Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are great decorating tools. They allow for extra space for trinkets, books or other small decorations. Floating shelves are fairly inexpensive and come with simple installation instructions. They work well in almost any room and with any existing décor. Look at these floating shelves from Bed Bath & Beyond, or our review of Bed Bath and Beyond.

In small spaces, floating shelves take clutter off the counter tops and provide a way to display items without using precious space. With floating shelves, a few is plenty and using too many looks odd. Limit the number of shelves to ensure they enhance the décor, not detract from it.

Decide on color. The color of the floating shelves needs to match the surrounding décor. Look at the color of the wood or other furniture, and pick a color that goes with it.

Choose a style. To avoid looking cluttered and thrown together, make sure all the floating shelves are the same style. Matching is very important for a cohesive look.

Place them carefully. Don't just throw the shelves up on the wall. Decide where the shelves need to go, and carefully measure proper spacing between shelves when there is more than one on a wall. Make sure that shelves are at the same height, even if they aren't on the same wall. Look at this arrangement of floating shelves from Target or our review of Target.

Use conversation starters. Everyone expects to see books, pictures and trinkets on shelves. Be creative with the everyday to get people's attention. Put pens in a flowerpot for an added spark. Stack books different ways to attract looks. Arrangement is the key to interesting.

Load them up. Try using a large framed picture that uses the whole floating shelf. Line the entire floating shelf with regular sized pictures, achieving a collage effect. Use a single shelf to display a collection of interesting items, such as bells, animals or anything else matching.

Use something alive. Instead of classic figurines and other typical decorations on shelves, use the surprise factor. Put a live flower in a small vase and put in on the shelf. Plant a small flowerpot with grass seeds to use as a bookend. Stick a small fish container on a floating shelf.

Think functional. Put things up that are important and fragile. Since well-installed floating shelves are stable and out of the way, it's a much safer place to put delicate items. Take a look at these floating shelves from Amazon or read our review of Amazon.

Conclusion: Floating shelves can be used in any room (traditionally in front rooms and bedrooms), but don't overlook their potential in the bathroom.

Check out all of our reviews of the best bed and bath stores online.