Floating Shelves Between Cabinets: A Complete Guide
Got that awkward space between your kitchen or laundry cabinets? You’re not the only one.
It can feel like wasted space that you’re not sure how to use. Floating shelves offer a simple fix. They’re easy to put up and can hold everything from dishes to plants.
This guide walks you through everything. You’ll learn how to plan your layout, choose the right tools and materials, and install the shelves with ease.
You’ll also receive design ideas, styling tips, and help with common issues, such as leaning shelves or visible gaps.
If you’ve been thinking about adding shelves but didn’t know where to start, this guide is just what you need.
Why Add Floating Shelves Between Cabinets?
Floating shelves are a smart way to use space that often gets overlooked. That empty gap between cabinets can become both useful and stylish.
These shelves can make your room feel more organized and complete. They give the space a finished look without adding clutter.
You can use them to hold items you reach for every day, like mugs, towels, or office supplies. It keeps things handy but still tidy.
Floating shelves also work well in small or tight spots. Where full cabinets won’t fit, a shelf can slide right in. They add personality without needing a big budget or fancy tools.
Choosing the Right Materials
Before you choose your shelf and mount type, it helps to compare the options side by side. Common shelf woods include:
| Material | Look | Cost | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine | Light, natural | Budget-friendly | Great for painting or light finishes |
| Oak | Strong grain, darker | Higher | Works well for classic wood tones |
| Plywood | Smooth, layered | Moderate | Good for painted or clean designs |
| MDF | Flat, smooth | Low | Best for paint, not for heavy loads |
Each type has a different look and price. Pick one that fits your space and budget.
Mounting Options
Picking the right mount depends on what you plan to put on the shelf and how you want it to look.
| Mount Type | Visible | Weight Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brackets | Yes | Heavier items | Kitchen storage, books |
| Hidden Mounts | No | Lighter items | Decorative or display use |
Use brackets for heavier items. Go with hidden ones for simple displays.
Floating Shelf Ideas Between Cabinets to Try
Here are a few ideas that work well in kitchens, laundry rooms, or other small spots.
1. Centered Shelves Over the Sink or Counter
This layout is one of the most common because it’s easy to do and looks balanced. It works especially well if there’s a window between your cabinets.
You can place one or two shelves over the sink or counter to hold items you grab often.
Use the lower shelf for mugs or dish soap and the upper one for plants or decor. It keeps things within reach without making the space feel crowded.
2. Matching Shelf Colors With Cabinets
Using the same color or finish as your cabinets helps the shelves blend in with the rest of the room.
It makes the space feel more organized and easier on the eyes. White shelves go with most wall colors and cabinet styles.
Natural wood brings in warmth, while black offers contrast that still feels simple. This is a good option if you want your shelves to feel like part of the room and not a separate piece.
3. Corner-to-Corner Floating Shelf
If the space between your cabinets runs across a corner, try a single shelf that spans the whole section. This setup makes use of empty wall space that often gets ignored.
It’s great for storing things like folded hand towels, spice jars, or small containers. It also helps tie the two walls together in a clean, smooth way.
4. Shelf with Built-In Hooks or Rods
A floating shelf with hooks underneath adds function without taking up more room. Use the hooks to hang coffee mugs, hand towels, or utensils.
In a laundry room, it’s handy for hanging delicates or drying clothes. This setup saves drawer space and makes everyday items easier to grab.
5. Floating Shelves as a Mini Coffee or Tea Station
Use the area between cabinets to set up a small drink zone. Keep mugs, jars of tea or coffee, sugar, and a spoon holder on one or two shelves.
This makes a cozy, dedicated space without needing much counter space. It’s a great idea if your kitchen is short on room, but you still want a useful, personal touch.
6. Stack Multiple Narrow Shelves Vertically
Instead of one large shelf, try stacking a few narrow ones with space in between. This setup works well for small jars, spice bottles, or tiny decor.
It draws the eye upward and works especially well in tight spots like between upper cabinets, and keeps the look light, while still giving you vertical storage without bulk.
How to Plan Your Shelf Setup
Before you start building or installing anything, it’s a good idea to plan your setup.
Taking a little time to measure and think through the layout can help everything come together more smoothly. This way, your shelves will fit right and look like they belong in the space.
1. Measure Your Space
Start by grabbing a tape measure. Measure the full width between the cabinets, along with the height and depth. These numbers help you figure out how much room you have to work with and what size shelves will fit.
Write down the numbers, even if you think you’ll remember them. A small mistake in size can cause problems later when it’s time to cut wood or buy pre-made shelves.
If your walls aren’t level or the cabinets aren’t aligned perfectly, double-check measurements in a few places. An A-level can also help you spot slants.
2. Decide How Many Shelves You Want
The number of shelves you install depends on how tall the space is and what you plan to store or display.
Two shelves usually work well in kitchens. They give you storage without making the wall feel too full.
You can use one shelf for dishes or glasses and the other for small items or decor. If you have extra space above or below, adding a third shelf can make sense.
It gives more room and can create a nice balance from top to bottom. Just make sure there’s enough space between them for taller items.
3. Height and Alignment Tips
Shelf height and spacing matter more than you might think. If your shelves are too close together, it can feel tight and hard to use. Too far apart, and the setup can look empty.
One option is to line the top shelf with the bottom edge of the cabinet or the lower shelf with the top edge of the counter. That way, the shelves connect well with what’s already there.
Even spacing helps the wall look more balanced. But also think about what you’re placing on the shelves. If you’re storing tall jars or containers, leave enough room so nothing feels squeezed.
4. Open Shelf Styling Tips
Open shelves look best when they’re not overloaded. Stick to a few useful things, then mix in items that add character, like a framed recipe, plant, or small bowl.
Try grouping things by color or using it to keep them from looking messy. Use matching jars for dry goods or baskets to hold loose items.
You don’t need to fill every inch. Leaving space can make it easier to clean and more pleasing to the eye.
DIY Guide for Floating Shelves Between Cabinets
Planning and installing floating shelves is easier than it might seem. With a few simple tools and a little time, you can set up shelves that work well and look good.
1. Materials You Need to Get Started
Before doing anything, gather all your tools and supplies. Having everything ready will save you time and help you avoid mistakes.
You’ll need:
- Tape measure
- Drill
- Wall anchors or screws
- Level
- Brackets or cleats
- Wood boards or ready-made shelves
Make sure your brackets and wall anchors match the weight you plan to put on the shelves.
2. Marking and Measuring the Wall
Start by measuring the space between your cabinets. Write down the width, height, and depth to make sure your shelves fit well.
Use a pencil to mark where you want the brackets or cleats to go.
Double-check the spacing between shelves and make sure they don’t block anything important, like outlets or switches.
3. Installing the Brackets or Cleats
Use your drill to attach the brackets or cleats to the wall if you can, and try to hit the wall studs for extra support.
If not, use strong wall anchors to keep the shelf in place. Check that each bracket is level before moving on. This keeps the shelf from tilting later.
4. Placing and Securing the Shelf
Once the brackets are in, slide or set the shelf on top. Hold it steady and check with a level again.
If everything looks good, tighten the screws to lock it down. It should feel solid and not shift when you press on it.
Installing Without Drilling into the Tile
If you’re working with tile and want to avoid holes, adhesive anchors can help. They stick to the wall and can hold light to medium items.
Make sure the surface is clean before applying. Wait the full set time listed on the anchor package before placing anything on the shelf.
If you’re adding heavy items or shelves near water, it’s smart to ask a pro for advice.
Fixing Common Shelf Problems
Even with good planning, small issues can come up during or after shelf installation. Here are some common problems and easy ways to fix them:
Shelf Looks Uneven
If your shelf leans or slants to one side, the first thing to do is check the level. Place it on top of the shelf to see if it’s straight.
If not, loosen the screws on the bracket, adjust its position slightly, and tighten them again. Small shifts can make a big difference in how the shelf looks and works.
Gaps Between Shelf and Wall
A small gap between the shelf and the wall is normal in some setups, but it can be fixed. You can add a strip of trim or fill the space with caulk to give it a cleaner look.
This makes the shelf feel more connected to the wall and keeps dust from settling behind it.
Can’t Find Wall Studs
Wall studs help support heavy shelves, but sometimes they’re hard to find. Use a stud finder to scan the area before you drill.
If you don’t hit a stud, use strong wall anchors or toggle bolts. These can hold the shelf in place safely, especially for light to medium-weight items.
Summing Up
Adding floating shelves between cabinets is a simple way to make better use of space and add style at the same time. Now that you know how to plan, install, and fix common problems, you’re ready to try it yourself.
No matter if you need extra storage or want to create a cozy coffee spot, this guide gives you the tools to start. Just take it one step at a time and don’t stress about perfection—small updates can go a long way.
If you liked these floating shelf ideas between cabinets, check out our other blogs for home DIY tips and storage solutions.
