How to Put Up Shelves: The Complete DIY Guide for Beginners

Adding shelves to your wall is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to enhance your home’s storage and aesthetics. Whether you want to showcase books, plants, or decorative items—or organize your space—wall-mounted shelves are a smart solution. But if you’re new to DIY or unsure where to start, you might be wondering: “How do I put up shelves properly?“

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing shelves, including tips on selecting the right materials, securing them safely to your walls, and avoiding common mistakes. No handyperson is required!

What You’ll Need to Install Shelves

Before getting started, gather the essential tools and materials.

Tools:

Power drill and drill bits
Screwdriver
Spirit level
Tape measure
Pencil
Stud finder (optional but recommended)
Wall anchors (if not installed into studs)

Materials:

Shelf board(s) – wood, glass, or metal
Brackets or floating shelf hardware
Screws (usually come with brackets or anchors)
Wall plugs or anchors (for drywall, plaster, or masonry walls)

Step 1: Decide Where and Why You’re Installing the Shelf

Think about purpose and placement before you start drilling.

Ask yourself:

Will this shelf hold heavy items (books, tools) or light décor?
Do you want it to be visible and decorative or purely functional?
What room is it in—kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom?

Select a practical height and at eye level for most uses. Use a pencil to mark approximate positions on the wall.

Step 2: Measure and Mark Your Shelf Location

Use a tape measure and level to mark the location where the brackets or shelf will be installed.

Pro Tips:

Use a level to make sure your shelf is straight
Mark both ends of the shelf line using a pencil
Double-check spacing between multiple shelves for symmetry

Spacing tip: Leave at least 12–15 inches between shelves if stacking vertically.

Step 3: Find the Wall Studs (if possible)

Studs are wooden or metal framing inside the wall that offer strong anchor points. A stud finder helps you locate them.

If you can align at least one bracket into a stud, your shelf will be more stable. If no studs are available, you’ll need to use wall anchors or toggle bolts, especially for heavier shelves.

Step 4: Install the Brackets or Mounting Hardware

This step depends on the type of shelf you’re using:

Standard Shelf with Brackets:

Align the bracket holes with your pencil marks.
Drill pilot holes (if going into wood) or use anchors (for drywall/masonry).
Screw brackets into place firmly.
Double-check that both brackets are level before moving on.

Floating Shelf (No Visible Brackets):

Install the hidden mounting bracket or backplate first.
Use anchors or screws rated for the shelf’s weight capacity.
Slide the shelf onto the concealed supports.

Always follow the manufacturer’s mounting instructions for floating hardware kits.

Step 5: Attach the Shelf to the Brackets

Once the hardware is in place:

Lay the shelf on top of the brackets (for standard shelves)
Align and screw it down through pre-drilled holes
For floating shelves, slide or snap the shelf onto the mounted bracket securely

Ensure everything feels tight and stable before placing any objects on it.

Step 6: Test the Shelf for Strength and Stability

Push down lightly and test the shelf’s strength.

Checklist:

Is the shelf level?
Do the brackets feel secure?
Does the shelf wobble or tilt?

If anything feels loose, re-tighten the screws or use stronger anchors.

Types of Shelves You Can Install

Different shelves suit different spaces and functions. Here are a few options:

TypeBest ForMounting Style

Floating shelves Minimalist décor, books, frames Hidden brackets

Bracket shelves Tools, books, plants L-shaped visible brackets

Corner shelves Small storage, décor Mounted in wall corners

Glass shelves in Bathrooms and kitchens Mounted with clips/brackets

Built-in shelves Custom designs Built into wall recesses

What Kind of Wall Do You Have?

The type of wall you’re working with affects how you install shelves:

Drywall (Plasterboard):

Common in modern homes
Needs wall anchors if not installed into studs

Plaster Walls (Older homes):

Use masonry anchors or drill slowly to avoid cracks.

Brick or Concrete Walls:

Use masonry bits and sleeve anchors.

Always choose anchors and screws rated for your wall type and the weight of your shelf.

Shelf Weight Capacity Guide

Shelf TypeMax Load (General)

Floating shelf (no stud) 15–30 lbs

Floating shelf (anchored into stud) 50+ lbs

Bracket shelf (into studs) 100+ lbs

Glass shelf 20–50 lbs

Avoid overloading shelves, especially those mounted with wall plugs or installed directly into drywall.

Do’s and Don’ts When Putting Up Shelves

Do:

Use a level for accurate alignment
Choose the right anchors for your wall type
Secure at least one bracket into a stud if possible
Test weight before full use

Don’t:

Guess without measuring
Use weak wall plugs for heavy loads
Skip pre-drilling holes
Ignore shelf leveling—it will be noticeable

Read More: How to redo kitchen cabinets?

Ideas for Shelf Use in Different Rooms

Living room: Display books, art, candles, and vases
Kitchen: Store spices, glassware, or dishware
Bathroom: Hold toiletries, towels, or décor
Garage: Store tools, bins, or sports equipment
Bedroom: Use for plants, photos, or nightstand alternatives

Final Thoughts: Add Style and Storage with DIY Shelving

Putting up shelves is a fantastic beginner DIY project that instantly upgrades your space. With just a few tools and a little planning, you can create custom storage that’s both functional and stylish. From floating shelves to bracket systems, there’s an option for every wall and budget.

Once you’ve successfully installed one shelf, you’ll feel confident enough to take on multiple shelving projects around your home.

Tagged Put Up Shelves