Floating shelves

What sets custom shelves apart is the way they fit your home exactly. Each one is made to order, crafted to your chosen size, wood type, and finish so it looks like it was always meant to be there. Beyond the visual impact, well-designed floating shelves bring balance and intention to a room, helping every object feel like part of the overall story.

In a cozy cottage kitchen, white oak shelves hold pottery and cookbooks while making the space feel brighter and more open. In a contemporary living room, dark walnut shelves provide contrast against white plaster walls, drawing attention to art and ceramics without overpowering them.

Hidden brackets create a clean, floating appearance while keeping the shelves strong and stable. This design allows the wood grain and finish to take center stage while offering the durability needed for daily use.

Open shelving continues to define contemporary interiors, bringing lightness and flexibility to every room. Designers are using custom floating shelves to replace bulky cabinetry, highlight architectural details, and add functional storage without overwhelming a space. When combined with thoughtful placement and finishes, floating shelves become part of the design language rather than an afterthought.

Before you choose your shelf, think about where it will have the most impact.

• In living rooms, floating shelves frame art, display heirlooms, or hold books that add personality.
• In kitchens, they open up wall space and keep essentials within reach, from coffee mugs to herb jars.
• In entryways, a single narrow shelf can catch keys, sunglasses, and mail without cluttering the space.
• In bathrooms, small floating shelves make use of unused wall areas while adding warmth through natural wood.

Look for opportunities to replace heavy furniture with floating storage. By freeing up floor space, shelves make rooms feel open and more intentional.

Pro Tip: In smaller rooms, opposed to 2, stack 3 shelves with the middle shelf slightly above eye level. This simple trick visually lifts the ceiling and makes the space feel larger.

Each wood type interacts differently with light and complements different design styles.

• Maple offers a soft, light tone that feels airy and bright, ideal for contemporary interiors.
• Walnut adds rich contrast and pairs beautifully with white walls or neutral décor.
• White oak sits comfortably in between, blending well with both modern and traditional spaces.

A satin finish is one of the most popular choices because it highlights the grain of the wood while protecting the surface. For a more rustic feel, a stained finish adds depth and brings out unique color variations. Lyons Crafted offers a range of stains from natural to darker tones, so your shelving can echo the look of your flooring or furniture.

Shelves do more than hold items. They help organize the visual rhythm of a room. Instead of scattering décor, use them to build focal points. Group similar objects together like a set of vases, framed prints, or potted plants to create balance. Leave some space between items so the shelf and the wall color become part of the composition.

Try combining multiple shelves vertically to draw the eye upward, or stagger them for a more dynamic feel. In open-plan spaces, use floating shelves to define areas, such as separating a dining zone from a living area without closing off the space.

Try This: Style one shelf with three objects of different shapes and one natural element, such as a plant or stone bowl. It keeps the display organic and grounded.

For rooms that lack natural light or need an elevated finish, LED floating shelves are a modern solution. Integrated lighting highlights your displays and adds warmth or brightness where you need it most. Warm LEDs work beautifully in living areas and bedrooms to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Cool LEDs give kitchens and offices a crisp, modern look that enhances clarity and function.

• Installing shelves without aligning them to architectural lines or sightlines.
• Mixing too many finishes in one small area.
• Filling shelves too densely, which can make the space feel cluttered.

For the best results, plan your floating shelf placement early in a renovation or wall update so wiring and bracket alignment are simple. Through intentional planning, you ensure the wiring for your shelves is properly placed, and studs or blocking are in alignment with the shelf bracket location.

Pro Tip: When spacing multiple shelves, leave at least 15 inches between them to allow visual breathing room for larger objects and décor.

Once installed, floating shelves are surprisingly low-maintenance. Dust them occasionally and avoid overloading with weight beyond their bracket rating. If you choose LED shelves, the lights are long-lasting and energy-efficient, providing tens of thousands of hours of use.

Every piece from Lyons Crafted is built to last, using high-quality materials and hand finishing for strength and timeless beauty. Whether you are updating a single nook or furnishing an entire property, these shelves are designed to serve as both functional storage and lasting décor.

The best interiors balance practicality with personality. Floating shelves embody that balance by creating space for your favorite pieces while improving the way your home looks and feels.

At Lyons Crafted, every shelf is a balance of craftsmanship, creativity, and lasting design, built to illuminate and inspire your space for years to come.