My Experience With Floating Shelves And How To Space Them Perfectly
When I first moved into my new apartment, I was excited to decorate my space and make it my own. One of the first things I wanted to do was add some floating shelves to my living room. I had seen them in so many home decor magazines and loved the way they looked. However, when I tried to install them myself, I quickly realized that spacing them properly was not as easy as it seemed.
How to Space Floating Shelves
After some trial and error, I learned that there are a few key things to keep in mind when spacing floating shelves:
1. Consider the Purpose
Before you start drilling holes in your wall, think about what you want to display on your shelves. If you’re planning on storing books or larger items, you’ll need to space your shelves further apart. On the other hand, if you’re displaying smaller items like picture frames or vases, you can space them closer together.
2. Measure Your Wall
Measure the length of the wall where you want to install the shelves. Divide that number by the number of shelves you want to install. This will give you a rough idea of how much space you’ll have between each shelf.
3. Consider the Height
The height of your shelves will also affect how much space you need between them. If you’re planning on displaying taller items, you’ll need to space your shelves further apart. If you’re displaying shorter items, you can space them closer together.
4. Use a Level
Make sure your shelves are level before you drill any holes. Use a level to ensure that your shelves are straight and even. This will help prevent any wobbling or instability.
5. Test the Spacing
Before you start drilling holes, use painter’s tape to mark where your shelves will be. This will allow you to step back and get a visual sense of how the spacing looks. Adjust as necessary until you’re happy with the placement.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Spacing Floating Shelves
Here are some additional tips and ideas for spacing floating shelves:
- Consider using asymmetrical spacing for a more modern look.
- If you’re displaying a collection of items, consider spacing your shelves closer together to create a cohesive look.
- If you’re displaying books, space your shelves at least 12 inches apart to accommodate taller books.
- For a minimalist look, space your shelves further apart and display only a few items on each shelf.
- If you’re displaying art or photos, consider staggering the shelf heights for added visual interest.
- If you’re working with a small space, consider vertical spacing by stacking shelves on top of each other.
- If you’re displaying plants, consider spacing your shelves closer together to create a lush, green wall.
- If you’re working with an odd number of shelves, consider spacing them unevenly for a more organic look.
- If you’re displaying items with different heights, consider using adjustable shelves to accommodate the varying heights.
- Experiment with different spacing options until you find what works best for your space and your personal style.
Pros and Cons of Spacing Floating Shelves
Like any home decor choice, there are pros and cons to spacing floating shelves:
Pros:
- Allows you to display items without taking up valuable floor space
- Creates visual interest on your walls
- Can be customized to fit your personal style and needs
- Easy to install and remove
Cons:
- Can be tricky to space properly
- May not be suitable for heavy items or large collections
- Requires drilling holes in your wall
- May not be suitable for renters or those who frequently change their decor
My Personal Review and Suggestion for Spacing Floating Shelves
Overall, I’m very happy with my decision to add floating shelves to my living room. They’ve allowed me to display my favorite items without taking up valuable floor space. However, I did struggle with spacing them properly at first. My suggestion would be to take your time and experiment with different spacing options before committing to drilling any holes. Use painter’s tape to mark where your shelves will be and step back to get a visual sense of how the spacing looks. Don’t be afraid to adjust as necessary until you’re happy with the placement.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Can I install floating shelves without drilling holes in my wall?
A: There are some adhesive options available for installing floating shelves without drilling holes in your wall. However, these may not be suitable for heavy items or larger collections.
Q: How do I clean my floating shelves?
A: Use a damp cloth to wipe down your shelves regularly. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
Q: Can I install floating shelves in a bathroom or kitchen?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to make sure that your shelves are moisture-resistant and can withstand the humidity and temperature changes in these rooms.