All those cute knick knacks, books and small toys take up space. Shelves offer a place to store all those small items and books, too. However, standard shelves may not be everyone’s décor taste, or they simply may take up too much wall space.
DIY floating shelves save space and add charm to any wall. These unique storage spaces can be designed in all shapes and colors. And since they don’t incorporate all those bulkier pieces, they aren’t too difficult to create and hang.
Check out these ideas for fun and creative DIY floating shelves.
Get Characteristic
For children’s rooms, design floating shelves that incorporate favorite characters. Homeowners who are extra creative with woodworking may actually be able to trace and cut shelves that resemble the faces of popular characters. Those without advanced skills may just purchase stencils to add these characters to basic rectangular floating shelves.
Opt for Pops of Color
Floating shelves also can be used as accent pieces in a living room, bedroom or den to add interest to a bare wall. Instead of maple, cherry or other standard wood grain hues, paint the shelves with a color that complements the décor of the room. Rich burgundy, pale pinks, sage green or even the bright, cheery color Illuminating (one of Pantone’s Colors of the Year) all pull the eyes toward floating shelves that can be used to display cherished items or favorite books.
Think Abstract
DIY floating shelves don’t have to be arranged in a standard stacked or perfect line design. These individualized shelves can be positioned on the wall in an abstract layout. Diagonal set shelves or even staggered shelves create a unique and almost sculptural visual appeal.
Choose Different Sizes
Different sized shelves also can create a contemporary layout on a wall. However, homeowners should not get too zealous in choosing different sizes for their shelves. That is, a shorter width set above longer widths on top of even tinier widths of shelves might look a bit too DIY.
Choose widths of horizontal shelves purposefully, and use the different sizes to create an interesting layout. For example, widths can gradually shorten to create shelves that appear almost pyramid-like in design. Or use varying widths to create a diamond shape with floating shelves.
Don’t Overdo It
While a set of floating shelves on a wall serves as an accent piece and décor, shelves on every wall in the room or multiple sets of floating shelves could look cluttered. Use floating shelves for both form and function, but homeowners might want to step away from going too shelf-crazy!
Continuous Shelves Might be the Exception
While too many shelves can look cumbersome, homeowners can line an entire wall with one continuous section of floating shelves. This idea is perfect for books, if the homeowner has many to display. How does this look? This floating design would feature a long shelf that covers an entire wall; these long shelves may be stacked in a group of three. Homeowners also could line a corner of the room in this type of shelf design. That is the shelves would cover one wall then angle to the next wall. Sketch out a design of floating shelves to get an idea if this design would work for the room.
Rustic Floating Shelves
Bare wood floating shelves are perfect to display plants or other greenery. Choose wood hues that complement the room; if furniture is cherry wood, opt for the same wood hue for shelves. Rustic cuts of wood or reclaimed wood shelves also can add a casual appeal.
Floating Shelves in the Bathroom or Kitchen
DIY floating shelves also can be designed to look like square nooks. These shelves can be used for storage in the bathroom for towels or washcloths. Just roll up the linens and place them on the shelves! In the kitchen, floating shelves can be used as a storage space for stacks of dishes, mugs and more! This is a great way to maximize space for homeowners with smaller kitchens and bathrooms.
Floating Shelves as Furniture
Country Living showcased different sets of floating shelves that eliminated the need for a night stand. These shelves were positioned low on the wall right next to the side of the bed to create a sort of built-in DIY night stand. Homeowners can create these shelves/nightstands in a variety of designs and styles. Get crafty!
No Time to DIY?
While there are so many options to create unique DIY floating shelves, some homeowners just don’t have the time or patience for the project. Thankfully, many home improvement stores carry floating shelves in different designs and sizes. Search around the internet to find the best shelves for storage needs.
However, those who are comfortable with DIY floating shelves can get creative to design the ideal shelves for their space needs. Opt for pops of color, rustic wood, abstract designs, shapely forms or even shelves that resemble favorite characters. These DIY shelves can be arranged in staggered designs or in rows to line an entire wall. Choose the design and layouts that work best for the room and the décor.
