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Floating shelves have been around for decades, and while their style has significantly changed, their functionality hasn’t. They serve as a convenient spot for keeping your essential items or sometimes even just decorations. Generally, you will be able to place anything on them — from little decorative plants to kitchen ornaments, the possibilities are endless.
But, finding the right set of floating shelves can be tricky as there are hundreds of options available online. So, to make things more convenient for you, we reviewed the top-of-the-line floating shelves of 2022 just for you. Simply scroll through all of the selections and find the most suitable choice for your requirements. Whether you find the perfect product immediately or not, we also included a detailed buying guide of shopping tips and factors to consider to help you find the ideal floating shelf you’re looking for.
Top Picks
Best overall: Giftgarden Floating Shelves
As a leading innovator, manufacturer, and supplier of beautiful home decor products, Giftgarden presents a practical yet stylish product for your home — a set of three beautiful floating shelves. Thanks to their unique U-shaped ledge, you can conveniently place your precious items without worrying about them falling off and breaking. They are also nesting shelves, so while each is the same length, they do have different widths. All necessary accessories and tools (such as a leveler, screws, and expansion plugs) are included in the package, so you can easily install the shelves. Due to its timeless design and durable construction, this product is our top pick for anyone who wants to display collectibles, photos, vases, books, artworks, and other items.
Key Features:
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Available in three stylish wood grain colors
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Made of high-quality MDF board
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Available in varying sizes (small, medium, and large)
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Product warranty by the manufacturer
Most convenient: Love-Kankei Floating Shelves
This functional yet stylish option is supported by strong and durable brackets. Due to their versatile mounting, you will be able to position these three floating shelves per your requirements in almost any space. Whether you want them to be in a proper vertical line or just scattered across the wall — the choice is yours. Each of the floating shelves is tested for quality before the initial shipment, ensuring that every batch is constructed by the highest standards possible. With convenience in mind, this product is easy to mount and its rustic finish will look incredible anywhere in your home.
Key Features:
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Available in 10 colors
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Made of solid Paulownia wood and metal
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Each shelf varies in size but supports up to 40 pounds
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Handmade by professionals
Most stylish: Sorbus Floating Shelves
On the hunt for the most stylish model for your home? Take a good look at the brand-new and revised version of the Sorbus Floating Shelves. Between no visible mounting and the multiple styles in rustic wood finishes or sleek and elegant colors, they are certainly one of the most distinguishable options on the entire market. You can place beautiful showpieces, decorative plants, trophies, and other precious possessions to complement your home decor. They are available in either a two or three-pack, depending on your preferences.
Key Features:
Most sturdy: Amada Home-Furnishing Floating Shelves
If you are searching for a set of sturdy yet space-saving lightweight floating shelves, then this is the perfect option for you. Its rustic wood design makes any room look tidier and creates extra space for storing your precious items. Each shelf in the package is a different size, so you will have a small, medium and large shelf to rearrange as you wish. The brackets can also be mounted at angles above the shelf or below it, with each one customizable based on your style preferences. These floating shelves have a wide base, so you can place any kind of item on them without a problem. In addition, the entire surface is extremely simple to clean. Simply grab a damp cloth and wipe it off in seconds.
Key Features:
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Available in five colors
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Made of solid Paulownia wood and metal
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Supports up to 40 pounds per shelf
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Shipped in a sturdy packaging box
Best value: Sriwatana Floating Shelves
The Sriwatana floating shelves are the perfect accessory for any living room, office, bedroom, or even kitchen. They boast a country-rustic appeal with a sleek U-shaped design that offers a natural vibe to your current home decor. Once you mount them, you will never want to get rid of them. Each shelf in this product comes in a different size to accommodate any items or home decor you may want to display. They can also be mounted facing up or down, depending on your preference. Taking only a few minutes, the assembly is also incredibly simple due to the easy-to-follow instructions and provided hardware.
Key Features:
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Available in five colors
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Retro, lightweight design
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Made of solid Paulownia wood
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They feature great workmanship
A buying guide to the ultimate floating shelves
To buy the most promising floating shelves for your space, you should have relevant knowledge about the product. Therefore, we have prepared a comprehensive buying guide to help you out. Be sure to stay tuned for important factors to consider and shopping tips.
Factors to consider when shopping for floating shelves
Here is a list of things to consider when selecting floating shelves for your home.
Weight capacity
First, make sure to consider what sort of items you plan on placing on the floating shelves. For instance, if you’re only planning to store decorative ornaments, record albums, or toys, then you should preferably look for a model with a weight capacity of around 10 pounds or less. On the flip side, if you want to use the shelves for items like books, collectibles, and plants, then you should preferably stick with a product that has at least a 40-pound weight rating.
Material
The composition of the shelf material determines its durability, weight capacity, and purpose. Generally, you should look for floating shelves that are manufactured from medium-density fiberwood, solid Paulownia wood, and heavy-duty steel. These are certainly some of the most durable materials on the market.
Number of shelves
Next, make sure that you pay attention to the total quantity. Most high-end floating shelves come in a set of three with a combination of small, medium, and large sizes to offer a unique style.
Money-back guarantee or warranty
With the help of a money-back offer or warranty, you will be able to request a full refund from the manufacturer if there are any problems with the floating shelves (missing parts, broken components, or more).
Extra features
There are a few extra features of floating shelves that may be useful depending on your preferences and buying needs.
If you’re displaying art or fragile items, look for shelves that feature raised edges — this way, you can place all your essential things without having to worry about accidental falls.
If you’re buying a set of shelves as a gift, some products come packed in lovely and discreet packaging, making them the perfect pre-wrapped gift opportunity for your friends and loved ones.
Different types of floating shelves
There are a few types of floating shelves available on the market. You can select the type you want to buy based on your needs or home decor.
Flat floating shelves
The flat shelf is just a rectangle or square piece of wood with supporting brackets hidden internally. They offer a clean, minimal look and a modern vibe, ideal for contemporary decor.
Bracket floating shelves
This type has external brackets that visibly complement its design. Bracket floating shelves can be acquired at a pretty reasonable price tag and have great durability. They also typically boast a high weight capacity.
Lipped floating shelves
Lipped floating shelves have U-shaped or L-shaped ledges to keep items securely in place. These are perfect for storing spices in the kitchen, toiletries in the bathroom, and displaying precious collectibles and art pieces in the living room.
Contoured floating shelves
Next up, we have contoured floating shelves. This type of shelf has an old-fashioned appearance and looks the best in homes with traditional decor.
Box floating shelves
Box floating shelves feature a unique design to look like a cube. These stylish shelves can be used to place a decorative item in the center or at the top of the cube for a simple and contemporary look.
Corner floating shelves
The corner floating shelf is designed to fit in the corner of the room. People mainly use them for small bedrooms and kitchens.
Mini floating shelves
Mini floating shelves are small planks of wood used only for displaying one to two items. These are perfect for showcasing candles, small flowers, and plants.
Cost of floating shelves
The prices of simple floating shelves can range from $15 to $30. In comparison, high-end floating shelves can cost more than $30. It depends on shelf material, design, and quality of the overall floating shelves.
Since floating shelves are a one-time investment for your house, you should consider spending extra to invest in a higher-quality model.
Installing floating shelves in your home
Installing floating shelves is a straightforward process. You need to follow a few simple steps to ensure they are properly installed.
1) Remove all the items
Make sure that you remove all of the items included in the packaging (floating shelves, mounting hardware, installation guide, and more.)
2) Placement
Next, you have to decide where you plan to install the floating shelves. Use the leveler that comes with the shelf package to position the shelf and mark the spot where you plan to install them.
3) Drill holes in the wall
Before you start drilling, double-check your measurements to avoid any errors. Make sure the points are even and have the correct amount of space between them. Then, grab the drill and make the holes in the wall for the brackets to be screwed into.
4) Install brackets to the wall
Place the brackets against the wall, line them up with the drilled holes and secure them to the wall with screws.
5) Attach shelves to the installed brackets
After the brackets are installed, you just need to attach the floating shelves to the brackets by following the directions provided with the package. Check that everything is securely attached and you’re done. Now, you have new and beautiful floating shelves ready for displaying all your precious items.
If you happen to experience trouble throughout the installation process or you have missing parts, then be sure to contact the manufacturer. One of their representatives will be glad to provide you with a suitable answer.
People also asked
Q: Wooden shelves or metal shelves — which one is better?
A: Wooden floating shelves look best in the living room or bedrooms and offer a rustic, warm vibe wherever installed. Shelves made of solid steel are often used in bathrooms and kitchens since they are easier to clean, have a sleek profile, and can be used to store toiletries, spice jars, kitchen tools, and more.
Q: Do floating shelves cause damage to the wall?
A: No, as long as you install them properly, floating shelves won’t cause any kind of damage to the walls. They are lightweight and have sturdy brackets or mounting equipment to hold them securely in place. Just make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidance on weight capacity and avoid overloading the shelves.
Q: How high should I position my floating shelf?
A: That depends on the purpose of the floating shelf. If the floating shelves are mainly intended for art pieces and decorative items, they should be installed at eye level between five and six feet above the ground. On the contrary, if you plan to install the shelves in your kid’s room for storing toys, make sure it is easily accessible and not too high.
Q: How can I clean the floating shelves?
A: Generally, most floating shelves are extremely simple to maintain. First, make sure to remove all of the items. Second, take a sponge or rag and get it wet. Then, add a few drops of cleaning detergent to the sponge or rag and wipe down the floating shelves. Finally, take a microfiber towel and dry the entire surface — and that’s it! Be sure to clean the shelves at least two to three times a month to avoid excess dust buildup.
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