Floating shelves and mantels have become staples of modern design, offering a sleek place to store books or add decorative touches. These wall-mounted shelves have no visible means of support, instead using a hidden bracket or cleat system that makes the shelf appear as if it’s floating.
You can install a floating shelf or mantel on your own in just a few hours. In the video above, This Old House expert Jeff Sweenor shows host Kevin O’Connor how to achieve a seamless, bracket-free look using white oak shelves and a mantel.
Preparing for Installation of a Floating Shelf
Before getting started, prepare your space and materials.
Choose the Right Location
Select a wall that can support the weight of your shelves and the items you plan to display. Ideally, you should install floating shelves on a wall with studs for maximum support. Additionally, consider the room’s layout and decor to choose a location that boosts the overall vibe.
Gather Materials and Tools
To install floating shelves, you’ll need the following:
- Cleats or brackets
- Drill
- Floating shelves (preassembled or DIY)
- Level
- Painter’s tape
- Pencil
- Screws
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
Measure and Mark
Carefully measure and mark the locations for your shelves. Use a level to check that your marks are straight and even. Accurate measurements and markings prevent alignment issues and make it so shelves are straight and level.
Installing the Cleats
The first step in the installation process is attaching the cleats to the wall. These hidden supports are key to achieving the floating look.
Locate Wall Studs
Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs. For maximum stability, it’s best to attach the cleats directly to the studs whenever possible. Mark the stud locations accurately so that the cleats are securely attached.
Attach the Cleats
Once you’ve marked your stud locations, attach the cleats to the wall using screws. Make sure they’re level and securely fastened. In the video, Sweenor demonstrates how they’ve used a combination of 3/4-inch poplar and 3/4-inch plywood to create a solid backing for the cleats, providing extra support for the shelves. This method makes sure the cleats can hold the weight of both the shelves and any items placed on them.
Installing the Floating Shelves
With the cleats in place, you’re ready to install the floating shelves.
Prepare the Shelves
Sweenor shows how they’ve pre-assembled the white oak shelves in his shop. The shelves are made from two pieces of 5-quarter oak glued together to create a 2-inch thick shelf. A dado cut along the back and sides allows the shelf to slide over the cleat. This construction method creates sturdy shelves that will fit precisely over the cleats.
Slide the Shelves onto the Cleats
Carefully slide the shelf onto the cleat, making sure it’s parallel to avoid binding. Sweenor shows us this technique in the video, highlighting the importance of a snug fit for a secure installation so that everything will remain stable.
Secure the Shelves
Installing the Floating Mantel
Once the shelf is in place, it should be pretty tight due to the fit of the dado cut over the cleat. However, for added stability, you can add small screws through the top or bottom of the shelf into the cleat. This provides more reinforcement and guarantees the shelves remain securely attached.
The process of installing a floating mantel is similar to that of floating shelves, but with some key differences due to its larger size and weight. The mantel serves as a focal point, so precision is especially important.
Prepare the Mantel Cleat
For the mantel, Sweenor uses a larger, more robust cleat system. He shows how they’ve created a substantial cleat by attaching it to a piece of 3/4-inch wood and using 5-inch screws for extra support. This method makes it so the mantel can support its own weight and any items placed on it, such as art or books, without sagging.
Attach the Mantel
The mantel itself is constructed using a V-fold technique, where two pieces of wood are mitered and joined to create the appearance of a single, solid piece. This method allows the mantel to slip over the cleat with a seamless look. The V-fold technique creates a strong joint and gives the mantel a cohesive appearance.
Reinforce the Mantel
Slide the mantel carefully over the cleat, keeping a tight fit. The weight of the mantel and the precise fit should keep it securely in place without the need for additional fasteners. However, you can add screws for extra security if you’d like. Once in place, the mantel offers a gorgeous addition to your room.
Finishing Touches for Your Floating Shelves and Mantel
Once your floating shelves and mantel are installed, it’s time to add the finishing touches.
Clean Up
Remove any painter’s tape used to protect the walls during installation. Clean the shelves and surrounding area to remove dust and debris by wiping it down with a wet cloth. This keeps your newly installed shelves and mantels pristine and ready for use.
Style Your Shelves
Now comes the fun part—decorating your new floating shelves and mantel. Consider a mix of decorative objects, books, and plants to create a display that meets your taste. This is a great way to thoughtfully boost the look of your space and tailor it to represent you.
Our Conclusion
Installing floating shelves and a mantel can dramatically improve the look of any room with both style and function. Most DIYers who follow the steps above will be able to tackle this project, but if for any reason you feel unsure about the process, reach out to a pro. Remember to prioritize proper support and precise measurements for a successful installation that will serve as the perfect space to highlight items that you love.
