How to Decorate Floating Shelves: Top 8 Stylish Ideas

Hand-crafted butcher block floating shelves offer a sleek, space-saving solution to display décor in a modern home. Not only do they provide extra storage, they also add a touch of elegance and personality to your walls. With the right styling, these shelves can transform any room, making it more visually appealing and functional.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to decorate your floating shelves like a pro. But to start, let's go over some quick steps for how to decorate your floating shelves:

Order a Floating Shelf!

Step 1: Start from the Top

When beginning to decorate your floating shelf, you should start with the top shelf and work your way down. So, on the top shelf, you should arrange your décor items from one end to the other, covering the majority of the shelf. For a balanced look, consider leaving some empty space on either end of the shelf. This negative space helps prevent the shelf from looking cluttered and allows the eye to rest.

One key to achieving a designer-quality look is to layer home decor in varying heights. For instance, consider using taller objects like a snake plant or larger pictures placed vertically or horizontally. This variation in height adds visual interest and depth to your display. When styling, ensure that your shelf doesn't look overcrowded. The goal is to create a curated and thoughtful display, rather than piling on every decorative item you own.

Step 2: Decorate the Middle Shelves

Now that the top shelf is styled, you can proceed to the shelf below it. On this shelf, group your décor into two sections instead of spreading it across the entire length of the shelf. This doesn’t mean you can only use one object on either side—feel free to layer multiple decorative objects within each section. The key is to leave some blank space, or white space, between the two groupings.

This approach creates a more intentional and visually appealing look. The two groups provide the eye with a resting point, making the overall display more harmonious and less chaotic.

Step 3: Repeat the Process

Next, you should continue this method for each subsequent shelf, alternating between full-width displays and grouped sections. When you’re done, step back and take a photo of the entire setup. Reviewing the photo can help you spot areas that may need adjustment, whether it's adding or removing items. Taking a photo or looking through a camera lens is a great way to gain a fresh perspective on your styling efforts. It often reveals things you might not notice otherwise.

Now, let's go over 8 stylish ideas for decorating floating shelves:

Top 8 Stylish Ideas for Decorating Floating Shelves

1. Layer with Books and Art

One of the simplest and most classic ways to style floating shelves is by arranging books mixed with pieces of art. Start by placing books both vertically and horizontally to create an interesting visual rhythm. Interspersing books with small paintings, prints, or framed photographs adds depth and gives your shelves a personalized touch.

Books and art together create a narrative on your shelves, making them not just decorative but also reflective of your personal tastes and interests.

How to Decorate Floating Shelves, Plants

2. Incorporate Greenery

Plants breathe life into any space, and floating shelves are no exception. Choose a variety of indoor plants—both hanging and potted—to create a vibrant, lush display.

For a cohesive look, stick to pots in similar colors but with different textures. This green setup is not only visually calming but also purifies the air, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the room.

Consider using cascading plants like pothos or ivy on higher shelves to create a flowing, natural look.

Customize a Floating Shelf

3. Use Functional Decor

Butcher block floating shelves are ideal for combining decoration with functionality. In the kitchen, use them to store spices and jars or hang mugs and cooking utensils stylishly. In the bathroom, arrange toiletries, scented candles, and folded towels. By choosing items that are both beautiful and useful, you maximize space and enhance the shelf's practicality.

This approach ensures that your shelves are not just pretty but also serve a purpose, making your daily routines more efficient.

4. Create a Thematic Display

To give your floating shelves consistent look, we recommend sticking to a specific theme or color scheme. For example, a nautical theme could feature shells, driftwood, and items in shades of blue and white. Alternatively, a monochrome palette can help achieve a minimalist and modern vibe. Thematic displays are particularly effective in creating a standout focal point in any room.

Themes not only unify the objects on the shelves but also contribute to the overall décor of the room, tying everything together.

5. Highlight with Lighting

Another thing you can do to decorate your floating shelves is add a sconce light, or other type of light.

Adding lighting to floating shelves can elevate their look, especially in the evening. Install small LED lights underneath each shelf to showcase the items beautifully and add ambient lighting to the room.

This is particularly effective in highlighting unique objects (such as collectible books, antique items, figurines, pottery, or plants), and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Consider using dimmable lights so you can adjust the mood of the room as needed.

Order a Floating Shelf

Decorate Floating Shelves, Highlight with Lighting

6. Showcase Collectibles and Antiques

For those who love to collect vintage items or antiques, a well-decorated floating shelf provides the perfect space to show them off where they are safely out of reach for pets and children. Display your collection of vintage cameras, antique vases, or unique sculptures (and consider adding a sconce light or some type of lighting as we talked about above).

Arrange each of your collectibles and antiques at varying heights and depths to create a dynamic and visually interesting display. This not only highlights your personal interests but also turns your collectibles into conversation pieces!

7. Experiment with Shapes and Sizes

Break away from the traditional straight lines of floating shelves by choosing assorted shapes and sizes. Circular or hexagonal shelves add a modern twist and offer unique styling opportunities.

Use these irregularly shaped shelves to hold items like small planters, decorative bowls, or candles. This approach adds a playful and artistic element to your wall decor.

Mixing different shapes and sizes can create a visually intriguing and dynamic display that draws attention.

Order a Floating Shelf!

8. Utilize Them as Room Dividers

In open floor plans, floating shelves can serve as subtle room dividers that define different areas without closing off space. Strategically place a series of tall floating shelves between two areas, such as the living room and dining space, and decorate with items that complement both zones. This not only enhances functionality but also maintains an airy, open feel.

Using floating shelves as dividers helps maintain the openness of a space while subtly delineating different areas, adding both style and practicality.

Let Us Help You Decorate Your Floating Shelves!

Looking to create your dream home office or living room space? Forever Joint Tops can bring your vision to life! Forever Joint Tops has more than 50+ years of professional experience working with various butcher block products. For floating shelves specifically, we are currently offering Basswood and Pine butcher block woods. Finishes and stains include clear, dark walnut, or golden oak, or you can leave your butcher block raw for an unfinished look.

Ready to customize your own butcher block floating shelves? Contact our team at (608) 566-6903 for personalized assistance and to start your journey with a company that truly cares about bringing your butcher block shelving dreams to life! For further reference and inspiration, please take a look at our instruction guide and buying guide.

Order Floating Shelves Here!

How to Decorate Floating Shelves: Top 8 Stylish Ideas

Step 1: Start from the Top

Step 2: Decorate the Middle Shelves

Step 3: Repeat the Process