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Our Ultimate Guide to Reclaimed Wooden Floating Shelves

Are you looking to upgrade your home and create some beautiful storage space? Let me help! In this guide, our wooden floating shelves could be the perfect solution.

We will walk you through the process of choosing and how to install a floating shelf, ensuring that you make the right decisions every step of the way. Whether you’re aiming for a modern, rustic, or minimalist look, selecting the perfect reclaimed shelves is crucial.

We’ll delve into the various options, styles, and sizes available, providing you with the knowledge to make an informed choice that complements your space seamlessly. 

Floating-Shelves

Pros & Cons: Floating Shelves with Brackets

Floating shelves offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice. Their timeless appeal and versatility allow them to complement various design styles, from traditional to contemporary. 

Additionally, wooden shelves are sturdy and durable, providing reliable support for your items.

Moreover, their floating design creates an illusion of space, making them ideal for small rooms, alcoves, or places where storage with style is needed.

One potential drawback is that it requires several tools to install our floating shelves and some shelves are only appropriate for certain walls.

However, we also make freestanding shelves which don’t require any installation. 


Choosing the Right Shelves for Your Space

When choosing shelves, consider the overall style of the room and the intended purpose of the shelves.

As part of this, try to work out how many shelves you would want, as this can affect what you ultimately go for.

For a modern look, opt for sleek, minimalist designs in rich, dark woods such as our narrow floating shelves.

Narrow Floating Shelf

Alternatively, if you’re aiming for a more rustic feel or a unique style, our steampunk reclaimed wood shelves with natural imperfections and industrial brackets can add character to the space. 


It’s essential to assess the weight-bearing capacity required for the items you intend to display, ensuring that the chosen shelves can accommodate them.

Additionally, consider the dimensions of the space where the shelves will be installed to determine the appropriate size and configuration for a seamless fit.

How to Install a Floating Shelf – Video

 For a breakdown guide see our detailed article on how to install a floating shelf.

Decorating and Styling Wooden Floating Shelves

After installing, it’s time to style your shelves with items that reflect your personal style.

Incorporate a mix of functional and decorative pieces such as books, plants, artwork, and small sculptures to create visual interest.

Experiment with varying heights and textures to add depth to the display. 

Consider incorporating accent lighting to illuminate the shelves and create ambiance in the room.

 

Maintenance and Care Tips for Wooden Floating Shelves

To preserve the beauty and prolong the life of your wooden shelves, we recommend regularly cleaning the shelves and rewaxing every couple of years or so.

Dust the shelves regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime. Use a wood cleaner or a mild solution of water and vinegar to gently clean the surfaces – avoid using any cleaners containing bleach.

Avoid placing excessively heavy items on the shelves to prevent strain on the brackets and wood. Our shelves can hold approx. 35kg when installed correctly.

Additionally, be mindful of exposure to direct sunlight, heat and moisture, as prolonged exposure can cause discoloration and warping to the wood.

FAQs

What are wooden floating shelves?

Wooden floating shelves are wall-mounted shelves that appear to “float” on the wall without visible brackets or supports. Crafted from high-quality wood and designed to hold items such as books, ornaments or other essentials, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics in your space.</p>

What weight can a floating shelf support?

<p>Floating shel</p>

ves can hold up to 35kg, as long as they’re correctly installed onto solid walls.

How do I maintain and clean wooden floating shelves?

To maintain the beauty of your wooden floating shelves, regularly dust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the wood finish. For stubborn stains, lightly dampen the cloth with a mild soap solution and gently wipe the surface. Ensure the shelves are completely dry to prevent moisture damage.

Can I customise the size or colour of wooden floating shelves?

Yes, we offer customisation options for our wooden floating shelves. Depending on your requirements, you can select different sizes, finishes, and colours to match your décor or specific space dimensions.

Are your shelves suitable for plasterboard?

Our floating shelves are most suited to solid walls, but they can be attached to plasterboard as long as the fixings are screwed into the stud frame behind. Please seek advice from a tradesperson before doing this.

Alternatively our industrial or steampunk shelves can be installed on plasterboard walls, you will need to purchase the appropriate plasterboard wall plugs to do this.


In Conclusion

Wooden floating shelves serve as both functional storage solutions and captivating design elements that elevate the ambiance of any room.

By selecting the right wooden floating shelves and following a precise installation process, you can transform your space.

Whether you’re showcasing cherished mementos or organizing everyday essentials, wooden floating shelves are a practical and visually stunning addition to any home.


Read our full story so far

ABOUT LUKE RICHARDSON

Luke is the chief maker of all the reclaimed wood furniture at Project Reclaim – a small family business that he set up in 2019. Luke is dedicated to using sustainably sourced materials and helping people bring their furniture ideas to life.

Shop our full range of reclaimed wood furniture.

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