Lifestyle
DIY Saturday: How to install (and decorate) floating shelves
Floating shelves are not only useful for storage but allow you to display things you love and change them when you feel like it.
Five steps to success
- What you need
Watch the video below to see which tools from this list you need:
- Floating shelf
- Shelf support
- Wall plugs
- Metal and voltage protector
- A pencil
- Tape measure
- Hammer drill
- Fixing gun
- Portable drill
- Screwdriver
- Decide where you’d like to hang your floating shelf.
- Measure up
- Screw in the brackets
- Slide your shelf on
Watch the video here:
How to style floating shelves
- Your floating shelves should be in the same style and colour, but try different lengths and thicknesses to add interest. Mounting them asymmetrically looks less formal than a straight stack.
- Install your shelves at a comfortable height so you can easily see the pieces on display but can’t knock them off.
- Display photographs or sentimental objects and group items towards the back of the shelf for safety.
- Place an equal number of items on each shelf and balance taller pieces with short ones; books make a useful plinth.
- Add greenery: Add an indoor plant or pots of herbs if the shelves are in the kitchen.
* Source: Video courtesy of Leroy Merlin; leroymerlin.co.za
