Wall Units
Design and craftsmanship
Although floating or quasi-floating shelves are generally designed to look light, with the proper design and installation elements, they can be robust and handle weight as well as any conventional bookshelf. Many options are available, from true floating shelves, to less expensive floating shelf options, as well as shelves with built-in lights, or shelves that work around corners.
Floating shelves
This family had a pre-war Brooklyn apartment with a fireplace they wanted to accentuate. They envisioned simple white cabinets and shelving as a modern complement to the fireplace, as well as accent lighting to light up the crown moulding woodwork of their building, all while concealing wires, radiators, and equipment, and increasing storage space.
There was an existing built-in on the left side of the room that was too small for their storage needs; it was knocked away and reclaimed for use in the adjoining laundry room, where they needed more space. Then all the walls surrounding the fireplace were used for tall, modern built-in bookshelves and cabinets that could hold everything they needed to store.
The cabinets had inner shelves that were built the right size to keep kids’ stuff tucked away. All existing AV components were concealed behind the cabinets, and controlled by an infrared sensor that allowed one to use remotes even when the cabinet doors were closed. See more of
Rustic "floating" bookshelves
Cabinets with a deep toe kick appear to be floating. These dark-stained walnut cabinets have a deep toe kick; the overhang of the cabinets casts a shadow to create a quasi-floating look. Matching floating wall shelves above were also part of the project.
Floating shelves with exposed brackets
