Product Spotlight: All American DIY Floating Shelf Brackets

All American DIY Floating Shelf Brackets

Origins

Why

We were looking for the perfect method to display our numerous books, photo albums, and other items in our small home. Given our relatively limited space for storage, we knew that we were going to have to get creative. We also knew that we didn't want a box-store, one-size-fits-most solution. 

What

A little time spent measuring and researching revealed our answer- custom floating shelves.
A floating shelf is a shelf designed in such a way as to avoid showing large, obtrusive brackets, thus appearing to "float" on the wall. The design is popular among minimalists and those looking to create an open, airy feeling within a space. They have long been a staple of architects and interior decorators. 

How
Search the internet and you'll find there are many designs and ways to create the floating shelf effect. For our purposes however, none seemed to satisfy. We didn't want to use wonky construction, and all of the brackets available were either too weak, too complicated, or too expensive. So, being a product designer, I set out to create my own. 

Shaping the Raw Steel for the Initial Prototype

 

Testing
Now that's a lot of weight!

Once the product design was refined, prototyped, and tested, my next step was to have several brackets fabricated and finished. Making a one-off product in a garage offers a certain level of challenge, but small scale manufacturing is another ballgame altogether. 

After a couple of months of research, emails, phone calls, and site visits, I had established a supply chain- that is, a source of raw materials and a group of talented craftsmen to perform the cutting, drilling, welding, grinding, and powder coating. Whew.

Brackets and Shelves

They look and work great!

The Decision to Sell
I was impressed with the finished product and knew there were others having the same difficulties finding a worthy bracket. I also knew from my own experience that no one was providing a complete, easy to install, USA made and fabricated bracket kit that included all of the hardware necessary for the job. I could fulfill this need, and so decided to make my brackets available as a kit and offer it to the public. 

I considered a few options for marketing the supports and decided on Amazon's FBA (Fulfillment By Amazon) program. With FBA, I would be able to take advantage of Amazon's massive reach while also providing the highest level of customer service. Navigating Amazon's waters proved to be a challenge all its own, and fortunately, I had experienced friends who could help me maneuver over, around, or through the numerous obstacles.

If you are interested in viewing my shelf brackets listed on Amazon, you will find them here.

Inspiration!

As mentioned earlier, the floating shelf design has been utilized by architects and interior designers around the world and throughout time. 

Following are several beautiful images that will get your creative juices flowing.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater
Photo Source: New Home Style | Wally Gobetz

Place shelves high, to draw attention up.
Photo Source: HGTV | Erica Reitman

Display special dishes.

Photo Source: HGTV | Erica Reitman | Ryan Garvin

Create non-traditional bookshelves

Photo Source: HGTV | Erica Reitman | Caitlin & Caitlin, Scripps Networks

Make use of dead space.

Photo Source: HGTV | Erica Reitman | Jordan Iverson

Add a colorful accent.

Photo Source: HGTV | Erica Reitman | Eric Charles

Strike a strong visual balance.

Photo Source: Homegrown Interiors | Lizzie

Provide an unexpected and useful corner detail.

Photo Source: Homegrown Interiors | Lizzie

Add utility and beauty.

Photo Source: Homegrown Interiors | Lizzie

Create a completely custom cabinet alternative.

Photo Source: Homegrown Interiors | Lizzie

Use slab wood or old barn boards to make your shelf.

Photo Source: Instructables | Mobeyplum

Conceal items for safe keeping in this clever drawer design.

Photo Source: The Discovery Trail | Andy

Begin with What You Need

The All American DIY Floating Shelf Bracket kit available at Amazon.com contains two brackets as well as all of the hardware you need to start creating your own custom shelf (shelf not included). Be sure to share your experience and ideas with these quality brackets when leaving us a review! 

All American DIY Floating Shelf Brackets