10 Floating Shelves to Create Contemporary Wall Displays

10 Floating Shelves to Create Contemporary Wall Displays
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The products featured here are independently selected based on thorough research from our editorial team. If you buy something through links on our site, we may receive a commission.
Floating shelves are a sleek, contemporary solution to dress up a blank wall while adding a little extra storage or display space. Affordable and easy to install, floating wall shelves appear to jut out of a wall in a modern, minimalist way. Whether you add floating shelves to your home as wall décor or additional storage, remember that the art is in the display. Floating wall shelves can be used in many ways; for example, they can:
  • Display framed photos
  • Create a color-unified collection
  • Hold vases or a candle arrangement
  • Hang in a stacked group for organized storage
  • Be placed over a work area to clear clutter
  • Replace nightstands in a small bedroom
Modern living room, open space with sofa and shelves, big panoramic window with terrace ArchiViz / Getty Images Regardless of how you use a floating wall shelf, keep the display items organized, to a minimum and artfully arranged.

Below are our 10 favorite floating shelves to have now

1. Umbra Conceal Book Shelf

Two sizes (both 5.5" H): 5.5" W x 5.5" D and 7" W x 6.5" D ($13-$15)**Click here to buy at Amazon.com**For a cool, stacked-book effect, Umbra’s Conceal Book Shelf seems to defy gravity. It's available in two sizes, small for a single stack and large for a double stack. Try one for displaying cookbooks in the kitchen or a favorite book collection in a home study.

2. Container Store Espresso Profile Shelf

Three sizes (all 5.75" D x 0.75" H): 24”, 36”and 48” W ($20.99-$26.24)**From thecontainerstore.com**This sleek Espresso Profile Shelf adds a unique touch to contemporary homes. It features a rich espresso color and deeply beveled edges. Try a grouping of these in various sizes to display your favorite objects.

3. West Elm Wedge Shelf

Two sizes (both 8"D x 5" H): 24" and 36”W ($79-$99)**Click here to buy at westelm.com**Clean and simple in a white lacquer finish, West Elm's Wedge Shelf has a steel-bracket inner frame to keep it sturdy.

4. CB2 Sterling Wall Mounted Shelf

23.5" W x 7" D x 4.75" H ($59.95)**From cb2.com**Add some Hollywood glamour to your walls with this sleek, reflective and minimalist floating shelf.

5. Tronk Design Franklin Shelf

20" W x 20" D x 23.75" H ($400)**Click here to buy at wayfair.com**Perfectly designed for a neglected corner, the Franklin Corner Shelf comes in three color stains to match your decor: maple (shown), walnut and cherry.

6. Ikea EKBY MOSSBY Stainless Shelf

Two sizes (both 2" H): 31” W x 7.5" D and 47” W x 11" D ($19.99-$29.99)Click here to buy at ikea.comThese affordable and durable stainless floating shelves are a fantastic addition to a kitchen or anywhere some shine or an industrial touch is needed.

7. Crate and Barrel Styles Glass Shelf with Brushed Silver Brackets

Two sizes (both 5.5" D x 0.75" H): 24” or 36” W ($89.90-$99.90)**From crateandbarrel.com**When wood looks too heavy for your room’s walls, try glass floating shelves, like the Styles from Crate and Barrel. Made of tempered glass and brushed nickel hardware, these shelves are contemporary and unique.

8. Room & Board Float Box Wall Shelf

Three sizes (all 6"D x 5" H): 12”, 24” and 36” W ($139-$189)From roomandboard.comRoom & Board's Float Box Shelf is handmade in the USA in your choice of beautifully grained American walnut (pictured) or maple. The boxy design makes a bold, modern statement.

9. Kartell Shelfish Shelf

17.8" W x 6.1" D x 1.6" H ($140)**Click here to buy at lumens.com**Groovy and modern in durable PPMA plastic, the Shelfish Shelf is available in colors including Tangerine, Sunset Blue, Crystal, Amber and Smoke. The translucent appearance of this floating shelf gives a wall a splash of color while still appearing light and airy. For a unique look, mount a color combination of your choice.

10. Envision Aluminum Floating Wall Shelf by Peter Pepper

Eight sizes (all 8.25" D x 1.75" H): 12”, 24", 36", 48", 60", 72", 84" and 96” W ($61.99-$434.99)**From allmodern.com**Light and sleek, this floating shelf comes in a variety of sizes for all your needs. Made of aluminum, it's easy to mount and surprisingly sturdy, all while creating a minimalist, floating space for your collection.Take a look at your home to determine where you can use a floating shelf. Adding one or a few is a quick and easy project that will infuse your walls with the latest trend in contemporary design. Which floating wall shelf do you like most?

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