One of my favorite ways to instantly elevate a kitchen is with open shelving—and I’m not talking about pre-made ones from the store. I mean real, solid, custom floating shelves that you build yourself.
Whether you’re giving your space a full makeover or just want to add a touch of charm, this DIY floating shelf project is approachable, affordable, and makes a major statement.
After installing mine, I couldn’t believe how much lighter and more open the kitchen felt. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to bring out all your prettiest dishes and accessories. Ready to get started? Here’s exactly how we made our floating shelves—from materials to mounting—step-by-step.
Why Floating Shelves?
Before we dive in, let’s talk about why floating shelves are such a fan favorite.
- They make small spaces feel bigger. Traditional upper cabinets can box in a kitchen. Open shelving keeps it airy.
- They’re functional and pretty. Store your everyday dishes and mugs while styling with greenery, art, or cookbooks.
- You can fully customize them. Width, depth, wood stain, finish—the sky’s the limit.
We chose to mount ours on a wall that previously had upper cabinets, and the transformation was unbelievable.
What You’ll Need:
Materials:
- 2×10 pine or poplar boards (or your choice of hardwood)
- 1×2 wood strips (for the internal frame)
- 3” wood screws
- Wood glue
- Wood filler (for patching)
- Sandpaper (80 + 220 grit)
- Stain or paint
- Polyurethane or sealer
- Drywall anchors (if you’re not hitting studs)
Tools:
- Stud finder
- Level
- Drill
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Tape measure
- Wood clamps (optional, but helpful)
- Paintbrush or stain cloth
Step 1: Measure Your Space
This is the most important part—measure twice. Decide how many shelves you want and how high they’ll be spaced. Ours are 2 inches thick and spaced about 15 inches apart. You’ll want at least 10–12 inches of clearance above countertops.
Make sure you also measure the depth you’re comfortable with. We went with 9 inches—deep enough for dishes but not so big that they dominate the wall.
Step 2: Cut and Prepare the Wood
Cut your boards to the desired length using a miter or circular saw. If you’re doing multiple shelves, try to cut them all at once so they’re uniform.
Lightly sand the edges with 80-grit sandpaper, followed by 220-grit for a smooth finish. Wipe down the boards with a tack cloth or damp rag to remove dust.
This is also the time to decide if you’ll stain or paint. We used a warm walnut stain for a rustic-modern look and finished with a satin polyurethane for durability.
Pro Tip: Always test your stain on a scrap piece before committing!
Step 3: Build the Hidden Bracket (Support Frame)
This part is a little tricky but totally doable. You’re essentially building a mini frame that will go inside the shelf and attach to the wall.
- Cut your 1×2 wood strips to the length of your shelf.
- Cut two smaller pieces (about 8” long) to act as the “arms” of the bracket.
- Screw these arms into the long back piece at even intervals (we used 3 per shelf).
Now you have a bracket that looks like a skinny “E.”
This bracket will be mounted to the wall and hidden inside the hollow shelf box.
Step 4: Mount the Bracket to the Wall
Use your stud finder to locate the studs. It’s crucial to screw into the studs whenever possible for maximum support.
- Mark your bracket placement with a level.
- Pre-drill holes into the bracket where you’ll hit studs.
- Mount it to the wall using 3” wood screws.
If you’re not hitting a stud, be sure to use heavy-duty drywall anchors.
Give the bracket a little shake to make sure it’s solid—because once the shelf is on, there’s no going back!
Step 5: Assemble the Shelf Box
Now it’s time to build the hollow shelf that will slide onto your bracket.
- Cut and attach 1×6 or 1×10 boards to form the top, bottom, and sides of the shelf.
- Use wood glue and finishing nails or screws to secure.
- Slide the box onto the mounted bracket to test the fit. It should be snug but not too tight.
If the fit is perfect, remove the shelf and fill any visible holes or seams with wood filler. Once it dries, sand again and apply your final coat of stain or paint.
Step 6: Slide It On & Secure
Once everything is dry and sealed, gently slide the shelf box onto the wall bracket. You can add a few screws through the top of the shelf into the bracket arms for extra security—but if it’s a tight fit, it may not be necessary.
Stand back and admire your handiwork. You did it!
Styling Your New Shelves
This is the fun part. Think function + beauty:
- Everyday dishes
- Stacked bowls
- Glass jars with pantry staples
- A trailing pothos or two
- Art prints leaned against the wall
- Woven baskets or ceramic vessels
I like to stick to a loose color palette to keep things cohesive—whites, woods, greens, and a metallic pop.
Tip: Leave some negative space so the shelf doesn’t feel overcrowded.
Final Thoughts
Floating kitchen shelves bring both beauty and utility to your home, and building them yourself adds that extra sense of pride. Plus, it’s a project that makes a huge impact without a huge budget.
I hope this guide gives you the confidence to tackle your own! Trust me, once you start building custom shelves, you’ll want to add them everywhere—from the bathroom to the living room.
If you have any questions or want to share your own shelf project, leave a comment below—I’d love to see what you create.
Happy DIYing!
