13 Best Floating Shelves for Every Room in the House

Floating shelves are one of our favorite design solutions and for good reason. They're easy to install, can go on any wall and add storage to a room without contributing any visual clutter. (Read: If anything, they make everyday objects look like intentional focal points.)

So what are the best floating shelves, you ask? Keep scrolling to see 13 designs we love, plus must-know tips from Marie Cloud, principal interior designer and owner of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio, on what to look for when shopping for your shelves.

What to Know About Floating Shelves Before Buying

Weight Capacity: Floating shelves are typically meant for lightweight, decorative objects. (Think art, candles, ceramic bowls, wine glasses, etc.) Always read the product description and confirm the weight limit before loading your shelf up with items. You'd be amazed at how many floating shelves can hold just five pounds, while others can manage up to 70 pounds.

Materials: As always, solid wood and metal tend to be the sturdiest materials and make great options for heavier items in the kitchen or living room. Meanwhile, glass and rattan work wonders in the bathroom because they're visually airy and can hold smaller items like hand towels and bars of soap.

"I love using natural woods like oak or walnut for floating shelves," shares Cloud. "They offer warmth and durability, and the grain adds a beautiful, organic texture to any space. For more modern looks, metal or glass shelves are great choices that add a sleek touch to contemporary interiors."

Placement: Feeling stuck on where to hang your floating shelves? Fret not — we come bearing answers. "Floating shelves work well in so many areas, but I particularly love incorporating them in kitchens for open storage of stylish dishware, or in living rooms to showcase art or personal treasures," says Cloud.

"They also create great visual interest when placed in home offices, providing both function and an opportunity to display personality through curated objects."

How to Hang Them: "The key to securely hanging floating shelves is using anchors that are appropriate for your wall type, whether drywall, plaster or brick," Cloud explains. "I always recommend finding studs for extra support, especially if the shelves will hold heavier items. If studs aren't available, heavy-duty toggle bolts are a great alternative to ensure the shelf is securely mounted."

Best Floating Shelves Overall

Take one look at West Elm's Volume Floating Shelves and you'll quickly understand why they're so popular. These shelves are expertly built from solid wood, with a squared-off silhouette that appears modern and rustic at the same time, so you'll have plenty of style options. The shelves are also available in multiple depths, multiple sizes and your choice of Oak, Winterwood or Cool Walnut finishes, and they can support 24 to 60 pounds. In turn, you can enjoy total customization.

Best Budget Floating Shelves

If you're looking for floating shelves under $100, then set your sights on the Millwood Pines Pippi Two-Piece Floating Shelves from Wayfair. Each piece is crafted from solid wood with a thick silhouette and rustic finish that resembles more high-end designs on the market, so you're getting a similar look for a much cheaper price tag. The floating shelves come in sets of two, and you can choose from six finishes and 16 sizes.

Best Live-Edge Floating Shelves

If you prefer more of an organic look, then do yourself a favor and snag these Takara Live-Edge Floating Shelves from Anthropologie. Each piece is made from thick reclaimed teak wood and showcases the natural curves and grains of the material. You can buy the shelves individually in four different sizes and layer them with earthy candles, ceramic pots and trailing plants for one serene accent wall.

Best Arch Floating Shelf

Arches are having a major moment right now. And thanks to the Ederra Accent Floating Shelf from All Modern, we can totally see what the fuss is about. This beauty is crafted from manufactured wood but uses a crisp alabaster finish and curved top to "frame" trinkets. In turn, the shelf makes everyday objects seem like a focal point. And although the floating shelf looks delicate, it can support 15 pounds.

Best Floating Shelf for Entryway

Excuse us while we swoon over the Quinn All-In-One Entryway Mirror Floating Shelf. This sculptural piece has everything you need for a successful day out: a large mirror to check your hair or makeup; a long surface for your phone, AirPods and perfume; and three hooks for your keys, purse, dog leash and more. Meanwhile, the shelf's gently curved edges and cream finish will lend an artistic touch to your entryway.

Best Floating Shelves for Kitchen

Floating shelves have to carry a lot of weight in the kitchen. (Think cups, plates, bowls, ceramic jars, trailing plants, etc.) So you need shelves with a large weight capacity. More specifically? You need the Brighton Floating Wood Shelves from Pottery Barn. Each piece is made from kiln-dried mango wood with mild steel brackets and can support anywhere from 25 to 70 pounds. You can also choose from four different sizes and three finishes to get the perfect aesthetic for your kitchen.

Best Floating Bar Shelf

Now, this is what we call easy entertaining. Keep your favorite beverages, bottle openers, garnishes, wine glasses and more readily available on the Percy Wine Rack from Anthropologie. The handsome accent piece can hold four bottles of wine or liquor, as well as four stemmed glasses. Bonus: It features a top shelf to display your prettiest decanters and keep embroidered cocktail napkins within reach.

Best Floating Shelves for Corners

Awkward corners are no match for this Demigo Corner Shelf Set. Each piece is cut to fit a 90-degree corner and gives you about 16.5 inches for art prints, books, candles, small plants, etc. (Or glass canister sets and marble serving boards, if you're working with a tiny kitchen.) The wooden shelves are available in a black or brown finish and can support 30 pounds individually or 60 pounds together

Best Floating Shelves for Bathrooms

For powder rooms and bathrooms, we highly recommend the Modern Overhang Double Glass Shelf from West Elm. This sleek unit is crafted from metal and tempered glass and thus visually lightens your space while organizing toiletries. (Plus, the two shelves give you ample room for toothbrushes, soaps, scented candles and picture frames.) The double-stacked unit is easy to wipe down, too, and comes in four stunning finishes.

Best Floating Shelves for Laundry Rooms

You can never have too much storage in your laundry room. Lift those bottles of detergent, fabric softener and bleach out of the way via these Trenton Wood & Iron Floating Shelves. You can choose from three different sizes and even outfit the shelves with wicker baskets to make them look more cohesive. Best of all? You can customize the Trenton system with a matching laundry bag holder or drying rack down the line.

Best Floating Shelves for Kids' Rooms

Kids' rooms call for something cute and functional, and our top pick is easily this scallop-clad Wave Shelf from West Elm Kids. Each shelf is made from smooth engineered wood and finished with a white or washed oak stain to complement your baby's nursery. The floating shelf can hold up to 30 pounds, too, so it's suitable for teethers, monitors, extra diapers, picture books and their favorite stuffed animals.

Best Floating Shelves for Art

If your goal is to display art prints or family portraits, then you'll love the Holman Handmade Floating Ledges from Pottery Barn. Unlike traditional floating shelves, the ledges are super slender and feature raised edges to prop photos against the wall. And they can support anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds, so you don't have to worry about the weight of your frames. You can also take your pick of four sizes and five finishes.

Best Floating Shelves for Books

Your books deserve to be seen, too, so we found the ultimate solution: the Umbra Conceal Floating Shelves from Amazon. Each shelf is made from sturdy metal and can hold 15-20 pounds. (That's about five to six books, depending on the thickness.) We also love how you can arrange the shelves vertically on a spare wall or horizontally above your TV stand or bookcase.