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how deep should a floating shelf be?

last year

Hi! I am getting ready to order floating bar shelves for above a buffet cabinet in our kitchen but I’m not sure how deep to make them. They will be about 2 inches think and about 63 inches on to match the cabinet underneath (as you can see from the mo k up on our wall) but I can’t decide on an 8 inch depth or 10 inches. The cabinet underneath is about 16 inches deep and the shelves will hold liquor bottles, glasses and random decor. Thanks for any suggestions!

Comments (5)

Lyn Nielson
last year
First, decide what you'll be putting on the shelf.

Pull out all the items and arrange them on the existing cabinet.

Pinterest shelf arranging decor will help to make an attractive look...
mdnightsky
Original Author
last year
I’ll be putting liquor bottles but not necessarily against the wall. I’d like to make the shelves deeper but don’t want it to be too much with the depth of he cabinet underneath.
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artemis78
last year
We have both (well, 7" and 11") and they are both good for different uses. We keep mugs and coffee supplies on the 11" deep shelves and spices and oils on the 7" deep shelves. I would mock up what you want to store and see if 8" works just as well as 10"--e.g., if you can fit two bottles deep on either but can't fit three on either, then might as well do 8", but if those two inches are the difference between getting an extra rowsof bottles or glasses, then go bigger.
mdnightsky
Original Author
last year
Thanks! I wasn't if there was some sort of ratio between bottom cabinet and shelf that was typically used in this situation but it sounds like it's based more on shelf use than anything.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
IMO nice glass door cabinets are tons better than open shelving and I aslo do not think liquor bottles are attractive decor . use the glass door cabinets for your glassware and save yourself from having to wash glassess everytime you have a party

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