DIY Shelves: Tips, Trends, and Materials: The Ultimate Guide

Shelves serve a purpose besides storage; they also play a decorative role in the home. DIY shelves can be just what you need to save space, show off your favorites, or refresh your home! In this article, we’re going to address popular floating shelves questions, give you the very best materials to float your own shelves and explore stylish alternatives to wood shelves. Let’s dive in!

Are Floating Shelves Out of Style in 2025?

Floating shelves never go out of style. In 2025, these chic and minimal shelves are still the move. They are great for modern homes and can work with nearly any decor style. If you want a clean, open look in your living room or a practical way to store items in your kitchen, floating shelves are a good choice.

Bold colors, natural wood finishes, and mixed materials such as wood and metal are in for floating shelves in 2025. Not only do they save space, but they allow you to present books, plants, and decor items in an organized way.

Do Floating Shelves Have Issues?

Floating shelves add a touch of style, but can sometimes be problematic if not installed properly. Another common problem is what is called sagging, which is caused by either overloaded shelves or weak materials. Always check the weight limit and make sure to use the proper brackets, even if they’re going to be hidden.

Another worry is damage to the walls. Since floating shelves do not have any visible hardware holding them in place, they generally require strong wall studs to maintain safety. Use appropriate weight anchors or screws for drywall. Properly installed floating shelves can be trouble-free for years.

Are Floating Shelves Straight or Staggered?

It’s up to the look you’re going for. Straight shelves have a neat, symmetrical look and work well in modern or minimalist settings. They’re great if you like everything lined up neatly in a row.

Staggered shelves, by contrast, offer a whimsical, kinetic vibe. They’re an ideal way to create visual interest and display items of varying scales. For instance, you can stagger shelves in a living room to showcase a combination of books, plants, and artwork.

When you say floating shelf, what are you referring to?

Floating shelves are mounted with hidden brackets or metal rods that hold them against the wall. These supports get screwed into the wall, then dropped into the shelf, providing it with that “floating” appearance. The key is good brackets and a solid wall. If you’re mounting to drywall, use wall anchors or attach the brackets to studs for additional strength.

Mounting on brackets visible below (not hidden in a metal frame) provides extra support for heavy items. This won’t detract from the style if you select brackets that correspond to the shelf’s color or design.

Which is Better for Shelves MDF or Plywood?

Pros and cons of MDF vs plywood for shelves. MDF is smooth, inexpensive, and easy to paint. But it isn’t super sturdy, so it’s best for things like decor or light books.

Plywood is more robust and long-lasting. It’s perfect for taller, heavier things, and it’s also available in different finishes (Birch, oak) that provide a natural wood look. Plywood is the better alternative for longer-lasting shelves.

How to Do Floating Shelves?

You can build them quite easily, as you will see! To begin, measure the area for your shelves and cut your lumber to fit. Afterward, use screws and anchors to secure brackets into the wall. Repeat the above steps until finished with brackets, attach wood, and ensure that it’s level.

The shelves can be painted or stained to the color of your animal decoration. Combine wood with metal for a more unusual aesthetic, or add LED strip lights under the shelf on a face for a contemporary feel.

What Can I Use Instead of Wood for Shelves?

There are many options other than wood if you’re looking for something different. Glass shelves are sleek and are great for bathrooms or contemporary kitchens. They’re simple to wash and impart a level of elegance.

Metal shelves are durable and industrial. They are well suited for use in garages, offices or contemporary style homes. Plastic shelves are lightweight and practical — ideal if you’re on a budget and have a closet or storage room.

Are Open Shelves Falling Out of Favor?

Open shelves are here to stay. They’re also still popular in kitchens and living rooms. They make spaces feel light and are ideal for elevating your style. They do need routine cleaning, though, since everything is on display.

If you don’t want to go crazy with open shelving, you can always make open shelves work by not overstuffing them. Keep it simple with a few beautiful dishes, plants, or artwork to add a clean fashionable look.

Are Shelves Cheaper to Build or Buy?

Taste the shelf diy shelving units cost. The size, material, and finish are customizable based on your space and budget. Low waste is also cost-effective; reclaimed wood or leftover materials, for example, work just as well.

But buying shelves could be easier if you’re short on time or lack the right tools. Many stores will sell inexpensive, pre-fab options that are easy to install, so use whatever works best for you.

How long should floating shelves be in the living room?

While there are no hard-and-fast guidelines, the majority of floating shelves in living rooms run 24 to 48 inches long. This size is ideal for displaying books, decor, or family pictures. Longer shelves can make a statement on larger walls, while shorter shelves are suited to tighter environments.

Ensure the length is appropriate for the wall and isn’t too pompous for the room. If you’re installing multiple shelves, leave a few feet between them so your items don’t look crowded.

Brackets-free shelves: How to make them?

You will need flat edge shelves and floating shelf hardware to make bracket-free shelves. That means having rods or other supports in the interior of the shelf that are invisible when it’s mounted. A different approach for incorporating shelving is via recessed shelves, which are embedded into the wall.

For an easy and cheap idea, you can use wooden crates or pallets. They can be attached directly to the wall, and their distinctive appearance doesn’t need brackets.

Final Thoughts

DIY shelves are a great way to declutter and decorate your home. Whether you opt for floating shelves, open shelves, or something completely different, the important thing is to find a style that matches your space and your needs. You will save money, allowing you to build at least 2 if not 10 times a unique machine. You’re now ready to take on your next DIY shelving project with the tips and ideas in this guide!