Floating Shelves vs. Bracketed Shelves: Which is Better?
When it comes to shelving, the options are endless, but two of the most popular choices are floating shelves and bracketed shelves. Both types offer unique benefits and aesthetic possibilities that can completely transform a space. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern touch or a traditional, rustic feel, the decision can be challenging. Here at Traditional Beams, we offer both floating shelves and bracketed shelves, allowing you to choose the option that best fits your home’s style and your practical needs.
Floating Shelves: Sleek and Seamless
Floating shelves are designed to appear as though they are “floating” on the wall with no visible support. This is achieved by using hidden brackets or mounting systems that are concealed within the shelf itself. Floating shelves have gained popularity for their clean, minimalist look, making them a favourite in contemporary homes.
Pros of Oak Floating Shelves:
Modern Aesthetic: Floating shelves provide a sleek, streamlined look that’s perfect for modern interiors. They create an uncluttered feel and are a great way to show off your décor without the distraction of brackets or hardware.
Space-Saving: Because floating shelves don’t have visible brackets, they take up less visual space. This can make a room feel larger and more open, especially in smaller spaces like bathrooms or compact kitchens.
Versatile Design: Whether you prefer the natural beauty of oak or a more aged, rustic look, our floating shelves come in a variety of finishes to match your interior style. At Traditional Beams, we offer oak and pine shelves in a range of colours and finishes, from sleek and modern to more traditional, aged looks. These versatile options allow you to create the perfect aesthetic for any room, bringing warmth and natural beauty to your space.
Customisable: Floating shelves can often be custom-made to suit your specific needs. Whether you need a longer shelf for a larger wall or a custom depth to store your favourite books, you can tailor them to your exact requirements.
Bracketed Shelves: Classic and Sturdy
Pros of Bracketed Shelves:
Strong Support: One of the biggest advantages of bracketed shelves is their ability to support heavier loads. The visible brackets distribute weight more evenly, making them a better choice for holding heavy items like cookware, large books, or even plants.
Rustic Charm: If you’re going for a more traditional, rustic look, bracketed shelves are an excellent option. The visible brackets add character and can enhance a room’s design. At Traditional Beams, our rustic bracket shelves are crafted from beautiful, durable materials that exude charm and elegance.
Easier Installation: Bracketed shelves are often easier to install than floating shelves. You
have more flexibility in where you mount them, you can decide how far in you would like the brackets to ensure you hit wooden studs for a much stronger hold or to simply change how they look. Or you can go for plasterboard versions and install the brackets solely into plasterboard- this can be a bonus if you’re looking to complete a quick DIY project.
Which One Is Right for You?
When choosing between floating shelves and bracketed shelves, consider both your aesthetic preferences and practical needs. If you’re looking for a minimalist, modern look and don’t need to store heavy items, floating shelves might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you need sturdy storage for larger items or want to add a touch of rustic charm, bracketed shelves could be the perfect fit.
It’s also important to think about the installation process and your long-term plans. Floating shelves require a bit more precision during installation, while bracketed shelves offer more flexibility in terms of adjustability and ease of mounting.
Explore Our Range at Traditional Beams
At Traditional Beams, we offer a wide range of both floating and bracketed shelves, each crafted from high-quality materials. Whether you prefer the seamless beauty of oak floating shelves or the rustic charm of our bracketed shelves, we have something for every home. No matter what you choose, we’re here to help you find the perfect shelves to elevate your home’s design and functionality. Start exploring today!