Floating Shelves vs Cabinets: Which Is Cheaper for Your Space?
Jun, 16 2025
If you’re eyeing a kitchen revamp or just want to get your entryway in shape, shelving is probably top of your list. The big question always comes up: are floating shelves actually cheaper than cabinets, or is that just Instagram hype?
Right off the bat, floating shelves are usually friendlier to your wallet—at least upfront. You need less material, the hardware is pretty simple, and most folks can even tackle the install themselves with a drill and a level. Cabinets, especially nice ones, chew through your budget fast with all those doors, hinges, and boxes you don’t even see once they’re in the wall.
But hold up—just looking at the sticker price can fool you. There’s way more to the real cost than the price tag on the shelf or cabinet. It’s easy to miss stuff like special anchors for floating shelves if you’ve got plaster walls, or what happens when you end up needing more storage than those open shelves can handle. People often end up buying baskets or boxes to make up the difference, and the costs start sneaking upwards.
- What Do Floating Shelves Actually Cost?
- The Real Price of Cabinets
- Comparing Installation Expenses
- Hidden Expenses and Gotchas
- Style, Function, and Why They Matter
- Tips for Staying on Budget
What Do Floating Shelves Actually Cost?
It’s easy to think floating shelves are always cheap, but prices swing a lot depending on what you want, how wide your walls are, and if you’re paying for pro help. If you hit a big-box store in the U.S., you’ll spot basic floating shelves for $20 to $40 apiece (think under 36 inches, MDF core, and basic laminate). But if you want something wider, thicker, or made from solid oak or walnut, you’re easily looking at $60–$150 for just one shelf.
Labor adds up fast if you’re not the DIY type. Most handymen charge between $50 and $100 an hour, and you could pay $75–$200 for a typical set-up (2–3 shelves over one section of wall). Suddenly those “cheap” shelves start adding up if you can’t install them yourself.
- Stock shelves (off-the-shelf sizes and finishes): $20–$80 each
- Custom shelves (special sizing, hardwood, unique colors): $100–$300+ per shelf
- Installation by a pro: $75–$200 for a small job
- DIY installation: Just your time and maybe a $15 box of anchors or screws
The biggest factor is the material. Pine and MDF are light on your wallet but show dings faster and don’t love moisture (hello, droopy shelf in a steamy bathroom). Real hardwood looks sharp and lasts longer, but expect to pay double or triple the cost. And don’t forget: shelves deeper than 10 inches or longer than 3 feet often need heavy-duty hardware or extra wall support, which tacks on more cost.
| Type | Average Cost Per Shelf |
|---|---|
| Basic MDF/Laminate | $25–$50 |
| Solid Pine | $40–$90 |
| Hardwood (Oak, Walnut, Maple) | $80–$200 |
| Custom/Designer | $150–$350 |
If you want shelves that don’t sag, hold a ton, and match your style, you’ll probably spend more than you think. Other sneaky costs: special brackets (up to $25 apiece), wall anchors (another $10–$20 per pack), and if you paint or stain, $15–$30 for a small can. Bottom line, floating shelves usually start cheap but can climb into the same price range as lower-end cabinets if you go all-out on the finish and hardware.
The Real Price of Cabinets
Shopping for cabinets can smack you with sticker shock fast. Even basic stock cabinets from big box stores usually start around $100 to $200 per linear foot. If you’re dreaming of custom options, you might be looking at $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. That adds up when you realize just a small kitchen could use 20-30 feet of cabinets—that’s thousands of dollars, easy.
Most people don’t think about all the parts that make cabinets pricey. With each cabinet, you’re paying for backs, sides, shelves, doors, hardware, and those slow-close hinges everyone wants nowadays. Some units even bump costs up by including soft-close drawers, lazy Susans, or pull-out trays.
Take a look at how the costs shake out:
| Type | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | $100 – $200 |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | $150 – $650 |
| Custom Cabinets | $500 – $1,200 |
If you want professional installation, tack on another $50 to $250 per linear foot. That doesn’t even include demolition or adjustments for tricky layouts—corners, appliances, out-of-square walls, or weird plumbing all hike up the labor bill. All this gets even more intense when you pick real wood, fancy finishes, or glass doors.
Bottom line: Cabinets aren’t just boxes on the wall. They’re full-on furniture built to hide junk and last years, but that function and durability come with a price tag way higher than most floating shelves. If you’ve got a tight budget, all those hidden costs can catch you off guard fast.
Comparing Installation Expenses
Floating shelves get a lot of love for being a simple weekend project, but the installation costs depend on a few factors. The main thing is this: most people can DIY floating shelves with a drill, a stud finder, and some confidence. Buying brackets and anchors adds a little to the bill, but you skip paying for complex labor. If you hire someone, floating shelf install in the U.S. runs from $70 to $150 per shelf, depending on size and wall type.
Cabinets totally flip that equation. Their install price jumps fast because they’re heavier, need more precise placement, and often call for a pro to make everything level and to hook up any extras (think lighting or trim). According to national averages, hiring a carpenter or handyman to hang cabinets ranges from $150 to $500 per unit, and custom installations can blow past $1,000 for a big cabinet or a set.
| Installation Type | DIY Friendly? | Average Labor Cost (per unit) | Time Required (per unit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floating Shelf | Yes | $0 (DIY) / $70-$150 (Pro) | 30 min – 1 hour |
| Cabinet | No (usually) | $150-$500 (Handyman) / $500+ (Custom) | 1–3 hours |
If you’re thinking about saving money, floating shelves usually win. Plus, there’s less risk of paying for damage repair after install, since a shelf is way easier to adjust or fix than a bulky cabinet. Pro tip: for both options, the real wildcard is what’s inside your walls. Old plaster, tile, or brick jacks up the cost, since you need special tools or anchors. Always double-check before you budget for labor.
- Floating shelves are usually a straightforward job for handy folks.
- Cabinets almost always need at least two people, and the heavy lifting shows up on your bill.
- Time saved on installation leaves you more money for nicer finishes or extra decor.
Hidden Expenses and Gotchas
Most people just compare the price tags, but the sneaky stuff can really tip the scale. With floating shelves, don’t forget about your wall type. If you’ve got drywall, simple anchors will work. But for plaster or brick, expect to fork out for heavy-duty hardware, and you might even need special tools.
Open shelves also call for sturdy brackets, especially if you’re storing heavy things like dishes or books. Cheap brackets won’t cut it—they can bend or rip out of the wall, leading to more spending later. And unless you’re super organized, floating shelves can get cluttered fast. You might end up buying storage bins, baskets, or glass jars to keep things looking tidy. Those small costs add up.
Cabinets sound pricey up front, but they give you hidden perks. You can stash ugly stuff, hide cords, and keep dust out. Plus, basic cabinets come with finished backs, sides, and shelves—stuff you have to buy extra for open shelving if you want a „finished” look. And don’t overlook things like handles, knobs, and specialty hinges for that smooth-close action—those small add-ons can cost $5–$15 per cabinet.
| Expense Type | Floating Shelves (Typical) | Cabinets (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Special Hardware | $10–$25 per bracket | Usually included |
| Extra Storage Bins | $8–$20 each | Not needed |
| Trim/Finishing | $15–$30/shelf | Included |
| Handles/Knobs | Rarely needed | $5–$15/each |
| Professional Install | $50–$120/hour | $100–$200/hour |
If you’re DIY-ing, mistakes can be a real wallet-drainer. Misaligned shelves? You’ll have to rebuy and reinstall. Cabinets, on the other hand, are heavier and fussier to put up, so you might end up hiring a pro even if you think you can hack it. That means a lot more labor cost.
The main pitfall: underestimate either option and you’ll bust your budget. Plan for every screw, bracket, and accessory. It might not seem like much, but little things together really crank up the final bill.
Style, Function, and Why They Matter
Floating shelves and cabinets may both hold your stuff, but the way they work and look in your space is way different. It’s not just about budget—function and style often tip the scale when you’re picking between the two.
If you like a modern, airy vibe, floating shelves are hard to beat. They keep things open and let you show off favorite mugs, plants, or cookbooks. You see these a lot in kitchens on social media, and for good reason—they make small spaces look bigger. But, floating shelves come with a catch: everything’s out in the open. If you’re not a fan of keeping stuff organized or you hate dusting, they’re not always practical.
Cabinets, on the other hand, are all about hiding the mess. Shut the door, forget about the clutter. That’s why families usually stick with cabinets in busy kitchens or bathrooms. They’re also better at protecting stuff from grease, steam, or just daily chaos. If you need storage for things you don’t want guests seeing, or stuff you don’t use daily, cabinets come out on top for pure function.
Storage isn’t just about space, though—it’s about what you actually need to put away. Here’s a simple side-by-side for common needs:
| Item | Works Best On | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dishes you use every day | Floating shelves | Easy to grab, easy to put away |
| Kids’ snacks and random Tupperware | Cabinets | Keeps things tidy, out of sight |
| Decor and personal touches | Floating shelves | Looks good on display |
| Cleaning supplies, gadgets | Cabinets | Safety and keeps area looking clean |
And if you’re worried about resale? According to a 2023 survey by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), 72% of buyers still expect full cabinetry in kitchens, but over 40% said floating shelves give a space a higher-end look—provided the shelves aren’t overstuffed or dusty.
The bottom line: look at what you actually need to store and how honest you’ll be about keeping shelves tidy. For a blend of both worlds, some designers mix cabinets down low and floating shelves up top. That way you get style, function, and probably save a bit as well.
Whichever you pick, remember the main search term: floating shelves always win on style, but cabinets win on hiding life’s messiest moments. Your stuff, your space—make the choice that lessens your stress day-to-day.
Tips for Staying on Budget
Let’s be honest, most people don’t plan for how quickly a shelving project can eat up their savings. Here’s how to get the look you want without getting blindsided by the final bill.
- floating shelves cost less if you DIY. Home improvement stores often sell wood boards and ready-to-install brackets for under $30 per shelf. Skip the designer brands and check out the basic lumber aisle.
- For cabinets, try unfinished stock cabinets. You can paint or stain them yourself, saving anywhere from 30% to 50% compared to custom cabinets.
- Don’t forget hardware. Fancy brackets or strong anchors can add up, especially if you’re hanging shelves on plaster or brick. Search for value packs or consider secondhand stores for deals.
- Open shelving means your stuff is always on display. Budget for baskets, bins, or decorative containers if you need to hide clutter (these costs pile up faster than you think).
- Measure twice, buy once. Mistakes cost money—and returns on cut wood can be tricky.
- If you need help, don’t just call in the first handyman you find. Get at least two quotes, and ask friends for recommendations. Labor is where things get expensive fast.
Here’s a quick side-by-side to keep your budget in check.
| Floating Shelves | Cabinets | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Shelf (per unit) | $30-$80 | $100-$300 |
| DIY Skill Needed | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| Average Install Cost per Linear Foot | $20-$50 | $100-$350 |
| Hidden Extras | Brackets, anchors, decor bins | Hinges, pulls, custom trim |
The trick is to plan, keep it simple, and always know your limits when it comes to DIY. If you get stuck, just ask for help before things snowball. Shelving doesn’t have to break the bank, but those hidden extras can really sneak up on you if you’re not careful.