Floating Shelves to Unlock a Contemporary Wet Bar Look

A wet bar can be a stylish and functional addition to any home, providing a dedicated space for mixing drinks and entertaining guests. However, the storage and display options offered by traditional wet bar cabinetry can be limiting. This is where incorporating floating shelves can elevate your wet bar to the next level.

Floating shelves add visual interest, customize your storage solutions, and showcase your glassware and bar accessories. Read on to discover the benefits of adding floating shelves to your wet bar along with tips for choosing, installing, and styling them.

Benefits of Adding Floating Shelves to Wet Bars

Floating shelves provide versatility, convenience, and style when incorporated into a home wet bar design. Here are some of the top benefits floating shelves offer over traditional cabinetry and shelving:

• Space-Saving: Floating shelves maximize your available wall area for storage and display. They don't take up valuable floor space like traditional cabinets or freestanding shelves.
• Customization: Floating shelves allow you to fully customize your storage solutions. Adjust them to fit liquor bottles, glassware, bar tools and everything in between.
• Visual Appeal: The sleek, minimalist look of floating shelves introduces contemporary style. They also spotlight your barware collections.
• Convenience: Floating shelves place every item within easy reach. This allows for faster drink preparation compared to digging through cabinets.
• Versatility: Shelves can be styled open or with doors. You can store supplies or beautifully display glassware. Their adaptable nature suits any wet bar's needs.

If a cluttered cabinet filled with supplies doesn't suit your vision, floating shelves introduce modern style. Keep reading to discover how to select and install shelves to unlock your dream bar.

Choosing the Right Floating Shelves for Your Wet Bar

Customizing floating shelves to your style, storage needs and budget is key. As you browse shelf designs, consider these factors:

Material Options for Floating Wet Bar Shelves

The most common and budget-friendly floating shelf materials include:

• Wood: Stained wood is a versatile, easy-to-install option. Opt for moisture-resistant woods like teak or shorea if shelves will be near sinks.
• Metal: Sleek powder-coated steel or aluminum shelves introduce an industrial vibe. Ensure adequate support for heavier glassware.
• Glass: Glass floating shelves illuminate stored barware with an ultra-modern look. Consider thickness and etched designs for added personality.

Floating Shelf Dimensions and Weight Capacities

Standard floating shelf sizes range from 12 to 96 inches in length. However, custom dimensions better suit unique storage needs. Here are size considerations when selecting shelves:

• Measure your target wall area beforehand when choosing shelf sizes.
• Account for items you intend to display or store when determining shelf depths and weight limits.
• Allow for proper spacing between shelves for an organized appearance.

Aesthetic Considerations for Floating Shelves

Beyond dimensions, shelf style impacts your wet bar's overall look. Design choices like edges, finishes and hardware personalize your shelves. For example:

• Edges: Square modern edges or rounded rustic edges determine visual style.
• Finishes: Stained, painted, galvanized and more customize the look.
• Brackets: Exposed or hidden shelf brackets impact aesthetics.

By tailoring floating shelves to your vision, they elevate your wet bar as functional art. Next, we'll explore proper installation techniques to securely mount your shelves.

Installation Tips for Floating Shelves on Wet Bars

While professional installation is recommended for built-ins, DIYers can tackle simpler floating shelf designs. Ensure sturdy mounting with these tips:

Securing Floating Shelves Properly

Prevent shelf collapse or fall hazards with secure hardware:

• Use wall cleats matched to shelf size rather than individual hooks or nails.
• For heavy floating shelves, include angled metal braces for added support.
• When drilling into walls, avoid wires, pipes and other hidden elements.

Leveling and Mounting Floating Shelves

A small level is essential for straight, properly aligned shelves:

• Determine ideal height placement before installation.
• Use a level often when marking cleat positions and during mounting.
• Double check shelf levelness once fully secured to catch any tilting.

Decor Touches After Installing Floating Shelves

Integrate your new floating shelves into the surrounding decor:

• Add LED lighting or sconces above or beneath shelves as needed.
• Paint the wall an accent color to contrast or match shelf finishes.
• Showcase decorative objects like artwork in between shelf tiers.

With proper installation complete, it's time to style your shelves. Discover inspiring wet bar storage and display ideas next.

Design Ideas for Floating Wet Bar Shelves

Take your entertaining game to the next level with these floating shelf styling suggestions:

Glassware and Drinkware Displays

Beautifully exhibit glassware collections with open shelf designs. Consider displaying by:

• Type: Group all wine glasses or cocktail glasses.
• Color: Coordinate colored glassware for visual impact.
• Height: Descending shelves keep each glass visible.
• Theme: Craft a tiki bar or whiskey shelf display.

Accent Lighting and Shelving

Incorporate lighting to highlight contents and set the mood:

• Install LED strip lighting beneath shelves or individual puck lights.
• Opt for shelving with integrated lighting for automated ambiance.
• Place stylish lamp lighting atop upper shelves for an overhead glow.

Open and Closed Storage Solutions

Find the right balance of concealment and display with a mix of open and closed storage shelves. For example:

• Store extra glassware and bar tools out of sight in cabinets with doors.
• Designate open shelves to exhibit favorite branded liquor bottles.
• Reserve counter height shelves under the bar for convenient access to mixers and garnishes.

Explore your creativity and style shelves to suit your unique tastes. The key is ensuring shelves properly store supplies while attracting the eye.

Costs of Floating Shelves for Wet Bars

While glamorous, custom built-in shelving carries a designer price tag. However, more budget-friendly options exist for the DIYer. Compare your floating shelf options:

Budget-Friendly DIY Floating Shelf Options

• Prefab shelves from big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe's range from $20-$100+.
• Order basic floating shelf kits starting around $30 per shelf online.
• Reclaimed wood DIY tutorials offer advice for nearly free shelves.

• $70+ per linear foot for simple floating designs.
• $200+ per linear foot for more complex storage solutions.
• Plus the costs for cabinetry, lighting packages and custom wet bar construction.

Even professional installations provide great return on investment through added home value. Before committing, first ensure floating shelves work with your current layout.