Floating shelves: the superhero of small spaces! They’re functional, stylish, and can fit pretty much anywhere. Over my years as a designer, I’ve had countless clients ask me how to make the most of their compact spaces, and floating shelves always end up being part of the solution. Let me walk you through 13 clever and chic ways to style them that will give your small space a big personality.
1. The Minimalist Library
Perfect for bookworms with a smaller pad. Stack two or three floating shelves vertically and fill them with your favorite reads. Leave a bit of space between books for small plants or bookends.
2. Kitchen Spice Haven
Who says small kitchens can’t be functional and cute? Use narrow floating shelves above your countertop to display spices, jars, and small potted herbs.
3. Bathroom Beauty Bar
Install floating shelves above the toilet or sink to hold rolled towels, candles, and chic storage containers for toiletries.
4. Work-from-Home Command Center
Got a small desk setup? Add floating shelves above it to store office supplies, books, and a bit of décor to keep things stylish.
5. Gallery Wall Addition
Mix floating shelves with framed art to create depth in a gallery wall. Use the shelves for small sculptures, candles, or plants.
6. Tiny Plant Paradise
Use floating shelves to build a plant display in a sunny corner. Mix different heights of pots for variety.
7. Kid’s Room Display
Mount floating shelves at kid-friendly heights to display toys, books, and fun decorative items.
8. Above-the-Bed Storage
Make use of that empty wall above your bed. Install a long floating shelf to hold art, books, or a clock.
9. Hallway Catch-All
In a narrow hallway, floating shelves can hold baskets for keys, mail, and other grab-and-go essentials.
10. Corner Shelf Magic
Don’t forget the corners! Install floating shelves to maximize these often-overlooked spaces.
11. Bedroom Vanity Shelves
Use floating shelves to organize makeup, skincare, and perfumes near a mirror for a DIY vanity.
12. Entryway Organizer
Make a small entryway more functional with floating shelves for mail, keys, and decorative hooks underneath for bags or hats.
See what I mean? Floating shelves are like magic wands for small spaces. They’re functional, flexible, and just plain fabulous. Whether you’re organizing your spices or showing off your favorite books, there’s a floating shelf idea here for every nook and cranny. Now, go on and make your small space work harder (and look better) than ever. Got questions? Let’s chat—I’d love to help!