My Journey With Diy Floating Shelves

It all started when I moved into my new apartment and realized that I needed more storage space. I didn’t want to buy a bulky bookshelf or a cabinet that would take up too much room. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of DIY floating shelves. I did some research and decided to give it a try. After a few trials and errors, I finally managed to create a set of beautiful and functional floating shelves. In this article, I’ll share my experience and guide you through the process of creating your own floating shelves.

How to DIY Floating Shelves

Materials Needed

The materials needed for DIY floating shelves are:

Wooden boards
L-brackets
Screws and wall anchors
Saw
Drill
Sandpaper
Stain or paint

Step by Step Guide

Measure and cut the wooden boards to the desired length and width.
Sand the boards to smooth out any rough edges.
Stain or paint the boards to your liking.
Attach the L-brackets to the wall using screws and wall anchors.
Attach the wooden boards to the L-brackets using screws.
Enjoy your new floating shelves!

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some tips and ideas to make your DIY floating shelves even better:

Use reclaimed wood for a rustic look.
Add LED lights underneath the shelves for a modern touch.
Paint the brackets the same color as the wall to make them less noticeable.
Install the shelves at different heights to create visual interest.
Use decorative brackets instead of L-brackets for a more stylish look.
Add hooks underneath the shelves to hang small items.
Install the shelves in the kitchen to create extra storage space for dishes and cookbooks.
Use clear acrylic shelves for a minimalist look.
Install the shelves in a zig-zag pattern for a unique look.
Use the space underneath the shelves to hang plants or artwork.

Pros and Cons of DIY Floating Shelves

Like any DIY project, there are pros and cons to creating your own floating shelves.

Pros

Cost-effective: Creating your own floating shelves is much cheaper than buying pre-made ones.
Customizable: You can choose the size, shape, and color of your shelves to fit your specific needs.
Easy to install: With the right tools and materials, installing floating shelves is a relatively easy task.
Space-saving: Floating shelves take up less space than traditional bookshelves or cabinets.

Cons

Requires tools and skills: Creating floating shelves requires some basic woodworking skills and tools.
Can be time-consuming: Depending on the size and number of shelves, the project can take a significant amount of time to complete.
Not as sturdy as traditional shelves: Floating shelves are not as strong as traditional shelves and may not hold as much weight.
May not be suitable for all spaces: Depending on the wall material and layout, floating shelves may not be feasible in all spaces.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I’m very happy with my DIY floating shelves. They look great, provide plenty of storage space, and were much cheaper than buying pre-made shelves. However, I do recommend taking your time during the installation process to ensure that the shelves are sturdy and secure. Additionally, if you’re not comfortable with woodworking tools, it may be better to buy pre-made floating shelves or hire a professional to install them for you.

Questions and Answers (FAQs)

Q: How much weight can DIY floating shelves hold?

A: It depends on the size and thickness of the wooden boards and the strength of the brackets. In general, floating shelves can hold up to 20-30 pounds per linear foot.