Floating shelves

A little bit of magic: shelves that float

Sometimes it just takes one idea to turn something as ordinary as a shelf into something a little bit magical. Our wall shelves are mounted with hidden brackets, so the fixings stay out of sight. That's what turns them into floating shelves, conjuring up storage where there was only a wall. Whether you put up a single shelf or a whole wall of them, you gain stylish extra room for everything that matters to you. In a home office, there's space for pens, paper and files. In the living room, you can put your pictures or trophies on display. And in the bedroom, where a calm, harmonious feel is especially important, floating wall shelves help the whole space feel more relaxed. Slim shelves work well where space is tight, giving you storage even in a narrow hallway.

Key features and benefits of our wall shelves (depending on the model):

• Invisible fittings: concealed brackets create a floating look with no visible screws or distracting metal supports.
• Wide choice of colours: from timeless white and elegant black to warm wood tones like oak, brown or beige – there’s a wall shelf to suit every interior style.
• Different sizes: narrow shelves create subtle accents, while deeper shelves offer more surface space and act as a real design feature in the room.
• Hard-wearing finishes: easy-care materials stand up to everyday use in the living room, kitchen, bathroom and every other room at home.
• Flexible height: mount them at whatever height works for you – at child height, just above a desk or within easy reach in the kitchen.
• Quick to install: simple, fast assembly gives you extra storage in no time, even if you’re not a DIY expert.
• Multifunctional: perfect for decoration, books, plants, baskets and boxes, as well as personal keepsakes and collections.
• Easy to combine: designed to work beautifully with other IKEA wall storage solutions, from wall rails and wall organisers to hooks and more.

Looking for an elegant, airy way to add storage? Take a closer look at our wall shelves – floating shelves that bring a touch of magic to your walls.

What can I use a wall shelf for?

A wall shelf creates extra surface space wherever the floor is already full. In the living room, it’s the perfect place for picture frames, candles or small plants. In the kitchen, a wooden wall shelf can double as a stylish spice rack. In the hallway, a floating shelf makes a handy landing place for keys and post. And in a child’s room, there’s space for books, soft toys and other treasures. The possibilities are as varied as your home itself.

How high should I hang a wall shelf?

The ideal height depends entirely on how you plan to use it. If you’re using your floating shelf mainly for decoration, we recommend mounting it at around 140 to 160 cm. If you’re adding a floating shelf above a sideboard for extra storage, leave roughly 30 to 40 cm of space between the two. For a floating bookshelf or a wooden wall shelf in a child’s room, the right height depends on how tall your child is – and whether you want them to be able to reach the shelf on their own or not.

How safe are floating shelves?

Our floating shelves are designed for everyday life. The concealed brackets are tested and, when fitted correctly, hold reliably. The assembly instructions also give you clear guidance on the maximum load for each wall shelf. A wooden floating shelf is heavier to start with, so secure fixings are especially important here. The individual product descriptions tell you everything you need to know.

How do I put up heavier floating shelves?

Start by checking the type of wall you have. Solid walls or wooden studs offer the best support for heavier floating shelves. Choose the right wall plugs for your wall material, use sturdy screws and always use a spirit level to make sure everything is perfectly straight.

How much space should there be between a wall shelf and the TV?

Leave around 20 to 30 cm of space between your TV and a floating shelf. This keeps everything feeling light and stops the screen from looking crowded. A slim white or oak shelf is ideal here – it doesn’t distract from the picture and offers a great spot for plants, pictures or speakers. Black wall shelves, on the other hand, echo the dark look of most TVs in a very stylish way. One extra tip: finish things off with a couple of well-placed wall lights to make the whole area feel extra cosy.

How high should floating shelves be in a home office?

In a home office, the right height depends on how often you need what’s on the shelf. Everyday items, like pens or folders, are best stored at around 100 to 120 cm so you can reach them easily from your chair. Add a few baskets and boxes and everything has its place. Books or decorative pieces can happily sit higher up – around 150 to 180 cm works well. For a more personal look, mix different heights and let the shelves find their own rhythm on the wall.