Live Edge Walnut Floating Shelf – Natural Beauty, Unmatched Strength

Bring the organic elegance of real wood into your space with our Live Edge Walnut Floating Shelves. Each shelf is crafted from locally sourced American Black Walnut, hand-selected for its unique grain and rich, deep tones. Designed to highlight the raw beauty of natural wood, our live edge shelves retain the tree’s natural contours, ensuring no two are ever alike. Handmade in the USA and shipped free nationwide. 

Live Edge Walnut Floating Shelf – Natural Beauty, Unmatched Strength

Bring the organic elegance of real wood into your space with our Live Edge Walnut Floating Shelves. Each shelf is crafted from locally sourced American Black Walnut, hand-selected for its unique grain and rich, deep tones. Designed to highlight the raw beauty of natural wood, our live edge shelves retain the tree’s natural contours, ensuring no two are ever alike. Handmade in the USA and shipped free nationwide.

Exceptional Craftsmanship and Unique Features

Our shelves are handcrafted from solid walnut slabs, emphasizing the luxurious and rare qualities of Black Walnut. Known for its dark, rich color and character, this wood is grown in limited regions, making each piece truly special. The natural edges maintain the tree's original beauty, offering a distinctive and organic look that sets these shelves apart.

Versatile and Easy to Install

Available in multiple sizes, these shelves are perfect for a variety of uses throughout your home. Whether you're displaying kitchenware, showcasing picture frames and plants above the couch, or adding a unique touch to your restroom, these shelves adapt seamlessly to any space.

  • Easy Mount Hardware: Each shelf includes easy-to-install hardware, ensuring a quick and simple setup.
  • Multi-Purpose Use: Ideal as bookshelves, floating console tables, or mantels, they add both function and style to your home.

With their unmatched blend of natural beauty and practicality, these live edge walnut floating shelves are an elegant addition to any room.


Why Choose Our Live Edge Walnut Shelves?

1. One-of-a-Kind Craftsmanship

At The Mortise & The Hare, we don’t just make shelves—we craft functional art that stands the test of time. Our Live Edge Walnut Floating Shelves combine natural beauty with high-performance engineering, ensuring you get a product that’s as strong as it is stunning.

Handmade in the USA – Every shelf is built by skilled hands, never mass-produced.
Custom-built for your space – Designed to fit your exact needs.
Uncompromising quality – Real hardwood, premium finishes, and the industry’s strongest floating shelf bracket.
Free Shipping on All Orders – No extra cost, no surprises.

Why Choose Us?

  • Fully Customizable
    Each piece is lovingly handcrafted to match your unique specifications, offering a personalized touch that mass-produced items lack.
  • Efficient Shipping
    Our products are ready to ship in just a few weeks, with expedited delivery options available across the
    U.S., so you’ll enjoy your new shelves in no time.
  • Built to Endure
    We are committed to excellence, with over 3,000 satisfied customers. Say goodbye to veneer and MDF—our shelves are crafted from genuine materials that promise longevity.
  • Exceptional Customer Support
    Have questions or need assistance? Our dedicated Customer Care team is just a phone call, chat, or email away, ready to provide you with the support you need.

By choosing us, you're not just purchasing a product; you're investing in quality and a seamless buying experience.


2. Completely Custom to Fit Your Space

Your home isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your shelving shouldn’t be either. We custom-make each shelf to your exact specifications, allowing you to choose:

  • Length, depth, and thickness – Tailored to fit seamlessly into your space.
  • Over 50+ finish options – Finished with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C, a premium hard-wax oil that protects while enhancing the natural wood grain.
  • A lifetime of beauty and durability – Rubio Monocoat creates a molecular bond with the wood fibers, providing superior water, heat, and wear resistance while maintaining the raw, organic look.

3. The Strongest Floating Shelf System Available

Our live edge walnut shelves are more than just beautiful—they’re built to last. That’s why we use HOVR Brackets, the strongest floating shelf mounting system available.

13X stronger than standard floating shelf brackets – Built from aerospace-grade 6063 T6 aluminum.
No sag, no slant – Even under heavy loads, your shelf stays perfectly level.
Holds up to 300 lbs – Perfect for books, decor, or even dishware in kitchens.
Easy, secure installation – Whether you’re a DIYer or a pro, our system ensures flawless results.
Ships Free Nationwide – High-quality craftsmanship delivered straight to your door.

Understanding Weight Limits for Floating Shelves

When considering floating shelves for your space, it's crucial to understand their weight capacities, which largely depend on proper installation into wood studs. Drywall alone cannot support the same weight as wood studs.

We always urge you to consider safety first - don't cut corners, don't try to skip out on using either set screws or glue, and always be safe and smart about the way you install the product. We love an 8" thick barn mantel as much as anyone, but the standard aluminum bracket install (especially with corners cut) is not going to be the right choice there, cost-efficient as it may seem - for those heftier projects, you will want to pay the extra money for the custom made steel bracket. The last thing you want is something falling off the wall and someone getting hurt. You CAN sometimes get away with using an aluminum bracket for these heavier-duty projects, but you need to respect the limitations and make the necessary adjustments/reinforcements to do it.

We have tested the aluminum bracket in real time under the following conditions:

  • The male bracket was attached to the wall into 2 studs with 2 x 2 ½ inch long pan head # 8 wood screws in each stud (4 screws).
  • The female bracket was installed with a screw in each of the predrilled holes. We used 1 ¼ inch long pan head #8 wood screws.
  • We used 6 set screws #18, 5/16, ¾ inch long and made sure they were in all the way. (Tightening one after the progressively in sequence)
  • The distance to the wall was 8 inches.

The results?

The shelf held more than 300lbs without sagging. (Weight spread over a 24-Inch long shelf)

Ensure you have a skilled professional install these shelves into the wood studs to achieve the maximum weight capacity safely.

 


4. A Statement Piece for Any Room

Live edge walnut shelves bring warmth, character, and functionality to any space:

  • Living Rooms & Offices – Showcase books, art, and decor on shelves that feel like a work of art themselves.
  • Kitchens & Dining Areas – Elevate your space with open shelving that blends rustic charm with modern elegance.
  • Bathrooms & Bedrooms – Add a natural touch to create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere.

Installation & What to Expect

  • Each shelf is handcrafted to order and undergoes a rigorous quality check before shipping.
  • Due to the natural variation in real wood, your shelf will have its own unique live edge and grain pattern.
  • Includes HOVR brackets & installation hardware for a seamless floating shelf look.
  • Fast, Free Shipping – Delivered safely anywhere in the USA.

How Do Customer Reviews Rate the Quality of the Live Edge Walnut Floating Shelf?

Customer feedback for the live edge walnut floating shelf is overwhelmingly positive, with all reviews rating it a perfect five stars. Here's a breakdown of what buyers are saying about its quality and craftsmanship:

  • Exceptional Craftsmanship: Many customers highlight the skilled craftsmanship that goes into each piece, citing the shelf as both beautiful and well-made.

  • Ease of Installation: Users frequently mention that the shelf is easy to install. Several reviewers suggest measuring carefully to ensure a perfect fit, which adds to the overall satisfaction.

  • Visually Stunning: The visual appeal of the shelf is a recurring theme. Descriptions refer to it as "absolutely stunning" and akin to a "work of art," enhancing the aesthetics of living spaces.

  • Versatility in Use: Customers have used these shelves in various settings—from completing an office space to functioning as a fireplace mantel, showcasing the product's versatility.

  • Quality of Materials: Praises are abundant when it comes to the quality of the walnut used. However, one reviewer noted that the walnut color was darker than expected, which is an aspect worth bearing in mind for potential buyers.

Overall, these shelves are highly appreciated for both their form and function, with buyers experiencing a high level of satisfaction and frequently recommending them.


The Mortise & The Hare Difference

At The Mortise & The Hare, we don’t just make shelves—we craft functional art that stands the test of time. Our Live Edge Walnut Floating Shelves combine natural beauty with high-performance engineering, ensuring you get a product that’s as strong as it is stunning.

Handmade in the USA – Every shelf is built by skilled hands, never mass-produced.
Custom-built for your space – Designed to fit your exact needs.
Uncompromising quality – Real hardwood, premium finishes, and the industry’s strongest floating shelf bracket.
Free Shipping on All Orders – No extra cost, no surprises.


Order Your Custom Live Edge Walnut Floating Shelf Today

Transform your space with a shelf that’s both a statement piece and a functional work of art. Order today and experience the beauty of handcrafted quality, real hardwood, and superior engineering.

→ Customize & Buy Now

WE USE HOVR BRACKETS…

To gurantee your shelves can take the weight.

About HOVR Brackets

Load video:

About HOVR BRACKETS

We love them and so will you. Click below to get acquainted with the install process.

Installation Guide

American Black Walnut

Strength, Elegance, and Timeless Appeal

American Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) is one of the most prized hardwoods in North America, known for its deep, rich tones, striking grain patterns, and superior durability. Ideal for floating shelves, it combines strength and sophistication, making it a top choice for designers, woodworkers, and homeowners alike.

Why Choose Black Walnut for Shelving?

Naturally Strong & Durable – A dense hardwood that resists warping and sagging, built to hold heavy loads.
Elegant, Rich Tones – Warm chocolate hues with subtle purplish undertones enhance any space.
Ages Beautifully – Develops a deeper patina over time, adding to its character and longevity.
Timeless & Versatile – Complements modern, rustic, and classic interiors with refined elegance.

At The Mortise & The Hare, we handcraft each solid walnut floating shelf with precision and care, using responsibly sourced hardwood. Whether you're seeking sleek minimalist shelving or a bold natural wood statement, our walnut shelves offer heirloom quality built to last a lifetime.

Caring for your Shelf

Our durable, family-friendly shelves are built to resist daily wear. Water and heat-resistant, each is finished with a natural oil-based coating for lasting protection. Follow a few simple care steps to keep them looking their best.

Keep it Simple

Dust your shelf regularly with a soft, dry cloth to maintain its natural beauty. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth and wipe along the wood grain. Avoid excess moisture and harsh chemicals to preserve the protective finish.

Act Fast

Accidents happen, but quick action keeps your shelf looking pristine. Wipe up spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid using aggressive cleaners or soaking the wood, as this can damage the finish over time.

Preserve the Finish

To maintain the durability and rich appearance of your shelf, keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight and excessive heat. If minor scratches appear, gently buff with a soft cloth. Over time, a simple reapplication of hard-wax oil (when needed) will refresh the surface without altering the wood’s natural beauty

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

How long will my order take to ship?

Our standard fabrication time is currently 2-3 weeks for shipment.

What exactly is my shelf made out of?

Solid Hardwood. No veneer or hollow core material is used in our shelves or tables.

How are knotholes, voids and cracks in the shelf treated?

When it comes to treating knotholes, voids, and cracks on a shelf surface, these imperfections are carefully filled to enhance the wood's natural beauty. Skilled craftsmen typically use materials like epoxy or wood filler to address these areas.

Epoxy Resin: This popular choice offers a clear and smooth finish, allowing the character of the wood to shine through while ensuring durability and stability.

Wood Filler: Often colored to match the specific shade of the wood, wood filler provides a seamless appearance, blending imperfections with the rest of the surface.

The process involves cleaning the affected areas, applying the filler, and then sanding down the surface to achieve a flawless finish. This meticulous approach not only preserves the aesthetic appeal but also guarantees the longevity of the piece.

How do I install the shelves with the HOVR bracket system?

Installation is flexible and easy. We do the hard parts for you. Click here to see in depth installation instructions.

For a quick overview, you'll need the following tools:

Drill or screwdriver

Level

Stud finder

Measuring tape

Choose Your Desired Spot: Decide where you'd like to hang your shelf. Ensure it's at a height that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Locate Studs: Use a stud finder to identify the studs in your wall. Securely anchoring the screws into studs ensures the stability of your shelf.

Attach the Floating Mount: Align the floating bracket with the located studs. Use your drill or screwdriver to fix the bracket firmly in place.

Slide on the Shelf: Our shelves come with pre-drilled holes, making it effortless to slide them onto the mounted bracket.

Please note, all hardware is included with purchase!

How much weight can a shelf hold?

HOVR Brackets are the strongest on the market- rated for a 300 lb capacity at 8” off the wall.

May I see what the shelf will look like before I order?

Certainly! We offer samples of all our shelving right here.

What’s your return policy?

At The Mortise & The Hare, due to the bespoke nature of our handcrafted products, returns and exchanges are generally not accepted. However, if your item arrives damaged or defective, please contact us promptly, and we will work with you to resolve the issue. For more details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions and FAQ pages.

Didn’t find your answer?

Don't hestitate to contact us

Free shipping and returns