5 Best Floating Shelf with Lighting Ideas to Enhance Your Home

Everyone wants elegant and sophisticated decor in their living room, don’t they? Floating shelves are a widely adopted furniture with hidden support for house décor and typically installed in bedrooms, hallways, living rooms.

Also, they enhance storage space and fill up blank walls without disturbing light and air circulation. Combined with the right lighting, they extend a home’s decor even more.

It is quite challenging to get a perfect floating shelf with lighting well suited for both your current furniture and wall paint.  

Top 5 Picks of the Floating Shelves with Lighting

Apart from the appealing outlook, floating wall shelves can be scrutinized with the material, weight and size, weight carrying capacity, and installation method. In this section, we have piled up 5 floating shelves keeping in mind these aspects to help you out in your search. Let’s have a look. 

1. 2 Piece Solid Wood Pine Floating Wall Shelf

Assets

To start up the list, we have first Evonne Floating Shelf: a set of 2 shelves with a unique rustic look. This is for the wooden material and matte finish.

Now let’s talk about the material. They are manufactured in the USA using high-grade pine, solid wood. The walnut and dark walnut stain made of paint thinner and paraffin oil functions as a sealant and effectively avert stains. So, there is no compromise made with quality.

Thanks to the invisible 4.75 inches brackets. The metal brackets are designed to be completely hidden after you are done screwing it 2.25 inches inside the wall. So, you don’t need to be worried as this is an authentic floating shelf.

With the included mounting hardware, install this in 15 minutes with 8 holes on your blank wall and add some lightings if you wish. You can also try paints on the shelves. Shelf assembly is required for installation.

These rectangular shelves are available in two sizes: 2” H x 16” W x 5.5” D and 2” H x 20” W x 5.5” D. the first one weighs 8 pounds and for the second one its 9 pounds. The shelves have a weight carrying capacity of 20 pounds which is enough I guess.

Downsides

• The stain is not sealed so it gets dusty intermittently.
• The shelf keeps leaning forward and there remains a gap.

2. Tishie 2 Shelves 2 Piece Pine Solid Wood Floating Shelf

Assets

Tishie Floating Shelf is another shelf with a wooden and rustic finish on our list. This is a set of two rectangular shelves with white, gray, and dark walnut finish. Construction-wise they are much sturdy as they are made of solid pine wood planks.

They are featured with a 1-inch lipped edge. So, they are designed to display decorations and many other things while keeping in mind the security of the contents. 

There are rectangular backplates included attaching the shelves with the wall. These backplates are clean-lined and identical with the style of the shelves. The backplate and front lip have a depth of space of about 8.5 inches.

With the incorporated mounting hardware, you can install this set of shelves quickly in 10 to 15 minutes approx. You can also buy the two shelves to form a single long shelf.

Here no shelf pre assembly is required. All you are going to need is 4 holes, including 4 anchors and 4 screws. There are pre-drilled holes on the shelves 33 inches apart for installation.  

They are available in two sizes. One is with an overall 6” H x 24” W x 10” D dimension, overall weight 10 pounds, and an individual weight capacity of 20 pounds. Another has a dimension 6” H x 36” W x 10” D, an overall weight of 15 pounds, and an individual weight capacity of 25 pounds.

Downsides

• The shelves are comparatively heavy and may bow with time.

3. Adalyn Floating Shelf

Assets

Next, we have on our list Adalyn Floating Shelf, a perfect platform for showing off your photos, curios, books, or any type of decorations. This is a set of a single shelf available in a different color to match your intended room environment. 

Talking about the material, the shelf is made of sturdy manufactured wood (MDF) with an elegant finish. These are featured with a rectangular silhouette. Thanks to the crown arch moldings that help to provide a traditional and contemporary appeal.

There are brackets and mounting hardware provided with the shelf. They are the perfect floating shelves as there are no brackets or hardware seen after installation is complete.

For installing this, no shelf assembly is required and it will cost nearly 15 minutes.  Add some lighting to extend the charm even at night. To complete the installation, you will need 2 holes and screws and anchors. 

Now let’s talk about the weight and dimensions. They are available in two sizes: 1.75” H x 24” W x 8” D with 5 pounds weight and 1.75” H x 36” W x 8” D with 7 pounds weight. Both have an overall weight capacity of 35 pounds. So, they are pretty light in weight and hopefully not bow with time.

Downsides

• The shelf is not suitable for heavy decoration.
• This does not include anchors and sufficient screws.

4. Abarca 3 Piece Pine Solid Wood Floating Shelf

Assets

Abarca Floating Shelf is a complete set of three shelves. This trio set of shelves is made in the USA and is well crafted with solid pine wood. They are designed to show off natural wood grain variations, making every single shelf unique and distinctive.

These shelves are featured to affix to the wall with hanging brackets. The brackets have a depth of 4.65 inches and a diameter of 1.25 inches. The brackets have ready-made holes 4 inches apart to mount them with screws and anchors. The brackets are well hidden after installing so no sacrifice with the appearance.

You can also cut or put them together or stain them according to your taste and style. With the included mounting hardware complete installing these yourself in only 20 minutes. This requires shelf assembly before installation. You will need 12 holes.

As far as the weight and size are concerned, the shelves are all in the same size. They have side to side width of 20 inches with a dimension of 2” H x 5.5” D. Overall weight of the shelves is 10 pounds with an individual weight carrying capacity of 25 pounds.

Downsides

• The shelves don’t sit evenly on the wall.
• These are pretty difficult to install.
• The stain smell takes time to go away.

5. Oldbury Naite Floating Shelf in Shabby White/Gray Solid Wood

Assets

Finally, we have Oldbury Naite Floating Shelf to complete our picklist. This single shelf classic set is handmade. The paint and distressing is done to feature a rustic and shabby appearance. They are available with white and gray finishing.

This rectangular shelf can be installed easily on a blank wall with hanging brackets. The number of installation holes needed is 4. Just 30 minutes and your floating shelf will be ready to show off decorations.

Extend the charm a step ahead by including some alluring and eye-soothing lightings. No shelf assembly is required here. As it is a complete wooden piece, make sure to install this at least 24-inch far from a fireplace.

The shelf is made of solid pine wood, so it is sturdy enough to hold your heavy decors. The weight carrying capacity of the shelf is 50 pounds.

 These shelves are featured in 5 different sizes to accommodate your needs and taste. They all have the same height and depth of 4” H x 8” D. The Only difference is in width and weight: 22inch 7 pounds, 36 inches 10 pounds, 44 inches 15 pounds, 56 inches 18 pounds, and 64 inches 19 pounds.

Downsides

• The paint may seem a little patchy.
• The shelves tend to come forward from the brackets.

What to Look for Before Buying Best Floating Shelf With Lighting

Floating shelves are a great way to add some style and functionality to your home. They can create more storage space, display your favorite items, and enhance the look of any room. But not all floating shelves are created equal. Some are more durable, easier to install, and better suited for different purposes than others. And if you want to add some extra flair to your floating shelves, you might want to consider getting ones with lighting.

Lighting can make your floating shelves stand out even more, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home. Whether you want to showcase your books, plants, art, or collectibles, lighting can add some drama and elegance to your display. But how do you choose the best floating shelf with lighting for your needs?

Here are some factors to consider before buying one.

Material

The material of your floating shelf will affect its durability, weight capacity, and appearance. You want to choose a material that is sturdy enough to hold your items without sagging or breaking, but also matches your style and décor.

Some of the most common materials for floating shelves are wood, metal, glass, and plastic.

Wood as Floating Shelves

Wood is a classic and versatile choice that can suit any home style. It can be painted or stained in different colors and finishes, and it can also have natural grains and textures that add some warmth and character to your space.

Wood is also relatively easy to install and maintain, as long as you protect it from moisture and humidity.

Metal as Floating Shelves

Metal is another popular option for floating shelves, especially if you want a more modern and industrial look. Metal is very strong and durable, and it can also come in different shapes and finishes, such as stainless steel, brass, or copper.

Metal can also be combined with other materials, such as wood or glass, for a more interesting contrast.

Glass as Floating Shelves

Glass is a sleek and elegant choice for floating shelves that can create a sense of openness and lightness in your room. Glass can also reflect light and make your items look more attractive.

However, glass is also fragile and prone to scratches and fingerprints, so you need to be careful when handling and cleaning it.

Plastic as Floating Shelves

Plastic is a cheap and lightweight option for floating shelves that can be molded into different shapes and colors. Plastic can also be easy to install and clean, but it might not be very durable or aesthetically pleasing compared to other materials.

Size

The size of your floating shelf will depend on how much space you have available on your wall and how many items you want to display on it.

You want to measure the length, width, and depth of your wall space before buying a floating shelf, as well as the dimensions of your items.

You also want to leave some clearance between the shelf and the ceiling, floor, or other furniture pieces.

Generally speaking, you want to choose a floating shelf that is proportional to your wall space and your items.

A too-small shelf might look awkward or cluttered on a large wall, while a too-large shelf might overwhelm a small wall or make your items look sparse.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a shelf that is about two-thirds of the width of your wall space.

Depth of Your Floating Shelf

The depth of your floating shelf will also affect how much storage space you have and how stable it is.

A deeper shelf can hold more items or larger items, but it might also stick out too much from the wall or cause the shelf to sag or tilt.

A shallower shelf can look more sleek and minimalistic, but it might not be able to accommodate some items or provide enough support for them.

Style

The style of your floating shelf will reflect your personal taste and complement your existing décor.

You want to choose a style that matches the mood and theme of your room, whether it’s rustic, modern, bohemian, or anything in between.

You also want to consider the shape, color, finish, and design details of your floating shelf.

Some common styles for floating shelves are:

• Rectangular: This is the most basic and versatile shape for floating shelves that can fit any wall space and hold any items.
• Square: This is a more symmetrical and geometric shape for floating shelves that can create a neat and orderly look.
• Hexagonal: This is a more unique and eye-catching shape for floating shelves that can add some interest and dimension to your wall.
• L-shaped: This is a practical shape for floating shelves that can utilize corner spaces or create more storage options.
• Curved: This is a more elegant and graceful shape for floating shelves that can soften the edges of your wall or create some movement.
• Tiered: This is a more functional and dynamic style for floating shelves that can provide different levels of storage or display.

Lighting Type

When choosing a floating shelf with lighting, you also want to consider the type of lighting that best suits your needs and preferences.

LED Lights

Some options include LED lights, strip lights, puck lights, or spotlights. LED lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting, while strip lights provide a continuous and even glow.

Puck Lights

Puck lights and spotlights can create more focused and dramatic lighting, but they might require more wiring and installation.

Temperature and Brightness of Lighting

You also want to consider the color temperature and brightness of your lighting.

Warm white light (2700K-3000K) can create a cozy and inviting ambiance, while cool white light (4000K-5000K) can create a more bright and refreshing atmosphere.

You might also want to choose dimmable lights that can adjust the intensity of the light and create different moods.

Installation

The ease and safety of installation can also affect your choice of floating shelf with lighting.

You want to choose a shelf that comes with clear and detailed instructions, as well as all the necessary hardware and tools.

You also want to ensure that the shelf can be securely and evenly mounted on your wall, without damaging your wall or posing a risk of falling.

You might also want to consider whether the shelf requires hardwiring or battery power for the lighting.

Hardwiring can provide a more seamless and permanent solution, but it might also require professional installation or electrical expertise.

Battery power can be more flexible and portable, but it might also require frequent battery replacements or recharging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How much weight floating shelves typically hold?

Ans: Floating shelves can typically hold weight around 20-30 kgs.

Q: Do floating shelves need studs?

Ans: It is good to use studs as they give a more supportive base.

Final Note

Floating shelves have become not only contemporary style décor for most of the household but also, they are quite fruitful for storage purposes. To assist you to get the finest floating shelf with lighting, in this content we have reviewed the top 5 floating shelves available for you now.

Adalyn Floating Shelf is outstanding for its classic appearance and lightweight. If you are looking forward to getting an outdoor rustic environment inside your home, then Evonne or Abarca Floating Shelf will be splendid for you. Pick up the perfect floating shelf suited with your style. If there is a floating shelf at your home without any light you can enlighten the shelf by installing cove light as cove light is great for enlightening floating shelf.

As we conclude our exploration of the top 5 floating shelves with LED lighting, remember that these aesthetically pleasing and practical home additions serve more than just a functional purpose. These floating shelves illuminate your favorite items and elevate the overall ambiance of your home, acting as key decor elements that bring harmony and a contemporary touch. Whether it’s for your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, choosing the right LED-lit shelf can truly transform your space into a luxurious and modern environment. Browse our recommendations one more time and invest in the one that best matches your style and needs, adding a dash of elegance to your home with the soothing glow of LED lighting.