Floating Shelves: The Trend That is Here to Stay

If there’s one home design feature that has gracefully stood the test of time while still feeling fresh, it’s floating shelves. Love it or hate it, their minimalist form has mighty function. They are sleek because they are mounted to the wall without the visual chaos of brackets.

Floating shelves have found their way into kitchens, living rooms, offices, bathrooms and beyond — and from our experience, it doesn’t look like they are going anywhere anytime soon.

Why Floating Shelves Endure

The answer is truly simple. They combine style and practicality. They offer three primary functions that homeowners love.

1. Clean Lines and Minimal Clutter. Without visible brackets or bulky hardware, floating shelves provide a design that brings a sense of openness.

2. Versatility. They work across design schemes — from farmhouse to ultra-modern and vintage bungalow. The shelving allows for an array of different finishes: paint, stain or natural. Plus, when it comes to display, they can be used for just about anything practical, functional or display-worthy.

3. Space Optimization. Floating shelves make use of wall space without taking up valuable floor space. They are the perfect solution for open-concept layouts, small rooms, connecting cabinets and more!

No matter the design-inspo behind your home, floating shelves can be the solution. So, whether you’re seeking to showcase your cookbooks, plants or collectibles, or simply want space for laundry soaps or towels. They work.

Adaptability at its Finest

Floating shelves are versatile beyond their design. They are a simple concept that serves as a powerful chameleon — no matter the room. Here’s where we’ve built and installed them most: kitchens, entryway mud benches, pantries, wet bars, living rooms and closets.

L-Shaped Floating Shelves in a Butler's Pantry

Floating shelves as part of a floating mudbench.

Walnut floating shelves, waterfall counter and bottle riser.

Up close view of the walnut floating shelves.

A single floating shelf above a wet bar.

U-shaped floating shelves in a pantry painted bright white.

Natural floating shelves installed over herringbone tile.

Natural floating shelves in an open-concept kitchen.

Small floating shelves over a washer and dryer in a laundry room.

A single floating shelf in an under-the-stairs closet.

Natural floating shelves over a slat wall.

Off-set floating shelves over a toilet in a powder bathroom.

Why We Love Them

Floating shelves are a great solution to create a lighter, more open feel. They often can replace or connect cabinets while still providing a storage solution. They are a way to bring an element of design to walls that might otherwise be left blank.

The Custom Touch Matters

Sure, you can go online and buy a floating shelf. But custom-built shelves have a distinct advantage. Custom floating shelves are:

• Cut to the exact size for your space.

• Typically built using a miter-fold method, meaning all edges are clean without any rough ends of lumber showing.

• Made with high-quality materials (of your choice)!

• Finished to match the aesthetics of your home.

• Installed with strong hidden mounting systems that have a sturdier, longer-lasting result. Here's a video of us installing floating shelves.

  
  

A custom finish provides a sensation that store-bought items simply can't match. It feels as though it was crafted specifically for that space, as if it always belonged there. Whether you desire dreamy natural wood to add warmth to a room, painted shelves that complement or contrast with your walls or a bold contrasting stain to make them stand out, the customization possibilities are limitless.

They’re Not Just a Trend: They’re Timeless

Who can recall when they first saw a floating shelf? Perhaps it was on your favorite home renovation TV show, at a bar or restaurant, a Pinterest board or something you saw in a magazine. We’ve always thought they were cool, but like you, we weren’t sure if it was just a fad. We’ve heard and seen it all.

• “Who wants their junk out on display?”

• “Those dishes will just get dusty.”

• “They can’t hold anything with substantial weight.”

• “I’m not wasting my money on this trend.”

• “That looks like it’s something my cat would love.”

  
  

So what makes them timeless? A trend evolves into timeless design when it can adapt with style, be flexible for different reasons and seasons and continue to elevate space. If you’ve been considering floating shelves, here’s your sign to take the next steps!

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If you’re located in Middle Tennessee and you want floating shelves, contact us today for a free quote.