Floating shelves don’t mess around—they’re here to shake up your walls and own the room. Forget clunky furniture; these sleek, airborne beauties cut through the chaos with style and grit. No matter the size of your home, these shelves are here to hold your books, plants, or that random trinket you can’t part with.
Mount them high to keep chaos at bay (perfect for dodging toddling hands or nosy pets), or perch them low for a grab-and-go vibe—to keep your morning coffee mug within arm’s reach. In a tiny flat? Stretch one wall-to-wall for a horizon of storage that doesn’t cramp your style. Paint them matte black for an edge, or warm teak for a cosy glow—they’re chameleons of chic. These shelves don’t faff about; they strut in, steal the show, and dare your walls to dream bigger. Ready to give your space that wow factor?
Types of floating shelves
Let’s start with the different types of floating wall shelves you can pick from.
#1: Open and closed wall floating shelves
Open shelves with closed bits are the best of both worlds. Now you can show off your brass decor proudly and have space to hide those bundles of bills away from sight. It’s like a flirty curtain; half mystery, half reveal.
#2: Kitchen shelves with utensil hangers
Ever thought of dangling your spoons like jewellery? These open kitchen shelves let you hang utensils below—handy for grabbing mid-curry. Install one above your hob; it’s a twofer: storage and a spot to air your curry-stained spoons.
#3: Cosy corner wall shelves
Corners are the wallflowers of any room—shy, overlooked. Slip in a floating shelf, and they bloom. Perfect for a Diwali lamp or a scented diffuser. Angle these corner shelf designs right, and you’ve turned a dead end into a darling nook.
#4: Floating wall shelf design with brackets
Brackets lend these shelves a Victorian strut—solid, unapologetic. They’re the sort that could hold a brass vase or your grandmum’s recipe tomes. Mount them in the lounge; they’ll stand firm as a banyan tree, oozing character.
#5: Stack tales on a wall throne
Books deserve a throne, not a dusty pile. A floating bookshelf design crowns your wall, letting Austen jostle with Adiga. Stagger them for drama—paperbacks below, hardcovers aloft.
#6: Floating wall shelves that act as bedside tables
Why clutter your bedside with a table when a shelf can hover there? Pop a lamp, your specs, maybe a midnight biscuit tin. These wall shelves for bedroom are as sleek as a sari hem, saving floor space for morning yoga.
Also Read: 55+ Bedside Tables: The Best of Livspace Designs
#7: Squeeze them into a nook
Odd crannies—under stairs, by windows—beg for these shelves. Wedge one in, stack jars or trinkets, and watch chaos turn to charm. It’s like finding loose change in a sofa: small wins, big grins.
#8: Go long with wall shelf design
Long shelves flow like a calm river—ideal for photos or trailing plants. In small homes, they’re a storage saviour; stretch them wall-to-wall for breathing room. We’d go matte black for a sharp look—pure drama that keeps clutter off the floor with ease.
#9: Invisible floating shelves
Image source: Pinterest @containerstore
One look at Instagram, and you will know that these invisible shelves are all the rage right now. Simple and sturdy stackable bases and detachable partitions are commonly used to stack books, giving the term “floating shelves” a whole new meaning.
#10: Conquer lofty heights
Tall walls scream for shelves that climb—stack ‘em up like a stairway to the sky. You are best off placing purely decorative items or those less-used knick-knacks. It’s a bold lift that frees the floor—perfect for dancing space or just a cleaner view.
Also Read: How to Optimise Wall Space for Storage
#11: Double duty wall shelf design
A shelf that doubles as a desk is one of the greatest space-saving furniture ideas—ideal for students or remote workers. Slide a stool beneath; stack with notebooks and a sleek lamp. A dark stain gives it gravitas in a busy home.
#12: Decorative wall shelves for your balcony
If your balcony is not blessed with space, you will want to bookmark this floating shelf design that gives a suspended illusion. Bringing in a bit of industrial flair, they will make the perfect room for those lovely plants.
#13: Hive-shaped floating shelves
Hexagonal shelves mimic a honeycomb’s charm—cluster them for a sculptural wall. Fill with tiny planters or keepsakes. They’re a geometric delight that buzzes with personality.
#14: Charming house-shaped floating shelves
House-shaped shelves are pure delight—tiny homes for your bits. Perch a photo or figurine inside; we’d use pine for a light, airy feel. This is where sweetness meets style in the simplest way.
#15: Protruding corner wall shelves for the living room
Ever noticed how corners slump, ignored? These floating wall shelves jut out like a dare—bold, sculptural, refusing to fade. We’d place it strategically, turning a forgotten angle into a focal point, a clever nudge that proves even the smallest spaces can hold their own with understated flair.
#16: Warm brown platform wooden shelves for wall
There’s a warmth to these brown platforms—like chai simmering on a winter stove. We see them anchoring any room, tying the space together with an earthy hum that feels like home, no matter the season or the clutter.
Also Read: How to Clean Your Wooden Furniture and Keep It Looking New
#17: Cubby wall shelves for living room
Perfect for stashing keys or candles, they beg for a splash of teal or a haphazard layout. Arrange them like a child’s puzzle, each slot a secret keeper, turning a bare wall into a grid of delight that’s as fun as it is functional.
#18: Try the asymmetric decorative wall shelves
Asymmetric shelves break free from the grid, their lines zigzagging across the wall. They’re a designer’s delight, perfect for a space that’s craving personality, transforming a blank canvas into something dynamic and distinctly yours with minimal effort.
#19: Floating shelves for window sills
Beneath a window, shelves bask in the light like a sunlit sigh—slim, unobtrusive, yet alive. They’re a gentle perch for potted herbs or a quiet brew, softening the room with a glow that’s both practical and poetic.
#20: Under-sink storage
Under the sink, chaos reigns—until a shelf steps in. Craft it narrow, with baskets for soaps, and a waterproof finish to fend off splashes. It’s a great bathroom storage idea, tucking order into a tight, damp corner, proving that even the most utilitarian spots can gain a bit of dignity with the right touch.
#21: Blend in with white wooden shelves for wall
White shelves slip into walls like a secret—glossy, almost unseen. Stack them with scented candles and succulents, keeping the look clean and crisp. They’re a minimalist’s dream and perfect for those who crave simplicity with a hint of polish.
How to decorate floating shelves
There are so many ways to use these functional beauties. Browse through and take your pick.
#1: Sing odes to your books
Here’s a design that will make any bibliophile rejoice. Think of them as wall poetry where books are tumbled onto a shelf, spined out like a chorus line, some upright, others slouched. Do you see yourself picking a book and losing an afternoon away?
#2: Dress floating shelves with under-shelf lighting
Under-shelf lighting designs are your secret party trick—tiny bulbs winking like fireflies. Thread them beneath, bathing a row of pots or frames in a golden haze. It’s less about seeing and more about feeling—a shelf dressed up for a quiet night, turning the mundane into a masked ball of glow.
#3: Guard the hanging wall shelves with pretty rails
If you really think about it, rails are like the jewellery of shelves. Bolt on a brass curve or vintage pillars, cradling teacups or wobbly trinkets with flair. Think of them as a velvet rope—keeping chaos in check while adding a glint of charm.
#4: Perch plants in leafy thrones
Plants turn shelves into a throne room—succulents perched like dukes, vines trailing as royal robes. They’re the wall’s breathing heart, a green court that nods to nature, softening your space with a whisper of wild rule.
#5: Mix and match decorative wall shelves
Why one when two can dance? Pair a lean plank with a stout cubby—vases twirling on one, books stepping on the other. Stagger them like partners mid-spin, a wall choreography that mixes grit and grace, proving harmony lives in the clash of odd couples.
#6: Go geometric with floating shelves
Geometric shelves are wall puzzles—hexagons or triangles slicing the air. Splash them with coral, dotting them with cubes or a lone mirror, each angle a riddle to unravel. They’re a brainteaser in wood, a modern twist that makes your space feel like a gallery mid-thought.
#7: Vertical arrangements for hanging wall shelves
Vertical shelves climb like a story unfolding—floor to ceiling, a wooden spine. Lace them with ivy or faded photos, each rung a chapter rising up. They stretch your room tall, a quiet epic that keeps the floor free for barefoot wandering or a spontaneous twirl.
#8: Splash some colour on the wall shelves for bedroom
Colour’s your shelf’s wild card—slap on a bold red or pile on peacock-blue bowls. We recommend weaving in muted bits to tame the chaos, letting wood peek through like a shy guest. It’s a wall fiesta, a burst of glee that turns a glance into a grin without apology.
#9: Frame windows with wall shelves for bedroom
Shelves flanking a bedroom window seat are a carpenter’s dream—teak arms holding cushions or novels. We’d craft them solid, a nook for staring at rain or flipping pages, the wood soaking up light like a warm friend. They’re a frame for daydreams, blending use with a tender glow.
#10: Create a suspended illusion
If you are a stickler for interior design easter eggs, you will love this one. Flank your shelves with ropes to give a suspended illusion. It’s a whimsical touch, a design flourish that lifts a room with a sense of play, turning the ordinary into something delightfully unexpected.
#11: Accessorise blank spaces with floating shelves
Blank spots on shelves call for a light touch—shells, a small figurine. We’d sprinkle them sparingly, a final detail that pulls the look together. It’s about restraint—each piece a quiet note, enhancing the shelf’s story without cluttering its clean, purposeful lines.
#12: Build a statement wall
A TV wall with shelves isn’t shy—it’s a legend in the making. Go all out as if you have closed your eyes and picked a random count for the number of shelves. Pick a cheery colour and voila – you have a head-turner in your hand (or wall!).
Also Read: 25 Insanely Cool Accent Walls in Living Room
#13: Claim every utility inch with floating shelves
Sturdy floating shelves are a great idea for that utility corner on your balcony. You can keep your lavender-scented detergents here, their fragrance wafting gently, essentials poised within easy reach. Add a wicker basket—chic, breathable—tucking washcloths neatly to dry in the breeze
#14: Wooden shelves for walls in sacred spaces
Pooja shelves rise gently—teak planks cradling idols, a flicker of marigold. We’d keep them sparse, the wood’s grain a quiet hymn to peace. They’re a wall’s prayer, a perch for faith that holds the sacred steady, blending reverence with a design that feels like a soft breath.
#15: Display your chinaware on hanging wall shelves
Chinaware gleams on shelves—plates standing proud and cups catching the light. We’d spotlight them with a lamp, turning a plank into a porcelain stage. Angle them with care; they’re a parade of elegance, a wall that celebrates the delicate clink of history and craft.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out: 40 Simple and Creative Wall Shelf Designs to Redefine Your Home (With Cost)
How can Livspace help you?
The storage game is strong at Livspace. If you’re looking for ways to transform your house with beautiful designs and functional storage, book an online consultation with Livspace today.
- Our expert team can custom-design your dream home with curated render designs and expert advice
- We have delivered over 75,000 happy homes
- Count on us for high-quality and durable materials
Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Talk to our designer for more details on pricing and availability.
