Whether you live in a small flat or a big house, there’s one thing you just can’t get enough of: storage.
No matter how much you already have, you can always do with more clever ways to store your stuff neatly and out of sight. After all, tidy house, tidy mind.
However, there are some things you might want to keep on display: things like your book collection, vases and holiday souvenirs. For these pieces, floating shelves provide storage in otherwise dead space and without taking up the floor square footage that a bookshelf would.
What are floating shelves?
Attached to the wall with sturdy pins, these shelves hang cleanly as there are no brackets to see. It’s a look that’s very popular with fans of minimalist style and is simple to keep clean with a quick wipe with a damp cloth.
How to put up floating shelves
They can be tricky to put up and you’ll likely need a second person to help, so rope in your partner or a friend. It’s also important to note the type of surface you’re working with; concrete walls will require rawl plugs while for those with standard plasterboard it’s best to drill straight into the vertical upright stud timbers behind the wall. DIY Doctor has an excellent guide if you’re planning to do the work yourself.
There are lots of styles of floating shelves with plenty of varying lengths to suit your home best. We’ve done the legwork and found some of the nicest options for your next DIY project.
See our favourite floating shelves below
Best vinyl storage to keep your records in great condition
Best storage boxes: large decorative blanket boxes and baskets for daily clutter
Best plastic storage boxes 2022: Foldable and stackable containers
Best multifunctional furniture pieces: Great ideas to make the most of smaller spaces
Best home office storage ideas for smart, stylish organisation
Best portable electric heaters: Stay warm with these fan, ceramic and mini heaters
Urban Outfitters Joanna Small Shelf
Dimensions: 40.6 x 17.8 x 12.7cm
Details are what make a house a home. Lift your humble shelf game by adding this mango wood design to your walls. It comes with a textured metal backing to add a subtle glimmer to your favourite room.
Buy now £24.00, Urban Outfitters
Kaarlo Medium Ceramic Wall Shelf
Dimensions: 43.5 x 25.5 x 9cm
This chunky shelf feels practically indestructible, making it ideal for your home’s high traffic areas as well as gardens. The handcrafted look is perfect for showcasing your favourite bits and pieces.
Buy now £69.00, Urban Outfitters
STOREMIC Floating Shelves 38cm Shelves for wall
Dimensions: 38 x 17 x 3.5cm
For walls that’ll fade into the background and give your trinkets the limelight they deserve instead, look no further than this set of three 38cm shelves available at Amazon. Damp-proof and heat-resistant, the MDF wood shelves offer quick and easy storage that you can get up in minutes thanks to the included mounting accessories.
Buy now £27.99, Amazon
Dunelm Fulton Wall Shelf with Hooks Pine
Dimensions: 31 x 100 x 30cm
A unit that not only has space to hang coats, umbrellas and bags, but a shelf too for additional storage. How’s that for a smart design? The hanging bar means you can fold towels over it too, making it an option not only for your hallway but your bathroom too.
Buy now £40.00, Dunelm
Dunelm Bradford Shelf Wall Light with Magnetic Bulb Holder
Dimensions: 38 x 50 x 14cm
Available in white as well as black, this floating shelf unit comes with an integrated bulb holder - so it’s a lamp too! Multifunctional design at its best. There are two levels to display your favourite ornaments and homewares.
Buy now £49.00, Dunelm
Habitat Metal Wall Shelves - Gold - Set of 2
Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 40cm
Just because you’re forgoing brackets doesn’t mean you can’t be fancy with your shelves. The rising sun look design from Habitat not only adds interest but also provides a backdrop for whatever you’re putting on the surface.
Buy now £30.00, Argos
AMADA HOME FURNISHING Floating Shelves
Dimensions: 15 x 42 x 13cm
All bathrooms could do with extra storage options. This rustic-looking set of shelves allows you to display your favourite skincare products, candles and grooming essentials without hogging too much room. And there’s a removable towel holder too - genius!
Buy now £23.99, Amazon
Habitat Jak 30cm Floating Shelf - White Gloss
Dimensions: 3.8 x 30 x 23.5cm
Its beauty lies in its simplicity. While others see a plain plank of wood, we see a world of decorating opportunities for practically every room of the house. Position it beside the bed to stand in as bedside tables in a super minimal way, or add it to a hallway wall for somewhere to put your keys. The white gloss means it’s easy to clean off dust.
Buy now £7.00, Argos
