DIY floating shelves are one of my favorite ways to add both function and style to a room. Whether you’re displaying pottery, organizing books, or just need extra storage, floating shelves are practical and beautiful. And the best part? You don’t have to be a pro to make them yourself!
When we added DIY floating shelves to our living room, they transformed the space. I loved the process so much that I wrote a detailed tutorial for building a DIY mantel shelf. If you’re looking for another easy project that adds character to your home, be sure to check it out!
4 Ways to Make Easy DIY Floating Shelves for Any Space
01. The Most Common DIY Method
With this method, you essentially build a three-sided box and slide it onto wood brackets you’ve DIY’d. It only requires basic tools, wood, and screws (plus your finish of choice) and can be made in any size.
- Pros: Really simple to do, completely customizable
- Cons: Uses more wood than other versions (which is a big con while wood prices are so high)
02. Ikea’s Lack Shelves
While technically not a full DIY, Ikea Lack Shelves require you to mount them to the wall like hanging a picture. They have hidden brackets already attached. Unfortunately, I can’t see these holding up all our pottery and books though.
- Pros: Easy-peasy to install, no separate brackets
- Cons: It seems to be out of stock in many locations, unable to find how much weight they can hold (but I wouldn’t think much based on design)
03. Wall Shelf with Brackets included in Package
Much like the Ikea shelves above, these aren’t actually a DIY. But these types of shelves (affiliate link) are the easiest to install since they have everything you need in the package already.
The big drawback is the limited sizes available.
- Pros: Super simple to install, easy to wipe clean
- Cons: Cannot customize the size or finish, the 15-inch long version only holds up to 22 pounds (so be careful what you put on it)
04. Blind Shelf Brackets and 2×10’s
After looking at several ways to build shelves, we decided to go with these metal brackets from Amazon (affiliate link) and 2″ x 10″ pine from the hardware store.
Each set of two of these brackets can hold up to one-hundred pounds, which is what really sold us on them because I knew we’d be putting a good amount of weight on each shelf with all the pottery and books I wanted to style them with. 😉
- Pros: Cost-effective, completely custom (size and finish) for way less, can hold up to 100 pounds per two brackets
- Cons: Need to be decently acquainted with or comfortable using a few power tools (drill, router, saw)
Tip: These brackets (affiliate link) are apparently guaranteed to be straight, square, and of exceptional quality. We found them to be decent, with a few of the welds needing reinforcing where the post meets the wall bracket portion (the weakest part of the bracket). Since Dean works in a sheet metal shop, that wasn’t a huge deal for us. He just had them re-welded. But you want to make sure if you order them that the welds are strong when they arrive. If not, I suggest messaging the seller about exchanging them, because they may not hold up to weight.
How We Installed Our Shelves
1. Measure the Wall and Decide Where to Hang Shelves
- Dean began by marking the wall at the heights we wanted the shelves to be on each side of the cabinet.
- Then he used his stud-finder to attempt to locate any studs we could attach the brackets to. Unfortunately, there were none in appropriate places, so we marked the best place to put the brackets given our shelf width.
2. Measure the Shelves for Bracket Placement
- Dean then transferred those measurements to the shelves themselves so he could get them ready for the brackets. (This was simple for us because the shelf width is the full width of the space available.)
- For this method, you need to fit the brackets into the wood by drilling a hole into the back for the bracket post to slide into, like the photo below. You will need a very long drill bit (6 inches) to do this.
- And if you want the brackets to be 100% hidden, you can use a Dremel or router (affiliate link) to create space for the bracket to sit flush with the back of the shelves, as shown in the photos below.
3. Attach Brackets to the Wall
- Attaching the brackets to the wall is as easy as drilling holes, popping anchors in, and then screwing them to the wall.
4. Hang the Shelves
- Then just slide each shelf onto its brackets.
FAQs
Pine and poplar are affordable and easy to work with, but hardwoods like oak or walnut add a more polished look and durability.
Yes! With the right brackets and installation, floating shelves can hold substantial weight. The blind shelf brackets I used support up to 100 pounds per pair.
Use a router or Dremel to carve out a space on the back of the shelf for the brackets to sit flush with the wood.
Basic tools like a drill, a long drill bit (6 inches), a level, and a saw are usually sufficient. A router can be helpful for a seamless look.
More DIY Decor Projects
- Shiplap and Barn Beam Fireplace Mantel Makeover
- DIY Range Hood Cover: Easy Custom Kitchen Upgrade
- Build a Faux Mantel Shelf For YOUR House to Decorate Each Season!
- DIY Balustrade Coffee Table + Where to Get Balustrades!
- DIY Faux Floral Arrangement: Feminine Yet Rustic Crate
- How to Seal Butcher Block Counters for a Durable Finish
- DIY Farmhouse Bathroom Mirror Tutorial
- How to Make a Large Hanging DIY Chalkboard
- Walnut Butcher Block Counters: Installation and 8-Year Review
DIY floating shelves are a simple, stylish way to make any room feel more organized and put-together. Whether you go for a full DIY method or use pre-made options, there’s a solution for every skill level and budget. I’m thrilled with how ours turned out in the living room—they perfectly balance practicality and beauty! Have you tried making your own DIY floating shelves yet? I’d love to hear about your project in the comments below!
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I love floating shelves. Wouldn’t you know, this summer we had hoped to build some, but since the price of lumber has increased, and there are so many other pressing issues we must tackle, this summer, the floating shelves will again have to be put on hold. However, you’re floating shelves are absolutely fantastic, especially placed on each side of your China cabinet. Beautiful!!!