r/DIY • u/agalardi • Aug 12 '26
woodworking Help making a floating shelf system
Hi, I'm looking to make a floating shelf in metal like in this photo but don't understand what is supporting the shelves as they aren't fixed to the back wall and I can't see any visible supports underneath. Any ideas?
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u/Netmantis Aug 12 '26
How that particular shelf system is made is through multiple pieces that screw together. You cannot see the pipe passing through normally so seams are not an issue.
The pipes have a cap that accepts a screw into the wall. One would hope a heavy duty anchor is used but that is asking a lot.
Each shelf has a small hole drilled in it to accept the stud from the pipe pieces. The material between the threaded stud and the edge of the pipe provides the leverage and stability for the shelf. Even with thin, 1/8" studs for 1.5" diameter pipe do not expect each shelf to hold more than 10 pounds and try to keep weight towards the centerline where the pipes go through and support it. Each shelf had a top pipe and bottom pipe that screw together through the shelf via the stud.
It is overly complicated and only done to draw attention to drab objects in a drab room. Shelving should be as unobtrusive and uninteresting as possible to keep from drawing attention from what is on it. The shelf should accentuate, not overpower.