13 Best Ways to Decorate Living Room Floating Shelves

Living room floating shelves are an excellent way to showcase photographs, plants, knickknacks, and other personal items you want on display. If you’re looking for ways to spice up your living room decor, adding a few floating shelves can be just what you need.  

Bare walls can make a living room feel cold and uninviting, and sometimes there’s not enough art or photographs to fill them. With a floating shelf, you can enhance your walls, provide display and storage space, and help liven up your living room space. 

Displaying your shelves is easy once you know the best tips and tricks. Check out these 13 ideas for decorating your living room floating shelves. 

What are floating shelves?

Floating shelves are a type of shelving attached to the wall with no support hardware showing. Not only are they an innovative and stylish way to add additional storage space to any room in the house, but they also offer an attractive way to display decorative items without taking up valuable wall space.

Typically, these types of shelves are made of wood, metal, plastic, or glass. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes that easily complement any interior design. 

The most common type is the wall-mounted shelf, which is attached to the wall with concealed brackets. These brackets make them easy to install and maintain, as they do not require the complex mounting hardware required by conventional shelving units. 

This type of shelving is also available in freestanding designs that can be moved as needed.

Specs of Living Room Floating Shelves

The depth of your floating shelf is primarily determined by the objects that will be placed on them. If you intend to use the shelving unit primarily for albums or book collections, deeper shelves may be preferable as they provide greater support and stability for heavier objects. 

If you simply wish to display light objects such as candles or pictures, then shallow shelves may be preferable because they won’t take up too much living room wall space. 

How much space between living room floating shelves?

To provide support for your floating shelf, place them on top of the wall studs. Typically, wall studs are 16 inches apart, so the distance between your floating shelves should be at least 16 inches. 

You’ll need to use a stud finder to determine exactly how far apart your wall studs are; sometimes, they are a few inches farther apart than the norm. 

How much weight can a floating shelf hold?

The number of wall studs the shelves are attached to determines how much weight can be placed on them. Each wall stud permits a floating shelf to support approximately 50 pounds. If your shelf is attached to two wall studs, it can effectively support up to 100 pounds regardless of its depth.

What to Put on Floating Shelves in the Living Room

• Books – organize your favorite novels by storing them on your floating shelf. 
• Plants – adding plants to your shelves is a great way to enhance the overall atmosphere of your living room and introduce some greenery. 
• Pictures – get creative with your pictures and picture frames. Display all of your favorite memories of you and your family. 
• Candles – adding candles to a floating shelf can help bring in warm lighting. 
• Knickknacks – display your favorite statement pieces, such as vases, figurines, or other unique items you’ve accumulated over the years. 
• Electronics – you can use a floating shelf to store certain electronics, such as your internet modem or a TV projector. 

13 Ways to Decorate Living Room Floating Shelves

1.) Showcase Your Book Collection 

Displaying your books on your living room floating shelves is an easy way to add color and texture to the space without overcrowding. 

Books come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and genres, making it simple to find ones that complement your existing decor and tastes. Consider arranging paperbacks or hardcovers on one shelf while placing picture frames or vases on another if you want your living room to look cozy yet stylish. 

2.) Plants Can Liven Up Your Shelves 

Displaying greenery on a floating shelf can add a vibrant touch to your living room. Plants are low-maintenance and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, making it simple to find ones that will fit perfectly on your shelves. 

Flowers, such as orchids, or succulents like aloe vera, will make an eye-catching statement in any living room setting. They not only look great, but they can also help improve the air quality around you. 

3.) Light a Few Candles 

Using candles to decorate living room floating shelves is a great way to add a touch of elegance and warmth to any home. Experiment with different heights and sizes of candles to create a beautiful display on a floating shelf. For balance, use both tall taper candles and short votives. 

4.) Display Your Favorite Vases 

Vases add texture, color, and depth to the shelves while also serving as a visually appealing display for flowers and other decorative items. You can decorate your living room floating shelves with beautiful vases that will help your space stand out in just a few simple steps. 

For the best results, choose vases that are sleek, modern, or vintage-inspired. Make sure the size of each vase is appropriate for the shelf it will be placed on; you don’t want them to overpower each other or appear too small compared to larger items on the shelf. 

5.) Add in Some Texture 

When adding texture-rich decor to your living room floating shelves, look for pieces that stand out but don’t overpower the shelf, such as wooden bowls or sculptures. To achieve an eclectic look, mix items of various shapes and sizes, so each shelf has a distinct personality. 

Pair a few small plants with colorful pots or combine smooth ceramic plates and rustic wicker baskets for a unique look. Remember to keep it balanced by leaving enough blank areas around each piece to allow it to shine. 

6.) Add Unique Colors and Designs 

Why not consider painting your living room floating shelves to take them to the next level? If you’re wanting to add a pop of color or a unique touch to your decor with floating shelves, living room walls will be the perfect display areas.

This simple DIY project is a low-cost way to add style and color to any room. You could even consider using stencils or wall decals to create unique patterns for your living room wall – these vibrant designs will bring your shelves to life. 

7.) Shop Thrift Stores for Picture Frames 

Try thrifting picture frames for an inexpensive and creative way to decorate your living room floating shelves with a gallery wall. Not only can you discover one-of-a-kind finds, but with a little bit of elbow grease, they can be refinished into stunning works of art that may become the focal point of the room.

Begin by looking for frames that complement the aesthetic of your shelf at local thrift stores or online marketplaces. A wide range of styles is available to help create the perfect gallery living room wall, from classic antique wooden frames to modern metal ones. 

8.) Bring in the Beauty of Nature with Flowers 

A floating shelf can be an easy way to bring nature into your living room. Many living rooms can feel dry and unwelcoming, and simply giving the space a touch of natural beauty will make the room more inviting.

Decorating with flowers is an interesting way to add color and life to a single floating shelf or even multiple. Whatever arrangement you choose will add beauty and style to your living room that was not previously present.

9.) Add a Low Light Lamp 

There are numerous ways to creatively decorate your living room with lamps on your floating shelves, whether you’re looking for functional lighting or want to add a decorative touch. If you want a modern look, pair sleek wall-mounted lights with dark wood shelves. 

Choose brass sconces with painted white floating shelves to add warmth and texture to a traditional room- they’ll blend in perfectly while also providing an inviting glow. Consider hanging long string lights from the ceilings above each shelf for a more modern look. 

10.) Elevate Your Projector 

Living room floating shelves are an excellent space to place your TV projector. A floating shelf keeps all your equipment organized and accessible while allowing the projector to be at eye level, making it easier to see and enjoy movies or TV shows. 

Most floating shelves come with adjustable brackets, allowing you to tailor them to your needs. 

11.) Organize Your Movie Collection 

Adding a floating shelf to your living room can be a great way to display some of your favorite movies while creating a welcoming environment for you and your family. Because floating shelves are lightweight and versatile, they can be hung almost anywhere in the room, from near the TV or entertainment center to above couches for easy access when browsing movie collections. 

12.) Allow Your Statement Pieces to Shine 

Adding statement pieces to living room floating shelves will highlight their design potential and create a one-of-a-kind, personalized look for your home. Begin by choosing items that reflect your style. 

Choose vibrant artwork or decorative objects with a modern flair to make a bold statement in any room. If you want something more understated, choose artwork with muted colors and rustic accents that add texture and interest without being overpowering. 

You can also add an eclectic touch by placing sculpted objects along the shelves or hanging mirrors on adjacent walls to open up the space and draw the eye to the shelf display. 

13.) Modernize with Glass Objects 

Glass objects are ideal for decorating these shelves because they can give a room an airy and modern appearance without taking up too much space. Decorating with glass objects on these shelves is another simple way to add texture, light, and color without overcrowding the room. 

Use mismatched pieces for a fun twist on traditional styling, or stick to similar sizes and shapes for a more classic look. Place groups of similar items together or mix them up to create interesting patterns – whatever you choose will help define the overall aesthetic of your living room.

FAQ

What is the best material for living room floating shelves?

Hardwood is the best material for a floating shelf. Wood is a material that is durable, long-lasting, and non-translucent, so any shelf hardware will be hidden.

While hardwood often has a higher cost, the quality and longevity outshine the rest. 

Are floating shelves outdated?

Floating shelves are here to stay. These shelves remain in style because they are open, allow for proper display, and help organize almost any space. 

Are floating shelves a good idea?

Floating shelves are great for your living room, especially for displaying small or individual items. If you’re looking for a hefty storage area, these shelves may not be ideal as they don’t allow for large amounts of storage. 

These shelves are easy to install, but only if you have a stud finder and use it correctly when putting your shelves up. If you’re looking for a simple solution to brighten up your space and allow for additional display and storage, then living room floating shelves are a great choice. 

Conclusion

When considering installing floating shelves, living room spaces are an excellent choice. A bare living room wall can dull a room’s atmosphere. 

Use a floating shelf to help you organize your favorite items and display books, movies, plants, knickknacks, and other pieces that otherwise wouldn’t have a proper home. 

Consider a few ideas in this article to help you decide the best way to decorate your floating shelves in your living room.