The 9 Best Floating Shelves of 2023

The Gracie Oaks Joao 2-Piece Wood Floating Shelf is our top choice

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Best Floating Shelves

The Spruce / Zackary Angeline

Floating shelves are a minimalist, versatile solution for everything from displaying plants and books to storing kitchen and bath items.

We researched dozens of floating shelves, evaluating them on sturdiness, ease of installation, and overall value. Our top choice is the Gracie Oaks Joao 2-Piece Wood Floating Shelf for its solid construction, variety of sizes and colors, and easy installation. 

Here are the best floating shelves.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Gracie Oaks Joao 2 Piece Poplar Solid Wood Floating Shelf (Set of 2)

4.6
Floating Shelves

Courtesy of Wayfair

What we like
  • Available in multiple finishes and sizes

  • Mounting hardware included

  • Two shelves in set

What we don't like
  • Color can vary slightly from pictures

Gracie Oaks' solid wood floating shelves are our favorite pick overall, thanks to their quality construction, minimal profile, and the number of finishes available. Like most floating shelves, they’re really easy to install—the set includes mounting hardware you'll need, including drywall anchors.

The shelves are offered in three finishes—natural, white washed, and coffee bean—each of which would work in a farmhouse, bohemian, and minimal home. Be warned that some customers reported that the color differs a bit from the picture. Still, the wood finishes seamlessly transition from rustic to modern decor, depending on your taste.

They’re sold in sets of two, giving you lots of extra storage or display space over your desk, in your living room, or in the bathroom. Customers confirm they are easy to install and feel sturdy, so displaying anything from books to plants is a breeze.

Price at time of publish: $104

Material: Solid wood | Weight Capacity: 14-15 pounds | Lips: None

Best Budget

BAMEOS Floating Wall Shelf (Set of 2)

BAMEOS Floating Wall Shelf (Set of 2)
What we like
  • Available in multiple finishes

  • Easy to install

  • Minimal design

What we don't like
  • Made of lightweight material

If you're looking to spruce up your space on a budget, the BAMEOS Floating Shelf Set is a great option. The wallet-friendly find has a minimal design and offers about two feet (each) of extra storage space for smaller items like succulents, vases, or books.

The shelves are made of a lightweight composite material, so they're not exactly ideal for heavy items like books. However, if you’re looking for a set of floating shelves to help you display some decorative objects, these may be your best bet. The set is offered in four finishes, so you're sure to find one that fits your home aesthetic. Plus, they can be installed in as little as 15 minutes for a seriously quick decor upgrade.

Price at time of publish: $35

Material: Fiberboard | Weight Capacity: 22 pounds | Lips: None

Best for Bathrooms

Gracie Oaks Sunny Side 2 Piece Pine Shelves

Gracie Oaks floating shelf pair for bathroom with towel bar

Wayfair

What We Like
  • High-grade materials

  • Towel bar included

  • Set of two shelves

What We Don't Like
  • Power drill might be necessary for installation

A bathroom floating shelf should be able to support a greater amount of weight for heavy toiletries and other necessities. We love this shelf set from Gracie Oaks which includes a towel bar. Each shelf is able to support up to 50 pounds, when installed properly, and you can choose between four finishes and sizes.

Although the installation guide says that only a screwdriver is needed to install these shelves, a power drill may speed up the process even more, especially if you're creating new holes in drywall. Be sure to avoid getting these shelves wet, as they are made from pine and may develop mold if exposed to constant moisture.

Price at time of publish: $64

Material: Pine | Weight Capacity: 50 pounds | Lips: No

Best Invisible

Umbra Conceal Bookshelf

Umbra Conceal Bookshelf
What we like
  • Includes three shelves

  • Minimal design

  • Durable material

  • Installation hardware provided

What we don't like
  • Doesn't have lips

Let your books become shelves themselves with Umbra’s clever Conceal Shelves. After installing a simple piece of hardware, all you have to do is slip a hardcover book onto it. From there, the shelf's lip will hold the cover in place and you can stack a few more books or accessories on top, giving the illusion of a true floating shelf.

The set includes three metal shelves, each of which is the same size. Each individual shelf in the set can hold up to 20 pounds, so it's best for cookbooks, extra coffee table books, or heavier accents, like candles and plants. The set makes for an eye-catching display when hung together, but they're also ideal for creating extra storage and decor in different spaces around your home.

Price at time of publish: $34

Material: Metal | Weight Capacity: 15-20 pounds | Lips: Yes

Best Wood

Three Posts Baby & Kids Rutter Solid Wood Alder Floating Shelf

Three Posts Baby & Kids Rutter Solid Wood Alder Floating Shelf
What we like
  • Chip-resistant

  • Includes three shelves

  • Includes mounting hardware

What we don't like
  • Available in one finish

This shelf set is designed to help keep kids’ toys, books, and accessories tidy, but if you're also looking to organize your own library or office, they're certainly worth considering. The set of three shelves are made of solid wood with a dark stain that'll elevate any space in your home.

At 28 inches wide and 4 inches deep, each shelf can hold 25 pounds, so they're a great spot for books and other accessories. The chip-resistant shelves make a statement when displayed together but make for a nice addition to a wall when hung solo as well.

Price at time of publish: $75

Material: Solid wood | Weight Capacity: 25 pounds | Lips: Yes

Best Set

Ebern Designs River Ridge 6 Shelves Wall Shelf Set

Floating Shelves

Courtesy of Wayfair

What we like
  • Available in multiple finishes

  • Durable material

  • Includes six shelves

What we don't like
  • Expensive

  • Available in one size

Whether your home office needs additional storage or your living room needs a spot for your favorite photos, a set of floating shelves will always come in handy. Take this Ebern Designs River Ridge Wall Shelf Set, for example, which includes six identical floating shelves that can work in any space of your home.

Made of durable metal, each shelf features a U-shaped design that can hold 20 pounds worth of books, photos, candles, and other home accents. The shelves arrive assembled as well, and include all the necessary installation tools so setting them up will be a breeze.

Price at time of publish: $146

Material: Metal | Weight Capacity: 20 | Lips: Yes

Best Corner

Home Decorators Collection 12-in. Floating Shelf

Home Decorators Collection 12-in. Floating Shelf
What we like
  • High weight capacity

  • Includes mounting hardware

  • Classic design

What we don't like
  • Only available in one color and size

If you think corners are a lost cause, think again. Thanks to this Home Decorators Collection Corner Shelf, you can transform an unused space into additional storage in any room.

Whether you use it to store spices in the kitchen or display a houseplant in your living room, this shelf makes it easy to make the most of a small space. It's available in white, so it'll match just about any decor style, but you can also paint it to complement your existing decor.

Price at time of publish: $26

Material: Composite | Weight Capacity: 30 pounds | Lips: None

Best Picture Ledge

Shelfology Fat Lippie Picture Ledge

Shelfology Fat Lippie Picture Ledge

Shelfology

What we like
  • High weight capacity

  • Durable construction

  • Available in multiple sizes and colors

  • Designed with lips

What we don't like
  • Expensive

  • Long shipping time

Shelfology is a site that—you guessed it—specializes in all types of shelving. And if you're looking for a customizable option, their Fat Lippe Picture Ledge is the way to go. From custom widths and rail depths to a choice of 30 colors, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your home.

Each picture ledge is custom-made from extra-sturdy powder-coated steel, so they're durable and designed to last. Since these are bespoke shelves, orders take up to two weeks to ship, but it’s worth the wait if you’re looking for the perfect picture ledge to display a great work of art.

Price at time of publish: $98

Material: 10 gauge steel | Weight Capacity: 36 pounds per foot | Lips: Yes

Best Kitchen

Yamazaki Magnetic Storage Caddy Spice Rack

Yamazaki Magnetic Storage Caddy Spice Rack

Amazon

What we like
  • Durable construction

  • Great for kitchens with limited counter and cabinet space

  • Large size

What we don't like
  • Low weight capacity

  • Can only be used on magnetic surfaces

Yamazaki Home makes lots of clever organization and storage items, but their magnetic spice rack is certainly a stand-out. The shelf instantly gives you a convenient extra kitchen shelf for spices, condiments, or even kitchen tools, so you'll never have to scramble in the kitchen while you cook.

Its magnet supports up to three and a half pounds without slipping, which is plenty for storing spices and seasonings, but may not be enough for a bottle of olive oil. Two or three of these would be offer enough storage for an entire spice collection, which could free up a whole shelf in your cabinet or pantry.

Price at time of publish: $25

Material: Steel | Weight Capacity: 3.3 pounds | Lips: Yes

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the Gracie Oaks Joao 2 Piece Poplar Solid Wood Floating Shelf because the set of two shelves is offered in multiple finishes and sizes, easy to install, and is made of durable wood. For a budget-friendly option, we recommend the BAMEOS Floating Shelf because it's easy to install and is offered in multiple colors.

What to Look for in a Floating Shelf

Material

As you’ve probably noticed, floating shelves are available in all sorts of materials, from compressed cardboard to solid steel. Choosing the right material mostly depends on where your shelf will be placed. Steel shelves are the best option for kitchens or bathrooms since they’re the easiest to clean and won’t warp, and they generally have a sleek profile. Wood shelves, especially those with a live edge, can basically be considered decor on their own since they’ll add a rustic touch wherever you put them.

Weight Capacity

Before you buy any floating shelf, decide what you’re going to put on it. Some of the more budget-friendly options we love aren’t able to hold heavier items, such as a stack of books. Also, keep in mind that some floating shelves should be installed directly into wall studs and will require a stud finder. For smaller shelves or those loaded with lightweight items, you can safely install them with drywall anchors.

Lips

Yes, lips. Floating picture ledges, kitchen shelves, and bathroom shelves should ideally have some kind of raised edge that prevents toiletries (or precious artwork) from tumbling to the ground. For artwork, a shelf with a lip is non-negotiable, whereas, for bathroom or kitchen shelves, you could go either way. It mostly depends on your style preference, but keep in mind that a raised lip or guardrail will help you keep spices or toiletries neatly in place day after day.

FAQ
  • Do floating shelves need studs?

    If you’re planning to install large floating shelves or place heavy objects like books on your floating shelves, they should be installed directly into wall studs, which you can find by using a stud finder. For smaller shelves that will hold lightweight items, you can safely use drywall anchors to install your floating shelves.

  • Where should floating shelves be placed?

    Deciding where to place your floating shelves is a matter of personal preference. You can hang a single shelf or a series of shelves in a row or staggered. Generally, floating shelves are placed 4 to 6 feet above the floor, so that the items are within view and accessible. If you are hanging a floating shelf above furniture, such as a desk, dresser, or couch, make sure to place it at least 10 to 12 inches above the top of the item.

  • How deep should a floating shelf be?

    Most floating shelves are between 3 and 12 inches deep. Thinner shelves are perfect for decorative or small kitchen items, and deeper shelves can be used for books, artwork, and larger pantry items.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Tim Minerd covers furniture, home decor, and lighting for MyDomaine and The Spruce. He enjoys organizing spices alphabetically, testing out towels, and long walks through IKEA, and is the proud father of 11 succulents. To make this list, he considered each pick's weight capacity, lips, and material. Additional reporting was done by Ashley Abramson, a writer who has worked as editor for local print and online publications. Her work has also appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Allure, InStyle, MyDomaine, and more.

Updated by
Ashley Abramson
Ashley Abramson
Ashley Abramson is a freelance lifestyle and home writer based in Milwaukee, WI.
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