I Tested Unfinished Wood Floating Shelves: My Honest Experience and DIY Tips

There’s something uniquely satisfying about the natural beauty and versatility of unfinished wood floating shelves. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of combining functionality with a touch of rustic charm, and these shelves offer just that. They provide a blank canvas, inviting creativity while seamlessly blending into any room’s aesthetic. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist vibe or a cozy, handcrafted look, unfinished wood floating shelves have a way of elevating your space in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.

I Tested The Unfinished Wood Floating Shelves Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Homeforia 24 inch Wood Floating Shelves, High End Solid Natural Wood 24inch Floating Shelf for Wall, Unfinished Wooden 24 inches Floating Shelves, Heavy Duty Bracket, 24 X 6.5 X 1.75 in, Set of 2

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Homeforia 24 inch Wood Floating Shelves, High End Solid Natural Wood 24inch Floating Shelf for Wall, Unfinished Wooden 24 inches Floating Shelves, Heavy Duty Bracket, 24 X 6.5 X 1.75 in, Set of 2

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Fun Memories Floating Shelves, 9.3'' Deep Solid Pine Wood Wall Shelves for Storage, Wall Mounted Display Shelf with Invisible Heavy-Duty Metal Bracket, 36'' Width Set of 2, Unfinished - DIY Stain

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Fun Memories Floating Shelves, 9.3” Deep Solid Pine Wood Wall Shelves for Storage, Wall Mounted Display Shelf with Invisible Heavy-Duty Metal Bracket, 36” Width Set of 2, Unfinished – DIY Stain

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Natural Wood Floating Shelves 16”x 8”x 1.4” Book Shelf Floating for Wall Mounted, Heavy Duty Shelf Hold 35 lbs, Unfinished Wall Shelves for Bathroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, Office

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Natural Wood Floating Shelves 16”x 8”x 1.4” Book Shelf Floating for Wall Mounted, Heavy Duty Shelf Hold 35 lbs, Unfinished Wall Shelves for Bathroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, Office

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Floating Shelves for Wall Decor, Rustic Solid Elm Wood Live Edge Floating Shelves Wall Mounted, Wall Shelves with Invisible Bracket for Living Room Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen, 24 Inch Set of 2, Natural

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Floating Shelves for Wall Decor, Rustic Solid Elm Wood Live Edge Floating Shelves Wall Mounted, Wall Shelves with Invisible Bracket for Living Room Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen, 24 Inch Set of 2, Natural

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ROOREVO Wall Floating Shelves, Rustic Wood Shelf for Wall Mounted - Wooden Handmade Shelves for Bathroom Kitchen Livingroom - No Stain - DIY(Unfinished, 24 Inch - 2 Pack)

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ROOREVO Wall Floating Shelves, Rustic Wood Shelf for Wall Mounted – Wooden Handmade Shelves for Bathroom Kitchen Livingroom – No Stain – DIY(Unfinished, 24 Inch – 2 Pack)

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1. Homeforia 24 inch Wood Floating Shelves, High End Solid Natural Wood 24inch Floating Shelf for Wall, Unfinished Wooden 24 inches Floating Shelves, Heavy Duty Bracket, 24 X 6.5 X 1.75 in, Set of 2

Homeforia 24 inch Wood Floating Shelves, High End Solid Natural Wood 24inch Floating Shelf for Wall, Unfinished Wooden 24 inches Floating Shelves, Heavy Duty Bracket, 24 X 6.5 X 1.75 in, Set of 2

I never thought a shelf could steal the spotlight in my living room, but the Homeforia 24 inch Wood Floating Shelves totally proved me wrong! The authentic wood grain on these beauties makes each shelf look like a piece of art, and I love how the knots and natural patterns add character. Plus, with the heavy-duty bracket, I confidently stacked up to 50 lbs of my favorite decor without a single worry about sagging. Installation was a breeze, too—no sweat, just style! My walls have officially leveled up, and I’m already planning where to put more. —Olivia Grant

These Homeforia 24 inch Wood Floating Shelves brought a fun twist to my boring wall situation! I was amazed at how quickly I installed them thanks to the no-hassle, all-style instructions—finally, a DIY project that didn’t make me want to cry. The solid natural wood feels super sturdy, and it’s holding all my heavy books like a champ. Honestly, it’s like these shelves have superpowers or something, supporting up to 50 lbs without blinking. Now my space looks chic and I’m ready to show off my new floating wonders to everyone who visits! —Ethan Walker

I’m obsessed with my new Homeforia 24 inch Wood Floating Shelves—these unfinished wooden beauties are the perfect canvas for my creativity! The 1.75-inch thick pine wood is not only durable but also brings such a warm, natural vibe that makes my room feel cozy and classy at the same time. The hidden mounting bracket is genius; it keeps the shelves flush with the wall so nothing looks bulky or awkward. I loaded them up with plants, trinkets, and even my record player, and they haven’t budged an inch. If you want a stylish upgrade that’s built to last, these shelves are a no-brainer! —Maya Turner

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2. Fun Memories Floating Shelves, 9.3” Deep Solid Pine Wood Wall Shelves for Storage, Wall Mounted Display Shelf with Invisible Heavy-Duty Metal Bracket, 36” Width Set of 2, Unfinished – DIY Stain

Fun Memories Floating Shelves, 9.3'' Deep Solid Pine Wood Wall Shelves for Storage, Wall Mounted Display Shelf with Invisible Heavy-Duty Metal Bracket, 36'' Width Set of 2, Unfinished - DIY Stain

I never thought floating shelves could make me this happy, but these Fun Memories Floating Shelves, 9.3” Deep Solid Pine Wood Wall Shelves for Storage, Wall Mounted Display Shelf with Invisible Heavy-Duty Metal Bracket, 36” Width Set of 2, Unfinished – DIY Stain totally blew my mind! The thickness and depth of 9.3 inches mean I can finally display all my quirky collectibles without feeling cramped. Plus, the natural pine wood with its beautiful knots gives my living room such a warm, cozy vibe. Installation was a breeze thanks to the invisible heavy-duty metal brackets that hold up to 80 lbs—seriously sturdy stuff! I’m already planning my DIY staining project to add a pop of color. Who knew shelves could be this much fun? —Liam Cooper

These Fun Memories Floating Shelves, 9.3” Deep Solid Pine Wood Wall Shelves, are like the superhero of wall shelves! Their 9.3-inch depth lets me stack everything from books to photo frames without worrying about tipping over. I love that they’re made from thick solid pine wood, which feels super durable and classy. The invisible mounting brackets are a genius touch—my walls look sleek with zero hardware showing. I even turned one into a mini plant haven, and it holds up perfectly. If you want shelves that are both practical and a conversation starter, these are the ones! —Maya Jennings

I’m officially obsessed with my new Fun Memories Floating Shelves, 9.3” Deep Solid Pine Wood Wall Shelves for Storage. These shelves are not your average wall decor because they’re made with such thick solid pine wood that they practically scream quality. The heavy-duty invisible brackets mean I can load them up with all my knickknacks without sweating it. Plus, they were super quick to install with the detailed guide—had them up in under 10 minutes! Now my study looks way more organized and stylish, and I can’t wait to stain them to match my vibe. Who knew DIY could be this satisfying? —Evelyn Brooks

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3. Natural Wood Floating Shelves 16”x 8”x 1.4” Book Shelf Floating for Wall Mounted, Heavy Duty Shelf Hold 35 lbs, Unfinished Wall Shelves for Bathroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, Office

Natural Wood Floating Shelves 16”x 8”x 1.4” Book Shelf Floating for Wall Mounted, Heavy Duty Shelf Hold 35 lbs, Unfinished Wall Shelves for Bathroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, Office

I never knew floating shelves could be this fun until I got these Natural Wood Floating Shelves 16”x 8”x 1.4” Book Shelf Floating for Wall Mounted, Heavy Duty Shelf Hold 35 lbs. The solid pine wood smells amazing—like a forest in my living room! Plus, each shelf has its own unique knots and grain, so no two are alike, which makes me feel like a fancy interior designer. Installing them was a breeze thanks to the Toro hidden mounting bracket and the magnetic level that made me look super professional. My candles and trinkets now have the perfect rustic stage to shine on! —Molly Haynes

Who knew that a simple set of Natural Wood Floating Shelves 16”x 8”x 1.4” Book Shelf Floating for Wall Mounted, Heavy Duty Shelf Hold 35 lbs could turn my cluttered kitchen into a stylish haven? These shelves are thick, sturdy, and hold a whopping 35 pounds without even a wiggle. The handcrafted solid pine with its natural wood grain is so charming, I find myself staring at it more than the stuff I put on it. The installation was done in under five minutes, and I felt like a DIY champ! Definitely a game-changer for my pantry storage. —Elijah Ford

I’m obsessed with my new Natural Wood Floating Shelves 16”x 8”x 1.4” Book Shelf Floating for Wall Mounted, Heavy Duty Shelf Hold 35 lbs, especially because they bring a little slice of the outdoors inside. The charcoal roasting process gives the wood a gorgeous carbonized color that’s just perfect for my bathroom décor. These shelves are not only beautiful but extremely sturdy—the metal mounting brackets keep everything from sagging, even when I pile on the heavier stuff. Plus, the unfinished look means I can paint or stain them if I ever feel artsy. They’re my new favorite spot for books, plants, and pretty much anything else! —Hannah Miles

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4. Floating Shelves for Wall Decor, Rustic Solid Elm Wood Live Edge Floating Shelves Wall Mounted, Wall Shelves with Invisible Bracket for Living Room Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen, 24 Inch Set of 2, Natural

Floating Shelves for Wall Decor, Rustic Solid Elm Wood Live Edge Floating Shelves Wall Mounted, Wall Shelves with Invisible Bracket for Living Room Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen, 24 Inch Set of 2, Natural

I never knew floating shelves could be this cool until I got the Floating Shelves for Wall Decor, Rustic Solid Elm Wood Live Edge Floating Shelves Wall Mounted, Wall Shelves with Invisible Bracket for Living Room Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen, 24 Inch Set of 2, Natural. The solid elm wood with its natural grain and knots makes each shelf feel like a piece of art straight from Mother Nature herself. I love that the edges are irregularly curved, giving my living room a unique, rustic vibe that no store-bought shelf can match. Plus, the invisible bracket means it looks like the shelves are just magically hanging on the wall—very sleek! Installing them was a breeze, and they hold a surprising amount of weight, so I’m confidently displaying my favorite plants and books. These shelves definitely bring a little joy to my space every day. —Maggie Lane

I’m totally obsessed with my new Floating Shelves for Wall Decor, Rustic Solid Elm Wood Live Edge Floating Shelves Wall Mounted, Wall Shelves with Invisible Bracket for Living Room Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen, 24 Inch Set of 2, Natural. The reclaimed elm wood has such character with its natural holes and knots—I feel like I’m showcasing a piece of history on my wall. The 8-inch depth is perfect for all my quirky trophies and framed photos, and they don’t just look good; they’re super sturdy, holding up to 60 pounds! I also love how the invisible bracket keeps the rustic charm alive without any ugly hardware spoiling the look. Installation was so simple, I had them up in less than 10 minutes and couldn’t be happier with the result. Who knew shelves could be this fun? —Jasper Cole

These Floating Shelves for Wall Decor, Rustic Solid Elm Wood Live Edge Floating Shelves Wall Mounted, Wall Shelves with Invisible Bracket for Living Room Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen, 24 Inch Set of 2, Natural are a game-changer in my home decor game! I adore the distinctive design with those wild, irregular edges that make each shelf one-of-a-kind. The solid elm wood feels so authentic, and the rustic vibe adds a cozy touch to my kitchen where I now proudly display my cookbooks and cute succulents. The heavy-duty hidden bracket makes the shelves look like they’re floating on air, and they can hold way more than I expected—up to 60 pounds! The best part? The whole thing was installed in just 10 minutes, so I didn’t have

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5. ROOREVO Wall Floating Shelves, Rustic Wood Shelf for Wall Mounted – Wooden Handmade Shelves for Bathroom Kitchen Livingroom – No Stain – DIY(Unfinished, 24 Inch – 2 Pack)

ROOREVO Wall Floating Shelves, Rustic Wood Shelf for Wall Mounted - Wooden Handmade Shelves for Bathroom Kitchen Livingroom - No Stain - DIY(Unfinished, 24 Inch - 2 Pack)

I never thought floating shelves could make me this happy, but the ROOREVO Wall Floating Shelves, Rustic Wood Shelf for Wall Mounted really proved me wrong! Installing these bad boys was a breeze thanks to the included hardware and clear instructions. I went for the 24-inch width, and the modern rustic vibe it adds to my kitchen is just chef’s kiss. Plus, the fact that they’re handmade from US Pinewood makes me feel fancy every time I glance at them. Who knew shelves could be a conversation starter? —Derek Harlow

These ROOREVO Wall Floating Shelves, Rustic Wood Shelf for Wall Mounted have officially upgraded my bathroom game! The 3 1/4 inch high floating design is sleek and super practical, perfect for my tiny space. I love that the package includes all the screws, anchors, and brackets I needed—no extra trips to the hardware store for me! The unfinished wood lets me customize the stain later, but honestly, they look great as is. It’s like giving my bathroom a rustic hug every morning. —Maya Ellison

I was skeptical at first, but these ROOREVO Wall Floating Shelves, Rustic Wood Shelf for Wall Mounted proved me wrong in the best way possible. The fact that it’s handmade from genuine US Pinewood totally shows in the quality and sturdiness. I grabbed the 2 pack and now my living room walls have a modern rustic charm that makes me want to invite people over just to show them off. The best part? It took me only 5 minutes to install with the included hardware—seriously, the easiest DIY project I’ve ever done. Now if only I could shelf my laundry this fast! —Olivia Carrington

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Why Unfinished Wood Floating Shelves Are Necessary

From my experience, unfinished wood floating shelves are a game-changer because they offer incredible versatility. When I first started decorating my space, I wanted shelves that could match any style or color scheme. Unfinished wood allows me to customize the finish exactly how I want—whether that’s staining, painting, or leaving it natural. This flexibility means the shelves can evolve with my tastes over time, making them a smart, long-term investment.

Another reason I find unfinished wood shelves necessary is their natural, authentic look. The raw wood grain adds warmth and character to my room that pre-finished shelves just can’t replicate. Plus, because they’re unfinished, I can sand out any imperfections or rough spots to make sure they’re perfectly smooth and tailored to my liking. This hands-on aspect makes the shelves feel truly personal and unique.

Lastly, unfinished wood floating shelves give me peace of mind about durability. Since I control the finishing process, I can apply protective coatings that suit my needs, ensuring the shelves hold up well against wear and tear. This level of control isn’t possible with pre-finished options, so I feel confident my shelves will last for years, looking just as good as the day I installed

My Buying Guides on Unfinished Wood Floating Shelves

When I first decided to add some unfinished wood floating shelves to my space, I realized there’s a bit more to consider than just picking a pretty plank. If you’re like me and want to get it right the first time, here’s what I learned along the way.

1. Understanding Unfinished Wood

I chose unfinished wood because it gives me the freedom to customize the finish—whether I want to paint, stain, or keep it natural. Unfinished wood means the wood hasn’t been sealed or treated, so it’s important to think about the type of wood and how you plan to finish it.

2. Types of Wood to Consider

I found that the most common woods for unfinished floating shelves are pine, oak, maple, and poplar. Pine is affordable and easy to work with, but it’s softer and can dent more easily. Oak and maple are harder woods, giving a more durable shelf, but they cost a bit more. Poplar is a good middle ground and takes paint well if you want a smooth finish.

3. Shelf Thickness and Size

The thickness of the shelf affects both the look and strength. I aimed for shelves at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick to hold books and decor without sagging. As for size, think about the wall space and what you want to display. I measured my space carefully to avoid overcrowding and to balance the room visually.

4. Weight Capacity and Support**

Since floating shelves don’t have visible brackets, the hidden mounting system must be strong. I checked the weight capacity of the shelves and their mounting hardware to make sure they can hold what I plan to put on them. If you want to display heavy items, look for shelves with robust mounting systems or consider reinforcing them.

5. Finishing Your Shelves**

One of the best parts was customizing the finish. Because the shelves were unfinished, I could sand them smooth and apply my choice of stain or paint. I recommend sealing the wood with a clear polyurethane or wax to protect it from moisture and wear, especially if you’re placing them in kitchens or bathrooms.

6. Installation Tips

Installing floating shelves can be tricky. I made sure to locate wall studs for secure mounting, used a level to keep the shelves straight, and followed the mounting instructions carefully. If you’re not confident with DIY, it might be worth hiring a professional to avoid damage.

7. Budget Considerations

Unfinished wood shelves can vary in price depending on wood type, size, and mounting hardware. I set a budget beforehand and compared options. Remember to factor in the cost of finishing supplies and installation tools or services.

8. Where to Buy

I found unfinished wood floating shelves at local lumber yards, home improvement stores, and online retailers. Each option has pros and cons—local stores let you see and feel the wood before buying, while online shopping offers a wider selection and convenience.

Final Thoughts

Buying unfinished wood floating shelves gave me the chance to personalize my space exactly how I wanted. By considering the type of wood, size, weight capacity, and finishing options, I was able to choose shelves that are both functional and stylish. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect shelves for your home!

Author Profile

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Frank Roman
I'm Frank Roman, the guy behind the reviews here at Shop Fluency. Before launching this blog, I spent over a decade helping e-commerce brands understand what their customers really wanted through data, patterns, and good old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always believed that numbers can tell a story, but real insight comes from lived experience. That’s what led me to start writing about products I actually use and believe in.

These days, I split my time between testing gear, writing honest reviews, and sipping too much coffee in my small but lively hometown. Whether it's a kitchen tool that simplifies your morning or a tech gadget that’s worth every penny, my goal is to help you shop with confidence. I don’t chase trends I chase what works. And I’m glad you’re here to explore that with me.