Size:

A floating shelf will need to be proportional to both your television and DVD player for an even look. Oliver M. Furth recommends that a floating shelf for a DVD player should be approximately 15 inches wide for a small DVD player, and 20-25 inches for a larger one. A few inches of extra room will never hurt, as you can place game consoles on a floating shelf, too. The depth of a floating shelf shouldn't exceed 15 inches, as the whole point is to create a spacious look. If a floating shelf includes storage, this will make it slightly larger in both width and depth due to the shelf needing to accommodate the storage space. In general, you should leave a 4—7-inch gap between where the television ends and the shelf begins.

Style:

For a simple and clean-lined look, we recommend choosing a DVD shelf with a matte black finish and just one shelf. This will hold your DVD player and other items without clashing with any of your other décor. For a similar look that's slightly elevated, a floating shelf with a glossy finish is an excellent option. However, floating shelves can fit in with most décor styles. If you have a cozy cottage style in your living room, a rustic wooden floating shelf will be a practical and stylish addition to your home. Wooden shelves without distressing will fit into contemporary homes perfectly. Shape plays into the style of a floating shelf, too. A long and narrow shelf is great for minimalist homes, whereas something shorter but wider is ideal if you don't have much free wall space.

Material:

As expressed above, wood is a versatile material choice for floating shelves. Amongst the many different types of wood available, Shawn Henderson states oak and mahogany wood are brilliant options. Both types of wood are sturdy, dependable, and durable against marks and stains. However, solid wood like the above can be on the pricier side. If solid wood is out of your budget, a solid and manufactured wood mixture is a good solution. Some floating shelves are made from glass or with glass accents. Glass can add a modern edge to your living room. Still, it isn't the best option if you want a low-maintenance item, as it will need to be cleaned regularly with specialist cleaner instead of normal polish.

Storage:

Per Suzanne Kasler, even just one additional shelf can make all the difference when it comes to clutter and organization. Storage that is hidden away behind a door or in a drawer is also a simple way to store items like headphones. These objects have long, messy cables that get tangled up easily, so a place to put them will automatically create a tidier look. If you have other equipment alongside your DVD player, more than one shelf means you can store everything together. Plus, as the storage is part of the floating shelf, it won't take up any extra space in your living room.