We researched dozens of floating shelves, evaluating them on sturdiness, ease of installation, and overall value. Our top choice is the Gracie Oaks Joao 2-Piece Wood Floating Shelf for its solid construction, variety of sizes and colors, and easy installation. Here are the best floating shelves. Gracie Oaks’ solid wood floating shelves are our favorite pick overall, thanks to their quality construction, minimal profile, and the number of finishes available. Like most floating shelves, they’re really easy to install—the set includes mounting hardware you’ll need, including drywall anchors. The shelves are offered in three finishes—natural, white washed, and coffee bean—each of which would work in a farmhouse, bohemian, and minimal home. Be warned that some customers reported that the color differs a bit from the picture. Still, the wood finishes seamlessly transition from rustic to modern decor, depending on your taste. They’re sold in sets of two, giving you lots of extra storage or display space over your desk, in your living room, or in the bathroom. Customers confirm they are easy to install and feel sturdy, so displaying anything from books to plants is a breeze. Price at time of publish: $104 The shelves are made of a lightweight composite material, so they’re not exactly ideal for heavy items like books. However, if you’re looking for a set of floating shelves to help you display some decorative objects, these may be your best bet. The set is offered in four finishes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your home aesthetic. Plus, they can be installed in as little as 15 minutes for a seriously quick decor upgrade. Price at time of publish: $35 Although the installation guide says that only a screwdriver is needed to install these shelves, a power drill may speed up the process even more, especially if you’re creating new holes in drywall. Be sure to avoid getting these shelves wet, as they are made from pine and may develop mold, if exposed to constant moisture. Price at time of publish: $64 The set includes three metal shelves, each of which is the same size. Each individual shelf in the set can hold up to 20 pounds, so it’s best for cookbooks, extra coffee table books, or heavier accents, like candles and plants. The set makes for an eye-catching display when hung together, but they’re also ideal for creating extra storage and decor in different spaces around your home. Price at time of publish: $34 At 28 inches wide and 4 inches deep, each shelf can hold 25 pounds, so they’re a great spot for books and other accessories. The chip-resistant shelves make a statement when displayed together but make for a nice addition to a wall when hung solo as well. Price at time of publish: $75 Made of durable metal, each shelf features a u-shaped design that can hold 20 pounds worth of books, photos, candles, and other home accents. The shelves arrive assembled as well, and include all the necessary installation tools so setting them up will be a breeze. Price at time of publish: $146 Whether you use it to store spices in the kitchen or display a houseplant in your living room, this shelf makes it easy to make the most of a small space. It’s available in white, so it’ll match just about any decor style, but you can also paint it to complement your existing decor. Price at time of publish: $26 Each picture ledge is custom-made from extra-sturdy powder-coated steel, so they’re durable and designed to last. Since these are bespoke shelves, orders take up to two weeks to ship, but it’s worth the wait if you’re looking for the perfect picture ledge to display a great work of art. Price at time of publish: $98 Its magnet supports up to three and a half pounds without slipping, which is plenty for storing spices and seasonings, but may not be enough for a bottle of olive oil. Two or three of these would be offer enough storage for an entire spice collection, which could free up a whole shelf in your cabinet or pantry. Price at time of publish: $25
Weight Capacity
Before you buy any floating shelf, decide what you’re going to put on it. Some of the more budget-friendly options we love aren’t able to hold heavier items, such as a stack of books. Also, keep in mind that some floating shelves should be installed directly into wall studs and will require a stud finder. For smaller shelves or those loaded with lightweight items, you can safely install them with drywall anchors.
Lips
Yes, lips. Floating picture ledges, kitchen shelves, and bathroom shelves should ideally have some kind of raised edge that prevents toiletries (or precious artwork) from tumbling to the ground. For artwork, a shelf with a lip is non-negotiable, whereas, for bathroom or kitchen shelves, you could go either way. It mostly depends on your style preference, but keep in mind that a raised lip or guardrail will help you keep spices or toiletries neatly in place day after day.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Tim Minerd covers furniture, home decor, and lighting for MyDomaine and The Spruce. He enjoys organizing spices alphabetically, testing out towels, and long walks through IKEA, and is the proud father of 11 succulents. To make this list, he considered each pick’s weight capacity, lips, and material. Additional reporting was done by Ashley Abramson, a writer who has worked as editor for local print and online publications. Her work has also appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Allure, InStyle, MyDomaine, and more.
