Floating shelves are a great way to add storage space, display your favorite items, or showcase decorative pieces.
They can be installed anywhere in the house, but one of the most popular places is around the fireplace.
In this article, we will discuss how you can make floating shelves look stylish and elegant in any space.
Introduction to Floating Shelves Around Fireplaces
A floating shelf is a type of shelf that appears as if it’s floating on the wall without any visible support.
It’s usually made from wood or metal and comes in different sizes and shapes.
When placed around the fireplace, they create an eye-catching focal point that adds depth and character to the room.
The best thing about them is that they don’t take up much space and can hold heavy objects like books, plants, and vases.
The Benefits of Using Floating Shelves in Your Home
1. Adds Storage Space: One of the main benefits of using floating shelves is that they provide additional storage space for all kinds of things such as books, collectibles, photo frames, candles, etc.
2. Showcases Decorative Pieces: Another benefit of floating shelves is that they allow you to showcase your beautiful decorative pieces like sculptures, artwork, figurines, etc., which would otherwise remain hidden away in cabinets or drawers.
3. Creates Visual Interest: Floating shelves also helps create visual interest by breaking up large expanses of walls and adding texture and dimension to the room.
4. Versatile: They are versatile enough to work with almost any style of décor whether traditional or modern.
5. Customizable: You can customize floating shelves according to your needs and preferences. For example, you can choose different materials, colors, finishes, styles, and sizes to suit your home’s design scheme.
How to Choose the Right Style and Material for Your Floating Shelves
When choosing the right style and material for your floating shelves, consider the following factors:
1. Room Design: Firstly, think about the overall design of the room where you want to install the floating shelves. Consider the color palette, furniture style, and other decor elements before selecting the shelving unit.
2. Size and Proportion: Measure the area where you plan to place the shelves and ensure that they fit well within the available space.
Also, pay attention to the proportion between the size of the shelves and the rest of the room.
3. Functionality: Think about what you want to store on the shelves and select a style that accommodates those items comfortably. If you need more storage space, opt for deeper shelves; if you want to show off decorative pieces, go for shallower ones.
4. Material: There are many options when it comes to materials for floating shelves including wood, glass, metal, and plastic.
Wooden shelves offer warmth and classic appeal while glass shelves bring elegance and transparency to the room. Metal shelves give a contemporary feel while plastic shelves are lightweight and easy to clean.
Installing Floating Shelves: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install floating shelves:
1. Determine the location: Decide where you want to put the shelves and mark the spot on the wall. Ensure there are no electrical wires or pipes behind the wall.
2. Measure the distance: Measure the width and height of the space where you want to mount the shelves. Use these measurements to cut the wooden boards accordingly.
3. Cut the boards: Use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut the wooden boards into the desired shape and size. Sand the edges smooth so that they won’t scratch anything.
4. Drill holes: Drill two small holes at each end of the board through which you will pass the screws later.
5. Attach brackets: Screw the L-shaped brackets onto the back of the board. These brackets will secure the shelves to the wall.
6. Install the shelves: Place the shelves against the wall and use a level to check if they are straight. Mark the position of the screws on the wall and drill pilot holes. Secure the shelves to the wall using screws passed through the drilled holes.
Styling Tips for Floating Shelves Around a Fireplace
Once you have successfully installed your floating shelves, here are some tips on how to style them:
1. Group similar items together: Create visually appealing displays by grouping similar items together such as all-white pottery or black-and-white photography.
2. Mix textures and materials: Combine different textures and materials like wood, metal, ceramic, and glass to add depth and interest to the display.
3. Vary heights: Play with varying heights of objects on the shelves to create visual tension and balance.
4. Lighting: Adding soft lighting to highlight certain areas of the display creates drama and focus.
Why Floating Shelves Are Still a Great Decor Option
Floating shelves continue to be a popular choice among homeowners because they are functional, versatile, and stylish.
Whether you live in a tiny studio apartment or a spacious family home, floating shelves can enhance the beauty of your living spaces.
With their sleek lines and minimalist appearance, they blend effortlessly with any interior design style.
So why not try installing floating shelves around your fireplace today?