Floating Shelves Build Your Own: My Personal Experience
Recently, I decided to give my living room a makeover. I wanted to add some new furniture pieces, but I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. That’s when I thought about building my own floating shelves. I had never done it before, but I was willing to give it a try.
What are Floating Shelves?
Floating shelves are shelves that appear to “float” on the wall without any visible support brackets. They are a popular choice for people who want a clean, modern look in their homes.
Why Build Your Own?
Building your own floating shelves allows you to customize the size and style to fit your specific needs. Plus, it can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build your own floating shelves:
- Measure the space where you want to install the shelves.
- Cut the wood to the desired length and width.
- Sand the wood to smooth out any rough edges.
- Stain or paint the wood to match your decor.
- Install the brackets onto the wall.
- Attach the shelves to the brackets.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
If you’re thinking about building your own floating shelves, here are some tips and ideas to help you get started:
- Choose a wood that is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your items.
- Consider adding lighting to the underside of the shelves for added ambiance.
- Use decorative brackets to add a unique touch to your shelves.
- Paint the brackets the same color as the wall to make them blend in.
- Add a pop of color to your shelves by painting the backboard a different color.
- Install a picture ledge to display artwork or photos.
- Use the space above your toilet by installing floating shelves for extra storage.
- Add a rustic touch to your shelves by using reclaimed wood.
- Install floating shelves in your kitchen to display your favorite dishes or cookbooks.
- Use floating shelves in your home office to store books and office supplies.
Pros and Cons
Like any DIY project, building your own floating shelves has its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Customizable to fit your specific needs.
- Can save you money compared to buying pre-made shelves.
- Can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.
Cons:
- Requires some woodworking skills and tools.
- Can be time-consuming to complete.
- May not be as strong or durable as pre-made shelves.
My Personal Review and Suggestion
I am happy with how my floating shelves turned out. They have added much-needed storage space to my living room, and they look great. However, I will say that building them was not as easy as I thought it would be. I had to borrow some tools from a friend, and it took me longer than I anticipated to complete the project. If you’re a beginner at DIY projects, I would suggest starting with a smaller project before attempting to build your own floating shelves.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: How much weight can floating shelves hold?
A: The weight capacity of floating shelves varies depending on the type of wood and the brackets used. However, most floating shelves can hold up to 20-30 pounds.
Q: Can I install floating shelves on drywall?
A: Yes, you can install floating shelves on drywall. However, you will need to use drywall anchors to ensure that the shelves are secure.
Q: How much do floating shelves cost?
A: The cost of floating shelves varies depending on the size, type of wood, and brackets used. On average, you can expect to pay between $20-$50 per shelf.