Introduction
Floating shelves are a popular decorative and functional addition to many homes. As the name suggests, they appear to "float" on the wall, suspended by hidden brackets and anchors. There are several benefits that make floating shelves an appealing option:
- They are very versatile and can be used in many rooms, like kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. Floating shelves provide a place to display decor, plants, books, photos, and more.
- They have a lightweight, minimalist look that creates the illusion of extra space. Floating shelves don't take up floor space or visually weight down a room.
- They are easy to install on almost any wall surface. Floating shelves only require drilling a couple of holes to insert anchors and screws.
- They come in a wide variety of materials, sizes, colors and styles to fit any decor. Common options include wood, metal, glass, concrete, and acrylic.
- They are highly customizable since you can paint or stain them. Floating shelves also allow flexibility in placement and configuration.
Potential downsides of floating shelves include:
- Weight capacity is limited, usually 25-50 lbs per shelf bracket. They cannot hold very heavy items.
- Precise measuring and installation is required so the shelves remain level and securely mounted.
- Visible hardware like brackets can detract from the floating illusion if not installed correctly.
The most common types of floating shelves are:
- Wall mounted shelves attached at the wall with brackets. These are the easiest to install.
- Corner mounted shelves secured at two adjoining walls rather than flat on one wall.
- Rail mounted shelves attached to metal rails that provide flexibility. The shelves can slide along the rails.
- Freestanding shelves that appear to float in the center of a wall but are actually anchored to the floor and ceiling.
Materials Needed
To build floating shelves, you will need:
Shelves
- Wood shelves - 3/4" thick is best. Avoid shelves thinner than 1/2". Popular woods are pine, oak, poplar, maple.
- Glass shelves - Tempered glass at least 1/4" thick. Have edges finished for safety.
- Metal shelves - Often made of steel or aluminum. Buy pre-drilled shelves or be prepared to drill holes.
Brackets
- Floating shelf brackets - Choose based on shelf material and size. Get a variety of sizes for customized shelves.
- Heavy duty brackets for spans over 36". Look for weight ratings of at least 50 lbs per bracket.
Anchors
- Drywall anchors - Toggle bolts or molly bolts are best for drywall.
- Concrete anchors - Sleeve anchors, wedge anchors, or epoxy anchors work for concrete.
- Wood anchors - Use lag screws or wood screws for mounting into wood studs.
Tools
- Stud finder - Essential for locating studs to mount into.
- Power drill - Cordless drill with a variety of drill bits. Have a Phillips head for screws.
- Level - A mini level will help get brackets and shelves perfectly straight.
- Pencil and tape measure.
- Safety equipment - Goggles, ear protection, gloves, etc.
Find the Studs
Finding and marking the studs where you'll mount the brackets is one of the most important steps when installing floating shelves. Studs provide the solid structural support needed to hold the shelf and anything you place on it.
You'll need a stud finder tool to locate the studs behind your wall. There are three main types - magnetic, electronic, and non-invasive electronic stud finders. Electronic stud finders are most reliable for locating wood and metal studs behind drywall.
To find the studs:
- Hold the stud finder against the wall and move it slowly across the area where you want to install the shelf brackets. Follow the instructions for your specific stud finder model.
- When it detects a stud, mark the location with a pencil. Make sure to mark both the vertical edges of the stud.
- Check for studs 16 inches apart, since this is the standard stud spacing.
- Double check your marks by knocking on the wall. You'll hear a solid "thump" compared to a more hollow sound elsewhere.
- Mark at least two studs where you'll mount the shelf brackets. They need to be spaced according to the length of the shelf.
Now that you've located and marked the studs, you can be confident your brackets will be solidly anchored for a secure floating shelf.
Mark Bracket Locations
When marking the bracket locations, you'll need to take into account the size of the shelf you'll be installing. Measure the length of the shelf and make a mark at each end indicating the outer edges.
You'll also want to space the brackets evenly so the shelf remains level and sturdy. As a general guideline, place a bracket within 6 inches of each end and add additional brackets spaced evenly between them, with no more than 32 inches between brackets. Having 3-4 brackets total for a 4 foot shelf is commonly recommended.
Before marking, use a level to ensure your marks will be perfectly horizontal. Lightly mark the stud center locations with a pencil. Then measure and mark where each bracket will go. Double check your marks are level before proceeding. Proper bracket placement is crucial for a floating shelf that looks great and stays securely mounted.
Install the Anchors
Once you've marked the bracket locations, it's time to install the anchors. Anchors provide a secure base for the floating shelves to attach to.
For each bracket location:
- Drill a pilot hole into the wall stud using a drill bit that's slightly smaller than the anchor. Drilling a pilot hole first allows the anchor to drive in more easily. Use a level to double check your drill is perfectly vertical.
- Hammer the anchor bolt flush into the pilot hole using a small hammer. Tap gently yet firmly until the bolt head is flush with the wall. Make sure the anchor is seated completely into the wall material.
- Triple check your anchors are level by placing the shelf bracket over the anchor. Adjust as needed until the bracket sits flush against the wall.
Installing the anchors properly is crucial to providing a sturdy base for your floating shelves. Taking care to drill pilot holes and fully seat the anchors will lead to a safer, more secure finished product.
Mount the Brackets
Attaching the brackets to the anchors is one of the most important steps in ensuring your floating shelves will be level and secure. Here are some tips for properly mounting the brackets:
- Hold the bracket up to the wall over the anchor and insert the provided screws through the holes in the bracket into the anchor. Use a drill or screwdriver to drive the screws into the anchor until the bracket feels secure.
- Check that the bracket feels sturdy by gently pulling on it. If it moves or wiggles, tighten the screws further.
- Use a level to verify that the bracket is mounted evenly horizontally. Place the level along the bottom edge of the bracket and adjust the bracket if needed until the bubble is perfectly centered between the lines.
- Double check that the bracket is placed at the desired height for your shelf. Measure from the floor to make sure the placement matches your plans.
- Repeat this process to install the second bracket, measuring carefully to mount it at the exact same height as the first. Using a yardstick span between the two brackets can help ensure they align.
- Stand back and visualize a level line between the two brackets. Adjust if needed until you are certain they are perfectly level and aligned.
Taking the time to carefully mount the brackets is essential to getting your shelves installed straight and sturdy. The shelves themselves will only be as level and secure as the brackets they get attached to.
Prepare and Mount the Shelves
Before mounting the shelves to the brackets, you may need to cut the shelves down to size. Measure the distance between the left and right brackets and cut shelves to length as needed. Use a circular saw, miter saw, or jigsaw to cut the shelves. Make sure edges are smooth and even.
To attach the shelves, position the shelf on the mounting brackets. You'll want the front edge of the shelf to be flush with the front edge of the brackets for support. Pre-drill pilot holes through the back of the bracket holes. Then use screws (often provided with shelf brackets) to securely attach the shelf to the brackets. Use at least two screws per bracket. Make sure screws are tightened snugly but be careful not to overtighten.
Attach any remaining shelves in the same way, spacing them evenly. Once mounted, the floating shelves are ready for use! You can now load books, decorative items, plants, and more onto your new floating shelves.
Add Decor
Floating shelves are the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal style and decor. When choosing items to display, consider a balanced and coordinated look.
Books
Books make for both beautiful and functional displays. Mix in a variety of sizes, colors and topics. Try organizing by color or subject. Floating shelves are a great way to highlight your favorite coffee table books or special editions. Make sure books are not too heavy for your shelves.
Photos
Photo displays are a mainstay for floating shelves. Use frames in a cohesive style or color. Black and white photos look modern and striking. Space frames out evenly for a clean look. You can also display photos without frames by clipping them directly onto the shelves. Go for a fun, informal style.
Plants
Houseplants are ideal for floating shelves. Their trailing vines and succulent leaves can be shown off. Use planters in your color scheme. Try a series of small pots lined up or a couple of larger statement plants. Make sure plants are not too heavy and have proper drainage. Fake plants are also an option if you don't have a green thumb!
Other Ideas
Floating shelves present endless possibilities for chic displays. Some other ideas are collectibles, small sculptures, baskets, candles, and artwork. Make sure items are sized well for the shelves and balanced on each side. Use items sparingly for a clean look. The right accessories can make your floating shelves truly stand out!
Maintenance
It's important to routinely check your floating shelves and perform maintenance to ensure they remain securely mounted. Over time, anchors can work loose from the wall due to factors like vibrations and shifting or settling of the house.
- At least once a year, gently pull on the floating shelves to check that the anchors are still snugly gripping the wall. If you notice any looseness or hear creaking noises, the anchors likely need to be re-tightened.
- Periodically use a dry duster or microfiber cloth to wipe away any accumulated dust on top of and underneath the floating shelves. Letting dust build up, especially underneath, can make the shelves appear dirty and dingy.
- Consider applying a fresh coat of paint to the wall behind the shelves every few years when you repaint that room. This will keep the wall looking clean and uniform after being covered by the shelves for awhile.
- Inspect the shelves themselves each year for any scratches, chips or other cosmetic damage. Lightly sand and repaint as needed to keep the shelves looking their best.
By routinely checking for anchor tightness, dusting, and repainting when necessary, you can keep your floating shelves looking great for years to come. Proper maintenance preserves their functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Troubleshooting
If you notice any issues with your floating shelves after installation, there are a few easy fixes:
Shelf Sagging
Floating shelves can sometimes start to sag in the middle over time, especially if they are long or supporting heavy objects. If you notice a shelf starting to dip, it likely needs some additional support. You can add a metal brace, small wooden block, or other supporting material to the back of the shelf where it meets the wall. Secure it with screws to give the shelf extra strength and prevent further sagging.
Paint Peeling Behind Shelf
Taking floating shelves down after many years can sometimes lead to chipped or peeling paint behind where it was mounted. The anchors can take some of the wall paint off when removed. If this occurs, simply take some time to repaint the wall area with a small brush. Make sure to use the same paint color and finish as the rest of the wall for the best results. Let the paint fully dry before remounting the shelf.
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