How to Style Floating Shelves in a Bathroom

I’ve been trying to figure out the best decor/storage solution for our powder room for years now. I wanted something that filled the room without making it feel cluttered. Floating shelves were the best option because they give a streamlined, clean look.

I found a local seller Modern Timber Craft who makes the most beautiful shelves. All the reclaimed wood used is taken from barns, houses and other buildings dating from the late 1700s through the early 1900s. You can tell by the quality that each piece is so special. This is not a cookie cutter shelf set you buy from Pottery Barn. 

If you’ve ever looked into custom shelving, you know they can be crazy expensive. Modern Timber Craft’s pieces start at $30. They have a variety of stain options. I ordered the unfinished version for a rustic and natural look. I picked up the shelves in person, but they ship everywhere! Use code “NR10” for 10% off your order.

Maybe it’s just me, but I find decorating bathrooms really tough. You don’t want the decor to look like something you’d put in a living area. I checked Pinterest for inspiration, but found that it was basically a hodgepodge of ideas and wasn’t very helpful. I personally don’t love anything too farmhouse, too modern, and definitely nothing beachy (no seashells here).

I found the best ideas by searching through my favorite designers on Instagram. I have an eclectic taste in decor, and generally pull from a variety of sources for inspiration. But really, no matter where you get ideas… stick to what you love but also take some risks. You might surprise yourself with what you end up liking! 

Here are some quick tips:

1. Don’t frame photos of people. 

Honestly, I’m surprised this isn’t a more well-known tip, but think of this. You’re in a bathroom doing your business and you look over and see a photo from someone’s wedding or a photo of someone’s kid. Weird, right? Don’t frame photos of people. Pick anything else. 

2. Use the rule of threes.

The rule of threes basically says that things arranged in odd numbers are more aesthetically pleasing than even-numbered groupings. Three is the magic number, but I like using groups of five as well. Groups of two look small/incomplete. Three makes your decor look more like a collection.

3. Layer, layer and layer some more.

Create dimension by layering pieces in front of each other. You’ll see in the images, I did this with the three candles and the dough bowl and framed agate. When you place items in front of each other it adds interest. Otherwise everything is all on the same plane and it looks a bit too neat. You want your shelves to look like a collection of your favorite things, seamlessly arranged and not too perfect.

4. Play with height.

Another way to create dimension is by using items of varying height. Everything the same height is boring and too uniform.

5. Use greenery (even faux).

Greenery adds life to every space, even if it’s fake! Fake might even be more ideal because you won’t have to remember to water it or give it sunlight. 

6. Hide ugly items in baskets or bins.

Use bins and baskets to hide and organize things you don’t want out in the open (toilet paper, tampons, whatever). Before you go buying every basket in sight, make sure to measure your shelves’ depth. You don’t want the basket tipping over the front of the shelf. I made this mistake quite recently. 

7. Soften the look by adding towels. 

No matter what type of shelving you use, add towels or other plush items to soften the space up. Towels in particular give a more spa-like vibe which I definitely gravitate towards. 

My Decor

I like having decor pieces that are special and meaningful to me, so I don’t buy things unless I absolutely love it. I knew I wanted enough decor to make the shelves feel complete, but not too much. There’s a delicate balance. It can go from perfect to overwhelming quickly.

Top shelf: The black frame is from Home Goods. I love Home Goods for frames because they are affordable and I don’t feel bad swapping them if I get bored in a few months. Inside is a black and white photograph I took in San Diego. Every time I look at it, it makes me feel good. The fake plant is also from Home Goods. I love the gray and white vase it came with.

Middle shelf: White hand towels are from Ralph Lauren Home. They are really soft and wash well. Next to the towels, I placed a framed agate slice from Home Goods. I feel like they go through phases having these for months and then nothing. If you see one and love it, definitely buy it! Also on that shelf is Hand-carved dough bowl is from an Etsy shop called Home and Willow. Etsy is one of my favorite places to find wood pieces.

Bottom shelf: I wasn’t able to find unscented candles in varying sizes and pretty containers, so I just bought scented ones from Target that all seemed to pair well together. That’s a gamble for sure. Gray wire basket is a Home Goods find and it holds an extra toilet paper roll.