Best picture shelf

Using a picture shelf to display framed photos is a great alternative to hanging them on your wall. Plus, it will create less mess.

WELLAND Picture Shelf Ledge
(Image credit: WELLAND)

Buy a picture shelf to display your favorite photos, without hanging them up on the wall. Not just for photos, picture shelves can hold everything from books to magazines, toys, makeup, and much more, so it's a simple storage alternative that frees up floor space. 

The majority of picture shelves come in packs of two, three, or maybe even six. Some are made from MDF wood, others from plastic, and others from solid wood. The best picture shelf is the Emfogo wood picture ledge shelf. They come in a set of three, they're made from solid wood and they're easy to fit. They also have an 11-pound weight capacity. See more of our top picks below.

Top pick

Emfogo Wood Picture Ledge Shelf

(Image credit: Emfogo)

Emfogo wood picture ledge shelves

A set of three stylish shelves

These picture shelves are made of solid wood, they come in two colors, and they're easy to fit.

Pros:

  • Set of 3
  • Easy to fit
  • Can't see screws
  • Great price
  • 18-pound weight capacity

Cons:

  • Not available in black or white

The Emfogo wood picture ledge shelves come in a set of three, all of which are made of rustic torched solid wood so they are built to last. They're easy to fit and with invisible holes behind, are super stylish. They come in two color options—carbonized black (which is a rustic brown color) and gorgeous weathered grey. Each shelf can hold 18 pounds of weight and measures 16.9-by-4.3 inches. In the box comes three shelves, six screws, and six anchors.

See-through

Sooyee 6 Pack 15 Inch Acrylic Invisible Kids Floating Bookshelf

(Image credit: Sooyee)

Sooyee acrylic invisible kids floating bookshelves

Easy to install and perfect for books

A set of six see-through picture shelves that are friendly on the wallet. Use them to store makeup, magazines, small toys, and more.

Pros:

  • Pack of 6
  • Easy to clean
  • Very affordable

Cons:

  • You can see the screws
  • Nothing else comes in the box

The Sooyee acrylic invisible kids floating bookshelves are a great see-through option. They come in a pack of six and are all easy to fit. These acrylic shelves are an invisible yet functional storage option. While they're made from plastic so they won't be able to hold much weight, they are nice and small. Each shelf measures 15-by-2-inches-by-1.73-inches. 

Ledged

Melannco 5091215 Floating Wall Mount Molding Ledge Shelves

(Image credit: Melannco)

Melannco 5091215 floating wall-mount molding ledge shelves

Add a little texture to your walls

Available in black or white, these MDF picture shelves are super easy to hang.

Pros:

  • Four-pack
  • Easy to fit
  • Multiple color options

Cons:

  • Very high lip

The Melannco 5091215 floating wall-mount molding ledge shelves come in a set of four. They're made from lightweight MDF wood and all feature a traditional ledge design with a lip to stop items from falling. They come in a black or white finish and hang flush against the wall. Due to each shelf's high lip, you cannot see the screws. Measuring different lengths from 6 to 24-inches long, these picture shelves are all around 4-inches deep. With them comes a hanging template, a small level, and hardware.

Basic

MCS Industries Picture Ledge Set

(Image credit: MCS)

MCS Industries picture ledge set

Available in black, white, grey, or natural

These easy-to-hang picture shelves are made of MDF wood and measure four inches deep by 23.75-inches wide.

Pros:

  • Two-pack
  • MDF construction
  • 10-pounds weight capacity
  • Multiple color options

Cons:

  • Expensive

The MCS industries picture ledge set comes in a pack of two and is a great basic option. Made from MDF wood, these picture shelves are perfect for a living room, office, kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. They come in four colors and are finished in a woodgrain effect. Each shelf can hold up to 10 pounds in weight and measures 23.75-inches long by four inches wide. The hardware to help hang these picture shelves with ease is included. 

The verdict

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The Emfogo wood picture ledge shelf is the best you can buy since it comes in a set of three and is both sturdy and stylish. Looking for a see-through option? Try out the invisible Sooyee acrylic invisible kids floating bookshelves for size. If you're after something a little more stylish, pick the Melannco 5091215 floating wall-mount molding ledge shelves. Pick the MCS Industries picture ledge set: they're a basic yet practical pick that comes in four colors.

Why trust us?

At Real Homes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Annie Collyer
Head Ecommerce Editor

Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. I've been part of the Real Homes team since 2018, when I joined as Deals Editor. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee (no matter the season) and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday. Where else can you find my words? Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, Gardeningetc, and Woman & Home.