Floating shelves are a great way to add storage and style to any wall. They can be used as bookcases, a display for photos or keepsakes, or anything else you can think of!
Whether you’re installing a single shelf or multiple ones, there are a few things you need to know before starting the project. Luckily, we’ve got you covered!
Location
Floating shelves are an elegant and efficient way to organize items around the home. However, if you intend to install multiple shelves in a single space, it’s essential to understand how far apart they should be.
The answer will vary depending on the purpose of the shelf. For instance, stands in a bathroom may require a significantly shorter horizontal distance than kitchen shelves.
Aside from the location of the shelves, other factors to consider when planning out the layout include the size and weight capacity of the frames. Especially if you plan to display heavy or massive items, it’s essential to ensure the frames are strong enough to hold them without causing them to sag or topple.
Aside from storing necessities, floating shelves are an excellent way to showcase your favorite finds and art. Styling them with various decorative objects is an easy and intuitive way to create a harmonious look.
Brackets
When a shelf is hung, the brackets that support it are the key to its stability. They also help make the shelving look as minimal as possible.
Floating shelves work best when the brackets are made of metal. You can find metal brackets at most hardware stores.
A metal bracket is more robust than a wood bracket, and it will not warp or rot from exposure to moisture and humidity like wood.
The sizing of the brackets is essential, and you should consider both length and width. A frame 2″-4″ shorter than the length of your shelf will cross as many anchor points on the wall as possible, resulting in more strength.
Use a stud finder and a level to determine the proper shelf placement. Ensure that at least one of the mounting brackets secures to a stud, and mark the studs with light pencil marks.
Shelves
There are many spaces where a sturdy pair of floating shelves would make a big difference. A laundry room, for example, could benefit from a set of solid shelves that can hold a few potted plants or framed pictures.
Shelves can be made with 2 x dimension lumber or particleboard. Select-grade lumber should be about 1 1/2 inches thick for maximum strength and fewer knots. Particleboard is manufactured and sold in thicknesses of 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, and 3/4 inch.
When hanging a shelf, it is essential to know where the wall studs are located to install the internal brackets securely. Without this, the frame may sag or lean.
To help ensure a stable installation, you can use painter’s tape to mark the studs on the wall. This way, you will not have to worry about visible pencil markings; it also helps you visualize the space between each shelf.
Casings
Floating shelves are a great way to create extra storage space in your home. They also add a sleek look to your room.
They come in various styles and can be used to store multiple items. However, it is essential to know how to install them properly.
To start, you will need to make sure that your wall is sturdy. This can be done by using a stud finder and marking the area on your wall where you will mount your shelves.
You must attach each shelf to the wall with the right type of brackets. These brackets need to be strong enough to hold the weight of your shelves.
The best type of floating shelf brackets are those drilled into the wall and support the weight of the shelves. These types of frames are more stable than rod brackets.
