Increase the storage in any room of your house with this easy to build DIY Faux Floating Shelf Tutorial. Customize the finish to match any decor!
This DIY Faux Floating Shelf Tutorial from my Laundry Room has probably been the most requested tutorial in the history of this blog! It’s a very easy build that instantly increases storage allowing you to display decorative items, jars for organization or leaving items out for easy accessibility.
This Faux Floating Shelf can essentially be placed in between any two walls, so the measurements will really depend on your space, but I’ll give you tips along the way.
*This post contains affiliate links. These links do not affect your shopping experience in any way, however I do receive a small commission to help keep this blog going and provide free tutorials!
Tools Needed:
Lumber and Supplies:
All Cuts of wood will depend on your specific space, so measure before making any purchases!
- 2×4
- 1×6
- 2×10
- Wood screws (3 1/2″ and 2 1/2″)
- 1 1/2″ Finish nails
DIY Floating Shelves
Step one. Using a stud finder, mark the studs in your wall. Measure the width of your shelf and cut a 2×4 to fit that width. Then attach the 2×4 to the wall using your 3 1/2″ wood screws (where you marked your studs). When deciding how high to place your shelf, please note that you will be putting a 2×10 on top of this 2×4 so it will raise the height 1 1/2″. You can adjust accordingly.
Step two. After the 2×4 support is in place it’s time to attach the side supports. For this tutorial I used a 2×10 for my shelf so your side supports will need to be cut to 7 3/4″. If you change the depth of the shelf, this measurement will also need to be changed. I do suggest measuring everything in place rather than just getting to the exact measurements given because all lumber can vary slightly and these 2×4’s can’t stick out in front of the shelf or it will affect the next step!
Step three. Now it’s time to attach the actual shelf. Cut your 2×10 to the width of your rear support (the size you want your finished shelf to be). Place the shelf on top of the supports, making sure your side supports are flush with the front of the shelf. Using your 2 1/2″ wood screws attach the shelf (from the top) into the supports. You can sink the screws and use wood filler to hide them if you don’t want to see the screws.
Step four. Next the front board needs to be attached. I used a 1×6, but if you want your shelf to appear thicker you can use wider board, and this board needs to be cut the exact width of the shelf. Hold it up, making sure it’s flush with the shelf and use your finish nailer to nail in place. Don’t forget to nail it into the side supports as well.
This DIY Faux Floating Shelf Tutorial will leave you with a fully stable shelf for all your storage needs!
Floating Shelves
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Our Previous Small Laundry Room Makeover
Your laundry looks beautiful Ashley. Great tutorial for the shelf too. Thanks for sharing and best wishes, Julie
Thanks Julie! <3
Thank you for this easy to follow shelf tutorial! I love the way these look-minimalist is a fave of mine.
Thanks so much! Yes I think I’m slowly turning into an extreme minimalist! : )
What a great idea Ashley! Love the floating shelf and the painted gray cabinets!
Thanks so much Stephanie! I’m a big fan of shelving! ; )
What stain color and what type of wood did u use?
Hi Sara, I just used regular pine wood from Home Depot. The stain I used was Minwax Special Walnut. : )
Thanks! :)
Omgawsh! Finally, a ‘floating’ self that I may actually be able to do!! Thank you so very much!! Love your site!! =)
Where did you get the shelves
Ashley, I must say your house is beautiful! Everything is well-considered.
I also like the idea of floating shelf. And what’s great is that it’s useful and just looks great!
Nice, attractive website very interesting article thanks for sharing….!
Your shelf is really pretty and easy!
Pinning!
Have a great day,
Kippi
Great tutorial. What an easy way to add some much needed extra storage space!
Thanks for linking up at the Happiness is Homemade Link Party. Hope you’ll come back next week. I’ll be featuring you on Sunday. I love your faux floating shelf.
This is beautiful! Could I make this shelf with only one side wall? In my laundry room, the other side would but up against the refrigerator, and obviously I can’t attach it to the fridge! Lol.
It was so exciting to see you at Tuesday Turn About this week! I can see why this is one of your most requested tutorials! Great faux floating shelf tutorial, Ashley! I’m delighted to be featuring you this week!
Thank you for the directions. Your laundry room is beautiful. Where did you find those gorgeous gray cabinets?!
These were actually unfinished cabinets I purchased from Home Depot and painted in Cracked Pepper from Behr. : )
I love this. An aswr to my ugly laundry room that doesn’t have enough shelves that are low enough. Who needs a step stool when doing laundry? Thanks fo sharing.
Love, love, love this project!! May I ask, what color did you stain the wood for the floating shelf.
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Love your project so beautifully.
You make it easy to understand. Impressive content. snow plowing