Floating shelves are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to upgrade your indoor space. They add style, storage, and personality without taking up floor space. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large home, DIY floating shelves can completely change how your room looks and functions.
In this guide, you’ll learn how DIY floating shelves can transform your indoor space, the benefits, design ideas, materials needed, and step-by-step installation tips .
If you’re looking for more inspiration, explore our DIY indoor decor ideas to create a stylish and functional indoor space on a budget.
What Are Floating Shelves?
Floating shelves are wall-mounted shelves with hidden brackets, making them look like they are floating on the wall. Unlike traditional shelves, there are no visible supports, which gives a clean, modern, and minimal look.
These shelves work well in:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Home offices
- Entryways
Why DIY Floating Shelves Are Perfect for Indoor Spaces
1. Save Space and Reduce Clutter
DIY floating shelves use vertical wall space, helping you organize items without crowding the room. This is ideal for small rooms and apartments.
2. Budget-Friendly Home Upgrade
Making floating shelves yourself costs much less than buying ready-made shelves. You can use affordable wood and basic tools to create a high-end look.
3. Easy to Customize
You can customize DIY floating shelves by:
- Choosing the size
- Selecting wood type
- Painting or staining
- Adjusting shelf depth
4. Improve Interior Aesthetics
Floating shelves instantly add charm and structure. They work with modern, farmhouse, minimalist, and Scandinavian interior styles.
Best Places to Install DIY Floating Shelves Indoors
Living Room
DIY floating shelves are a great way to upgrade your living room without spending a lot of money. They add both style and storage, making the space look organized and modern.
Living room floating shelves can be used to display:
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Indoor plants
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Books and magazines
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Framed photos or artwork
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Decorative vases
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Small showpieces
Floating shelves above the sofa or TV unit work especially well. Choose wood tones that match your furniture for a balanced look. Keep the styling simple and avoid overcrowding to maintain a clean and elegant feel.
Tip: Use a mix of decor and empty space to make your living room shelves look stylish and uncluttered.
Kitchen
DIY floating shelves are a smart and stylish solution for modern kitchens. They help you organize daily-use items while keeping the space open and airy. Unlike bulky cabinets, floating shelves make small kitchens feel bigger and brighter.
You can use kitchen floating shelves to store:
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Plates and bowls
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Spice jars
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Coffee mugs
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Glass jars
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Small indoor plants
Wooden floating shelves work especially well in kitchens because they add warmth and a natural touch. For a clean look, stick to neutral colors like white, light wood, or beige. Always make sure shelves are installed securely, especially if you plan to place heavy dishes.
Tip: Keep frequently used items on lower shelves and decorative items on upper shelves for a balanced and functional kitchen design.
Bedroom
DIY floating shelves are perfect for bedrooms where you want storage without bulky furniture. They help keep the room calm, organized, and relaxing.
If you love a calm and relaxing setup, our cozy bedroom decor ideas can help you create a peaceful sleeping space.
Bedroom floating shelves are ideal for:
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Bedside essentials
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Lamps or candles
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Books
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Small plants
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Personal decor items
Bathroom
DIY floating shelves are perfect for bathrooms where storage space is often limited. They help keep essentials organized without making the bathroom feel crowded.
Bathroom floating shelves are ideal for:
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Towels
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Skincare and toiletries
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Candles
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Small baskets
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Decorative plants
Moisture-resistant wood or sealed MDF is best for bathroom shelves. Floating shelves above the toilet, near the sink, or beside the mirror work very well. Use light colors to create a clean, spa-like feel.
Tip: Avoid overloading bathroom shelves and always use strong wall anchors to handle humidity and weight safely.
Home Office
Use shelves for books, files, and decor to keep your workspace organized.
Materials Needed for DIY Floating Shelves
To build DIY floating shelves, you’ll need:
- Wooden boards (pine, oak, or MDF)
- Floating shelf brackets
- Screws and wall anchors
- Drill and screwdriver
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Sandpaper
- Paint or wood stain (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make DIY Floating Shelves
Step 1: Measure Your Wall Space
Decide where you want the shelves and measure the width and depth carefully.
Step 2: Choose the Right Wood
Select strong and durable wood that matches your interior style.
Step 3: Install the Brackets
Mark drill holes, install wall anchors if needed, and attach the floating shelf brackets securely.
Step 4: Prepare the Shelves
Sand the wood smoothly and paint or stain it to your desired color.
Step 5: Mount the Shelves
Slide the shelves onto the brackets and use a level to ensure they are straight.
Styling Tips for Floating Shelves
- Use a mix of books, plants, and decor
- Keep some empty space for a clean look
- Stick to a color theme
- Avoid overcrowding
- Use odd numbers for better balance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not using wall anchors
- Installing shelves without a level
- Overloading shelves
- Choosing weak materials
- Ignoring wall type (drywall vs concrete)
Benefits of DIY Floating Shelves
- Affordable home improvement
- Easy installation
- Stylish and modern look
- Increased storage space
- Boosts home value
Are DIY Floating Shelves Safe?
Yes, DIY floating shelves are safe when installed correctly. Always use strong brackets, proper anchors, and avoid placing heavy items beyond the shelf’s weight limit.
Conclusion
DIY Floating Shelves to Transform Your Indoor Space is a simple yet powerful home decor upgrade. With minimal tools, affordable materials, and a bit of creativity, you can enhance both the beauty and functionality of your home.
Whether you want to decorate your living room, organize your kitchen, or upgrade your bedroom, DIY floating shelves are a smart and stylish solution.