How Safe Are Floating Glass Shelves?

Floating shelves have been in style for years with no end coming anytime soon. However, with all the choices, it may be difficult to choose the best style of floating shelf for your space. The first step to narrow down your hunt is to think about the material. A popular, fun choice that creates the illusion that the objects are floating in midair are glass floating shelves. But, with the use of glass, the fear of it breaking and shattering everywhere raises concerns. So, how safe are glass floating shelves really?

Glass floating shelves are safe only if they are installed properly, made from tempered glass, maintained, and have lighter objects on it. During installation, always follow the manufacturer instructions to ensure there is enough support to keep your glass shelf stable. Tempered glass is the way to go because the glass is heat-treated to make the material four times stronger. However, regular maintenance and cleaning is important as well, so check for cracks and chips frequently and clean with a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to keep away dust. Set down coasters to stop scratches and other damages. If you do notice any damages, remove everything from the shelf immediately and take it off your wall. There are also weight limits with glass floating shelves, so make sure to review the manufacturer instructions for weight capacity. Or, don't worry about the possibility of glass breaking and strict weight limitations by sticking to a safer, more durable floating shelf material: wood.

A popular material alternative for floating shelves is wood. This choice is not only strong, but comes with many different finishes and textures. Since it is wood, you can also change the stain color, making it a great pick for any style you may have over the years. Over time, you may find your wood shelves sagging, but you can quickly fix your floating shelf with some simple tricks such as fixing the brackets or even flipping the shelf.

When it comes to strength, brackets, shelf dimensions, and where you install play a vital role. Stay on the lookout for heavy duty brackets, especially if you plan on displaying heftier items. When looking at shelf dimension, the further out it goes from the wall makes it hold less weight. For ultimate durability, install your wood shelves on a masonry wall or stud. However, you don't have to limit yourself to the usual materials; instead, get creative and DIY stunning floating shelves that are strong enough to hold kitchen supplies.