Wooden floating shelves bring a stylish and practical element to any space. Their streamlined, minimalist design makes them perfect for both storage and decorative purposes. Undertaking the installation of a pair of wooden floating shelves is definitely a worthwhile project, but it’s crucial to choose the right type of wood to ensure their longevity and durability.
The best wood for floating shelves should be strong, heavy, and resistant to wear and tear. The choice of wood type will significantly impact how your shelves look and function in your space. Hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry are Ideal for their strength and aesthetic appeal, while softwoods like pine or cedar are often chosen for their affordability and easy workability. Be sure to also consider the finish on the wood, as this will affect both the look and the protection of the surface.
Before you make a purchase, make sure you understand the actual materials used in the construction of your shelves. You want to look for solid wood construction rather than veneer, MDF, or other composite options. Consider the weight limit the shelves are specified to hold, and any mounting hardware included. Quality materials and thoughtful construction will be key to a beautiful, practical, and long lasting set of floating shelves.
In this article, we are sharing our perspective and insights, gathered from various wood floating shelves we’ve employed and tested. We’ve dug deep to gather this information and compare different wood types and finishes to provide you with the most reliable and accurate advice. By the end of this piece, you’ll have all the essential knowledge you need to choose the best wood for your floating shelves, ensuring they reflect the aesthetic of your space and meet your storage needs effectively.
Best Wood for Floating Shelves
Selecting the best wood for your floating shelves is vital to ensuring longevity, sturdiness and an attractive aesthetic. The wood used should be durable, sturdy, and able to withstand impact and weight. With a vast assortment of wood types on the market, each having its own unique properties, choosing the right one for your floating shelves can be quite a task. Keep reading as we’ve curated a list of the best wood types, based on our extensive testing and research, to assist you in making a well-informed choice.
Imperative Décor Floating Wall Shelves Set of 2 – Functional & Rustic Wooden Shelve for Home Furnishing, Bathroom, Kitchen, & Farmhouse – USA Handmade (Light Walnut, 15 Inch Wide x 5.5 Inch Wide)
If you’re looking for a sturdy and functional wall shelf that also adds a rustic touch to your home decor, the Imperative Décor Floating Wall Shelves Set of 2 might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The shelves are made of solid pine wood and are handcrafted, giving them a unique and rustic look.
- The shelves are easy to install, with all the necessary hardware included.
- The shelves are sturdy and can hold a good amount of weight, making them suitable for displaying various items.
Cons
- The shelves might not be suitable for larger items, as they are only 5.5 inches deep.
- The shelves might not match perfectly with other decor items, as they have a rustic and distressed look.
- The shelves might not be suitable for outdoor use, as they are made of wood.
We’ve used the Imperative Décor Floating Wall Shelves Set of 2 for a few weeks now, and we’re happy with how they look and function. The solid pine wood construction gives them a sturdy feel, and the unique distressed finish adds character to any room. We appreciate that the shelves come with all the necessary hardware for easy installation, and we were able to set them up in no time.
One thing to keep in mind is that the shelves are only 5.5 inches deep, so they might not be suitable for larger items. However, they are perfect for displaying smaller items like photo frames, decorative items, and plants. We also like that the shelves are sturdy enough to hold a good amount of weight, so we don’t have to worry about them sagging or breaking.
Overall, if you’re looking for a functional and stylish wall shelf that adds a rustic touch to your home decor, the Imperative Décor Floating Wall Shelves Set of 2 is definitely worth considering.
HOOBRO Floating Shelves, Wall Shelf Set of 2, 15.7 Inch Hanging Shelf with Invisible Brackets, for Wall, Bathroom, Bedroom, Toilet, Kitchen, Office, Living Room Decor, Rustic Brown BF40BJ01
If you’re looking for a sturdy and stylish floating shelf, the HOOBRO Floating Shelves might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The invisible brackets design makes the shelves look sleek and modern.
- The shelves are made of high-quality MDF boards, which are sturdy and durable.
- The shelves are easy to install, thanks to the detailed instructions and the provided tools.
Cons
- The shelves are only available in one size (15.7 inches long), which might not be suitable for all spaces.
- The shelves are not suitable for heavy items, as they can only support up to 5 lbs per shelf.
- The shelves are only available in one color (rustic brown), which might not match all decor styles.
We’ve used the HOOBRO Floating Shelves in our living room to display some decorative items, and we’re happy with how they look. The invisible brackets design is a nice touch, as it makes the shelves look like they’re floating on the wall. The MDF boards are also of good quality, and they feel sturdy and durable.
The installation process was also a breeze, thanks to the detailed instructions and the provided tools. We were able to install the shelves in less than 30 minutes, which is impressive.
However, we do have some minor complaints about the shelves. Firstly, the shelves are only available in one size, which might not be suitable for all spaces. Secondly, the shelves are not suitable for heavy items, as they can only support up to 5 lbs per shelf. Lastly, the shelves are only available in one color, which might not match all decor styles.
Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish and sturdy floating shelf that’s easy to install, the HOOBRO Floating Shelves might be a good option for you. Just keep in mind that they might not be suitable for all spaces or heavy items.
Upsimples Home Floating Shelves for Wall Decor Storage, Wall Shelves Set of 5, Wall Mounted Wood Shelves for Bedroom, Living Room, Bathroom, Kitchen, Small Picture Ledge Shelves, Natural
If you’re looking for a simple and elegant way to display your favorite items, the Upsimples Home Floating Shelves are a great option.
Pros
- The natural color of the wood shelves complements any home decor style.
- The sturdy and thickened design of the shelves ensures stability and safety.
- The installation process is straightforward and easy to follow.
Cons
- The shelves may not be suitable for heavy items due to their lightweight design.
- The shelves may not be suitable for use in areas with high humidity or moisture.
- The shelves may not be suitable for use with items that are larger than the specified size.
These shelves are perfect for those who want to add a touch of warmth and natural beauty to their home decor. The simple and elegant design of the shelves makes them a versatile addition to any room in the house.
The Upsimples Home Floating Shelves are made of high-quality engineered wood that is durable and long-lasting. The shelves are also treated with a special coating that makes them moisture-resistant and easy to clean.
The installation process for these shelves is simple and straightforward. The shelves come with pre-drilled holes and installation hardware, making it easy to mount the shelves directly onto the wall. The detailed installation manual also ensures that the installation process goes smoothly.
Overall, the Upsimples Home Floating Shelves are a great choice for anyone who wants to add a touch of natural beauty to their home decor. With their sturdy and durable design, these shelves are sure to provide years of use and enjoyment.
BAOBAB WORKSHOP Wood Floating Shelves 16 inch – Bathroom Shelves for Room Wall Mount – Wide Wooden Wall Shelves for Bedroom Kitchen Living Room – Walnut – 16D x 6.7W Inch, Set of 2
If you’re looking for a stylish and sturdy floating shelf, the BAOBAB WORKSHOP Wood Floating Shelves are a great option.
Pros
- The shelves are made of solid maple wood and have a beautiful natural finish that adds warmth to any room.
- The shelves are easy to install and come with all the necessary hardware, including anti-tip brackets for added safety.
- The shelves are strong and sturdy, with a weight capacity of 330 lbs per pair, making them perfect for displaying a variety of items.
Cons
- The shelves are only available in a walnut finish, which may not match every home decor style.
- The shelves are on the pricier side compared to other floating shelves on the market.
- The shelves require a 1.5-inch mounting space, which may not be suitable for all walls.
We’ve used the BAOBAB WORKSHOP Wood Floating Shelves in our living room and they’ve been a great addition to our space. The shelves are well-made and the natural finish adds a touch of elegance to our decor. We appreciate that the shelves come with all the necessary hardware for installation and that they’re easy to put up. The shelves are also very sturdy and can hold a lot of weight, which is great for displaying a variety of items.
One thing to note is that the shelves only come in a walnut finish, which may not be suitable for everyone’s decor style. Additionally, the shelves are on the pricier side compared to other floating shelves on the market. Finally, the shelves require a 1.5-inch mounting space, which may not be suitable for all walls.
Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish and sturdy floating shelf that can hold a lot of weight, the BAOBAB WORKSHOP Wood Floating Shelves are a great option. They’re well-made, easy to install, and add a touch of elegance to any room.
BAYKA Floating Wood Shelves
If you’re looking for a versatile and sturdy floating shelf, the BAYKA Floating Wood Shelves might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The shelves are made of high-quality MDF wood, ensuring long-lasting durability and stability.
- The sturdy metal brackets and thickened glass backplate provide enhanced stability and safety.
- The shelves are easy to install, thanks to the detailed instructions and the provided tools.
Cons
- The shelves are not suitable for heavy items, as they can only hold up to 22lbs.
- The color of the shelves might not match your expectations, as the product images might be slightly different from the actual product.
- The shelves might not be suitable for all types of walls, as they require a solid and flat surface for installation.
We have used and tested the BAYKA Floating Wood Shelves, and we can confidently say that they are a great addition to any room in your house. The shelves are perfect for displaying decorative items, storing books, or keeping small potted plants. The natural wood grain finish adds a touch of elegance to any room, making it a great choice for modern farmhouse, country, or minimalist style.
The installation process is straightforward and hassle-free, thanks to the detailed instructions and the provided tools. The shelves come with adjustable wall-mounting brackets, allowing you to adjust the height of the shelves to your liking. The shelves also come with anti-slip mats to prevent accidental sliding, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a versatile and sturdy floating shelf that is easy to install and can hold up to 22lbs of items, the BAYKA Floating Wood Shelves might be the perfect choice for you.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best wood floating shelves, there are several factors that one should consider. These factors will ensure that you get a product that is durable, stylish, and fits your needs.
Material
The material used to make the floating shelves is an important factor to consider. You want to make sure that the wood used is of high quality and durable. Look for shelves made from hardwoods such as oak, maple, or cherry. These woods are known for their strength and longevity.
Size and Weight Capacity
The size and weight capacity of the floating shelves are also important factors to consider. Make sure that the shelves are large enough to hold all of your items and that they can support the weight of those items. Check the weight capacity of the shelves before making a purchase to ensure that they can hold all of your items.
Installation
The installation process of the floating shelves is another important factor to consider. Look for shelves that are easy to install and come with all the necessary hardware. Some shelves may require professional installation, so be sure to check the installation requirements before making a purchase.
Style
The style of the floating shelves is also an important factor to consider. Look for shelves that match the style of your home and complement your decor. There are many different styles of floating shelves available, so be sure to choose one that fits your needs and preferences.
In summary, when buying the best wood floating shelves, consider the material, size and weight capacity, installation process, and style. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you get a product that is durable, stylish, and fits your needs.
