I always thought floating shelves were just decorative until I tried adding them in a small living room in Chicago, Illinois.
The room had limited storage, and bulky furniture made it feel cramped. Floating shelves were a cheap, simple solution that actually worked.
The process was straightforward. I measured carefully, drilled into studs, and made sure each shelf was level. Nothing fancy, but patience made a big difference.
One thing I didn’t expect was how much lighter and open the room felt once the shelves were up — even with just a few decorative items.
Once everything was done, the space looked more organized and stylish. Total cost was under $120, mainly for wood and brackets.
Finished living room showing floating shelves with decor.![]()
If you’re in Chicago and want a DIY project that improves storage and aesthetics, floating shelves are a great place to start.
