Hello everyone,
I have recently rearranged my KALLAX shelving unit and would like to make it appear as if it is floating, so that it visually seems almost suspended in the air rather than resting on the floor or traditional legs.
I’m interested in how you would achieve this—what kind of structure, fasteners, materials, or tricks you use to mount the shelf on a wall or in some other way that makes it look like it’s floating.
Are there specific mounting systems that work particularly well, or is it enough to simply attach it with brackets? How do you avoid unsightly supports?
For example, I have considered fixing the shelf to a wall as invisibly as possible so that it doesn’t look bulky. Or maybe there are clever base constructions that aren’t visible from the front?
I look forward to your tips and experiences, including thoughts on stability, effort, and appearance. Thanks in advance!
I have recently rearranged my KALLAX shelving unit and would like to make it appear as if it is floating, so that it visually seems almost suspended in the air rather than resting on the floor or traditional legs.
I’m interested in how you would achieve this—what kind of structure, fasteners, materials, or tricks you use to mount the shelf on a wall or in some other way that makes it look like it’s floating.
Are there specific mounting systems that work particularly well, or is it enough to simply attach it with brackets? How do you avoid unsightly supports?
For example, I have considered fixing the shelf to a wall as invisibly as possible so that it doesn’t look bulky. Or maybe there are clever base constructions that aren’t visible from the front?
I look forward to your tips and experiences, including thoughts on stability, effort, and appearance. Thanks in advance!
Hi Mupe63,
Your idea to make the KALLAX shelf appear as if it’s floating is definitely achievable and is often done with wall-mounted fixtures. As you already considered, invisible fasteners are helpful.
A proven method is to hang the shelf using so-called French cleats. These wooden brackets allow for a secure and completely concealed installation. You attach a slanted wooden strip to the wall and a matching strip to the shelf, which then simply hangs on it.
Be sure to consider the wall type and weight—the anchoring to the wall must be solid. Installing metal brackets only on the inside can help keep the supports hidden; when the room is well lit, they become less noticeable.
Alternatively, I’ve heard of people using clear acrylic feet, which are transparent and give the shelf a lightweight look. However, this is more of an optical illusion than actual floating.
If you like, I can send you some links and more precise measurements!
Your idea to make the KALLAX shelf appear as if it’s floating is definitely achievable and is often done with wall-mounted fixtures. As you already considered, invisible fasteners are helpful.
A proven method is to hang the shelf using so-called French cleats. These wooden brackets allow for a secure and completely concealed installation. You attach a slanted wooden strip to the wall and a matching strip to the shelf, which then simply hangs on it.
Be sure to consider the wall type and weight—the anchoring to the wall must be solid. Installing metal brackets only on the inside can help keep the supports hidden; when the room is well lit, they become less noticeable.
Alternatively, I’ve heard of people using clear acrylic feet, which are transparent and give the shelf a lightweight look. However, this is more of an optical illusion than actual floating.
If you like, I can send you some links and more precise measurements!
RYANLA42 schrieb:
Leg supports avoid the floating effect, in my opinion. Absolutely, you’re right. Legs immediately draw attention to the fact that the cabinet is standing – which doesn’t help achieve the ideal floating look.Tudogo schrieb:
Use clear plexiglass legs that give the shelf a feeling of lightness. I find that very charming! I once saw this trick on a coffee table that appeared to float above the floor thanks to clear acrylic elements underneath. So if you don’t want wall mounting, this is a nice alternative that can also be quite stable.However, I would add: lighting also plays a big role. A well-lit background without shadows from brackets or legs helps enhance the floating effect. LED strips on the underside of the shelf or spotlights aimed at the wall can make the whole setup look magical. 🙂
Hello Mupe63,
to make the KALLAX appear as if it is floating, I recommend the following approach:
1. Choose a solid wall anchor, as the shelf can tip over easily otherwise. Depending on whether your wall is concrete or drywall (plasterboard), use the appropriate wall plugs.
2. French cleat mounting: As mentioned before, this is an almost invisible way to hang the shelf. It is important to cut the cleats precisely at a right angle and fix them securely.
3. Additional narrow metal brackets inside at the bottom for stabilization – these are hardly noticeable.
4. For aesthetics: position white-painted or color-matched brackets so they are barely visible from the viewing angle.
5. Important: measure carefully before installation and place the shelf temporarily to ensure the optimal floating effect, which results from a small gap between the shelf and the floor.
If you prefer to make the shelf appear floating with feet, you can install thin recessed plinth feet (kickboards) so they are not visible from the front – although this is less convincing than wall mounting.
Summary: The wall-mounted French cleat method offers the best combination of stability and visual lightness. Check the fastening carefully according to your wall material. Good luck with your project!
to make the KALLAX appear as if it is floating, I recommend the following approach:
1. Choose a solid wall anchor, as the shelf can tip over easily otherwise. Depending on whether your wall is concrete or drywall (plasterboard), use the appropriate wall plugs.
2. French cleat mounting: As mentioned before, this is an almost invisible way to hang the shelf. It is important to cut the cleats precisely at a right angle and fix them securely.
3. Additional narrow metal brackets inside at the bottom for stabilization – these are hardly noticeable.
4. For aesthetics: position white-painted or color-matched brackets so they are barely visible from the viewing angle.
5. Important: measure carefully before installation and place the shelf temporarily to ensure the optimal floating effect, which results from a small gap between the shelf and the floor.
If you prefer to make the shelf appear floating with feet, you can install thin recessed plinth feet (kickboards) so they are not visible from the front – although this is less convincing than wall mounting.
Summary: The wall-mounted French cleat method offers the best combination of stability and visual lightness. Check the fastening carefully according to your wall material. Good luck with your project!
LAURE-TA schrieb:
The wall-mounted French cleat method offers the best combination of stability and visual lightness. Thanks for the detailed tips! The topic of French cleats sounds very interesting, especially the idea of a concealed wooden construction.
I’m still curious about how exactly you achieve the necessary clearance from the floor without the shelf wobbling? I imagine the shelf shouldn’t sit directly on the floor to create the illusion of floating, but it should somehow be stabilized at the bottom.
Are there clever solutions for this, or is the shelf really meant to just ‘hang’ without any additional support?
I would appreciate any experience regarding everyday stability – I want to make sure the shelf can’t be easily knocked over by children or pets in the household.
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