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Our 6 Favorite Décor Items For Long Floating Shelves

Our 6 Favorite Décor Items For Long Floating Shelves

Molly Jones|

Are your walls crying out for a glow-up, begging to transition from the realm of 'meh' to the kingdom of 'marvelous?' Worry not, oh faithful disciples of décor, for long floating shelves are swooping in to rescue your design woes. Admittedly, we're somewhat partial, but hear us out—long floating shelves not only boast a sleek, chic appearance, but they're veritable magicians in terms of functionality, effortlessly amplifying your display possibilities while simultaneously banishing clutter. Now, the million-dollar question remains: which décor items truly shine on these elevated stages? But before we get to that, let’s briefly go over just why selecting the right decor is so important in the first place.

The Importance of Finding the Right Decor for Floating Shelves

Oak floating shelves installed on a living room wall above a couch.

Floating shelves are like the jeans of interior design: adaptable, handy, and they go with almost everything. Given their increasing popularity, it's clear that homeowners love the seamless look they provide. Available in a myriad of styles and materials—from rustic wood to sleek acrylic—these shelves can be a chameleon in your design scheme or a stand-out statement piece.

Choosing the right décor items for your floating shelves is integral in not only creating an eye-catching display but also in ensuring your space remains functional and true to your personal style. The key to nailing this balance lies in selecting pieces that complement both the aesthetic and utility of your room.

Classic Yet Contemporary: Books and Magazines Reveal Your Personality

A white floating shelf with a variety of white books on top

Books on floating shelves are like the ultimate flex of your personal vibe – they're all about showing off what you love, what you're into, or where your head's at. Think of your shelf as your mini gallery where each book is a piece of you, laid out for the world (or just your cat, maybe) to see. You can totally play around with how you arrange them—color-code them for that rainbow look, sort them by the stuff they're about so it's easy to grab what you're in the mood for, or mix things up by size for a bit of a visual dance.

And hey, why stop at books? Chuck in some of those little knick-knacks you've picked up on travels, cozy-looking candles, or that odd, cute thing your friend gave you that you're not sure what to do with. These bits and pieces add those layers of "you" to the shelf and keep it from just being another boring book stack.

Bookends? Yup, they can be game-changers. Whether you go for something sleek and cool or a bit out there, they're like the cherry on top of your shelf setup. They can pull the whole look together and make it feel finished.

Putting it all together, a well-loved, well-lived shelf is more than just storage—it's a snapshot of your world. It's about making a space that's genuinely yours, where every book or oddity has its why and tells a bit of your story. Plus, it makes for a great convo starter when friends drop by!

Breathe New Life Into Your Space with Plants

Two oak floating shelves in a kitchen with many plants on top of the shelves and below them

Livening up your room with some green buddies is like hitting the refresh button on your space – it's all about bringing in that splash of color and vibe of freshness. Toss in some small potted pals or let some greenery hang loose and cascade down your shelves. It's like having a mini jungle right in your room, and who wouldn't love that?

The cool thing about adding plants is they're not just eye candy. Every leaf and vine brings its own unique texture and shape, making your room feel like a carefully curated slice of nature. Not to mention, plants are basically the unsung heroes of indoor air quality. They're out there quietly soaking up all those pesky toxins and pumping out fresh oxygen, making your room feel as fresh as it looks.

So, whether you're into succulents that forgive you when you forget them or leafy ferns that make you feel like you're in a rainforest, adding a bit of green is a game-changer for giving your room that touch of life and eclectic edge. Plus, they're pretty good listeners and won't judge your Netflix choices. Total win-win.

Invoke Museums to Show Off Your Artsy Side

Two long floating shelves are mounted on a wall with a variety of paintings hung above them

Turning your shelves into a showcase for your fave art pieces or those priceless family snaps is like creating your very own gallery wall – but with a super personal twist. Mixing it up with different frames? Now we're talking. Go for funky, vintage frames for that old-school charm or sleek, minimal ones for a more modern vibe. Each piece you put up there isn't just decorating your wall; it's whispering bits and pieces of your saga.

Imagine it: every time you glance over, you catch a little memory here, a brushstroke of inspiration there, all singing the epic tale of you. It's like every shelf is a chapter, and together, they spin the tale of your adventures, your roots, and your dreams. So, whether it's that quirky art print you picked up from a street fair or the goofy family photo that makes you snort-laugh every time – each one adds another layer to your story.

And the best part? It's all fluid. As you keep living and collecting memories, your personal gallery evolves with you, making your space not just a place you live in, but a living, breathing scrapbook of your journey. How cool is that?

Tchotchkes: Perfect for Long Floating Shelves

Colorful plastic army men are placed atop a floating shelf

Picture this: vases, sculptures, or those gotta-have-em collectibles dotting your space. These aren't just filler; they're the main event, the showstoppers that pull the whole room together. We're talking about those pieces that make you stop and go, "Wow, that's so cool," every time you walk by. They're like the spices that jazz up a dish, introducing a whole new world of materials and textures that make the room pop.

These treasures are more than just things; they're a vibe. A sleek, glass vase can bring a touch of elegance, while a rugged, hand-carved sculpture might add a bit of earthiness. And don't even get me started on collectibles – whether you're into vintage comic books or retro action figures, these little gems tell the world (or at least anyone who drops by) about your passions.

Fill Your Life with Functionality

A functional oak floating shelf with plants, pictures, and a pair of glasses

Let’s not forget the unsung hero in the world of decor – practicality, wrapped in beauty. It’s all about those elegant storage boxes, chic candle holders, or perhaps a stylish speaker. These aren’t just items; they’re the perfect blend of form and function, designed to not only jazz up your shelf but also to make life a bit more organized, a tad more vibrant.

Imagine tidying up with storage boxes that look so good, you’d think they were part of a decor set. Or lighting up a candle in a holder so sleek, it seems to dance in the candlelight. And then there's the speaker that doesn't scream "tech" but rather whispers "style". These pieces serve a purpose, yes, but they do it so gracefully, you’d never put them in the same category as mundane utility items.


By incorporating items that combine utility with aesthetics, you're ensuring your space doesn’t just look good, but works well for your lifestyle too. It's a reminder that practical doesn’t have to mean boring, and that functional items can be just as thoughtfully designed as the most intricate decor piece.

Shine Bright with Soft Lighting

A floating shelf in a bedroom with a warm soft light

Imagine casting a soft, inviting glow over your treasured display with small lamps or the sleek charm of LED strip lights. These aren't just lights; they're the magic dust that transforms your space, weaving a sense of ambiance that softly whispers elegance and warmth. It's about setting the stage to not only spotlight your collection but also to bath your room in a glow that feels like a cozy embrace.

Subtle lighting is like the unsung melody in a symphony, it enhances everything around it without overpowering. With a gentle luminescence, your display doesn’t just stand out; it comes alive, each item basking in a halo that makes its details pop and colors sing. This isn’t just lighting; it’s mood-setting, an art that elevates the ordinary to extraordinary.

Such a setup invites you to pause and appreciate, transforming your space into a sanctuary where every glance is a visual treat. It's about crafting an atmosphere that's both inviting and inspiring, where your displays aren't just seen; they're experienced. So go ahead, let those lights dim to a soft glow and watch as your space becomes not just a room, but a story, illuminated one subtle beam at a time, making everything on display shine, quite literally.

Let Your Long Floating Shelves Tell the Story of You

With each element you choose, your long floating shelves will do more than just store your items; they'll weave the narrative of you. Each piece carefully curated on the shelf, illuminated by the embrace of ambient lighting, will speak volumes about who you are, your journey, and what you cherish. This is the symphony of your life, each note carefully placed upon these stages of wood grained elegance. Ready to bring your vision to life? NookWoodworking can help. Our exquisite selection of shelves and home decor awaits to be a part of your narrative. 

 

SHOP LONG FLOATING SHELVES

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