How To Make Invisible Shelves

Have you ever wanted to display your books or decor without the distraction of bulky shelves? Invisible shelves are the perfect solution! I recently made my own invisible shelves and it was surprisingly easy. In this article, I’ll share my experience and give you step-by-step instructions on how to make your own invisible shelves.

What Are Invisible Shelves?

Invisible shelves, also known as floating shelves, are shelves that are installed on the wall without visible brackets or supports. They give the appearance that the books or decor items are floating on the wall. Invisible shelves add a modern and minimalist touch to any room.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own invisible shelves:

Wooden boards (cut to desired length and width)
L-shaped metal brackets (at least two per shelf)
Drywall anchors
Screws
Screwdriver or drill
Saw (if cutting boards yourself)
Sandpaper (if sanding edges of boards)

Now that you have your materials, here are the steps to make your own invisible shelves:

Decide where you want your shelves to be and mark the spots on the wall.
Attach the L-shaped brackets to the wooden boards, making sure they are level and spaced evenly apart.
Hold the board up to the wall and mark where the brackets will go on the wall.
Drill holes into the wall for the drywall anchors.
Insert the drywall anchors into the holes.
Attach the L-shaped brackets to the wall using screws and a screwdriver or drill.
Place the wooden board onto the brackets and secure it in place with screws.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some tips and ideas to make your invisible shelves even better:

Paint the shelves the same color as the wall for a seamless look.
Add lighting underneath the shelves for a dramatic effect.
Use thicker boards for larger items or heavier weight loads.
Install shelves in a staggered pattern for a unique display.
Use decorative brackets for added style.
Place shelves in unexpected places, such as above a doorway or in a corner.
Group items together on the shelves for a cohesive look.
Use invisible bookends to keep books upright.
Install shelves at different heights for visual interest.
Use clear acrylic boards for a truly invisible look.

Pros and Cons

Like any DIY project, there are pros and cons to making your own invisible shelves.

Pros:

They add a modern and minimalist touch to any room.
They are easy to make and install.
They can be customized to fit any space or decor style.
They can hold a surprising amount of weight.

Cons:

They may not hold as much weight as traditional shelves.
They can be more expensive to make than traditional shelves.
They may require more tools and materials than traditional shelves.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

I absolutely love my invisible shelves! They were easy to make and install, and they add a modern and minimalist touch to my living room. I used them to display my favorite books and decor items, and they hold up surprisingly well. My suggestion would be to use thicker boards for heavier items and to make sure the brackets are spaced evenly apart for stability.

FAQs

What is the weight limit for invisible shelves? The weight limit will depend on the thickness of the boards and the number of brackets used. It’s best to use thicker boards and more brackets for heavier items.
Can invisible shelves be used in any room? Yes, invisible shelves can be used in any room of the house. They are especially popular in living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices.
How much do materials for invisible shelves cost? The cost will depend on the size and number of shelves you want to make. On average, it may cost around $50-$100 for materials.