware are particularly important due to humidity.
Above the fireplace, keep a safe distance from the heat source and follow the manufacturer's/construction specifications. Hardwood and stable hidden brackets are recommended.
Use a spirit level to mark the holes and use wall plugs that are suitable for the type of wall. For plasterboard walls, fix to the frame. For solid walls, use high-quality metal dowels. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding load capacity.
Styling 3×3: how to keep open shelves tidy
Proportion: 60% functional items (such as cups and books), and 40% decorative items (such as plants, vases and picture frames).
Rhythm: alternate tall and short objects and create groups of an odd number of items.
Colour: use a maximum of two or three main colours plus wood tones, and use textures (ceramic, glass and wood) to create depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much weight can a floating shelf hold?
The load capacity depends on the combination of wall material, hardware and shelf length.
As a general rule, the longer the shelf, the more built-in hidden brackets and solid fastenings are required. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications.
Can it be mounted on a plasterboard wall?
Yes, but it must be attached to the frame using a special fastener. Do not overload it; it is designed for decorative or light objects only.
What surface treatment should I choose for the kitchen or bathroom?
Choose an oil or varnish that is moisture-resistant and easy to clean. Natural oils beautifully highlight the wood grain, while varnish provides better protection against splashes.
How many shelves look good above each other?
Two to three usually provides an ideal rhythm, with a uniform distance kept between them (35–45 cm in the kitchen and 30–35 cm for books).
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Photo: Yan Krukau, mybettershelf
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