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Shelves are one the handiest features in any home.

Whether fixed, as in a book shelf; adjustable, or individual brackets, shelves have a myriad of uses. Shelving brackets are made of wood or metal and come in every style imaginable. A unique design is the floating shelf.

floating shelves in bathroom

If you have watched any television design show recently, you have seen designers use the floating shelf as a replacement for traditional box-style kitchen cabinets or as a modern night stand. Floating shelves offer a stylish way to save space and create a unique accent in any room of your home.

And while they may look fragile hanging on the wall – they are anything but fragile. In fact, when installed properly, they are stronger than shelves supported with traditional brackets and screws. This open shelving concept uses a hidden metal support in the wall that attaches inside the wood shelf.

The floating shelf can be placed almost anywhere as there are no large brackets hanging below the shelf. Minimalist design is a popular style now and floating shelves are perfect in this style room giving a light and airy look.

floating shelf on brick

In addition to traditional wooden and metal shelf brackets, Van Dyke’s Restorers now has several styles of floating shelves and brackets from Designs of Distinction including straight shelves from 9 inches to 60 inches in length, and a handy, space-saving corner model.

The shelves are shipped unfinished. Choose from Alder, Hard Maple, Cherry, Red Oak and Walnut woods.

You can see the floating shelf selections here.

The floating shelf has two main components – a wooden shelf and a mounting bracket. Some floating shelves use a bracket and rod system.

floating shelf bracket

MOUNTNG THE SHELVES

  1. Locate the studs with a stud finder and mark with a pencil.
  2. Place bracket against the wall and mark the placement.
  3. Use a level to ensure the shelf is level against the wall.
  4. Attach the bracket to the wall with screws.
  5. Slide the shelf onto the bracket in the holes in the back of the shelf.

    6. It is that simple to do. You are now ready to add items to the shelf and decorate to your style.