High Demand for Low Profile

Low profile floating shelves are a sleek, contemporary solution to dress up a wall while adding additional storage or display space. The affordable and understated low profile floating shelf silhouette is versatile enough to blend into transitional and contemporary spaces alike. Hidden wall-mounting brackets make installation easy, without interrupting the overall look. Consider conventional use for your space as well as some potentially unexpected applications below! With a little careful thought, low profile floating curated displays can put gallery walls to shame.

• Add some low profile floating shelves above your television to draw the eye up. This will help the television fade into the background while not in use. Adding color-coded books to your shelves is another fun trick to attract the eye (away from the television) towards the low profile floating shelf. Mix up the look with the occasional piece of framed artwork or family photos.
• Consider adding a few low profile floating shelves between your existing kitchen cabinets. You can display your prettiest dishes and glasses, then simply switch it up depending on the time of year or season. Complete the kitchen design with a low profile floating shelf system strategically placed over a food prep area for quick access to cutting boards and a decorative canister stocked with spatulas/favorite cooking utensils.
• Replace nightstands in a small bedroom with low profile floating shelves. This clean design objective will help save space, while keeping bedtime necessities within reach when needed.
• Increase the storage space in the laundry room with a few low profile floating shelves & quickly upgrade the functionality of your washing work zone. If you don’t need the extra storage, you can add some artwork or some plants to personalize the space - helping to make time spent in the laundry room more enjoyable.
• Low Profile Floating Shelves are a welcome addition to a child’s room. They can do double-duty as both a spot to store books, as well as a place to showcase fun decor. Hang the shelves higher if you want to make sure your kid can’t reach what is displayed - or down low for easy access.
• Have a bland bathroom? Low profile floating shelf systems can work miracles (almost!) if you lack storage at your sink vanity. Add low profile floating shelves to your bathroom walls by hanging them in a stacked group for organized storage to manage the overflow of toiletries.

Regardless of how you use a low profile floating shelf, keep the display items to your personal taste and artfully arranged. Now, where to source? With so many options on the market, how should one begin to select the best low profile floating shelf system?

To be completely honest, as the Media Manager for Federal Brace I was curious to dig around in all our competitors websites to evaluate other types of low profile floating shelf fabrication, policies, product reviews, bracket/support types, etc.. I’ve done my homework and have shared my findings with my Federal Brace co-workers, and now with you! The discoveries made through my research were astonishing to us at Federal Brace (but then again we are floating shelf geeks!). From Crate & Barrel to the Container Store and Joss & Main to Ikea, not all low profile floating shelf systems are created equal. I researched the options from these retailers as well as offerings from Target, Pottery Barn, West Elm, & Shelfology! Without further delay, here are the MUSTS to investigate and consider before purchasing your low profile floating shelves.

1. Lead Time.

   One of the retailers mentioned and researched above has a 6 - 8 week lead time (before the product ships) plus a very high end price for the same size (24” x 10” x 2”), in the identical material, complete with the same white color & finish as all the others compared. Consider your readiness and deadline!

2. Origin.

   Made in China -- Made in Indonesia -- “Imported” was also a very popular term (with 5 mentioned and researched companies above reporting no additional specifics. Using foreign imports gives no guarantee of quality. Consider the source!

3. Carrying Capacity.

   By far the most shocking findings were discovered in this category. Retailers mentioned and researched above for the same size (24” x 10” x 2”), in the identical material, complete with the same white color & finish as all the others compared, listed* their carrying capacities from 10 lbs. - 22 lbs. The reason for the difference lies in the quality of the construction and the material/strength of bracket or shelf support.

   *In all fairness, the 10lb. Carrying capacity wasn’t actually reported or listed. I had to engage in an online chat with the retailer to inquire about carrying capacity on their website because this INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT INFORMATION wasn’t included with the product description. Be sure to inquire & read the reviews of any low profile floating shelf on your shortlist as some are garnering very low scoring reviews for poor design. Spoiler alert! A Federal Brace low profile floating shelf system has a carrying capacity of 50 lbs. when installed per our provided installation guidelines.

4. Hardware. Is it included?

   One of the retailers mentioned and researched above has a 6 - 8 week lead time (before the product ships) plus a very high end price for the same size (24” x 10” x 2”), in the identical material, complete with the same white color & finish as all the others compared. Consider your readiness and deadline!

The Federal Brace Low Profile Floating Shelf System is ready to ship, made in the U.S.A., very heavy duty in comparison to the competition, plus comes complete with all needed hardware. The finished floating shelf is both sturdy and has the thin, aesthetically pleasing appearance that is currently in such high demand. Check out www.FederalBrace.com or call toll-free (877) 353-8899, 8:30AM - 5 PM EST for for additional ideas and design assistance, as well as to order the best low profile floating shelf system on the market.