31 Floating Shelf Ideas to Increase Space

Floating shelves can transform bare walls and add more storage throughout a shared space or smaller room. These hanging miracles are versatile yet stylish.

This simple design trend is a storage solution that optimizes your room without taking up more space. Aside from upgrading your storage system, there are also limitless ways to decorate your floating shelves.

Unsure how to utilize the functionality of these shelves? Here are a few shelving ideas to get you started!

1. Organize Any Space

Implementing floating shelf ideas into your home can create extra counter space without a hefty renovation project. Store your office supplies, decorative objects or favorite books. Try stacking two or more long shelves to add even more space.

2. Create a Library

For all the avid readers out there, creating a library is an excellent floating shelf idea. Save space in your home by storing your treasured books in an easily accessible floating bookcase. Organize your reading collection while keeping your favorite books handy.

3. Maximize Bathroom Storage

Regardless of the size of your bathroom, we’re sure you can always use extra counter space. Hang up two or more floating shelves to maximize bathroom storage. Keep your hairbrush, makeup and toiletries presented neatly without giving up any countertop room.

4. Set Up a Coffee Bar

Caffeine, anyone? An excellent floating shelf idea for coffee or tea lovers is to create a beverage bar. Store your drinkware, coffee or tea bags and handy pot on top of your shelves for your morning pick-me-up or late-night study breaks.

5. Design a Gallery Wall

A picture-perfect floating shelf idea is to create a gallery wall. Simply make or purchase floating ledges to create a photo display feature. Add as many picture frames as you see fit.

6. Make a Pantry in Your Dorm

Try making a pantry with floating shelves to maximize your food storage options. Display your snacks, cereal and microwavable mac and cheese to increase efficiency.

7. Organize Your Bedroom

Transform your bedroom and organize your life with the help of shelves. Say goodbye to throwing your belongings into a drawer or your closet. Keep your items organized on wall shelves in the bedroom.

8. Create an Indoor Garden

Flex your green thumb by creating an indoor garden with the help of floating shelves and shelf accessories. Add small potted plants to a wood shelf to create a rustic theme. The pop of greenery will bring your home to life.

9. Store Gaming Controllers

Who says your favorite gaming systems can’t be decorative? While you might have less space to store your items, you can utilize floating shelves for your controllers. Get your gaming on without having to untangle all those cords. Create the ultimate gaming setup while saving room!

10. Incorporate a DIY Mantel

No mantel, no problem! DIY your own with the help of a farmhouse wood plank. Keep things simple or scatter floating shelf decor to add your signature style.

11. Display Vinyl Records

Calling all music lovers—now is the time to show off your record collection with the help of floating shelves. While it might be impossible to display your entire collection, you can advertise your current favorites. You can always switch out your vinyl records weekly.

12. Build a Statement Wall

If you are unsure what to do with your space, why not build a statement wall full of shelves and decor? This floating shelf design creates more dimension and brings your walls to life without much effort. Add a Polaroid camera, books or a clock to set the mood.

13. Replace a Laundry Basket

Easily replace your laundry basket and swap it for one incorporated into floating shelves. Maintain a clutter-free home by having a drying rack and laundry basket all in one. Say goodbye to dirty laundry scattered throughout your room with the help of this small-space storage idea.

14. Design a Functional Entryway

It’s fairly common for entryways to have a catchall for loose items like keys, wallets and shoes. However, this narrow spot can actually serve as a focal point for visitors. A floating shelf with decorative pieces in the entryway can help leave a great impression on your guests.

15. Create a Hat Wall

Save space and create a hat wall for on the go. A floating shelf is a great way to store and display your baseball caps, cowboy hats and even party headgear. Throw in some small decorative objects like a clock to complete your space.

16. Display Shoe Collection

Calling all fashionistas and sneakerheads! Displaying your shoe collection on floating shelves is a stellar idea to show off your kicks. Keep your trusty collection readily available for spur-of-the-moment plans. Incorporate baskets and bins to store on your shelf to keep multiple pairs within arm's reach.

17. Build a Musical Space

While dorms might have quiet hours, you can still create a musical space by displaying your instruments on floating shelves. Incorporate hooks to display your guitars and create a space perfect for jamming out.

18. Upgrade Your Office Organization

Does your desk area lack space for storing homework and school supplies? Upgrade your office organization system by adding floating shelves for ample storage.

19. Arrange Living Room Decor

Less is more when it comes to living room wall shelves. Beautifully display photos, small plants and decorative accessories to arrange your decor in an orderly fashion. Stick to one to three shelves so you aren’t overpowering your space.

20. Organize Linens

We’re all guilty of throwing miscellaneous items into our closets without a worry in the world. That is, until we can’t find clean sheets or a spare pillow. Organize your linens with a structured shelving system. Keep your towels and sheets on the shelves for easy access.

21. Store Sports Memorabilia

For all the athletes out there, store your sports memorabilia on floating shelves. 

Add these hanging miracle workers to your bedroom walls for ample storage that is also organized. Add hooks or baskets to keep your trophies and sports memorabilia on display but also protected.

22. Add a Rustic Style

We love the natural, rustic look of wood floating shelves scattered among homes. Not only are you increasing your space, but the wood detail also creates an added aesthetic feature.

23. Go for a Modern Appearance

Crisp white walls with gold accent pieces create a modern appearance. Go one step further with sleek floating shelves to display decorative pieces on your clean walls. Stick to neutral or bright decorative items to continue with the modern look.

24. Construct 3D Decor

Your walls will love the unique look of 3D decorative shelves. Not only does this design look stylish, but you can fill up the baskets with plants, bags and picture frames.

25. Design a Jewelry Wall

Never leave your room without your accessories ever again when you create a jewelry wall display. Hang your necklaces, bracelets and favorite earrings for easy access. Display it above your vanity to create the perfect glam corner.

26. Add Over-the-Bed Decor

Go for long wall shelves that are neutral to appear as if they’re built into the wall. Create a match made in heaven with a shade of wood that is similar to your other bedroom furniture. Add large printed photos and small potted plants to create a cohesive appearance.

27. Create More Closet Space

Struggling to find enough space in your closet for all your clothes? Create more space with the help of floating shelves for the closet. Incorporating bins and baskets on top of your hanging shelves will help you store your belongings.

28. Store Workout Equipment

Don’t burn a sweat finding a place to store your equipment. Create more space in your dorm or apartment with floating storage. Keep your at-home gym tidy with your equipment in arm's reach.

29. Use Them as an Accent Piece

Go for a longer and larger ladder design to create an accent piece for your home. Keep things simple with a neutral color or go bold and paint your shelf. Scatter picture frames and greenery for a pop of personality.

30. Pick a Geometric Design

Linear and rectangle shelves are so last year. Pick a geometric floating shelf to store your decorative pieces, as well as add more dimension to your wall. Go for an oval or scalloped design to create more dimension.

31. Go Practical With Corner Shelves

Squeeze in more storage in your home with corner shelves. These tiny miracle workers add contrast to your bare walls and places to keep your belongings. Make sure to measure your walls to accommodate tight proportions.

Now that you are more familiar with floating shelf ideas, it’s time to start decorating. Remember to keep in mind the measurements of your space and think practical. Increasing your space only takes a few minutes with these storage solutions.

For more ideas on how to enhance your home, check out these ideas to increase your space.