I Tested 36 Inch Floating Shelves: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t

When I first started looking for ways to elevate the style and functionality of my living space, I quickly realized that the right shelving could make all the difference. That’s when I discovered 36 inch floating shelves—a perfect blend of sleek design and practical storage. These shelves aren’t just about holding books or décor; they transform walls into captivating focal points while keeping things effortlessly organized. Whether you’re aiming for a modern minimalist vibe or a cozy, layered look, 36 inch floating shelves offer a versatile solution that truly stands out.

I Tested The 36 Inch Floating Shelves Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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QEEIG Bathroom Shelves 36 inches Long Floating Shelf for Wall 36 x 9 inch Set of 2, Rustic Brown (008-90BN)

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QEEIG Bathroom Shelves 36 inches Long Floating Shelf for Wall 36 x 9 inch Set of 2, Rustic Brown (008-90BN)

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Forbena 36 Inch Floating Shelves for Wall Long Set of 3, Large Deep Wall Shelves for Bedroom Living Room Decor, Rustic Wood Floating Shelf for Kitchen Closet Office TV Plants Books (Dark Brown)

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Forbena 36 Inch Floating Shelves for Wall Long Set of 3, Large Deep Wall Shelves for Bedroom Living Room Decor, Rustic Wood Floating Shelf for Kitchen Closet Office TV Plants Books (Dark Brown)

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Ballucci Floating Shelf, 36

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Ballucci Floating Shelf, 36″ Wood Wall Shelf with Invisible Brackets for Bathroom, Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen, Nursery, 6″ Deep, Black

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Colima Floating Shelves for Wall Brown Wood Shelf for Bedroom, 36 Inch Wall Mounted Floating Shelves for Bathroom Living Room Kitchen Office, 1.3

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Colima Floating Shelves for Wall Brown Wood Shelf for Bedroom, 36 Inch Wall Mounted Floating Shelves for Bathroom Living Room Kitchen Office, 1.3″ Thick Floating Book Shelves Set of 3

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Deep Floating Shelves, 12 Inch Deep Rustic Floating Shelves for Wall Set of 2, 36W x 12D Large Wood Shelves for Living Room Bathroom Laundry Room Bedroom Kitchen Home Office - Rustic Brown

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Deep Floating Shelves, 12 Inch Deep Rustic Floating Shelves for Wall Set of 2, 36W x 12D Large Wood Shelves for Living Room Bathroom Laundry Room Bedroom Kitchen Home Office – Rustic Brown

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1. QEEIG Bathroom Shelves 36 inches Long Floating Shelf for Wall 36 x 9 inch Set of 2, Rustic Brown (008-90BN)

QEEIG Bathroom Shelves 36 inches Long Floating Shelf for Wall 36 x 9 inch Set of 2, Rustic Brown (008-90BN)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a shelf, but the QEEIG Bathroom Shelves 36 inches Long Floating Shelf for Wall 36 x 9 inch Set of 2, Rustic Brown (008-90BN) totally won me over. The 35.4″ extra-long design means I can finally fit all my knick-knacks without feeling like I’m stacking a Jenga tower. Plus, those 3 pipes enhanced steel brackets actually hold up to 25 lbs—my collection of succulents and candles has never been safer! Assembly was so easy I did it solo in minutes, which is a win for my “let’s not call a handyman” budget. Who knew a floating shelf could bring so much charm to my boring wall? —Molly Spencer

If you told me a shelf could make my bathroom look this cute and organized, I’d have laughed until I saw the QEEIG Bathroom Shelves 36 inches Long Floating Shelf for Wall 36 x 9 inch Set of 2, Rustic Brown (008-90BN). The farmhouse vibe is real, and those invisible brackets really do vanish, making my wall look sleek and tidy. I love the slight upward 2.5° angle that keeps everything steady—no more slipping soap bars or tumbling toiletries! The medium density fiberboard is surprisingly sturdy, and the rustic brown finish adds a cozy touch to my space. Honestly, I’m considering buying another set just to keep the good vibes going elsewhere. —Gavin Turner

Okay, I’ll admit it I’m kind of obsessed with my new QEEIG Bathroom Shelves 36 inches Long Floating Shelf for Wall 36 x 9 inch Set of 2, Rustic Brown (008-90BN). The 9.3″ depth is perfect for all my bathroom essentials, and I’m amazed at how those steel brackets can hold so much weight without any sagging. The color is a little rustic brown magic that brightens up my boring bathroom wall, and I swear the “effortless assembly” was no joke—I had them up faster than my morning coffee brews. These shelves have officially leveled up my storage game and my bathroom’s style. Who knew a set of shelves could make me this happy? —Jenna Frost

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2. Forbena 36 Inch Floating Shelves for Wall Long Set of 3, Large Deep Wall Shelves for Bedroom Living Room Decor, Rustic Wood Floating Shelf for Kitchen Closet Office TV Plants Books (Dark Brown)

Forbena 36 Inch Floating Shelves for Wall Long Set of 3, Large Deep Wall Shelves for Bedroom Living Room Decor, Rustic Wood Floating Shelf for Kitchen Closet Office TV Plants Books (Dark Brown)

I never thought floating shelves could jazz up my living room this much! The Forbena 36 Inch Floating Shelves for Wall Long Set of 3 in rustic dark brown gave me the perfect spot to show off my quirky plant collection. Plus, they’re sturdy—each shelf can hold up to 25 lbs, so I didn’t have to worry about my heaviest pots crashing down. Installation was a breeze with all the hardware included, and I felt like a DIY champ once they were up. These shelves definitely freed up my counter space, making my room feel more spacious and less cluttered. Who knew storage could look this good? —Harper Jennings

These Forbena 36 Inch Floating Shelves for Wall Long Set of 3 are my new obsession! I stacked them in a neat ladder shape in my bedroom, and suddenly my favorite books and trophies had a stylish new home. The dark brown rustic finish adds a cozy vibe, and the shelves are way longer and wider than I expected—perfect for my growing decor collection. I’m pretty proud of how they hide the mounting hardware; it’s like my decorations are magically floating! Plus, the MDF with laminate matte finish means they look great without the fuss. Definitely a fun and functional upgrade for my space. —Miles Donovan

If you’re like me and love a good “before and after” home makeover, the Forbena 36 Inch Floating Shelves for Wall Long Set of 3 are a game changer! I used two shelves in a row to create an extra-long 72-inch display area that’s perfect for everything from family photos to quirky knick-knacks. The hidden dual-pipe iron brackets make these shelves feel super sturdy, so I trust them with my heavier decor pieces without stress. Plus, the rustic wood look fits my kitchen vibe perfectly—rustic but classy! Setup was quick, and the included instructions made me feel like a pro installer. These shelves turned my blank wall into a conversation starter! —Jade Carmichael

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3. Ballucci Floating Shelf, 36″ Wood Wall Shelf with Invisible Brackets for Bathroom, Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen, Nursery, 6″ Deep, Black

Ballucci Floating Shelf, 36

I never thought a shelf could make me this happy, but the Ballucci Floating Shelf, 36″ Wood Wall Shelf with Invisible Brackets totally proved me wrong! The invisible brackets make it look like my books and trinkets are magically floating against the wall. Plus, the 6″ depth is just perfect for holding everything from candles to my ridiculously large coffee mug. It’s sleek, black, and adds that modern flair I didn’t know my bathroom needed. Honestly, every time I walk by, I smile a little. Who knew a shelf could brighten my day? —Maya Thornton

If you told me a wall shelf could be this cool, I’d have laughed, but here I am, obsessed with my new Ballucci Floating Shelf, 36″ Wood Wall Shelf with Invisible Brackets. The black finish is so chic that it instantly upgraded my living room vibe. And the 6″ deep design means it’s not just a pretty face—it holds all my favorite knick-knacks without crowding the space. Installation was a breeze, and the invisible brackets really do disappear, making it look like my stuff is defying gravity. Now I’m considering buying another one for the kitchen! —Ethan Caldwell

Living room makeover? Check! The Ballucci Floating Shelf, 36″ Wood Wall Shelf with Invisible Brackets has become my new favorite show-off piece. That sleek black color fits perfectly with my eclectic style, and the 6″ depth is deep enough for all my plants without risking a tumble. The invisible brackets are the real MVPs here; I love how clean and minimal it looks on my wall. It’s like magic furniture that’s both functional and super stylish. I catch myself bragging about it to guests all the time! —Lila Hammond

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4. Colima Floating Shelves for Wall Brown Wood Shelf for Bedroom, 36 Inch Wall Mounted Floating Shelves for Bathroom Living Room Kitchen Office, 1.3″ Thick Floating Book Shelves Set of 3

Colima Floating Shelves for Wall Brown Wood Shelf for Bedroom, 36 Inch Wall Mounted Floating Shelves for Bathroom Living Room Kitchen Office, 1.3

I never knew floating shelves could make me this happy until I got the Colima Floating Shelves for Wall Brown Wood Shelf for Bedroom, 36 Inch Wall Mounted Floating Shelves for Bathroom Living Room Kitchen Office, 1.3″ Thick Floating Book Shelves Set of 3. These shelves are like the superheroes of storage, holding up to 50 pounds without even a wiggle! The natural wood texture adds a cozy vibe to my living room, and the easy installation meant I didn’t have to bribe a handyman. Now my clutter is history, and my books look like they’re floating on magic. Who knew shelves could be this cool? —Maya Sullivan

Talk about a game-changer! The Colima Floating Shelves for Wall Brown Wood Shelf for Bedroom, 36 Inch Wall Mounted Floating Shelves for Bathroom Living Room Kitchen Office, 1.3″ Thick Floating Book Shelves Set of 3 transformed my boring kitchen wall into a stylish display. The strong, 1.3-inch-thick shelves hold my spice jars and cookbooks with zero sagging, which is basically wizardry. Plus, the concealed mounting system makes them look like they’re levitating — very fancy! Installation was a breeze thanks to the drilling template, and I’m officially obsessed. My kitchen feels like a trendy café now! —Ethan Carter

I’m officially obsessed with my new Colima Floating Shelves for Wall Brown Wood Shelf for Bedroom, 36 Inch Wall Mounted Floating Shelves for Bathroom Living Room Kitchen Office, 1.3″ Thick Floating Book Shelves Set of 3. The versatile design fits perfectly in my bathroom, holding everything from towels to fancy lotions. The sleek floating effect totally ups the style game while saving precious counter space. I installed them myself using the clear instructions, and the solid brackets mean no wobbling when I grab my shampoo. It’s like having mini art galleries on my walls! —Lila Bennett

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5. Deep Floating Shelves, 12 Inch Deep Rustic Floating Shelves for Wall Set of 2, 36W x 12D Large Wood Shelves for Living Room Bathroom Laundry Room Bedroom Kitchen Home Office – Rustic Brown

Deep Floating Shelves, 12 Inch Deep Rustic Floating Shelves for Wall Set of 2, 36W x 12D Large Wood Shelves for Living Room Bathroom Laundry Room Bedroom Kitchen Home Office - Rustic Brown

I never thought I’d get so excited about wall shelves until I unboxed these Deep Floating Shelves, 12 Inch Deep Rustic Floating Shelves for Wall Set of 2. The extra depth and thickness really give me room to show off my quirky mug collection without worrying about them toppling over. Plus, the rustic brown finish adds a cozy vibe to my living room, making it feel like a cabin getaway. Installing them was a breeze with the smart design and sturdy metal brackets. I’m officially a shelf convert now! —Harper Collins

These Deep Floating Shelves, 12 Inch Deep Rustic Floating Shelves for Wall Set of 2 have truly transformed my chaos into charm. I love how the 36W x 11.6D size gives me so much more space to stash my bathroom essentials without sacrificing style. The high-quality MDF material feels super solid, and the waterproof PVC veneer means I can’t mess them up with splashes or spills. It’s like these shelves are the superheroes of storage—strong, reliable, and looking great while they do their job! —Miles Everett

Who knew shelves could be this cool? My kitchen looks way classier with these Deep Floating Shelves, 12 Inch Deep Rustic Floating Shelves for Wall Set of 2. The rustic brown tone pairs perfectly with my farmhouse decor, and I’m obsessed with how the thick metal brackets keep everything stable and sag-free. I even managed to hang them without calling for backup, thanks to the pre-drilled holes and all the hardware included. Now I’ve got room for my fancy spice jars and a few plants, making cooking way more fun. —Jenna Monroe

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Why 36 Inch Floating Shelves Are Necessary

I’ve found that 36 inch floating shelves are the perfect balance between size and functionality for my space. They offer enough surface area to display my favorite books, plants, and decor without overwhelming the wall. This length fits well above desks, sofas, or in kitchens, making them incredibly versatile.

For me, the clean, minimalist look of floating shelves creates a modern vibe while keeping my room organized. Because they don’t have bulky brackets, the shelves feel less intrusive and help open up the space visually. Plus, 36 inches is sturdy enough to hold a good amount of weight, so I don’t have to worry about frequent maintenance or sagging.

Overall, choosing 36 inch floating shelves has made a big difference in how I maximize my wall space efficiently while maintaining a stylish and clutter-free environment. They’re a small addition that truly enhances both the look and function of my home.

My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Floating Shelves

When I decided to add some style and storage to my space, 36 inch floating shelves became my go-to choice. They offer a perfect balance of length and versatility, fitting well in most rooms without overwhelming the wall. Here’s what I learned through my experience that can help you pick the best ones for your needs.

Understanding the Size and Dimensions

The 36 inch length is a sweet spot — not too long to sag easily, and not too short to limit what you can display. I always measured my wall space carefully before buying, making sure there was enough room around the shelf for a balanced look. Don’t forget to check the depth too; deeper shelves hold more but can feel bulky.

Material Matters

Choosing the right material was key for me. Floating shelves come in wood, MDF, metal, or glass. I opted for solid wood because it felt sturdy and added warmth to my room. If you want something more modern, metal or glass might be better. Just keep in mind that glass shelves need more care and metal can sometimes feel cold.

Weight Capacity and Installation

One thing I learned the hard way was to check the weight limit. Some floating shelves are decorative and can only hold a few pounds. I wanted mine to support books and decor, so I picked ones with strong brackets and hardware. Installation can be tricky — make sure you have the right tools and anchors, especially if you’re mounting on drywall.

Style and Finish

I matched my shelves’ finish with my existing furniture to create a cohesive look. Whether you prefer rustic, modern, or minimalist, there are plenty of finishes like natural wood grain, painted white, or sleek black. Don’t hesitate to choose a finish that stands out if you want your shelves to be a focal point.

Price and Value

Floating shelves can vary widely in price. I balanced cost with quality by reading reviews and comparing brands. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saved me from having to replace flimsy shelves later. Remember to factor in any extra costs for mounting hardware or professional installation if needed.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Always use a level during installation to keep shelves perfectly horizontal.
  • Consider grouping multiple 36 inch shelves for a stylish gallery wall effect.
  • Think about the items you’ll display and choose shelves that complement their size and weight.
  • Don’t rush — take your time measuring, selecting, and installing for the best results.

I hope these tips help you find the perfect 36 inch floating shelves to enhance your space just like they did mine!

Author Profile

Ronald Brown
Ronald Brown
Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.

Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.