Putting up a shelf is often cited as one of the easiest DIY jobs you can do – but as I discovered when I first attempted this task, a few fine details of the process can mean the difference between a sound, elegant installation and a wobbly, worrisome bodge job.
So, it’s worth learning how to hang shelves properly. When they’re considerately placed and neatly installed, these fixtures can make an outsized contribution to a room’s function and aesthetic, sharing the work of storing items and elevating prized possessions to your eyeline.
To help you hang shelves successfully, I’ve put together this step-by-step guide with photos of each stage. Whether you’re exploring utility room shelving ideas, kitchen organisation upgrades or shelving for pretty much any other household space, the process below should do the trick.
Article continues belowThe security of a shelf is crucial to your safety, as an improperly installed shelf is at risk of falling. If you are not fully confident in your ability to install a shelf securely, seek assistance from a professional.
What to consider before hanging your shelf
Understanding what type of shelf are you going to install is perhaps the most important thing to consider before you make a start. There are several options that you can choose from, usually categorised by the method for attaching them to a wall.
Bracketed shelves are the most common type (and they’re the type shown throughout this walkthrough guide). These shelves are made up of brackets – supporting structural elements which attach to the wall – and the shelf board, which is mounted on top of the brackets.
Floating shelves are also supported by wall-mounted brackets, but the brackets are hidden inside the shelf board for a clean, contemporary look.
Picture ledges are usually smaller and shallower than the average shelf, with a vertical lip that’s intended for keeping framed photos or artworks in place.
As Hardware Manager at B&Q, Beth Dale has in-depth knowledge of the various fittings that can be used to secure a shelf to a wall, from drywall anchors to wall plugs.
Tools and materials you'll need
Once you’ve chosen a type of shelf, it’s time to pick up some tools and materials ready for installation.
“You’ll need to determine the type of wall you have,” says Beth Dale, hardware buying manager at B&Q. “Brick or concrete walls need the right drill bit, wall plugs and screws to make sure the brackets hold firm. In stores, screws and plugs are organised by material, so you can easily pick what you need.
“Other basic tools you’ll need include a spirit level, tape measure, pencil and safety goggles,” she adds.
Here’s a list of tools and materials that I used to hang the shelves shown below:
- Wire detector
- Stud finder (if mounting onto a stud wall)
- Wood* (hardwood, softwood or boarding, appropriately sized)
- Shelf brackets*
- Paint
- Knotting solution
- Sandpaper or sanding tool
- Paintbrush
- Paint stirrer
- Pencil
- Spirit level or laser level
- Tape measure
- Cordless drill (you’ll need a combi drill or hammer drill if drilling into brick or stone)
- Masonry bits (if drilling into brick or stone)
- Screws* (suitable type for the wall material)
- Wall plugs (suitable type for the wall material)
- Safety goggles
*Starred items may not be required if you’re purchasing a ready-made shelf kit instead.
As Metalware Operations Manager at deVOL Kitchens, Stephanie O’Leary oversees the premium brand’s metal kitchen products, including made-to-order brass and cast iron shelf brackets.
How to hang shelves: Step-by-step
Step 1: placement and anchoring
Choose where your shelf will be mounted. Placing a shelf around head height, or slightly higher, gives good visibility of display items, while lower shelves are often preferred for easy access – especially where a shelf is placed above a kitchen worksurface.
Next, identify where your brackets can be safely anchored. “We recommend that you space brackets 500-700mm apart, depending on the weight of your shelf and the structure of your wall, leaving a 100-150mm overhang at each end,” says Stephanie O'Leary, Metalware Operations Manager at deVOL Kitchens. “You will then be able to fix the brackets into wooden joists or solid masonry using suitable wall plugs for a secure installation.”
It’s crucial to avoid drilling into the wall where wires or pipework are beneath the surface. Use a wire detector to scan the relevant section of wall and identify any areas where you cannot install brackets.
If hanging your shelves from a brick wall, any place that’s free of wires or pipes should be safe for mounting the shelf. If hanging shelves from a stud wall, then it’s best to screw the shelf brackets into studs. These are the framing components that give the wall its strength and structure. Use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark their positions with tape.
For stud walls where the positions of the studs will not accommodate the shelf brackets, installing drywall anchors into the wall is a potential solution. “If you use appropriate plasterboard fixings designed to support the weight of the shelf, it shouldn’t sag or come away from the wall when you start adding belongings to it,” says Dale.
Hold the shelf board against the wall in the desired position, and check its level with a spirit level or laser level. This isn’t just an aesthetic consideration – it will need to be level so that items can stand on it. Use a pencil to mark a line on the wall where your shelf will go.
Shop wood, brackets and stud detector
This is the timber I used to make my shelf. It has a lovely grain to it, and you can get it cut to your desired length in-store when you 'click-and-collect' at B&Q.
Made from solid steel with a matt black finish, these From The Anvil brackets added a touch of understated luxury to my shelves. As I was only buying a small number of brackets, I was happy to splash out.
This 3-in-1 Draper device is my go-to for finding studs, wires or pipes before drilling into walls.
Anna Hill is the co-owner of Fenwick & Tilbrook, an independent paint brand producing pigment-rich, premium paints in heritage shades.
Step 2: preparing the shelf
If you’ve bought a ready-made shelf kit, you can skip this step. Personally, I prefer assembling my own shelves from timber and brackets, as this gives me full control over the dimensions, paintwork and finished look of the shelf.
First, you may need to cut the board to the desired length. Use a tape measure, pencil and ruler to mark a line to cut along, then use a cutting tool to cut the shelf to size. I did this using a Ryobi circular saw.
Next, sand the edges of your shelf board to achieve the desired finish. I used an Erbauer orbital sander to do this quickly and effectively. Drill pilot holes into the underside of the shelf where the brackets will screw into the wood.
If painting your shelf, you’ll now need to do a few extra steps before application. “Good prep really is the secret to a great finish – it makes all the difference to how your paint looks and lasts,” says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook Paint. “If you’re working with softwood, seal any knots first with a water-based knotting solution or stain blocker, especially on woods prone to tannin bleed.”
You might also need to undercoat the shelf with primer before applying your chosen topcoat – although some paints, including the Fenwick & Tilbrook Interior & Exterior Eggshell paint shown in the photos, are self-priming and can be applied directly to wood. (I accidentally undercoated before realising this!)
“When you’re ready to paint, start with a thin first coat, then build up with an additional coat (or two for more vibrant colours) for a durable, even finish,” says Hill. “A light sand between coats will help everything bond nicely. Once you’re done, try to give the surface a few days to properly harden before using it. Around four to seven days is ideal, particularly for shelves or areas that will see regular use.”
Shop tools, wood treatment and paint
Sanding my shelves took a matter of minutes with this Erbauer cordless orbital sander (battery sold separately).
If you're working with hardwood or softwood, applying knotting solution to the knots in the wood will help to limit the release of resin over time.
A well-chosen paint can turn a shelf into a showstopping feature. I used this beautiful red from Fenwick & Tilbrook.
Step 3: installing the brackets and shelf
Screw your brackets securely into the pilot holes in your shelf board, then hold the shelf up to the wall where you marked your pencil line previously. Check that the shelf is level, then use your pencil to mark the wall through the mounting holes in the brackets, before putting the shelf back down. (This is a job for two people.)
Drill holes in the wall where the wall plugs (or drywall anchors, depending on the wall material as discussed above) will go. My wall is brick, so I had to use masonry bits and a hammer drill setting on my combi drill in order to bore into the material. Drill to the appropriate depth and width for your plugs or anchors, then tap these soundly into place using a hammer.
You can now mount your shelf. Hold it up to the wall, and use screws to fix it into place through the brackets. Tighten the screws well so that the brackets secure firmly to the wall.
Step 4: finishing touches
Your shelf is now ready to use (provided that the paint is dry), but you might choose to take some extra steps for a superior finish.
If the shelf board has picked up any gouges or scrapes, you can fill these using wood filler, then sand the filled surface and touch it up with your chosen paint. Some DIYers also protect their shelves by treating the wood with a water-repellent wood protector.
Now’s the time to adorn your shelf with your chosen items. Bear in mind the strength of your shelf when selecting which belongings to store on it. Because my shelf is securely fixed into a brick wall, I felt confident enough to load it with heavy cookbooks and drinks bottles.
FAQs
Can you paint reclaimed wood to use as shelving?
Yes, if the wood is in sturdy enough condition to hold your belongings and does not have a critical issue such as rot.
“For previously painted or treated wood, a little more prep is needed,” says Hill. “Give the surface a light sand to create a key for the new paint to grip onto. If the existing coating is oil-based (or if you’re not quite sure what’s on there) then it’s best to use a water-based multi-surface primer first, just to be safe.
“After priming, lightly sand using a fine paper. Then apply a thin first coat of eggshell, followed by one or two additional coats, sanding lightly in between. Once everything’s painted, allow a few days for the finish to fully harden before putting the shelf to work – it’s worth the wait for a long-lasting result.”
What is the best material to make a shelf from?
Several types of wood and board can lend themselves well to use as a shelf. The best option to choose depends largely on how the shelf will be used.
“Picking the right shelf material matters just as much as the fixings,” says Dale. “For lightweight decorative shelving, such as “floating” shelves, MDF or laminated boards work well, and you can paint them to match your room. But if you’re storing books, kitchenware, or anything heavy, go for thicker boards or solid timber.”
Once you've successfully hung your first shelf, you might find yourself wondering which other parts of your home could be enhanced with a little elevated storage. For inspiration, see our guides to bedroom shelving ideas and how to build pantry shelves.
