It helps create a little extra drama and makes whatever you’ve styled on the shelves shineliterally.

Have a professional install them, or opt for do-it-yourself battery-operated kits.

They also provide some contrast between the shelves and walls.

Floating Shelves in Kitchen

Credit:Courtesy of Ann Gottlieb, by Angela Newton Roy Photography

Here the brass creates a striking, vintage-inspired contrast against the wood and corrals stacks of dishes.

Display a gallery of art or decorative plates, or keep items sorted in your laundry room.

Each shelf will be noticeably one-of-a-kind and add organic personality to your space.

Lighted floating shelves in kitchen

Credit:Courtesy of Amy’s Interiors

The raw edge adds subtle style and detail.

Sometimes though, the size of the TV or layout of the space makes its overwhelming presence unavoidable.

Even better, the silhouette offers double the styling opportunities.

Teal kitchen with floating shelves

Credit:Courtesy of Creative Tonic Design, by Julie Soefer

Use the inside of the box and the top for collections or decor.

Breathing room spaces out components and keeps the shelf from feeling cluttered.

Enter: floating shelves.

Floating shelves in kitchen

Credit:Courtesy of Urbanology Designs, by Mike Davello Photography

Glasses allow light to shine through, and plants would also be a pretty option.

What a perfect spot for akitchen herb garden.

Geometric designs like this can be custom-made to fit the space.

Coastal outdoor kitchen

Credit:Courtesy of PRD Custom Homes & Interiors, by Ruta Smith

The simple design also adds style to a simple space.

Floating shelves are simple to install and work as both a storage and styling moment.

They can provide storage in an otherwise wasted space.

Living room TV console

Credit:Courtesy of Erin Myers Design, by Laura Visioni

Fill with books,bath linens, or kitchen items, depending on the room.

Scalloped edges would also add a playful touch.

The open sides continue the open flow of the space.

Coastal living room

Credit:Courtesy of Jill Howard Design Studio, by Julia Lynn

In this case, the focus is on the brass hardware, wood countertop, and green sconce.

The shelves play a supporting role.

You could also add surprising floating shelf built-ins around your bed orin a bathroom.

Living room TV console

Credit:Courtesy of Urbanology Designs, by Matti Gresham

Why not take it one step further and match your floating shelves to the trim?

A bright color plays well with bold wallpaper patterns.

The books become a focal point.

Modern neutral kitchen

Credit:Courtesy of Blackberry Farm Design, by Ingalls Photography

Matching wood maintains the aesthetic.

The mini nightstand is the perfect spot for bedtime necessities.

Create Office Storage

Laurey W. Glenn

Add space to a desk nook with floating shelves.

Office

Credit:Courtesy of Emily June Designs, by Kerry Kirk Photography

One low shelf provides extra workspace and an easy-to-access spot for projects.

Build A Library

Maximize a corner space by adding floating shelves to create a home library.

The open shelves give focus to the books.

Modern neutral kitchen

Credit:Courtesy of Jill Howard Design Studio, by Julia Lynn

Photos and a few knick-knacks add a personal touch.

Add a chair and reading light to finish the cozyreading nook.

Matching untreated yellow pine shelves to the walls in thislakeside cabinmaintains the room’s flow.

Floating shelves in living room

Credit:Courtesy of Blueberry Jones Design, by Avery Nicole

The design keeps with the cabin’s simple vibe.

Maximize A Kitchenette

Floating shelves provide storage space and free up the counters in a small kitchen.

Thin shelves don’t detract from the rest of the space.

Boys bedroom

Credit:Courtesy of Stephanie London Interiors, by Pär Bengtsson

Don’t limit open shelves in the kitchen to just dishes.

This Alabama kitchen design shows off quirky flea market treasures.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Stained wood floating shelves add warmth to an otherwise calm kitchen.

Floating shelves in kitchen

Credit:Courtesy of Ann Gottlieb, by Angela Newton Roy Photography

Use a trio of shelves to put your most-used, everyday dishes in quick reach in a busy kitchen.

Dishes, glasses, and coffee mugs are right where you need them.

Matching the wood to the cabinets adds a rustic touch that complements the stone walls.

Coffee bar with floating shelves

Credit:Courtesy of Chinotto House, by Native House Photography

Wide white shelves blend into the white backsplash, putting prized items front and center.

Spacing elements apart keeps open shelves from looking cluttered.

Theyre also not a good storage choice for items that arent meant to be on display.

Green kitchen with floating shelves and library ladder

Credit:Courtesy of Four Brothers Design + Build, by Steve Hershberger

A floating shelf can hold 50 pounds for every stud your shelf bracket is attached to.

If your shelf is attached to two studs along the wall, then it can hold 100 pounds.

High quality brackets and a shelf made of sturdy materials are better at holding more weight.

Bold colorful laundry room with wallpaper

Credit:Courtesy of Emily June Designs, by Claudia Casbarian for Julie Soefer

Playroom basement

Credit:Courtesy of Jennifer Barron, by Molly Culver

Modern neutral kitchen with glass front cabinets and floating shelves

Credit:Courtesy of Urbanology Designs, by Costa Christ Photography

Coastal bedroom

Credit:Courtesy of Jill Howard Design Studio, by Julia Lynn

Navy blue kitchen with checkered tile

Credit:Courtesy of Four Brothers Design + Build, by Steve Hershberger

Floating Shelves

Credit:Laurey W. Glenn

1950s Mid-Century House Library

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins

Modern Lake House Living Room with Loft Space

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Kiera Coffee

Amie Corely Kitchenette Dining Area

Credit: Ashley Gieseking

Green kitchen with rustic accents

Credit:Laurey W. Glenn

White Kitchen with Island and Breakfast Nook

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Interior of farmhouse style kitchen

Credit:Cody Ulrich

Clare Paint, Greige grey kitchen cabinets white tile backsplash open shelves

Credit: Madeline Harper Photography