Floating Shelves Make Your Own: A Personal Experience And Guide
As someone who loves decorating and organizing my living space, I’ve been obsessed with floating shelves for a while now. They are a great way to add storage and display space to any room, without taking up too much floor space or making the room feel cluttered. After seeing so many beautiful and unique floating shelves on Pinterest and Instagram, I decided to try making my own.
What are Floating Shelves?
Floating shelves are shelves that are mounted directly onto a wall, without any visible brackets or supports. They appear to be “floating” on the wall, hence the name. These shelves are a popular choice for modern and minimalist home decor, as they create a clean and sleek look.
What Materials Do You Need?
To make your own floating shelves, you will need the following materials:
- Wooden boards (I recommend choosing a good quality wood, such as oak or pine)
- Screws
- Wall anchors
- Drill
- Saw (or have the wood cut to size at your local hardware store)
- Sandpaper (to smooth the edges of the wood)
- Stain or paint (optional)
Step by Step Guide
Here is a step by step guide to make your own floating shelves:
- Measure the space where you want to install the shelves, and decide on the size of the shelves you want to make.
- Cut the wooden boards to the desired length using a saw, or have them cut to size at your local hardware store.
- Smooth the edges of the wood with sandpaper.
- If you want to stain or paint the wood, do so now and allow it to dry completely.
- Mark where you want to drill the holes for the screws on the underside of the shelf.
- Drill the holes for the screws.
- Mark where you want to install the shelves on the wall, and use a drill to insert wall anchors.
- Attach the shelves to the wall using screws.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
Here are some tips and ideas to help you make the most of your floating shelves:
- Choose a good quality wood that will hold up well over time.
- Consider staining or painting the shelves to match your decor.
- Use decorative brackets or hardware to add some interest to your shelves.
- Install shelves at different heights to create visual interest.
- Use floating shelves to display artwork, books, plants, or other decorative items.
- Consider installing floating shelves in unexpected places, such as above a toilet or in a corner.
- Maximize storage space by installing shelves in a kitchen or pantry.
- Use floating shelves to create a gallery wall.
- Install floating shelves in a child’s room to display toys and books.
- Use floating shelves to replace bulky bookcases or dressers in a small space.
Pros and Cons
Like any home decor or storage solution, floating shelves have their pros and cons:
Pros:
- They are a great way to add storage and display space to a room without taking up too much floor space.
- They create a clean and modern look.
- They can be customized to fit any decor style.
- They are relatively easy to install.
Cons:
- They may not hold as much weight as traditional shelves with brackets or supports.
- They may require more careful installation to ensure they are secure.
- They may not be ideal for rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms.
Personal Review and Suggestion
Overall, I am very happy with the floating shelves I made for my home. They were easy to install, and they have added a lot of storage and display space to my living room. I love that I was able to customize them to match my decor, and that they create a clean and modern look. My only suggestion would be to make sure you choose a good quality wood that will hold up well over time.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about floating shelves:
Q: How much weight can floating shelves hold?
A: This depends on the size and thickness of the shelves, as well as the type of wall anchors and screws used. As a general rule, floating shelves can hold between 20 and 40 pounds.
Q: How do I install floating shelves?
A: Follow the step by step guide above, and make sure to use wall anchors and screws that are appropriate for the weight of the shelves and the type of wall you are installing them on.
Q: Can I install floating shelves in a bathroom?
A: Yes, but be sure to choose a good quality wood that can withstand high humidity, and use appropriate wall anchors and screws to ensure the shelves are secure.
Q: How do I clean floating shelves?
A: Use a soft cloth or microfiber towel to gently wipe down the shelves. Avoid using harsh cleaning products or abrasive sponges, which can damage the wood.