Select your store for Click & Collect*
Find your nearest store
Change postcode
A shelf might seem like a small addition, but it can completely change the way a room works. It creates extra storage, clears clutter from worktops and floors, and gives you somewhere to display the things you actually want to see.
Putting up shelving is also one of those DIY jobs that’s well within reach for most people. Get your measurements right, use the correct brackets and fixings, and take your time. The end result should be sturdy, level and built to last.
From floating designs in the living room to practical cube shelves in a home office or corner shelves in a bathroom, here’s everything you need to know before picking up the drill.
Before you start, gather everything together.
Having the right brackets and fixings is just as important as choosing the shelf itself. Even the strongest shelf won’t stay secure if it’s fixed with the wrong hardware.
Think about what the shelf needs to do before you buy it. Check out our handy guide for more inspiration
Floating shelving creates a clean, modern finish with hidden supports. It’s a popular choice for ornaments, framed photos and lightweight storage.
Corner shelves help you make use of space that’s often left empty. They’re particularly useful in bathrooms, hallways and smaller rooms where every bit of storage counts.
Cube shelves combine display space with practical storage. Fill them with books, baskets, plants or decorative accessories, or use storage boxes to keep everyday clutter out of sight.
Shelves with visible brackets are often the best option when strength matters. They’re ideal for utility rooms, garages and anywhere you’ll be storing heavier items.
Before drilling any holes, work out what you’re fixing into.
Brick and masonry walls need masonry drill bits and wall plugs.
Plasterboard walls usually need specialist fixings unless you’re drilling directly into a timber stud.
If you’re working with stud walls, a stud detector can help you find the strongest fixing points. It’s also worth checking for hidden pipes and cables before drilling.
Spending a few extra minutes here can save a lot of hassle later.
Decide where you’d like the shelf to sit and measure carefully.
Mark the fixing points lightly with a pencil, then check them with a spirit level. It only takes a slight difference for a shelf to look crooked once it’s on the wall.
Installing more than one shelf? Measure the spacing between each one before drilling so they line up neatly.
It’s much easier to rub out a pencil mark than fill a misplaced hole.
Drill your pilot holes using the correct drill bit for your wall.
Insert wall plugs where needed before securing the brackets with screws. Tighten everything firmly, but don’t overtighten, particularly when fixing into plasterboard.
Once both brackets are attached, place the spirit level across them one last time. It’s worth checking before moving on.
The final step depends on the style you’ve chosen.
Floating shelves slide onto concealed support bars before being locked into place.
Standard shelves usually sit on top of brackets and are secured from underneath with screws.
Once fitted, apply gentle pressure to make sure everything feels solid. There shouldn’t be any movement or wobble.
Most problems come down to rushing the job.
Keep an eye out for these common mistakes:
Taking your time usually means a much better finish.
Once the hard work’s done, it’s time to make the shelves look the part.
Mix practical storage with decorative pieces to stop everything looking too uniform. Books, framed prints, candles, houseplants and woven baskets all work well together.
Cube shelves are ideal for combining storage boxes with decorative accessories, while corner shelves can bring an empty space to life without making a room feel crowded.
Leaving a little empty space often looks better than filling every inch.
There’s no single answer.
The strength of your shelving depends on the shelf itself, the brackets and fixings you’ve used, and the type of wall it’s attached to.
Brick walls generally provide more support than plasterboard, but even then, the correct fixings make all the difference.
If you’re planning to store books, kitchen appliances or anything particularly heavy, always check the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit before loading the shelf.
Most plasterboard walls need specialist plasterboard fixings unless you’re drilling directly into timber studs. Always choose fixings that match the weight you’re planning to support.
Adhesive shelves are available for lightweight items, but they’re not suitable for heavier storage. Drilling into the wall with the correct brackets and fixings gives a much stronger result.
That depends on how they’ll be used. Shelves for everyday storage should be easy to reach, while display shelves are often positioned around eye level.
They can be, as long as they’re fitted correctly and aren’t overloaded. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and weight limits.
Got any handy top DIY tips? Get in touch on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
