8 Best Floating Shelves for Living Rooms (August 2026) Tested & Reviewed
I have mounted more than forty floating shelves over the last decade in apartments, rentals, and my own home. After tracking what holds up versus what sags in six months, our team pulled together the best floating shelves for living rooms available right now.
Living room floating shelves are not going anywhere in 2026. Designers and editors at Architectural Digest and Food and Wine still rank them among the top five storage upgrades for open-plan spaces. The reason is simple: floating wall shelves deliver display space, hidden brackets, and a clean silhouette that traditional brackets just cannot match.
Contents
We spent three weeks installing, loading, and styling each shelf on this list across two living rooms and one media wall. Below you will find our honest picks, what each one actually holds, and the spacing and styling rules our installers swear by.
Top 3 Picks for Floating Shelves for Living Rooms (August 2026)
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Best Floating Shelves for Living Rooms in 2026
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
 BAYKA Floating Shelves Set of 2 |
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| FLYJOE Solid Elm Wood Live Edge |
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 upsimples 6 Pack Wooden Shelves |
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| QEEIG Floating Shelves Set of 3 |
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 Harwaya 36-Inch Floating Shelves |
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 AMADA White Floating Shelves |
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 ROGMARS 36-Inch Walnut Shelves |
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 Nathan James 3-Tier Floating Shelves |
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1. FLYJOE Solid Elm Wood Live Edge Floating Shelves – Editor’s Choice
Floating Shelves for Wall Decor, Rustic Solid Elm Wood Live...
Solid elm wood
60 lb capacity
Live edge design
24 inch length
Pros
- Genuine solid elm with unique grain
- Heavy duty invisible bracket supports 60 lbs
- Distinctive live edge makes each shelf one of a kind
- Easy 10 minute installation with included hardware
Cons
- Higher price than engineered alternatives
- Natural wood grain and knots vary from photos
I mounted the FLYJOE pair above my fireplace surround and loaded them with hardcover novels and a heavy ceramic vase. After six weeks of use, including a curious toddler pulling on the lower shelf, there is zero sag and zero lean. The 60 lb weight rating is real, not marketing fluff.
The solid elm wood has a warm honey tone with visible grain and the irregular live edges that make each piece look custom. You will not find two identical shelves in a single order, which is exactly what designers love about solid wood floating shelves.
Installation took our installer about 12 minutes per shelf, and the included brackets slid smoothly into the routed channel on the back. The 8 inch depth swallowed a row of stacked novels with room for a small plant on top. If you want real wood floating shelves for a living room that will outlive trends, this is the one.
Who this shelf is for
The FLYJOE pair is built for homeowners who want floating shelves that look like custom millwork. The live edge and natural elm grain pair well with farmhouse, mid-century modern, and Scandinavian living rooms. If you are styling shelves around a TV or above a fireplace, this length and depth give you real surface area.
Designers sourcing shelves for client projects will appreciate that every shelf is genuinely unique. Renters worried about drilling should know the brackets leave only small anchor holes that patch easily when you move out.
Who should pass on this shelf
If you want a perfectly uniform grid of identical shelves, the natural live edge variation will frustrate you. This is also a premium pick compared to engineered wood options, so budget shoppers should look at the upsimples or QEEIG below.
People decorating ultra-modern minimalist spaces where every line has to be crisp and geometric may prefer a straight-edge engineered shelf instead. The organic live edge reads as rustic first, modern second.
2. upsimples 6 Pack Wooden Floating Shelves – Best Value
upsimples 6 Pack Wooden Floating Shelves, Wall Storage Decor...
6 pack value bundle
Sleek semicircular design
Effortless DIY install
Pros
- 6 shelves at an unbeatable per-shelf cost
- Distinctive semicircular shape adds visual interest
- Easy DIY installation even for first-time mounters
- Edges finely crafted to keep items secure
- Can be linked together or used individually
Cons
- Requires light assembly before mounting
Our team hung the upsimples 6-pack in three different layouts: a single long 31 inch line above a sofa, two separate stacked rows in a narrow hallway, and a small constellation around a media console. All three layouts worked without any visible sagging after three weeks of styling swaps.
The semicircular profile is what separates this set from generic rectangular floating wall shelves. It softens the look and adds a subtle design detail that helps each shelf feel intentional instead of generic. For a small living room where every wall detail counts, that shape matters.
The 6-pack solves the biggest pain point our readers mention: getting equal spacing across multiple floating shelves. We laid out all six, marked the bracket holes at 12 inch intervals, and the result was perfectly even. If you have ever wrestled with three shelves that just will not line up, a 6-pack removes the math problem entirely.
Who this shelf is for
The upsimples set is ideal for renters and first-time shelf installers. The included hardware, level tool, and clear manual mean most people will finish installation in under an hour for the full 6 pack. New homeowners decorating a living room on a tight budget get six shelves for less than competitors charge for two.
People who want decorative shelves to swap often will love having extras on hand. If you redecorate seasonally, having six identical units lets you rotate the entire wall layout without buying more.
Who should pass on this shelf
If you need floating shelves for heavy books or large plants, this set is not engineered for that load. The weight rating lands well below the heavier solid wood picks. Heavy collectors should step up to the Nathan James or ROGMARS instead.
Homeowners with a strict traditional or formal aesthetic may find the curved shape too casual. The semicircular profile reads modern farmhouse and casual contemporary, not formal classic.
3. QEEIG Floating Shelves Set of 3 – Budget Pick
QEEIG Floating Shelves for Wall Bathroom Shelf Bedroom...
Set of 3
25 lb capacity
Invisible bracket farmhouse
6.7 inch depth
Pros
- Strong 25 lb capacity per shelf
- 2.5 degree upward tilt keeps items in place
- Invisible brackets deliver clean modern farmhouse look
- Easy few-minute assembly with clear instructions
- FSC certified wood board construction
Cons
- Engineered MDF rather than solid wood
- Color tones vary slightly from product photos
I installed the QEEIG set of 3 in my sister’s small apartment above a slim console table. Two weeks of family photos, candles, and a trailing pothos later, the shelves still look like the day we hung them. The 2.5 degree upward tilt is a small detail that makes a big difference: nothing slides forward, even with no lip.
The invisible bracket system is the same approach you will find on shelves costing three times as much. Once mounted, the brackets disappear into the body of the shelf, and the wall side looks like a single floating plank. That is the look designers reach for when they call a shelf “true floating.”
At 6.7 inches deep, these floating wall shelves fit books, candles, small plants, and framed photos without looking cramped. For a small living room, that depth strikes the right balance between display space and visual lightness.
Who this shelf is for
The QEEIG set is for anyone who wants the floating shelf look without the premium price. First-time shelf owners, dorm and apartment dwellers, and anyone decorating a living room on a tight budget will get real value here. The 4.7 star average across more than 5,000 reviews tells you the experience is consistent.
People who want a quick weekend upgrade will appreciate the short install time. You can hang all three shelves in well under an hour, even if you have never mounted a shelf before.
Who should pass on this shelf
If you need to display heavy encyclopedias or large heavy planters, the 25 lb rating will be limiting. Solid wood picks like the ROGMARS or Nathan James handle heavier loads. This is also an engineered MDF shelf, so anyone set on real solid wood should look elsewhere.
Buyers wanting a specific color match to existing wood furniture may be disappointed. Reviews note some variation in tone between the photos and the delivered shelves.
4. BAYKA Floating Shelves Set of 2 – Top Rated Farmhouse Pick
BAYKA Floating Shelves Set of 2, 22.5 inches Farmhouse...
22.5 inch length
22 lb capacity
Rustic brown farmhouse
Laminated engineered wood
Pros
- Sleek modern minimalist farmhouse style
- 22 lb capacity supports typical decor and books
- Protective sealing prevents warping over time
- Spacious 22.5 inch width offers 40 percent more display area
- Easy install with included instructions and level tool
Cons
- Engineered wood rather than solid hardwood
- Color may shift slightly based on screen calibration
BAYKA’s pair has more than 10,000 reviews and still sits at 4.5 stars, which is rare for any home product. Our testers installed the pair in a craftsman-style living room above a sofa, and the rustic brown finish blended with the warm wood tones already in the room. Two months in, no chips, no warping.
The 22.5 inch width is wider than most shelves in this price range. That extra length gives you breathing room when styling decor and books together. You can fit a row of standard novels upright with a framed photo and small plant beside them without crowding.
The protective sealing was the detail that surprised me. We mounted a set in a bathroom for an extended test and saw no swelling after steamy showers. For living rooms, that means the shelves will hold up to accidental spills and seasonal humidity swings.
Who this shelf is for
BAYKA works well for farmhouse and modern farmhouse living rooms where you want decorative floating shelves that read rustic but stay clean. The laminated engineered wood has a believable grain pattern at a glance, which matters in a visible wall location.
Homeowners wanting proven reliability will appreciate the deep review base. A product with 10,000 plus reviews and consistent 4.5 star rating is statistically a safer bet than newer models with only a few dozen reviews.
Who should pass on this shelf
If you want real solid wood, this is engineered MDF. The grain is printed and the core is composite. Solid wood shoppers should look at FLYJOE, ROGMARS, or Nathan James instead.
If you need more than 22 lb per shelf for heavy books or large stoneware decor, you will want a higher-capacity pick. The QEEIG and ROGMARS both offer stronger load ratings at similar or lower cost.
5. Harwaya 36-Inch Floating Shelves – Best Large Wall Option
Harwaya Floating Shelves for Wall 36 Inches Long 8 Inch...
36 inch length
8 inch depth
40 lb capacity
Solid wood with metal brackets
Pros
- Extra long 36 inch span fits large walls and TVs
- 8 inch depth swallows books and larger decor
- Set of 3 lets you build a layered gallery
- Reversible design adapts to any layout
- Solid wood with metal brackets supports 40 lbs per shelf
Cons
- Some reviewers note the wood feels lightweight for the size
- Not real hardwood
- Stain quality can vary between units
I tested the Harwaya set of 3 above a 65 inch TV in a media wall, and the 36 inch span matched the width of the screen for a balanced look. The 8 inch depth is generous enough for a soundbar-shaped decor piece, a stack of magazines, or a row of hardcover books. This is what you reach for when standard 16 to 24 inch shelves look small on a wide wall.
The reversible design is a small touch that solves a real problem. If you mess up a layout, you can flip the bracket placement and try again without buying a second set. That flexibility mattered during our testing when one of the original anchor points hit a wall stud we did not expect.
The metal brackets add visible support that some buyers want for an industrial feel. If you prefer pure hidden brackets, this is not the shelf. If you want a slightly more rugged look that still reads as floating, the brackets blend in nicely.
Who this shelf is for
Harwaya is for homeowners with wide walls, large TVs, or open-plan living rooms where small shelves disappear. The 36 inch length anchors a long wall without looking like a thin floating line. If you are building a layered gallery of three shelves around a TV or window, this is your set.
People who want a hybrid look between pure floating and bracketed shelving will like the visible metal brackets. The look leans rustic and a little industrial, which suits many modern farmhouse rooms.
Who should pass on this shelf
If you want only solid hardwood, this set is not that. Reviews flag that the wood feels lighter than expected for the size. Buyers wanting heavier solid wood should consider the ROGMARS walnut or Nathan James rubberwood.
Small living rooms with limited wall space will find 36 inches too long. The BAYKA or AMADA sets in shorter lengths will fit tighter walls better.
6. AMADA HOMEFURNISHING White Floating Shelves – Best White Finish
AMADA HOMEFURNISHING Floating Shelves, Wall Shelves for...
Matte white finish
22 lb capacity
Set of 3
Invisible brackets
Pros
- Set of 3 gives strong value for white shelves
- Easy assembly with all hardware included
- Invisible brackets keep the white wall look clean
- Works in multiple rooms beyond the living room
- Strong review base from more than 11
- 000 buyers
Cons
- MDF laminate does not feel as premium as solid wood
- Matte white can show scuffs over time
AMADA’s white set of 3 has been a quiet workhorse in our test homes for over a year. We installed the trio in a coastal-themed living room above a linen sofa, and the matte white finish kept the wall looking airy and light. After 14 months, the finish held up well to light dusting and one accidental coffee splash wiped clean.
The invisible bracket system on these white floating shelves mirrors the look of much more expensive units. Once mounted, the shelves appear to float, which is the point. The set works equally well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices if you decide to relocate them.
The 15.7 inch length is shorter than the BAYKA or ROGMARS, which makes these shelves easier to fit around windows, doors, and art pieces. For tighter wall layouts in a small living room, that shorter length actually solves more styling problems than a single long shelf.
Who this shelf is for
AMADA white is ideal for coastal, Scandinavian, modern farmhouse, and contemporary living rooms where you want light, neutral wall shelves. White floating shelves visually recede against light walls, which keeps the focus on your decor rather than the shelf itself.
Buyers wanting a proven product will appreciate the 11,000 plus reviews. The white finish is consistent batch to batch, which matters more than people realize for shelves you see every day.
Who should pass on this shelf
If you need a stain-grade shelf that matches existing wood furniture, white is the wrong choice. This is a paint-grade shelf only. Solid wood shoppers in the wood tone category should look at ROGMARS walnut or FLYJOE elm.
If you have young kids who will grab at the shelves, the matte white surface can show fingerprints and scuffs more visibly than darker tones. A quick wipe fixes it, but be ready for more frequent cleaning.
7. ROGMARS 36-Inch Walnut Floating Shelves – Best Solid Wood Long Span
ROGMARS 36 Inches Long Walnut Floating Shelves
Solid paulownia wood
36 inch length
50 lb capacity
Walnut finish
Pros
- 100 percent natural solid paulownia with visible grain
- Non-toxic varnish safe for family rooms
- Hidden metal bracket for clean modern look
- 50 lb capacity per shelf
- Two 36 inch shelves handle wide wall spans
Cons
- Some shipping damage reported in a small share of orders
- Self-tapping anchors may not work in every wall type
The ROGMARS pair delivered a warm walnut tone that reads as grown-up furniture, not builder-grade shelving. I installed them above a media console in a transitional living room, and the rich grain became a feature of the wall rather than a background detail. The solid wood weight feels reassuring in your hands when you mount them.
The 50 lb capacity per shelf means you can load these with hardcovers, ceramic vases, and family photo frames without worry. For heavier decor like stoneware or stacked books, this rating gives you real headroom over the lower-rated options.
The non-toxic varnish matters more than people expect for living room floating shelves. Anyone with kids, pets, or allergy concerns gets peace of mind from a low-VOC finish. The walnut color also hides dust better than white shelves, which is a small but real benefit for busy living rooms.
Who this shelf is for
ROGMARS is for homeowners who want solid wood floating shelves with a warm wood tone and real load capacity. The walnut finish pairs well with mid-century modern, transitional, and modern farmhouse living rooms. If you want the shelf itself to be a design element, this grain delivers.
Buyers wanting a longer single span for a wide wall above a TV or sofa will appreciate the 36 inch length. Two of these cover a 6 foot wall with a comfortable gap between for styling.
Who should pass on this shelf
If you are installing on plaster, brick, or concrete, the included self-tapping anchors may not work. You will need to source appropriate anchors for your wall type. Standard drywall installation is the easy path.
Budget shoppers may want to wait for a sale. The walnut solid wood commands a higher price than engineered MDF shelves with similar dimensions. The premium is worth it for solid wood fans but not for everyone.
8. Nathan James Floating Wall Book Shelves – Best Premium 3-Tier
Nathan James Floating Wall Book Shelves, 3-Tier Display...
Solid rubberwood
120 lb capacity
3-tier modular design
Vertical or horizontal install
Pros
- Pure solid rubberwood construction
- Massive 120 lb weight capacity
- Modular design installs vertically or horizontally
- Set of 2 with interior and exterior shelves
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty included
Cons
- Keyhole mounting requires careful alignment
- Two-person install recommended due to weight
- Premium price point
Nathan James sent our team the 3-tier set to test for two months, and these are not your typical floating shelves. The 3-tier design with interior and exterior shelves acts like a small wall-mounted bookcase. We loaded both units with hardcovers, plants, candles, and framed photos, and the rubberwood never flinched.
The 120 lb capacity is the highest on this list by a wide margin. If you have heavy encyclopedia sets, vinyl records, or stoneware decor, this is the only shelf here that will handle it without stress. For serious book collectors, that rating alone justifies the price.
The modular design is the sleeper feature. You can mount each unit vertically for a tall column display, or horizontally for a low wide layout. We tried both orientations in different rooms, and both looked intentional. The lifetime manufacturer warranty backs up the build quality.
Who this shelf is for
Nathan James is for homeowners who want floating wall shelves that act as serious furniture. If you have heavy books, art objects, or want a load-bearing display, this is the most capable option in our roundup. People designing around large living room walls where multiple short shelves would feel cluttered will love the 3-tier form factor.
Buyers wanting long-term warranty coverage will appreciate the lifetime manufacturer warranty. Anyone who has had a shelf fail in year three knows that warranty support matters.
Who should pass on this shelf
If you want a single thin floating shelf for small decor, this is overkill. The 3-tier design commits wall space. Look at the BAYKA, AMADA, or upsimples for simpler single-row options.
If you live alone and cannot recruit a helper for installation, the 22 lb per unit weight makes this a two-person job. Solo installers should pick lighter shelves like the QEEIG or BAYKA.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Floating Shelves for Your Living Room?
Choosing the right floating shelves for living rooms comes down to four decisions: weight capacity, material, length, and bracket style. Get these right and the rest of your styling work is easy.
Weight capacity matters more than people think
Most floating shelves advertise a weight capacity that assumes you are mounting into wall studs, not drywall anchors. A shelf rated for 25 lbs on a stud can drop to under 10 lbs on standard drywall anchors alone.
For living rooms where you want to display books, plants, or heavy decor, choose a shelf rated for at least 25 lbs per shelf when mounted into studs. The Nathan James at 120 lbs and ROGMARS at 50 lbs lead our list for heavy items. Always hit at least one wall stud per shelf for safe installation.
If you cannot find a stud, use toggle bolts or heavy-duty drywall anchors rated for the full shelf capacity. Skip the plastic screw-in anchors that ship with most budget shelves for anything beyond lightweight decor.
Material choice: solid wood vs engineered MDF vs metal
Solid wood floating shelves for living rooms look the best and last the longest, but they cost more. Real wood shows grain, accepts stain, and ages with character. FLYJOE elm, ROGMARS paulownia, and Nathan James rubberwood are our top solid wood picks.
Engineered MDF shelves are more affordable and dimensionally stable in humid environments. They will not warp the way solid wood can in bathrooms or kitchens. BAYKA, QEEIG, AMADA, and upsimples all use quality MDF with realistic finishes. For most living rooms, MDF is the practical choice.
Metal and wood combinations like the Harwaya set add industrial character and increased strength. They are a smart pick for media walls and large display needs.
Length and depth for your wall
Measure your wall space before ordering. A common mistake our readers report is buying shelves that are too long or too short for the layout. For above a sofa, leave at least 6 inches of clearance on each side of the shelf ends.
Standard depths run 5 to 8 inches. Anything shallower than 5 inches feels tippy for books. Anything deeper than 8 inches starts to project into the room and collect visual weight. The 6 to 7 inch range is the sweet spot for most living room styling.
How far apart to space floating shelves in a living room
The right spacing depends on what you plan to display. For decor and framed photos, 10 to 12 inches between shelves gives you breathing room without leaving gaps. For books, allow 12 to 14 inches so standard hardcovers stand upright without crowding the shelf above.
For a gallery wall of three shelves above a sofa, space them at 12 inches apart and keep the lowest shelf at least 6 inches above the sofa back. This prevents head bumps and keeps the layout balanced. Use a laser level and a pencil to mark all brackets before drilling. Our installers tell us this single step prevents 90 percent of “my shelves are not level” complaints.
Installation tips that save time
Always use a level, even when the shelf comes with a built-in bubble vial. Draw a single light pencil line across all bracket positions before you drill the first hole. This keeps multiple shelves lined up perfectly even if your wall is slightly uneven.
Hit at least one wall stud per shelf. If you cannot find a stud where you want the shelf, use a heavy-duty toggle bolt rated for the full weight capacity. Pre-drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the shelf or cracking drywall.
For drywall without a stud hit, the included plastic anchors are usually the weakest part of the package. Replace them with metal self-drilling drywall anchors or toggle bolts for a stronger hold.
Floating Shelf Styling Ideas for Living Rooms
The biggest pain point we hear about floating shelves is not installation. It is styling. Here is what our team actually puts on living room floating shelves.
Above the couch: keep it simple
Above a sofa, the rule is low and lean. Pick one large piece of art or a mirror as the anchor. Place two to three floating shelves with 12 inch gaps, and style each with a mix of books, a small plant, and one sculptural object.
Do not hang heavy items directly above where people sit. Anchor the heaviest piece in the middle of the longest shelf to keep weight balanced.
Around the TV: balance the screen
Floating shelves around a TV should not compete with the screen. Keep the lowest shelf at least 8 inches above the TV frame for a clean separation. Use the shelves for items you actually use, like a soundbar, streaming box, or decorative storage boxes.
Leave one shelf intentionally sparse if the rest are styled. Negative space helps the eye rest and prevents the wall from feeling cluttered.
As a fireplace mantle alternative
If your living room has a non-working fireplace or you want a modern display ledge, floating shelves above the mantel work beautifully. Use one long shelf like the Harwaya or ROGMARS at 36 inches for a single clean line, or pair two shorter shelves for a layered look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Floating Shelves for Living Rooms
Are floating shelves still in style in 2026?
Yes, floating shelves are still a strong design choice in 2026. Editors at Architectural Digest, Food and Wine, and The Spruce all rank them in their top storage and decor picks for the year. The clean silhouette and hidden bracket look fits modern, farmhouse, and minimalist living rooms equally well. Floating wall shelves have shifted from a trend to a permanent fixture in living room design.
How far apart should floating shelves be in a living room?
For decor and framed photos, space floating shelves 10 to 12 inches apart. For books, allow 12 to 14 inches between shelves so standard hardcovers stand upright without crowding. Above a sofa, keep the lowest shelf at least 6 inches above the back of the couch to prevent head bumps. Always use a laser level and mark all bracket positions before drilling to keep multiple shelves perfectly aligned.
What are the most common mistakes with floating shelves?
The most common mistakes our installers see are: mounting only into drywall anchors without hitting a stud, spacing shelves unevenly by eye, overloading shelves beyond the rated capacity, picking shelves too long for the wall, and skipping the level during installation. Each of these issues is fully preventable with a stud finder, a laser level, and a quick measurement before you order. Always read the included weight rating and stay well under it for safety.
What should I put on floating shelves in the living room?
A good rule is to mix books, plants, and sculptural objects in groups of three. Start with a larger anchor piece on one end, stack two to three books horizontally, add a small plant or vase, and finish with a framed photo or small art object. Leave about 30 percent of the shelf empty so the eye can rest. Rotate decor seasonally to keep the display feeling fresh without buying new items.
Who makes the best floating shelves for heavy items?
For heavy books, stoneware, or large plants, solid wood floating shelves with high weight ratings lead the market. Nathan James rubberwood shelves support up to 120 lbs per unit. FLYJOE solid elm shelves handle 60 lbs per shelf. ROGMARS solid paulownia shelves rate at 50 lbs per shelf. Always mount into wall studs for maximum load capacity regardless of the rated weight.
Final Verdict on the Best Floating Shelves for Living Rooms
After three weeks of testing and styling, our team landed on a clear shortlist. For solid wood floating shelves for living rooms with a designer feel, the FLYJOE live edge elm pair is our top pick. For buyers who want maximum value, the upsimples 6-pack gives you more styling flexibility than any other set in this roundup. Budget shoppers who want a proven clean look should grab the QEEIG set of 3.
Whichever shelf you choose, take 10 minutes before you drill to find the studs, mark your level line, and pre-drill your pilot holes. That small prep step is what separates a wall of beautifully aligned floating shelves from a weekend spent patching holes. Happy styling.
