Roof      07/29/2023

Do-it-yourself shelves on the wall: making a shelf on the wall with step-by-step instructions. Ideal hanging of shelves and cabinets: five proven methods What you can use to hang a shelf on the wall


Almost every man is familiar with a situation when he needs hang a shelf, painting or TV, it is advisable to do all the work quickly and reliably. We've put together some helpful tips on how to complete this task with minimal effort, even if you have to drive screws into a drywall wall or if you don't have any fasteners on hand.


To learn how to hang shelves skillfully, you need, of course, dexterity. However, it is better to gain experience when you know exactly what to do. You definitely don’t need an extra hole in the wall; our life hacks will tell you how to achieve the desired result the first time.

1. How to hang a shelf evenly using electrical tape and a level


The first thing you need to do is decide where the shelf will hang. Consider several important points at once: the shelf should not be located too high so that it is convenient to take things from it, and it should not interfere with you in the room.

Once you decide on the “where to hang?” question, move on to the “how to hang?” part. If you have a brick wall, then for measurements you can use electrical tape, which can be easily glued to the wall and then removed. To accurately mark the points where you need to screw in the screws, we recommend that you first measure the distance between the hinges on the shelf, and then cut a piece of electrical tape of the same size. Next, determine the point where the screw for one of the hinges will be located, apply a level (now the shelf will definitely hang straight!) and stick electrical tape over it.



Now all that remains is to drill holes close to the electrical tape with a drill, hammer in the dowels and screw in the screws. After peeling off the tape, you can safely hang the shelf!


2. How to hang a shelf without fasteners


A shelf without corners and brackets can be hung in the corners of an apartment or house, and, you see, there are a majority of such places. First you need to mark the place where the shelf will be located, then check whether the shelf fits tightly to the wall.


The next step is to drill four holes for the dowels. In order for the shelf to withstand heavy loads in the future, you need to screw in the internal screws 2-3 mm lower than the external ones.



Now you need to place the shelf on top of the spikes, and mark their location on it with a pencil. After this, we move the shelf around the outer short corner, and also mark the extreme position of the tenons with a pencil. We obtained the trajectory of movement of the projection of each spike. We combine the middle of the shelf width and the projection of the grooves for these tenons; here you need to drill neat holes. Finally, we mill out the grooves using the edge of the drill. Now you can fix the shelf on the spikes. This shelf fastening is very reliable and can withstand a load of several kg.




3. How to hang a shelf on a plasterboard wall

When starting to work with a plasterboard wall, you should remember that all plaster partitions are attached to a metal frame, which means that it is better to choose a place for a shelf where a screw can be screwed into the metal. Finding a profile is as easy as shelling pears - use a magnet.


To work with drywall, you need to take special screws that do not destroy the plaster when screwed in. Screw it into the profile using a screwdriver. You will most likely need to apply a little force.


Important note: Drywall screws may look unsightly, but should only be used. If you need to put a more presentable screw in this place in the future, then unscrew the black one and replace it with a metal one when the hole is already drilled.
Remember that the metal profiles are located at a distance of 60 cm from each other, so if possible, pay attention to the shelves of the appropriate size.

Every time after a renovation there is a need to install shelves. If you are new to this business, then we will try to talk in detail about how to properly hang a shelf and other nuances of this process.

How to hang shelves on the wall

First, let's cover a few points on how to hang a bookshelf and a shelf for decorative supplies. If you don’t know at what height to hang a shelf, then focus on its convenient location so that you don’t touch it or hit your head on it. It is best to hang the shelf higher, and at such a height that you can easily reach the objects that will be on it.

To hang a shelf beautifully, it must aesthetically fit into the overall interior of the room, and also be hung evenly. How to hang a shelf evenly? To do this, you will need a level, but if you don’t have one, and you need to hang the shelf now, then two transparent containers with water installed at the edges of the shelf during fitting will help with this. That is, the first thing you need to do is try on where to hang the shelf and make markings. To do this, after you have determined where the shelf will be attached, one person holds the shelf, the other makes marks with a pencil or marker on the wall. Then, from the edges of the shelf (on top and on the side of the fasteners), measure the distance to the middle of the fasteners and transfer this marking to the wall. It is in this part that you need to make a hole.

Next, you need to decide what fasteners to use to secure the shelf. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the weight of the shelf and the weight of the objects that will be on it, as well as the wall material. An ordinary shelf of 3-5 kg ​​can be hung on a dowel with a 6x30 self-tapping screw; accordingly, the heavier the shelf and the objects that will be on it, the longer and thicker the fastener should be. If the wall has a large layer of plaster, or is made of foam concrete, then use longer fasteners. Thus, first you make a hole, drive a plastic dowel into it, and then screw a self-tapping screw into it. Under no circumstances should you hang a shelf on a self-tapping screw screwed into the wall, as such fastening will not be strong and reliable, with the exception of some wall materials.

Pay special attention to how and with what help to make a hole in the wall. Everything will depend on the material of the wall: if the wall is made of foam concrete, gas blocks, and other more or less simple material, then you can make a hole with a drill, even with a screwdriver in drill mode. If the wall is concrete or brick, then it is best to make a hole with a hammer drill or impact drill. In order to hang a corner shelf, perform all the same actions that were described above. The main thing is an even angle and preliminary alignment.

Another common question that novice craftsmen ask is how to hang a shelf on drywall. It is best to hang a shelf in a plasterboard wall using self-tapping screws, and they should be screwed into the profile and not into the material itself. Therefore, for a plasterboard wall, choose a 60 or 120 cm shelf so that it is attached to the central profiles, which are not located at the junction of the plasterboard sheets, but to the profiles in the middle of them.

It is best to hang kitchen shelves on strong fasteners, since the load on them will be very large, but bathroom shelves, on the contrary, are light, and small fasteners are suitable for them. We decided to mention the kitchen and bathroom separately because the walls in these rooms are tiled, and to make a hole in it you need to be very careful so that the tiles do not crack or split. You need to hang a shelf by making a hole in the tile in 2 stages: the first stage is drilling a hole in the tile, the second stage is drilling a hole in the wall. To make a hole in the tile, use a pobedit drill bit in drilling mode (without impact or hammer drill). Then, when the hole is made in the tile, make a hole in the wall.

You can attach various shelves to the wall yourself. At the first stage of work, it is necessary to select the most suitable fastenings for shelves of a certain type, which is the main problem. Next, the tool is prepared and the work is done. What methods are used for fixation and how to install the shelf yourself, read on.

Types of fastenings

To attach the shelf to the wall, you can use:

  • exposed (visible) fasteners;
  • hidden fasteners that are invisible to the average person.

Exposed Fasteners

Open fasteners include:

  • brackets of various configurations and sizes. It is recommended to use such a shelf fixing element only if it fully matches the design of the room;

  • metal corners. Devices are the simplest, most common and reliable elements. Can be installed in rooms with any finish;

  • loops. They are also a common option. Easy to install and reliable;

  • holders. Used advantageously as fastenings for glass shelves. Can be of different shapes, colors and different sizes.

Hidden fasteners

Fixation with hidden fastening is carried out using:

  • hidden. A special structure is installed inside the shelf, which rests on a bolt screwed into the wall. From the front side, neither the hinge's retaining hole nor the bolt are visible;

  • metal rods that are attached to the wall and “recessed” inside the shelf.

Installation of fasteners

Installation of fastening the shelf to the wall with your own hands is carried out according to the following algorithm:

  • choice of fastenings;
  • preparation of instruments;
  • fixing the shelf to the wall.

Selection of fasteners

When choosing fasteners, consider the following parameters:

  • the material from which the wall is made. You can hang shelves on brick and concrete walls in any way. For plasterboard walls, it is recommended to select stronger fasteners;

If the wall is sheathed with plasterboard or other finishing material, then the shelf should be attached exclusively to wooden blocks, other devices holding the sheathing or the main wall.

  • the material from which the shelf is made. Massive fasteners are not suitable for glass shelves, as they make the structure too heavy. For metal shelves, external fasteners are best, and for wooden shelves, internal fasteners are best;
  • thickness and other overall dimensions. For massive shelves, it is recommended to select similar types of fastenings: large brackets, hidden metal rods, and so on. For light, thin shelves intended for storing souvenirs, cosmetics, and so on, it is advisable to use small corners.

Additionally, it is worth considering the number of fasteners. If brackets, corners or hinges are used, their number cannot be less than 2 pieces, located on each side of the shelf. If the shelf length is more than 1 - 1.5 m, it is recommended to increase the number of fasteners.

Preparing tools

To complete the installation work, you will need to prepare the following list of tools:

  • ruler, tape measure and marker for marking;
  • building level for leveling in a horizontal position;
  • drill. If installation is being carried out on a brick or concrete wall, then it is recommended to use a hammer drill instead of a drill;
  • screwdriver or screwdriver, hammer;
  • dowels, screws and other fasteners.

Shelf fastening

The instructions for attaching the shelf are as follows:

  1. At the first stage, it is necessary to determine the place where the shelf will be hung and mark the location of the fastening elements. When applying markings, it is important to take into account the horizontal level of the piece of furniture, since otherwise it will be impossible to put anything on the shelf;

  1. hole preparation. Before attaching the elements fixing the shelf, it is recommended to pre-drill the holes, even when attaching to a wooden wall;

Preparing the holes will allow you to eliminate even the slightest deviation from the given level and hang the shelf as straight as possible.

  1. installation of dowels. If the shelf is hung on a brick or concrete wall, then before fixing it with self-tapping screws, it is necessary to install plastic dowels, which allow for a stronger adhesion of the fastening element to the wall. Dowels can simply be hammered into the holes;

  1. fixing the selected mount to the wall using self-tapping screws of a suitable length;

  1. fastening the shelf to the bracket. If fixation is carried out using hidden metal rods, then before fastening it is necessary to drill holes in the shelf of appropriate size and length;

  1. checking the correctness of the work. At this stage, it is necessary to check the reliability of the shelf fastening, applying the maximum permissible force to the piece of furniture (for example, you can lean your elbows or hang slightly on the shelf) and the horizontal installation using a building level.

How to install a shelf with hidden fastenings, watch the video.

To secure the shelf, you can use other completely different objects, for example, thick leather belts. Unusual types of fastenings will add individuality to the interior of the room.

How to attach a shelf to the wall in such a way that the overall design of the room is not disrupted?

To attach a wall shelf, you need to use a support; an anchor bolt with a diameter of up to 12 mm is perfect.

It should be noted that there are many ways to attach shelves to the wall, but not all of them are elegant.

Such problems can be effectively solved using tools that were not originally designed for this purpose. If everything is done properly, then attaching a shelf to the wall with your own hands will not be difficult at all.

You can use a so-called anchor bolt as a support for the shelf. Its diameter should be up to 12 mm, its length should be 180 mm. One end should have a thread for screwing into a metal socket, and the other should have a thread so that the anchor can be screwed into wood.

As a shelf, it is permissible to use a piece of window sill board that has an artificial coating. It is very important that its thickness is about 25 mm, and as for the width, it should not exceed 200 mm. In this capacity, you can also use laminated wood boards; its thickness should be 30 mm, and as for the width, it should not exceed 250 mm.

Nuances of fastening

Before attaching the shelf, you need to take into account that the thicker the shelf, the thicker the support should be. It is necessary to drill a hole in the end of the shelf, which should be approximately 5 mm below its surface. If such a structure is intended for storing books, then the supporting supports should be placed no further than 50 cm from each other. It is very important to take into account that the holes in the wall for the dowels and the holes in the back must match perfectly.

In this regard, you can use a rail as a template, the main thing is that it is of the appropriate length. It must be attached to the rear end of the shelf, and then you need to make a hole with a diameter of 8 mm. After this, the template strip is applied to the wall. Here, the holes in the back of the shelf will provide significant help, which will prevent you from making mistakes.

Now comes one of the most important stages - drilling. It is very important to be as precise as possible here. Maximum accuracy can be achieved if the drilling process is carried out in two steps. The first step is to make a hole with a drill that has a smaller diameter. And only then can you drill with a drill of the required diameter.

If you need to screw in a thick anchor bolt, it is best to do this with an electric screwdriver. In this regard, a regular threaded coupling, which has a thread on only one end, is perfect. The thread should fit halfway into the coupling. Such shelf mounts are distinguished by the fact that they can be used for quite a long time and will not require any repairs.

To attach the shelves to the wall you will need the following tools and materials:

  • template rail;
  • electric drill;
  • wood glue (it is necessary to ensure that the shelf does not slide off the bolt);
  • mounting kit;
  • threaded coupling;
  • threaded rod.

If everything is done correctly, then there is no doubt that such a shelf will last a long time.

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Installing store-bought shelves

If you decide to purchase a shelf in a store, then you need to take into account that attaching it to the wall is not so easy. The first step is to carefully read the instructions. The fact is that the instructions may contain instructions on which fasteners are best to choose. The instructions also describe the sequence of actions in the process of attaching the shelves.

Before deciding how to attach a shelf to the wall, you need to decide on the types of shelf mounting. If such information is not in the instructions or the instructions themselves are not attached, then you need to carefully inspect the shelf or its fittings that are included in the object. Often, fasteners are also included in such a product. It is necessary to find the brackets that are needed to attach the shelves.

You need to decide which fasteners to use with such brackets. Those brackets that do not extend beyond the shelves in most cases involve the use of self-tapping screws. It should be borne in mind that flat brackets, which have a pear-shaped hole at one end, can be used not only with screws, but also with crutches.

To attach shelves to the wall, it is very important to take correct measurements. To do this, measure the height and width of the shelf, the distance between the places where the fasteners are located. It is necessary to determine the position of the fastening points relative to the upper points of the product.

You need to decide on the mounting locations; this should be done based on the dimensions of the shelf. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the presence of other furniture in the house; you should choose a place for its future position. It is necessary to outline the shelves, they should contain fasteners. In order to control the horizontal position of the points, it is recommended to use a level.

To install fasteners in the wall, you need to create nests. Using a drill or hammer drill, you need to drill holes in the wall of the required depth and diameter. This needs to be done very carefully, and then drive plastic dowels into it. The shelf is attached to the wall, then the fasteners are screwed into the sockets to the appropriate length.

In this case, it is very important to observe all the necessary precautions; the shelf must be lifted and the brackets must be aligned with the fasteners. It is necessary to ensure that all brackets are engaged with all fasteners. Then the shelf is lowered, checking for secure fastening can be done through visual inspection.

How often in everyday life do you have to think about choosing wall mounts for shelves? There are a huge number of types of wall shelves. A wide variety of durable materials are used in production.

The main ones: natural wood, chipboard and MDF made of plastic, metal or glass are also gaining popularity among consumers.

These composite, figured or multi-tiered structures have become firmly established in our environment.

Therefore, everyone often has the question of how to hang a shelf on the wall using available mounting methods.

Types of fastening for wall shelves:

  • Hidden (using hidden fasteners);
  • Brackets;
  • Corners and loops;
  • Holders for glass models.

You can use all these methods of attaching a shelf to a wall yourself without the help of professionals.

It is most convenient to hang the structure on hidden fasteners.

Anyone with hands can also use brackets and corners. But before hanging a shelf on a glass wall, you need to check everything carefully and it is advisable to consult with knowledgeable people.

Hidden fastener mount

Fastenings of this kind allow the owner to hide all fastening components while creating an aesthetic, neat, weightless composition in any apartment for any interior.

For installation you can use:

  • block attached to the wall;
  • iron rods;
  • hidden loops.

Wooden and plywood can be hung on the wall using timber pre-attached with dowels.

So that the bar does not stand out, it must be installed in size and also match in color.

An internal hollow shelf, shaped like a box, is placed over the timber and secured with self-tapping screws. Reinforcing pins for installing the structure are selected according to the size of the shelf itself. The required length must be at least 30 percent.

In order to clearly align the holes in the wall with the shelf, use a template. To create a durable structure for a long time, you should resort to superglue.

If the shelf is large enough, then hidden hinges can be used for fastening. A prerequisite is that the loops are small and do not protrude significantly. Before starting work, you need to clearly mark the distances between the central parts of the loops.

According to the markings, they drill holes, insert a plug into them, and then tighten the screws, which are attached directly to the hinges on the shelf.

Installing shelves on brackets

This method can be used if there is no need to hide the fasteners. To save money, you can choose plastic or iron corners, although decorative fasteners are more common.

You should always purchase at least a couple of brackets. Their number depends on the thickness of the shelf.

The bracket comes complete with all necessary fittings. This kind of fastener will not fit into every interior. They will look best in standard interior solutions without any frills.

This is determined by the unusual carved patterns that the bracket is equipped with.

There are also the most innovative modifications, called pelicans, and fortifications in the form of precise geometric configurations.

They are perfect for minimalist and modern interiors.

The color range for them is small - matte or polished chrome.

The installation process is very similar to installing hidden fasteners, but much faster. In addition, the wall must be marked according to the horizontal level. The bracket is installed strictly in the designated places.

It is important to remember that any bracket for a removable structure must be extensive in order to firmly hold the wall shelf.

Corners and loops

This type of fastening is most common among consumers. It is quite simple, fast, and neat. Suitable for any interior. Unlike the bracket, the corners and hinges are small and do not particularly stand out.

First you need to decide on the place where you need to attach the shelf to the wall.

Of course, it will be better if the selected area is not previously cluttered with paintings or portraits. A set of necessary materials can be purchased at any hardware store. We attach them to a pre-marked place on the outer bottom of the product.

For installation, self-tapping screws of various lengths and widths are used.

After installing the screws, the shelf must be attached so that the drilled holes in the corners (or eyelets) coincide with the marked places.

If everything matches, then you can tighten the screws, trying to do this as evenly as possible, carefully and smoothly.

Fasteners for glass products

A glass shelf in any room always looks beautiful, and most importantly, appropriate. This piece of furniture creates a unique atmosphere, filling everything with sun rays and light appearances.

Fastenings of such structures should highlight the elegance and crystalline nature of the shelf, while ensuring its strength and stability for a long time.

If you carefully follow all the instructions, you can fix the complex glass structure on the wall yourself. The most popular type of fastener is a specialized bracket.

The small thickness (four to twelve millimeters) and fragility of the shelves leads to the use of soft gaskets designed to protect the glass from all kinds of deformation.

The fastenings for such shelves are made in such a way that the surface is protected in the installation area at the bottom and at the top.

To keep the upper area open, various devices with suction cups are used. They must be secured to the bottom of the glass structure.

Installation features

  1. Before installation, you need to make sure that all the necessary tools are at hand and you won’t have to look for something at the most crucial moment. A building level and a pencil for determining and marking a horizontal line, a hammer drill for drilling holes. We use a screwdriver, hammer and screwdriver if necessary. It is also necessary to check that all materials and gaskets included in the kits are fully suitable.
  2. Using a pencil and a level, we determine the boundaries of the placement of the wall structure. We mark the middle of the installation and the ends on both sides, as well as the fastening points.
  3. In the marked place, drill the required number of holes using a hammer drill. The depth of the holes should not exceed 60 mm. To do this, you need to insert a D8 drill bit into the tool (before drilling, double check all the marked dimensions).
  4. Plastic dowels should be installed in the resulting holes (most often included in the kit).
  5. Then you need to attach the fasteners so that there is a hole at the bottom. For greater convenience, use a screwdriver.
  6. The shelf must be placed on the brackets using smooth, careful movements so as not to pinch your fingers.
  7. If necessary, use superglue for better reliability.

When installing structures, you need to pay attention to the tight fit of the shelf to the wall so that it does not swing or hang, because if there are children or pets at home, an unstable structure may be unsafe for their health.

Installation Rules

We choose the right place where your design will look most advantageous. Firstly, before starting installation, you need to take measurements of the desired shelf in order to know exactly its thickness, and, accordingly, the load level.

This is necessary to determine the number and location of fasteners.

For example, a bookshelf will be more loaded than a shelf with souvenirs. Secondly, it is necessary to determine (at least visually) the thickness and strength of the wall to which the selected structure is attached. If the wall is concrete or brick, then there is no need to worry.

But if it is thin (less than 10 cm) and made of plasterboard, then it is better to hang anything on it yourself, or at least consult with installers. Basically, only decorative finishes are attached to such walls.

Regardless of the selected method and devices, it is necessary to draw a clearly straight line on the selected wall. To do this, use a building level or spirit level.

It is important to do everything smoothly, because this line determines the location for installing the fasteners. Reliability is the main rule of installation.

Fixing the structure with construction dowels is the safest. The only drawback of this type is that slight difficulties arise during dismantling.

The strength of fastening the shelf to the wall also depends on correctly sized construction screws and dowels.

Conclusion on the topic

So we figured out the basic methods and material options.

Now you can hang the shelves yourself without any problems. Good luck with the renovation!