How to Decorate a Floating Shelf

Floating shelves save space as well as give any room an updated look with their modern design. Simple to install, floating bookshelves use empty wall space and allow you to store knickknacks, decorative items, books or other media easily. Despite being a more modern design than traditional bookshelves, the floating appearance of shelving goes well with any existing room decor. Use floating shelves to reduce clutter on tabletops or counters and incorporate them to display collections or mementos. This article will help you learn how to decorate a floating shelf.

1. Select color and style. Select the color and style of floating shelves that match the other decor in the room. Shelves come in various stains like mahogany, cherry, oak or walnut, as well as numerous paint finishes. The style you choose should complement the existing decor. Shelves come in all kinds of shapes and styles, ranging from simplistic modern to wooden racks.

2. Decide how many you need. Determine how many floating shelves you want to place on the wall. Floating shelves look best when there are two or three staggered vertically to create the illusion of higher walls. Avoid using more than three shelves to keep the wall from looking cluttered.

3. Add accent pieces and collectibles. Place collectibles or decorative accent pieces on the floating shelves. Because shelves are often approximately 30 inches or less in width, use smaller scale objects, like miniature vases, figurines or small books, to avoid dwarfing the shelves.

4. Balance. Balance out the shelves by placing books upright and on their sides. Keep collections in one location to draw the eye toward them and place items that are alike in alternating numbers from shelf to shelf. This will keep the shelves looking balanced.

5. Use them for glass. Place glass items on floating shelves instead of lower counters and bookcases. Putting delicate items higher up will keep them safe from high-traffic areas.

by Laura Leiva