This post is all about floating bookshelves! I am an avid reader and have compiled a ton of books in my house. Some of my books are truly special to me, and I’ve thought a lot about the best ways to display my favorite books and make them stand out. I decided to use floating bookshelves. Not only do these bookshelves give me the chance to add my personality to my home decor, but they are also a functional way to add some extra storage for my book collection. In this post, I will share with you some of the pros of floating bookshelves, the different types of floating bookshelves, and examples to hopefully give you some ideas and help you find the perfect fit for your home. Let’s get started!
In interior design, few elements stand out as seamlessly as floating bookshelves. Whether you’re an ardent bibliophile or someone seeking to add a touch of sophistication to your space, incorporating books into your decor is a timeless and rewarding endeavor.
Picture a room where books appear to defy gravity, suspended in mid-air. Floating bookshelves bring a sense of wonder and creativity to any space. They serve as a unique display of your literary treasures and contribute to the room’s overall ambiance.
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A Symphony of Practicality and Style
An increasingly popular design trend is using books as part of your home decor strategy. Floating bookshelves allow you to transform your collection of novels, memoirs, and reference materials into a work of art. Instead of relegating your books to traditional shelving, why not turn them into a visual masterpiece?
These shelves provide an opportunity to showcase your personality and interests. The possibilities are endless, whether you arrange your books by color, size, or genre. The result is a visually stunning display that mirrors your taste and adds character to your living space.
Pros of Floating Bookshelves
- Space-Saving: Traditional bookshelves can occupy valuable floor space, making a room crowded. Floating bookshelves create the illusion of more space, making them perfect for smaller rooms or apartments.
- Versatile: Unlike conventional bookshelves, floating shelves offer flexibility in arrangement. Experiment with different configurations to find the one that best complements your room’s layout and design.
- Visually Appealing: The suspended nature of floating bookshelves draws the eye and adds a dynamic element to your decor. It’s a subtle yet impactful way to showcase your literary treasures.
- Easy to Install: Most floating bookshelves are designed for easy installation, making them a practical choice for DIY enthusiasts. You can transform your wall into a captivating book display with a few essential tools.
- Adaptable: Floating bookshelves aren’t just for books. Use them to showcase other items like framed photos, small plants, or decorative pieces. This adaptability makes them a versatile choice for any room in your home.
Types of Floating Bookshelves
There are many different types of floating bookshelves to choose from. Invisible shelves, ledge shelves, corner shelves, box shelves, geometric shelves, floating tree bookshelves, and traditional floating shelves with bookend brackets. I’ll go through each type and provide a few examples of each.
Invisible Shelves
Also known as “concealed” or “invisible” shelves, these minimalist wonders create the illusion that your books magically float mid-air. The supporting bracket is hidden within the book, providing a clean, unobtrusive look.
These invisible floating shelves are wall-mounted and are sold as a pack of four individual shelves. This means that you can mount the shelves in any arrangement you want, whether in a horizontal or vertical line or in a more hodgepodge arrangement surrounded by other wall decor.
The other type of invisible floating bookshelf I chose is this wall-mounted 4-tier vertical spine book tower shelf. It comes in a pack of two, so you can mount both shelves next to each other or use them in different rooms. This bookshelf is designed such that you simply stack your books on the metal shelf, and then the shelf becomes hidden, and it looks like the books are floating. You can stack your books with the spine facing out or in or use a combination of both styles.
Ledge Shelves
Ledge shelves feature a small lip or ledge that prevents your books from sliding off. They offer a sleek, modern appearance and a practical solution for keeping your books in place.
The first ledge shelf is a set of four white wall-mounted floating shelves. These shelves are ideal when you want to display the front cover of your books. For an extra decorative touch, you can incorporate framed pictures on these shelves as well. Maybe even get some fanart of the book(s) that you plan to display and display it on the shelf with the books.
Similar to the shelves above, this option is an acrylic floating bookshelf with a clear look. These are great for more of an invisible look. I love using these in my daughter’s room to display some of her books.
If you want a little extra support for your books, these white floating shelves have a railing to keep books from falling off. These shelves are stylish and functional for a nursery, kids’ room, or even a living room.
Corner Shelves
Maximize your space by utilizing often-overlooked corners with corner floating shelves. These shelves fit seamlessly into corners, creating a visually exciting display while optimizing your room’s layout. This wall-mounted corner shelf has 5-tiers that you can use to display books. You can even mix it up and place some small decorative items on some of the shelves.
Box Shelves
Box shelves add depth and dimension to your wall. You can arrange these cubes in various patterns to create a visually striking and organized display. Mix and match sizes and colors to add a playful touch to your decor.
These square cube floating box shelves offer a clean, minimalist look. You can hang them in various arrangements and incorporate some decorative elements as well.
This pack of wall-mounted square-shaped floating shelves has a rustic look and includes a few shelves that you can use specifically for decorative items or even fan art figurines from your favorite book.
Geometric Shelves
For those who appreciate a more artistic approach, geometric floating shelves provide a contemporary and eye-catching display. Whether hexagonal, triangular, or asymmetrical, these shelves make your wall a geometric masterpiece.
This set of three rustic wall-mount hexagon honeycomb floating shelves is a unique and fun way to display your books. You could get a few packages of these shelves and create an entire feature wall displaying your books.
This set of two rustic farmhouse pine wood bookshelves are a super unique way to display your books. These would be really great in a home office.
Another unique option is this hexagon floating wall shelf. This contemporary and industrial shelf is great for displaying stacks of books alongside small table decor such as vases, candles, and plants.
Floating Tree Bookshelf
Bring the enchantment of nature into your home with a floating tree bookshelf. Tree bookshelves have an open structure modeled after the branches of trees and allow you to display your books in a fun way. These shelves provide a unique way to show your books and add a whimsy to your space.
This floating tree bookshelf has seven tiers arranged in a distinctive tree-branch-inspired open structure. This bookshelf is a sophisticated, space-saving way to display your favorite books.
These v-shaped floating tree bookshelves are a stylish and functional way to display books. They can be wall-mounted or placed on a desktop or tabletop.
Traditional Floating Shelf with Bookend Brackets
Combine the classic elegance of conventional shelving with the modern appeal of floating design. These shelves come with integrated brackets that serve as stylish bookends, adding a touch of sophistication to your book display while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.
The first traditional floating shelf is a floating wall-mount metal U-shaped bookshelf. These come in a set of two and have a black finish. These shelves have a practical built-in bookend on each side of the shelf.
This rustic wall shelf set has a brown finish on the wood shelves and an antique black powder coating on the iron brackets. It is a great option for a modern, farmhouse, industrial or barn home decor.
This set of 3 wall shelves has white brackets and natural wood shelves. The brackets work perfectly as book-ends. These shelves would look beautiful in a living room with a neutral color palette.
Next is a set of three black floating shelves. These shelves are long and deep making them perfect for storing and displaying a lot of books.
This set of floating shelves is similar to the one above but has rustic wood shelves with black brackets.
The next set of floating shelves is one of my favorites. These traditional floating shelves have black ledges and unique black hardware. I love the look that it creates.
Last we have a set of three traditional wall-mounted shelves that include hooks on the bottom rail. This option provides some versatility that some of the other shelves don’t have.
Conclusion
This post was all about my top picks for floating bookshelves! Beyond their practicality, these shelves are a canvas for your style and passions. Whether you’re an avid reader, a design enthusiast, or someone seeking to breathe new life into their living space, floating bookshelves offer a delightful and versatile solution.
Elevate your space, defy gravity, and let your books become a conversation piece in your home. Happy decorating!
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