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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.
Best Overall
Gracie Oaks Joao 2 Piece Poplar Solid Wood Floating Shelf (Set of 2)
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Available in multiple finishes and sizes
Mounting hardware included
Two shelves in set
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)
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Available in multiple finishes
Easy to install
Minimal design
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
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Wayfair
High-grade materials
Towel bar included
Set of two shelves
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
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Includes three shelves
Minimal design
Durable material
Installation hardware provided
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
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Chip-resistant
Includes three shelves
Includes mounting hardware
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
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Available in multiple finishes
Durable material
Includes six shelves
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
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High weight capacity
Includes mounting hardware
Classic design
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
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Shelfology
High weight capacity
Durable construction
Available in multiple sizes and colors
Designed with lips
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
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Amazon
Durable construction
Great for kitchens with limited counter and cabinet space
Large size
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.