Our Floating Shelves Explained: Everything You Need To Know

If you’re looking to purchase some floating shelves for your home, you may (understandably) be flummoxed by the sheer range of choices that you have available to you. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what the differences are between our four types of shelves. Helping you can pick the best one for your living space.

Air dried oak floating shelves

Just like our oak beams, these oak shelves are air-dried. As a result, each floating shelf is unique and may feature a range of distinguishing features, such as cracks and knots. The brushed finish of these shelves raises the grain, enhancing the character of the wood, giving them a rustic look.

These floating shelves with textured edges are perfect for both traditional and modern homes, as they can be used to add character and create a feeling of age in a more modern space. And as they come in a range of 9 different colour options, you’re sure to find one to suit your room.

Being constructed from a hard wood, these floating shelves should last a lifetime. In fact, many would argue that anything made from oak actually improves with age!

Like many of our shelves, these are now available for both solid and plasterboard walls, meaning you can put them up almost anywhere in your home. They only come in a standard size of 6” (15cm) deep, so if you’re looking for a different depth of floating shelf, one of our other floating shelf options may be more suitable.

MATCHING BEAM: Rustic Oak Beam *Aged*

Solid oak floating shelves

If you still want the hardwearing nature of oak but don’t like the idea of having characterful cracks in your shelves, our solid oak floating shelves may be the best option for you.

As they are made from kiln-dried oak, rather than air-dried oak, these oak floating shelves are much less likely to feature any cracks. The finish is more of a square edge, which is sanded to a smooth finish, rather than textured. Perfect if you prefer the more modern look. What’s more, they come in depths of 6, 8 and 10 inches (only 6 and 8 inches for plasterboard fittings), giving you more flexibility. The shelves are often manufactured from multiple staves laminated together for added stability.

Again, these are available for both solid and plasterboard walls and come in a range of different colours.

MATCHING BEAM: Classic Oak Mantel

Rustic oak floating shelves

Made from kiln-dried oak, these shelves are less likely to have the cracks that can feature on our air-dried versions.

Just like our solid oak floating shelves, they come in depths of 6, 8 and 10 inches (only 6″ & 8″ for plasterboard walls) and can be fitted onto both solid and plasterboard walls. They can also be purchased in 9 different colours.

The main difference between these and our solid oak floating shelves is that they have the textured edges and a brushed finish. This gives them a more rustic feel (as with our air-dried floating shelves).

MATCHING BEAM: Rustic Oak Beam *Aged*

Rustic pine floating shelves

Our rustic pine floating shelves are made from 100% British pine. Just like our air-dried oak shelves, these are air-dried and can feature cracks and knots, making each of them completely unique. Pine is a soft wood.

However, unlike our oak version, our rustic pine shelves come in a depth of 6 and 8 inches. Another difference is the thickness. Our pine shelves are approximately 2 inches thick, compared to around 30-35mm for our oak versions. So if you’re after a thicker more rustic floating shelf, these are the ones to go for.

Our rustic pine floating shelves are sanded leaving exposed saw marks for an authentic rustic feel.

Again, these are available for both solid and plasterboard walls. Our pine floating come in a range of 7 colours (our oak shelves are available in 9 different colours).

MATCHING BEAM: None – If you want to match with a beam you are best opting for our oak shelves.

Our shelves are supplied with pre-drilled holes and fixings for either solid walls or plasterboard walls. Make sure you buy the correct ones for your wall type.

We hope this hopes you make your decision. If you have any more questions just drop us a message!