Even if you have Marie Kondo-ed your house from top to bottom there’s still always a certain level of ‘stuff’ that just seems to remain - candles, photo frames, endless bits and pieces that you just seem to collect over a life time.
And they all need somewhere to go.
But in order to avoid making your home feel even more full than it already does, you want some storage options that make the room feel bigger and more spacious. Enter: the floating shelf.
If you’re in a rental property you might struggle to convince your landlord to let you nail them into the wall, but otherwise they are a great space-saving option.
Rustic oak block floating shelf, Amazon, £29.99
One of the biggest reasons why floating shelves always seem a lot of hassle (rather than just getting a bookcase) is that they involve an element of DIY. But these oak and walnut shelves each come with pre-drilled holes, making them quick and easy to hang. Perfect for cactuses and photo frames, or something a little heavier - they can hold up to 22kg.
Buy it here.
RooLee floating shelves in retro style, Amazon, £18.99
These shelves are the kind you’d seen on Instagram and presume they cost a fortune, but at less than twenty quid for a set of three shelves they are good value for money. If we were putting them up at home we’d like them in the living room or hallway covered in Ottolenghi cooking books and candles.
Buy it here.
Floating shelf diamond frame, Amazon, £32.99
Fancy more of a statement piece? This diamond-shape unit is perfect if you have a large space on a blank wall you need to fill but don’t necessarily want a freestanding book case using up space on the floor. The light coloured pine would work nicely in a bedroom on a white wall - we’d put books at the top and an alarm clock on the lower shelf.
Buy it here.
Harbour housewares wooden shelf, Amazon, £36.99
Need something to put a TV or sound system on but don’t fancy buying a huge stand? Why not try a sleek white shelf. The white wood looks more clean and modern than lots of the other untreated woods. Just make sure you don’t have lots of cables that will need hiding. This price is for a set of three so you’ll have plenty of room to play with.
Buy it here.
Homfa U-shaped display shelf, Amazon, £21.99
This white MDF option is perfect if you’re buying shelves for books - because they’ve got upturned ends it means everything isn’t going to keep toppling off. The seller also promises they are easy to assemble - in fact it says it will take you less than 15 minutes. Again, the price is for a set of three.
Buy it here.
Timber block floating shelf, Amazon, £24
If you prefer more of a ‘country farmhouse’ aesthetic than sleek Scandi style these real wood shelves are an affordable option. Made from sustainably-sourced solid European oak (that has been sanded and oiled so you’re less likely to get a hand full of splinters when you’re putting them up) they’ll look like they’ve always been part of the furniture.
Buy it here.
Solid rustic walnut shelf, Amazon, £39.99
These shelves are 100% solid walnut (hence the price tag) but are probably going to last you longer than some of the cheaper MDF options. They would look great on a white wall (as pictured) with a vase of eucalyptus, vintage posters and some gold trinkets.
Buy it here.