Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Floating Bookshelves

Last updated on November 8, 2021

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Floating bookshelves work well for organizing and displaying books, plants, toys, trophies, photos, art, cooking tools and pretty much anything else you can think of. These shelves make the most of unused space and can organize rooms while adding a touch of personality to walls.

Floating bookshelves are very easy to install with a few tools, and they can hold a lot of weight, making them a popular option for storage and display. As you pore through product descriptions, look at maximum weight limits and determine if you want a set of more than one, which offers design possibilities.

These shelves are often made from wood, although you’ll find other materials as well. Unless the shelves are intended purely for decorative use, look for ones that are made from sturdier materials like solid pine. These will be more expensive but also more durable for holding your valuables safely over time.

Many options will include the mounting hardware you’ll need. Some floating shelves can be installed in different ways; for example, they may allow brackets to be placed either on the top or on the bottom if a shelf. If you like a cleaner look, shop for floating bookshelves that do not have visible hardware.

Our Picks For The Top Floating Bookshelves

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Best All-Around Option

BAYKA Rustic Wood Floating Bookshelves

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

BAYKA

Rustic Wood Floating Bookshelves

This set of three floating bookshelves includes one small, one medium and one large shelf. They're easy to install with the included metal brackets and have a modern, geometric look. Choose the color to match your decor.

Overall Take

Sturdy and ElegantOrganize your room in minutes with these versatile and great-looking floating shelves.

 Runner Up

Love-KANKEI Rustic Paulownia Wood Board Floating Bookshelves

Love-KANKEI

Rustic Paulownia Wood Board Floating Bookshelves

These simple and rustic display shelves are made from solid wood boards and come with sturdy powder-coated metal brackets. The set features three sizes and comes in different colors. Mounting hardware is included.

Overall Take

Simple and EffectiveUse these attractive shelves to create extra space and unclutter any room in your home.

 Best for Bedrooms

Wallniture Utah Rectangular Floating Bookshelves

Wallniture

Utah Rectangular Floating Bookshelves

This is a set of two nursery room floating shelves, crafted from solid wood with a cute, functional design that effectively keeps things from falling off. It's a safe, easy-to-install choice for a little one's space.

Overall Take

Nice for BabyUse this charming shelf set anywhere you need extra storage and a decorative touch.

 We Also Like

MAINEVENT Rustic Farmhouse Floating Bookshelves

MAINEVENT

Rustic Farmhouse Floating Bookshelves

Made from solid fir wood, these two pre-built, hand-distressed bookshelves come with anchors, a bubble level and screws for easy installation. Hang them upside down to hold keys, ribbons or sunglasses, if you like.

Overall Take

Super Sturdy ConstructionPeople who are into the farmhouse look will absolutely love these quality-made shelves.

What to Look For

  • If you worry about items falling off your floating bookshelves, look for ones made with crossbars to hold things in place. This is especially useful if you have pets who like to climb.
  • Floating shelves are great for keeping things out of the reach of children and other small creatures while imparting a clean, minimalistic vibe.
  • DIYers can build their own floating shelves, but it can be cheaper (and much easier) to simply buy and install them. This also will help you to know for sure the proper weight limit for your shelves.

More to Explore

Cats can easily jump onto well-placed floating shelves, so many cat owners install the shelves just for their kitties to enjoy. Put a few cat toys or snacks on the shelves, and your feline friends will be purr-fectly happy for hours on end.

Cats feel safer when they are up high, and these shelves are wonderful for cat owners who have energetic dogs and/or children running around at floor level.

More to explore