Floating shelves are a new phenomenon in the dynamic world of interior design; they are multipurpose, modern, and make great use of vertical space. In addition to adding a dash of contemporary beauty to any room, its simple and unadorned design makes quick work of clutter and offers stylish organisation.
Come with us as we investigate floating shelves in all their glory, from their aesthetics and installation choices to their functional applications and current fashions. Find out how these easy-to-use but powerful components may improve the look and feel of your home.
No matter what space in your home or office you’re trying to spruce up, this tutorial will give you the lowdown on how to install floating shelves to complement your minimalist aesthetic.
What Is Modern Interior Design, And Why Should You Care About It?
Simplicity, practicality, and ease are key components of modern home design. Modern interior design styles, including Scandinavian, Japanese, and Minimalist, tend to centre on furniture, lamps, and rugs.
Generally speaking, a room or full space is said to have a modern interior design when there is an emphasis on minimalism. This is why, to make a better environment for oneself, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of modern interior design principles.
Modernism In Interior Design. How Has It Changed The Way We Live?
It is common to think about the twentieth century when one considers the art and architecture of the modernist movement. The era has been defined by a disregard for conventional styles and an embrace of novel shapes, materials, and concepts. Interior design, clothing, music, politics, and social life are just a few of the numerous fields that have found uses for the idea.
Interior design has gone through a dizzying rate of change, shifting from the classic to the cutting edge. From stripped-down simplicity to minimalism with a twist, we’ve seen it all. Warmer styles influenced by the Middle East have mostly supplanted those from Europe in recent years.
The fact that modernist designs aim to be both utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing is the most remarkable thing about them.
The principle that “form follows function” is central to contemporary home design. This shifts the focus from aesthetics and emotions to practicality in the design process.
The combination of modernity and technological advancement has altered our way of life in numerous respects. Computers, telephones, elevators, and many other remarkable technologies have their origins in modernism, which opened the path for their commercialisation. By introducing megastores like Walmart and Amazon, modernism altered consumers’ purchasing behaviour.
Although they drew inspiration from the Bauhaus and Art Deco eras, modernist designers such as Isamu Noguchi for furniture and Pablo Picasso for paintings developed their own distinct styles.
There is more to modern interior design than meets the eye. For our daily lives, our jobs, and our interactions with the world around us, it is a crucial component.
The advent of modern interior design has revolutionised home life and the ways in which individuals enjoy spending time there. Minimalism is the newest fad in contemporary interior design; it seeks to eliminate extraneous elements in favour of natural materials, strong contrasts, and clean lines.
Minimalist Look To Your Space With Floating Shelves
Mindful And Minimal
There is no cover for the floating shelves. This could be seen as a drawback by certain individuals due to the potential exposure of clutter or dust on the shelves.
This is a chance for us to be neat, organised, and present. Believe us when we say that you’ll need to be more selective about what you put on display. Everything on your shelves will be more organised and purposeful now that there’s nowhere to hide. On top of that, you may finally display all of your beloved furnishings.
Think Outside The Box
The versatility of floating shelves makes them ideal for a wide range of uses. While floating shelves are most commonly seen in kitchens—often on either side of the sink or stove—they are also becoming increasingly common in restrooms and living areas. Floating shelves are a popular alternative to the upper cupboards or open shelving that would normally flank a conventional fireplace. Floating shelves are a popular choice for bathrooms, especially those with a tub or vanity.
Think about spacing and alignment when you plan the layout. If you line up three identical shelves in a row, they will look neat and tidy, but if you space them out, you’ll get a more creative and dynamic look. While 12 inches is the standard between shelves, increasing the distance to 15 or 18 inches creates the illusion of more openness and accessibility. The greatest diversity is found in length.
Don’t Cut Any Corners
Prioritising efficiency is crucial while constructing a room. Because we are meticulous about making sure every space is useful, the first thing that comes to mind whenever we see an empty area is, “Is there any reason I can’t put a shelf here?” Some people don’t give much thought to corners, but we think they’re perfect for hiding extra storage space. Put something eye-catching on the outermost corner of a shelf to make it stand out.
Function And Form
There are many more uses for floating shelves than simply displaying and storing items. You may make a breathtaking show by running lights through them. When it comes to shelves positioned over countertops, workplaces, or pathways, downlighting is a useful option. To make a bold statement or just to fill in dark areas, uplighting is a great tool to have at your disposal.
Everyone Needs Support Sometimes
Last but not least, check that the floating shelves are solid, unmoveable, and fastened securely. First things first: figure out how you’ll attach your floating shelves, and then put up blocking beneath the drywall to make a strong base. Also, make sure you invest in high-quality mounting brackets. Think about the weight that your shelves will need to hold, the items you intend to store on them, and any additional weight that may be added. Put simply, err on the side of caution. Adding one more cup to your collection should not cause your beloved cups to tumble to the floor.
Practical And Pretty Uses For Shelving
Plant Pots
When the space on your window sills is at a premium, consider adding extra planters on the side of your window. Put shelves where sunny plants, such as easy-care succulents or cheery geraniums, can get the most light.
Work Space
With a strong fold-down shelf, you can turn any suitable nook into a makeshift home office—maybe in your unused dining room or guest room. There you have it! A quick, easily-storable surface for laptop use and writing is at your fingertips.
Bathroom Storage
Use space-saving floating shelves to cram more storage (such as hand towels or cleaning materials) into a small room like a bathroom or laundry room. Another thoughtful addition is the custom-built eyeglasses shelf that sits adjacent to the shower.
Treasure Trove
Showcase a cherished assortment on a separate set of shelves. If you don’t consider yourself a collector, attempt to bring together a seemingly unrelated set of items. Look for things they have in common, like wooden objects, or put them in a pretty display.
Toy Organisation
Prompt your children to clean up their space. For young children, it could be too difficult to learn to place their belongings in their designated drawers, and a catch-all toy box just makes things worse. As perfect as Baby Bear’s porridge is, so too is a straightforward shelving system.
Mason Jar Display
Impress your guests with your impressive collection of handmade pickles and preserves. Why not show off the beautiful results after all that effort of home canning? The timeless charm of mason jars is undeniable.
Dead Space Transformation
The empty area above a door frame can be put to good use. Hanging a shelf there would be ideal for stowing away heavy or out-of-season belongings. Until next winter rolls around, put away your air humidifier and duvet.
Junk Nook
Whatever it is that you need, be it a little tool, a light bulb, a roll of tape, or anything else, chances are you have it in your house. Put all the random things in their own designated spots on the shelf and make sure they’re neatly labelled in pretty baskets or little boxes.
Command Central
Your foyer or mud room would be perfect for a command centre shelving arrangement. Get everything organised and put things where they go. This includes keys, bags, sunhats, and the dog’s leash, to name a few. Make use of the space by dividing it into cubbies and sections to store electronic devices and their charging cables. A chalkboard is a great place to write down notes or reminders for the family.
Fake Window
To make everything seem brighter, try to make it look like a window. Put a shelf unit painted a bright yellow or blue to brighten up a room that’s too dark. (Select a shade that is a few shades darker than the room colour for the most aesthetically attractive impact.) Add a touch of natural beauty to an otherwise enclosed interior area by placing a “bouquet” of discovered things, such as feathers and porcupine quills, on top of a few attractive pebbles or pinecones.
Bookcase
Put your books on shelves. Display your hardcover and paperback books proudly if you prefer reading physical versions printed with ink and paper.
Styling Floating Shelves By Room
Kitchen Floating Shelf Ideas
Aside from its aesthetic value, open shelving in the kitchen is practical for displaying glasses, mugs, and other tableware. Floating shelves in the kitchen are a great way to display beautiful backsplash tiles while also keeping commonly used things within easy reach. Here are a few ideas for sprucing up your kitchen shelf decor.
- Combine different natural textures to provide the illusion of depth. Accents made of wood, such as sugar and coffee jars, knife rests, and little wooden bowls, look lovely displayed with collections of porcelain, crystal, and stoneware. Featuring built-in storage for little kitchen utensils and accessories, this contemporary wooden shelf contrasts attractively with ceramic tableware.
- Cookbooks also look great displayed on floating kitchen shelves. Stacking books not only makes a great place to keep favourite recipes on hand, but they also create a minimalist aesthetic.
- More space to run around in, thanks to lofty ceilings. Choose higher shelves to amplify the room’s visual impact; display artwork, glass pitchers, and other cherished but seldom-used possessions for all to see.
Living Room Floating Shelf Ideas
Floating shelves are a great addition to any living area, whether your style is more minimalist, maximalist, or somewhere in between. The purpose of floating shelves in a living room is less to provide practical storage and more to showcase personal ornaments.
- Arrange a collection of your beloved literature; not only novels but also art books can be a fashion statement. Pro tip: place multiples on each shelf to serve as bases for ornamental bowls, vases, and candlesticks. A more traditional approach would be to arrange books in neat rows with matching bookends.
- Prints of modern or fine art might look great displayed on floating shelves. If you want to display some framed artwork or photo prints against the wall, a lipped shelf ledge is the way to go. Arrange the pieces in a way that reflects your personal style. For a more lived-in look, overlap the frames slightly; for a more minimalist moment, space them out evenly.
Bathroom Floating Shelf Ideas
Floating shelves can improve the aesthetics of a bathroom while also significantly increasing the amount of storage space available, which is a common problem in many modern bathrooms. Even in a limited area, you may make better use of vertical space by arranging furniture and accessories in creative ways. Keep reading for some cool bathroom floating shelf ideas.
- Add woven baskets or cotton bins to your shelf style to conceal large personal belongings. Use see-through glass containers to store hair ties, cotton balls, and other little needs.
- Arrange vases, folded towels, and other apothecary goods on the shelf. Colour it up with some foliage, like a low-care pothos plant.
- Put shelves over the sink or toilet to make the most of the available space. In addition to providing additional storage, this will also provide life to an otherwise lifeless area.
Office Floating Shelf Ideas
Books, documents, and gadget accessories tend to fill up the home office to capacity. In addition to providing a convenient place to keep all of your office supplies in one place, floating shelves can serve as an eye-catching design element in your home office. A clutter-free workstation can help you get more done in less time. Try arranging your less-used stuff on some stylish floating shelves in your office. Consider implementing these strategies:
- Floating shelves adorned with sculptures, clocks, books, and plants can take the place of a traditional bookshelf.
- Incorporate a variety of materials to pique the eye. Stone and glass are two of our favourite materials to combine with metal.
- Use chic storage containers to tuck away office messes, then place them on a low shelf for convenient access. Floating shelves are the perfect display for boxes crafted from natural, solid materials like burl wood or marble.
Bedroom Floating Shelf Ideas
In need of some bedroom floating shelf ideas? Shelving can be a great alternative to using a nightstand or dresser to store bedroom accessories.
- Surrounded by a few ornamental elements like photographs, candles, and dried flowers, practical objects like lamps and alarm clocks take on a more deliberate appearance.
- Create the illusion of a headboard by suspending a floating shelf over the bed.
In conclusion, floating shelves offer a versatile and stylish solution for organizing and decorating any room. Their modern design maximizes vertical space and complements various interior design styles such as Scandinavian, Japanese, and Minimalist. Floating shelves provide a practical alternative to bulky furniture, enabling homeowners to create a cleaner, more organized space while maintaining a sleek, contemporary look. By incorporating these shelves into kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and offices, you can showcase personal items, keep essential tools organized, and even add unique touches like plants or sculptures to enhance the overall aesthetic.
Moreover, the flexibility of floating shelves makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of storage needs. Whether used for decorative purposes, storing personal belongings, or organizing everyday items, floating shelves can elevate a space both functionally and visually. Their ability to transform any room into a more open and minimalist environment while maintaining practicality is what makes them a favored choice in modern home design. With careful planning and the right materials, floating shelves can be an indispensable addition to any home, offering both beauty and utility.
