We all covet floating shelves in our designs and it’s no wonder why. By eliminating unsightly brackets we open up more space to display the pretty wall or backsplash behind the shelves. Plus, without brackets we’re left with maximum space to display baskets, picture frames, vases and any other knickknacks that go with our design.
If you’ve ever installed one though you understand why contractors hate them. With no brackets to mount the shelves onto it can be a tricky balance of stability and durability to achieve. Contractor Rob Evans showed us the perfect solution though; when he and designer Danielle Bryk tackled the laundry room on this season of Home to Win, he installed simple floating shelves with ease.
Here’s how to get DIY floating shelves a la Rob in your own space.
Supplies:
- Two-by-two spruce make frame
- Medium density fibreboard
- Drill
- Screws
- Reinforcements
- Tape measurer
- Leveler
What you do:
- Measure the area where you’re installing the shelves and cut out your make frame and MDF to fit.
- Screw the frame into the wall (in the video example above Rob was able to screw the shelves into the both the back and sides of the wall for extra support), while making sure it’s level.
- Pop the MDF on top and secure.
- Paint the shelves to match the walls, stain them or finish them in whatever colour you see fit.
- Tell your friends about all of your impeccable handiwork.
Pro tips:
- Make sure you have a solid foundation on which to attach the shelves and use reinforcements where necessary
- Although these shelves are sturdier than most, don’t overload them!
- Use a sealer if you want your finished shelves to last for a long time.
