Tools and Materials
Tools
Materials
(Quantities depend on the size and number of shelves)
- Premium Furring Strips
- Red Oak Boards
- Oak Plywood
- Pine Lumber
- Screws
- Interior Stain
- Putty
- Wood Filler
- Clear Stain Finish
- Painters Tape
Items may be Special Order in some stores. Product costs, availability, and item numbers may vary online or by market. Availability varies by market for lumber species and sizes.
How to Hang a Floating Wall Shelf
If you're looking for a durable and attractive wall shelf for bedroom walls, a floating shelf is a great option. This type of shelf does not have obvious exterior attachments, which is why it appears to "float."
Are Floating Shelves Strong?
Despite the illusion, floating shelves are quite strong. They attach to the wall via discreet screws and mounting cleats.
How Should You Decorate Shelves?
Decorating walls with shelves such as these gives you extra storage space while also adding visual interest to the space. There are plenty of ways to decorate with floating shelves. Ideally, décor for floating shelves should be just as interesting and visually appealing as the shelves themselves. Avoid over-cluttering your shelves. Floating shelves generally look best when they contain a few well-placed statement pieces with a bit of space between them. A floating shelf in a bedroom looks great adorned with a small painting, a thought-provoking sculpture, a potted plant and other similar items.
You can find pre-made wall shelves at Lowes.com or make your own. Here's a step-by-step guide to making and hanging your own floating wall shelf.
Determine the Shelf Sizes
You will need to determine the size you want before cutting the materials. Follow these steps to measure for the desired size.
Cut the Parts to Size
The next step involves cutting the shelf materials to size. Here's how to do it.
Wear eye protection and hearing protection when working with a saw, and be sure to follow the manufacturer's safety recommendations.
Assemble the Shelf
Now that you have your pre-cut materials, it's time to assemble the shelf. Follow these steps.
Mount the Shelf
Now you're ready to mount your shelf. Follow the instructions below to finish this final step of the project.
Variations on the Basic Shelf
You may not want to hang your floating wall shelf on a flat wall. Follow these instructions to customize a shelf for a bump-out in the wall.
Enjoy Your Shelf
A floating shelf makes a great wall shelf for a bedroom because it is visually dynamic and interesting to look at. It's also great for creating more storage space. To further optimize storage space in a bedroom, check out our article — Install a Wood Wall Organizer in Your Closet.