If you have a blank wall that feels like it needs something, a floating mantel or a few open shelves can completely change the look of the space—without turning into a major renovation. In many cases, installation can be handled in about three hours, making this a good project when you want a noticeable update in an afternoon.

Floating shelves are still very much in style, but the look has evolved. The thin white shelves that dominated several years ago are giving way to thicker profiles, natural materials and warmer wood tones. Current designs favor shelves that feel more substantial and architectural, particularly oak, walnut and other woods with visible grain.

Start With the Right Location

A floating mantel is an easy way to give a basic fireplace more presence. Depending on the room, it can work with brick, stone, tile or a simple painted surround. The current look is less about ornate detailing and more about a substantial piece of wood that becomes part of the architecture of the room. 

Open shelving can work almost anywhere: above a console, beside a fireplace, in a kitchen, bathroom, office or even at the end of a hallway. The key is restraint. Designers are increasingly using open shelving selectively rather than replacing every upper cabinet or filling an entire room with shelves. 

Make It a Three-Hour Project

You’ll need:

• the shelf or mantel
• mounting hardware
• a stud finder
• level
• drill
• screws
• measuring tape

Start by deciding exactly where the shelf will sit and mark your wall studs. Floating shelves rely on hidden brackets, so securing the hardware properly is the most important part of the project. Install the bracket, check that it is level, slide the shelf into place and secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For a mantel, also check the fireplace manufacturer’s required clearances and local building requirements before installation. Those measurements are more important than any design rule.

Keep the Look Current

The biggest shift in shelving right now is toward warmer, more collected spaces. Natural wood, thicker shelves and fewer accessories tend to look more current than rows of small decorative objects.

Once the shelves are installed, resist the temptation to fill every inch. Mix books, framed art, pottery, plants and a few personal pieces while leaving some open space. Current shelf styling is leaning toward displays that feel personal and layered, but still edited rather than cluttered. 

For about three hours of work, a floating mantel or open shelving can add storage, architectural interest and a surprisingly custom look to an otherwise plain wall.