Wall shelves add storage without using floor space. Floating designs hide their fixings and suit light loads such as plants and frames; shelves on brackets carry heavier books and kitchen jars. Depth of 15 to 25 cm covers most uses, and the wall and fixings decide how much they can safely hold.
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Buying guide
A good shelf looks simple, but it depends on three things working together: the board, the support and the wall behind it. Get the fixing right and even a slim floating shelf will hold a row of paperbacks for years.
Floating shelves slide onto hidden rods or a concealed rail, which gives a clean line on the wall. They suit frames, small plants, candles and a few books. Shelves on visible brackets spread the load better and are the better choice for full rows of hardbacks, records or kitchen storage. Rail and bracket systems let you move shelves up and down as your needs change.
Longer boards need more support: as a rule, place brackets every 40 to 60 cm, and closer for heavy loads or thinner boards.
Leave 25 to 35 cm between shelves for books, more for tall vases or plants. Above a sofa, hang the lowest shelf 25 to 35 cm above the back so heads do not knock it. Above a desk, keep it at least 40 cm above the surface. In a kitchen, a shelf 45 to 50 cm above the worktop matches standard wall cupboards.
Brick and block walls take standard plugs and screws. Plasterboard needs cavity fixings or, better still, screws into the timber or metal studs behind. Old lath and plaster can crumble, so find the studs. Use a detector to check for pipes and cables before drilling, and avoid the zones directly above and below sockets and switches.
Load ratings from manufacturers apply to a specific wall type and fixing. A metre of hardback books weighs roughly 20 to 30 kg, so a full bookshelf is heavier than it looks. Spread weight evenly, put heavy items near the brackets and keep fragile pieces out of reach of children.
Solid wood is strong and can be cut to length. Veneered board is stable and light. Metal shelves are slim and suit kitchens and bathrooms. Glass shelves need specific brackets and suit bathrooms and display.
In a living room, a long run above a sideboard or either side of a chimney breast holds books and records without the bulk of a bookcase. In a kitchen, open shelves keep everyday plates and jars within reach, though they gather grease and dust, so keep them away from the hob. In a bathroom, a shallow shelf of 10 to 15 cm above the basin holds toiletries; choose metal, glass or sealed wood that copes with steam. In a child's room, low shelves for books face-out encourage reading. They also work in a hallway, with hooks underneath for keys and bags.
Leave space between objects, mix books with a few plants or frames, and repeat a colour from the room. Odd numbers of objects often look more natural than pairs. Stand some books upright and lay others flat to break up a long row, and keep the heaviest items on the lowest shelf.
15 to 20 cm for paperbacks and frames, 20 to 25 cm for hardbacks and kitchen jars.
25 to 35 cm for books, more for tall vases and plants.
Screw into the studs behind the board if you can, or use cavity fixings rated for the load. Check for pipes and cables first.
Floating shelves look cleaner and suit lighter loads. Brackets carry heavy books and kitchen storage.