We Found the Best Floating Shelves for Every Room, From Kitchens to Bedrooms

This floating shelf holds quite a bit of weight for its length—up to 70 pounds, which is the highest on our list. We love the handsome dark walnut option, and that they come in three lengths—15, 24, or 36 inches. All are 6.5 inches deep.

If you’re looking for a way to display floating shelves, these three sizes are ideal for stacking on a wall, the shortest on top to the widest on the bottom, creating a balanced look. Installation seems easy since you attach a powder-coated bracket first to the wall, then use the predrilled holes on the backside of the shelf to slide into the protruding arms. 

_{Size: 24 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches | Material: Solid wood | Weight Capacity: 70 pounds | Number of Shelves: 2-pack | Finishes: Black, grey, light walnut, dark walnut, unfinished}

This classic floating shelf has Ikea’s signature simple, sleek design. Though there’s plenty of space on this roomy shelf (it’s double the width of our best overall), it’s made for light use. No stacking coffee table books on this one, though, as it can only hold 22 pounds. 

Similar to our best overall, you install a hidden suspension bracket with arms that slide into the shelf to hold it on the wall. As with some Ikea products, the holes in the bracket may not always align with wall studs, so you might have to get creative to make sure it’s sturdy.

_{Size: 43.25 x 10.25 x 2 inches | Material: Particleboard, fiberboard, and plastic edging | Weight Capacity: 22 pounds | Number of Shelves: 1 shelf | Finishes: Black-brown, white, white stained oak, black-blue}

These floating shelves are handmade in Ohio and are the thickest on our list, making them heavy-duty. Each shelf can hold 25 pounds. They’re a great way to organize cookbooks, plates, and bowls in the kitchen, or plants in your home office or family room. 

Since you should mount the shelf directly into a stud, you’ll need a drill bit and a stud finder to complete the installation, though some of the installation hardware is included.

_{Size: 12 x 6 x 3 inches | Material: Pine | Weight Capacity: 25 pounds per shelf | Number of Shelves: Set of 2 shelves | Finishes: Brown, chestnut, gray, natural}

What we love about this pick is the subtle front-edge lip. The short and small front ledge of this floating shelf is ideal for holding framed artwork, dishes, or other decor that might slip forward. The ledge won’t get in the way of the frame or the artwork, but provides just enough of a stop so the frames stay in place. 

The shelves are made of iron, which is a strong and sturdy material for floating shelves. The weight capacity of these shelves is based on the length, and they seem to be quite durable at any size. The downside of these sleek shelves is that they are only available in dark bronze or gold, neither of which may match a more neutral decor or style.

_{Size: 24–72 x 4 inches | Material: Iron | Weight Capacity: 25–72 pounds depending on size | Number of Shelves: 1 | Finishes: Dark bronze}

This robust floating shelf is specifically made for heavy items, thanks to its alloy steel makeup. Stack with beauty products for a spa-like look, or use in your kitchen to organize spices. 

While it’s less than 2 inches thick (the thinnest shelf on our list), it holds over 50 pounds when installed using a stud. 

If you’re not into the commercial or industrial look, this isn’t for you. We think it would look great in a sleek and modern kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. 

_{Size: 16.5 x 8 x (almost) 2 inches | Material: Alloy steel | Weight Capacity: 50 to 55-plus pounds | Number of Shelves: 1 | Finishes: Black}

If you’re looking for a shelf that truly looks like it’s floating, a glass option is your best bet. This tempered glass shelf (stronger than regular glass and won’t shatter if broken) can act as a bar cart, prized photo display, and more. 

You’ll need to buy 10-inch brackets for installation, but you can get them for less than $15. Slimmer brackets mean your decor can make more of an impact. 

With glass shelves, just as with mirrors, getting the glass shipped to you can be tricky. The quality of the packaging is super important, so there is a chance your items won’t arrive in perfect condition. Be careful of scratches, especially during installation.

_{Size: 36 x 10 x 0.18 inches | Material: Glass | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Number of Shelves: 2 | Finishes: N/A}

Thick handmade pine shelves add character to a wall and bring a piece of nature indoors. The shelves are created one by one, so each will have a slightly different grain, which is perfect for charming farmhouse or cottage interiors.

While it can hold just 15 pounds, it’s pretty lightweight to hang since it comes partially hollowed out. It comes in nine sizes, in addition to the four finishes.

_{Size: 12 x 6 x 3 inches | Material: Pine | Weight Capacity: 15 lbs | Number of Shelves: 1 | Finishes: Aged barrel, aged oak, jacobean, provincial}

This lightweight, clear acrylic shelf is nearly invisible, so you can hang art or decor without any distractions. The hanging shelf is waterproof, so it’s suitable for a wet environment (like a bathroom) where water drops and some humidity won’t hurt or penetrate the finish. Acrylic’s best qualities are that it’s shatterproof and easy to clean. 

Like glass, acrylic scratches easily, though, so keep that in mind when you’re installing and placing things on it. It can also warp in extreme heat, so don’t put it above a towel warmer or wall-panel heater.

_{Size: 24 x 8 inches (including under-shelf lip) | Material: Acrylic | Weight Capacity: 4 pounds | Number of Shelves: 1 | Finishes: Clear}

These sleek, extra-long floating shelves are ideal for your room that’s in desperate need of shelves. With a weight limit of 17 pounds per shelf, we recommend these for vases, candles, and other lightweight decor (think rattan pieces or air plants). 

Though they may not hold as much weight as some other floating shelves, they are long and lean, which means they take up a lot of space, helping to fill blank walls. 

_{Size: 60 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Material: Manufactured wood | Weight Capacity: 17 pounds per shelf | Number of Shelves: Set of 2 shelves | Finishes: Black, brown, oak, white}