Are you looking for a creative and stylish way to display your books, do you want to save space and add some personality to your walls? If so, you may want to consider using floating shelves for books. Floating shelves are known as shelves that are attached to the wall without any visible brackets or supports. They create a sleek and modern look that can complement any room. In this blog post, we will give you some tips and ideas for using floating bookshelves in your home.

How to choose the best floating bookshelves

Floating shelves are usually made of wood, metal or acrylic and come with hidden brackets or rods that are screwed into the wall studs. The brackets or rods support the weight of the shelf and the books, creating the illusion of floating.

However, not all floating shelves are designed to hold heavy items such as books. Some are designed for decorative purposes only and can only hold a few pounds.

There are some more things you need to consider when buying or building a shelf:

1. The size of your wall space. Decide how many shelves you want and how big they should be by measuring the length, width, and height of your wall space. Make sure you leave enough space between the shelves for easy access and ventilation.
2. The style of your room. Choose a shelf design that matches or complements your room’s existing décor. For example, if you have a rustic or farmhouse style room, choose wood or metal shelves with a distressed or aged finish. If you have a modern or minimalist style room, you may want to choose acrylic or glass shelves with a sleek and simple design.
3. The function of your bookshelves. Think about the types of books you want to display on your shelves and how often you will use them. For example, if you want to display your favorite books that you read frequently, choose sturdy and spacious shelves that can hold a lot of weight and are easy to reach. If you want to display your collectible or rare books that you rarely touch, you may want to choose elegant and delicate shelves that can protect your books from dust and damage.

How do you arrange books on a floating shelf?

There are many ways to arrange your books on floating shelves, depending on your personal preference and style. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Organize your books by color, size, genre, or alphabetically. This creates a neat and organized look that can also help you find your books easily.
• Stack your books horizontally, vertically, or mix them up. This will add variety and interest to your display. To fill in the gaps and create balance, you can also use bookends, plants, candles, or other accessories.
• Use invisible floating bookshelves. These are metal brackets that attach to the wall and slide into the spine of a book. The book covers the bracket, creating the illusion that the book is floating on the wall. They create a minimalist and whimsical look that makes your books stand out.
• Use floating corner bookshelves. These are shelves that fit into the corners of your walls, making use of the otherwise wasted space. Use them to create a cozy reading nook or focal point in your room.

Build or buy floating shelving?

To build shelves, you can use reclaimed wood, pipes, pallets, or other materials that you can find for cheap or free. You can also customize the shape, size, color, and style of your shelves according to your preferences and needs.

However, building your own floating shelves can also be time-consuming, challenging, and risky if you don’t have the proper knowledge and equipment. At the end of the day, you could be spending more money on fixing mistakes or the purchase of additional materials. On the other hand, buying ready-made floating shelves can be more convenient, easier, and safer than building them yourself.

Following the installation instructions that come with the shelves can also save you time and effort. However, buying ready-made floating shelves can be more expensive than building them yourself. This is especially true if you want high-quality, durable, and unique shelves. You may also have difficulty finding the exact size, color, or design you want.

Tips and tricks for decorating your home with floating bookcases

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your floating bookcase:

• Use a level and a stud finder to make sure your shelves are straight and secure. You don’t want your shelves to be crooked or wobbly, as this can ruin the look and safety of your display.
• Mix and match different types of books on your shelves, such as hardcovers, paperbacks, magazines, comics, or photo albums. This creates a varied and interesting look that can showcase your personality and taste.
• Use LED lights or string lights to illuminate your shelves and create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Candles, lanterns or lamps can also bring warmth and charm to a shelf.
• Don’t overcrowd your shelves with too many books or items, as this can make your display look cluttered and messy. Leave some negative space on your shelves to create a sense of balance and harmony.
• Use plants, flowers, vases, frames, sculptures, or other decorative items to add color and texture to your shelves. You can also use these items to create themes or stories on your shelves, such as traveling, art, or history.

The Installation of Floating Shelves

To install floating shelves, follow these basic steps:

1. Locate the studs in the wall using a stud finder and mark them with a pencil.
2. Drill holes in the studs using a drill and the appropriate drill bits. The size and depth of the holes will depend on the type and size of brackets or rods that come with your shelves.
3. Attach the brackets or rods to the wall by inserting them into the holes and turning them until they are tight and secure. Use a level to make sure they are aligned and level.
4. Measure the distance between the brackets or rods and mark them on your shelf. Drill the corresponding holes in your shelf using a drill and dowel jig.
5. Slide your shelf onto the brackets or rods and make sure it fits snugly. Depending on the design of your shelf, you may need to use screws, nails or glue to secure your shelf to the brackets or rods.

To install floating shelves, you will need the following tools

• A stud finder to locate the studs in the wall, so you can mark them with a pencil.
• A drill with the appropriate bits to drill holes in the studs and in the shelf.
• A level to make sure the brackets or rods are aligned and level.
• A ruler or tape measure to measure the distance between the brackets or rods and mark them on the shelf.
• A saw to cut the shelf to the desired size and shape, if needed.
• Screws, nails or glue to attach the shelf to the brackets or rods, depending on the design of your shelf.
• A hammer or pneumatic nailer to drive the nails, if necessary.

The perfekt floating shelves for your books

Floating shelves for books are a great way to decorate your home and display your books. They can save space, add style, and express your personality. However, depending on your wall space, room style, and the function of your books, you need to choose the right shelves. You also need to know how to install them properly and follow the instructions for weighing them. You can arrange your books on your shelves in a variety of ways, such as by color, size, genre, or alphabetically.

Use plants, flowers, vases, frames, carvings, or anything else to bring color and texture to the bookshelves. You can experiment with different angles and positions for your books on your shelves, such as leaning, overlapping, or facing outward.

Sources

• https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/a41171/how-to-make-diy-floating-bookshelves/
• https://www.livingspaces.com/inspiration/ideas-advice/guides/floating-shelves-how-to-install-a-shelf-for-books-on-a-wall
• https://www.thespruce.com/best-floating-shelves-4155286