Create a Floating Book Wall
As part of my son’s Harry Potter-inspired room design, I created a floating book wall. You could do this with any theme, but for magic, it works exceptionally well! 
Join me on Instagram for lots of fun DIY projects like this one.
Materials:
- Floating Shelves to attach to the wall
- Wall Anchors + Screws
- Books on Shelves (I used 18)
- Open “Flying” Books (I used 3)
- Artwork to Hang
- Items to Decorate for Your Theme
- Glue for Pages of Open Books
Step 1: Get Books
I used old books for this project that had been covered to create a Harry Potter Inspired Library. You can either go with a theme like that, color coordinate your floating book wall, or simply put your favorites on display! For the floating book wall shelves, I used 18 books–in either 3 or 4 books per stack. I also hung 3 books “open” that appear to be flying, which is optional, depending on your theme.
For sizing, you don’t want books that are huge, but substantial enough. If you’re using the spines as part of the decoration, they have to be big enough to show up. Since you’re stacking them, you want sizes that are similar, but not all the same. If you’re planning to remove the cover to show off the color of the books, be aware of how all of your books will look together.
Step 2: Layout Planning & Installation
Do you want your books in a vertical column? Or, would you like them to alternate? Do you want even spacing? Consider the wall area where you are placing them. What will fit the space best? I chose to alternate left and right, using the narrow space between the windows in my son’s room. I hung the first two shelves, offset of each other by approximately the height of a stack of 4 books, then I measured up the wall–also identifying where I would place the “open” books.
Tips for Hanging Floating Book Wall Shelves
- Finds studs for easy installation
- Check level to install shelf brackets evenly
- Use wall anchors when studs are not available
- Add books to each shelf you install, then stand back and see how it looks
- If adding open books to spaces between shelves, make sure you leave enough room
Step 3: Hang the Open Books
If you’d like to add “open” books on your floating book wall, there’s a process. This process will ruin the book. If you’re trying to hang a book open without ruining it, you may want to search for methods where you can use fishing line to hold the pages open while the book floats. Here is the method I used for hanging the spellbooks…
I placed the book against the wall in the spot and position I wanted it, with pages open to about the middle. I determined where I would need to screw the back cover in, then used my drill to drill the hole through all the pages & the cover. Once I drilled that hole, I held the book up again in the position on the wall, and I put the drill through the hole in the cover, and into the drywall. Removing the book, I added a wall anchor. I made sure the book was in place correctly before making it fit tight. Then, I did the same thing to the front cover. To hide the screws, I left a few pages on each side of the middle untouched. Then, I glued them to the pages that were screwed in place. For the Harry Potter spell books, I also added vintage-looking pages into the middle of the books.
Step 4: Decorate!
Of course, I had an easy theme to decorate! I printed off some Harry Potter photos to frame. On top of the stacks of books were items that we had on hand, or that were thrifted.
The Harry Potter room reveal wouldn’t have been the same without this floating book wall! What do you think? Are you an avid reader, ready to take on a creative way to display books? I’d love to see your projects!
March 22, 2023 @ 1:52 pm
Those hanging books could have been donated to a library, school etc. What a waste… 🙁
March 22, 2023 @ 2:21 pm
Yes, but I got them at donation centers, and I used them for art in my son’s room, and he wakes up with a smile on his face every day. Art is in the eye of the beholder, but thanks for sharing your opinion.
March 22, 2023 @ 3:02 pm
I disagree with Kenny! My grandsons bring home books, many times a year, that the school is done with. Every thrift shop I have ever been in.has a plethora of books for sale. My own library is overflowing with books. I think this is a great way to save books from a landfill! Since you print out and cover the pages, to the theme of your choice, the possibilities are limitless. Jane Eyre for a woman who loves who work, Winnie the Pooh for a nursery, How To books on micro beers for a man cave, and on and on it goes. Like clothing, we have an excess of books that make their way to landfills every year. Why not turn books, that are headed out of your home or books that you save from thrifting, into art?
I guess it is all in how you look at it, but I feel like you have reused something that would otherwise be eventually trashed. Plus, you have a really great imagination to come up with such an economically wise statement wall.
Great job!
March 22, 2023 @ 3:12 pm
Awww…thanks, Tambra! My thoughts exactly. I actually got all these books from the selection of “almost un-sellable” books at the thrift store–they had had them so long, they basically discounted them to get rid of them. So, I feel like I gave them a second chance to shine! And, since I did Harry Potter, I’m sure this book wall will eventually be gifted to another HP lover. But, I love all of your ideas! It’s a great “art installation” no matter the theme!
July 12, 2023 @ 1:41 pm
I love the idea of creating a floating book wall! It’s a great way to display your favorite books and add some personality to your home. I especially like the way you used old books to create a Harry Potter-inspired library. The flying books are a really fun touch.
July 31, 2023 @ 5:04 pm
I appreciate that. Thanks so much!
August 14, 2023 @ 12:51 pm
Your step-by-step instructions are incredibly helpful for anyone looking to recreate this stunning project. From finding the right books and sizes to planning the layout and installation, your guidance makes the process feel achievable. The method you’ve shared for hanging the open books, even though it may ruin the book, is a bold choice that truly adds to the magical ambiance of the room.
The finishing touches, such as framing Harry Potter photos and adding themed decorations on top of the book stacks, tie the entire concept together beautifully. Your floating book wall undoubtedly takes the Harry Potter room design to a whole new level of authenticity and creativity.
It’s evident that you’ve poured your heart and imagination into this project, and the results speak for themselves. Your son must be overjoyed with his room transformation, and anyone who sees this floating book wall would be amazed by the captivating atmosphere you’ve created. Bravo on a job well done!
September 22, 2023 @ 12:15 pm
Thank you so much. It’s been a much-loved space 🙂