There are no standard sizes to choose from and hope one fits. Every shelf is cut to your exact dimensions within the 6"-12" depth and 12"-72" length range.
To order, select the closest standard size in the product listing and include your exact dimensions in the order notes on the cart page. I cut to your specs from there. If you need something outside the standard range entirely, reach out directly before ordering and I'll confirm whether your dimensions are achievable.
Why sizing matters more than people think: a shelf that's 2" too short for its wall looks like an afterthought. A shelf that runs exactly to the edge of a window frame, exactly between two cabinets, or exactly the width of a niche looks like it was always supposed to be there. That's the difference between a shelf that fits and a shelf that belongs.
For help deciding on the right dimensions for your space, the floating shelf depth guide covers depth recommendations by room and application.
Unsure on how to hang them aesthetically? Our spacing guide provides some insights.
This is where solid hardwood construction makes a difference that hollow core shelves can never match. Routing an edge profile requires real wood to cut into. Veneer delaminates at the edge. MDF crumbles. Solid hardwood holds a clean profile indefinitely.
Every shelf ships with a square sharp edge as standard. For $50 per shelf you can specify any edge profile you want. A few common ones:
Round over softens the front edge with a curved profile. Clean and contemporary, suits modern and transitional spaces, and removes the sharp corner that can be a concern in homes with kids.
Radius corners round the front corners rather than the full front edge. Creates a softer silhouette without changing the profile of the face.
45 degree chamfer cuts a clean angled bevel along the front edge. Creates a distinct shadow line and reads as more architectural than a standard square edge.
Full custom is also on the table. If you have a specific profile in mind that isn't listed, describe it or send a reference photo and I'll let you know if it's achievable. Most standard router profiles are possible and a few unusual ones are too.
The $50 per shelf fee covers any edge profile work regardless of complexity. It also covers LED channel routing if you want both on the same shelf, still $50 total.
LED channel routing is available on any shelf at the same $50 flat fee. The channel is routed to your exact specifications: position, width, depth, and whether you need up lighting, down lighting, or both. A 3/8" wire hole is drilled through the back so wiring exits cleanly.
If you want both an edge profile and an LED channel on the same shelf, that's still $50 total. Not $50 per customization.
For the full breakdown of how LED channel routing works, what to specify, and how to order, see the floating shelves with lights collection page.
All seven species are available for any configuration. Species choice affects the finished look but not what's achievable in terms of sizing, edge profiles, or LED routing.
Walnut takes edge profiles particularly well. The density and fine grain of black walnut produces clean, sharp profiles with no tearout. A chamfered walnut shelf reads as intentional furniture-grade work. Browse walnut floating shelves.
White oak is the most versatile species for this kind of work. Neutral grain suits any room and the wood machines cleanly across all standard profiles. Browse white oak floating shelves.
Maple is the hardest species in the lineup, which makes it especially clean for tight radius and chamfer profiles. Browse maple floating shelves.
Cherry machines well and develops its patina at the profiled edge over time, adding character that flat-faced shelves don't have. Browse cherry floating shelves.
Live edge walnut is available for custom sizing but edge profiles don't apply since the live edge is the natural contour of the slab. LED channel routing is available. Browse live edge floating shelves.
Painted white and painted black are both available with edge profiles and LED routing. The paint finish covers the profile cleanly. Browse white floating shelves or black floating shelves.
Not sure which species fits your space? Order samples before committing.
The ordering process is straightforward regardless of how many options you're adding.
For sizing only: select the closest standard size in the product listing and include your exact dimensions in the order notes. No need to reach out in advance for anything within the standard range.
For edge profiles: select your shelf and add a note specifying the profile you want. Include a description or reference photo for anything non-standard. The $50 fee is added at checkout or invoiced separately depending on your order.
For LED channel routing: include your channel specs in the order notes: position, width, depth, and wire hole location. For anything complex or unusual, email ben@shelfexpression.net before ordering so we can confirm the specs before the shelf goes into production.
For combinations: all customizations on a single shelf are covered by the flat $50 fee. Specify everything you need in the order notes and I'll build to all of it.
Lead time is typically two to three weeks from order to ship. Custom work doesn't add to lead time in most cases. If your specs require something that extends the timeline I'll let you know before starting.
Need help figuring out what to order? Reach out directly before placing your order and I'm happy to talk through the details.
Solid maple shelves cut to fit exactly between kitchen cabinets, holding plants, ceramics, and everyday objects without a gap or an overhang. This is what custom sizing actually means in practice: a shelf that was measured for this wall, not adjusted to fit it.
Two white oak custom floating shelves spanning wall to wall between cabinets, holding ceramics and kitchen objects across the complete run. No standard size gets you here. Custom dimensions do.
Walnut in a Bathroom
Body: Two walnut shelves sized precisely for a bathroom niche, holding toiletry jars, a candle, and a smart speaker against bold teal wallpaper. The dark grain against the pattern is a deliberate design choice that only works when the shelf dimensions are exactly right for the space.
Standard floating shelves ship in fixed sizes from a warehouse. Every custom wood floating shelf I build starts as a blank that gets cut, shaped, and finished to your order. Custom size is the baseline. Custom edge profiles and LED channel routing are additions to that foundation, not exceptions to it. Solid hardwood construction is what makes all of it possible. The Hovr Bracket System at 300 lbs capacity handles whatever you put on the finished shelf. Learn more about the wood we use.
The difference between a shelf that fits and a shelf that belongs comes down to a few inches and the willingness to cut to order rather than sell from stock. Custom floating shelves at $50 per shelf for any edge profile, LED routing, or both. Solid hardwood, 300 lbs capacity, lifetime guarantee. Reach out before ordering if you have something specific in mind and I'll let you know what's possible.
Imagine home decor that’s handmade—
Imagine the quality of floating shelves created just for you. No assembly lines, no particle board, no wordless directions. No outsourced customer service. Just clear communication between you and the craftsman.
Experience Shelf Expression and Display Your Joy.
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