How to install wall shelves?

Floating shelves are trendsetting furniture that is perfect for any bedroom because they are both functional and aesthetically appealing. This guide illustrates one of the easiest ways of creating one on your own. These shelves are simple to construct and all that is needed are a few simple hand tools. Regardless of the reason: to tidy up things, or improve the appearance of the room or the bathroom, such shelves will help to do it quickly and without spending a lot of money.

Materials Required

The below materials are required

• Shelf Board: An MDF or similar board prepared in advance, 11 feet in length (the width of the room), 7 1/4 inches in depth, and 3/4 inches thick. If steps 1 and 2 have not been done, then it is advisable to cut the board to the right dimensions using a saw.
• L Brackets: Nine brackets in total to keep the length of the shelf in place.
• Screws and 50 lb Zinc Drywall Anchors: When screwing the brackets to the anchors use 2-inch screws for a tight hold on the structure.
• Cordless Drill: The best tool to use is a Ryobi drill.
• Wood Chisel: Used to make some cuts that are useful for holding the L brackets.
• Paint or Stain: Select a color or finish that you would like to blend in the room.

Remove the notch on the board to fit it to the L brackets

L brackets are the mount solution for the “floating” look. Cut slots about 1/4 of an inch deep and of adequate width to allow the L brackets. It will also be wise to use a measuring tape to determine the position of the brackets before chiseling to ensure the brackets are of equal distance, and parallel to the ground. These cuts enable the brackets to slide in and create a clean floating look as intended.

After the notches are created, fasten the L brackets under the board. Bolt two brackets at each end and four more equally distributed along the length of the board giving eight brackets in total. This arrangement gives good and firm support to the shelf.

Paint or Stain the Board

To blend the shelf with the wall and other decorations, you should place the shelf along the bottom stripe on the wall. To have a uniform appearance for the entire project, paint the shelf in the same color as the stripes

Make sure to paint the entire wall, floor, or ceiling at least three times to get an even and smooth look.

To ensure that the design is uniform the L brackets should be painted and the screws to match that of the shelf. This makes them easily fit in the environment and avoid attracting attention.

However, it is also used to accentuate the room’s current theme as the shelf can be painted any color to fit the room. For those who want a natural wood finish, it’s better to select a wood grain board rather than the pre-primed ones.

Mark the Anchor Points

First, with the help of a measuring tape determine where the drywall anchors will be installed. It’s best to install them in a way that the L brackets will be aligned with the anchors. To guarantee that the shelf will be placed upright, and level, use the same level to align as you make a checkmark on the spots. Measure the distance between the brackets to make certain that the shelf is level on both sides of the brackets.

Drill Pilot Holes (if needed)

If you are going to screw the shelf to the drywall without reaching the stud, you should drill holes at the points you want to fix the anchor. This step is crucial to putting the drywall anchors and will prevent the wall from cracking in the process of putting the anchors. To avoid slippage select a drill bit that is the next size smaller than your drywall anchors.

Tip: If you are screwing into wall studs, you do not need the drywall anchors – just drill the wood directly into the studs.

Insert Drywall Anchors

If the holes you just drilled are to be used with drywall anchors, install the anchors into these holes. Use a hammer to lightly further pound in the anchors until they are flush with the wall surface.

Secure the L Brackets

Now it’s time to fasten the L brackets to the wall. There is normally the use of a cordless drill and the right screws when fixing the brackets to the drywall anchors (or to the stud if the latter was spotted). Tighten the screws just enough to ensure that the brackets will stay in place without over-tightening so as not to crack the drywalls or the brackets themselves.

Attach the Shelf to the Brackets

 With the brackets in position, place the shelf horizontally against the wall and then, using the drilled holes in the L brackets, screw the shelf to the wall. Sometimes, it is required to screw the elements to ensure they stay in place, and for that, a screwdriver will be appropriate.

Check the Level

Once again, ensure the shelf is as level as it is possible to get before you tighten all the screws as tightly as you can. Tighten these screws slightly to hold the shelf in position and then turn them right to lock it firmly.

Paint the Screws (Optional)

If the screws used to install the shelf have bright and silver heads, you should paint these to blend with the rest of the appearance. The silver screws contrast with the blue shelf painted over with the Hale Navy paint. After the application of paint to the screws, these screws become invisible on the shelf, and the general outlook gains cohesion.

Decorate!

After the touch-up paint has dried, it is done and ready for its finishing touches. As described below, you can use more accessories to complete the shelf and make the space most suitable for you: more books, home decorations, or any other items that you would like to place on the shelf.

Tips for Success

• Measure Carefully: It’s important to do all measurements twice when making the cuts or installing something to make sure the shelf is level and in the right place.
• Use Quality Anchors: To ensure that the shelf is well fixed you should always use drywall anchors or affix the shelf into wall studs if possible. This helps to guarantee that the shelf can carry additional weight without collapsing.
• Smooth Notches: When making notches for the L brackets you should ensure that they are clean and that they are well scribed. This will ensure that the brackets lay flat and in turn make the shelf look neat and more professional.
• Multiple Coats of Paint: When painting the shelf, do not leave out the additional layers of paint. It is layered so that it is smooth and long-lasting without having to worry about costly repairs.
• Experiment with Placement: To fasten the shelf, try out various positions and directions of the shelf to ensure that it suits the room and its design.
• Choose the Right Wood: In case the board is to have a natural wooden look, should go for a wood grain board rather than pre-primed material. This makes the shelf look more natural and raw compared to other finished ones on the market today.

Conclusion

Floating shelves are fun to make and add a brand new aesthetic to a bedroom or any room of a house. It is now possible to have an extra countertop and a unique furniture piece using only a few materials and basic equipment. Have fun and do not restrict yourself to colors, sizes, and items that will be put on the shelf; it should be special and belong only to you!

FAQs

Can the shelf be made from a different type of wood?

Yes! If the desired appearance is a natural wood finish then pine, oak, or plywood can be used. if you’re painting or staining the wood, make sure to sand and prepare it first.

What paint should I use?

For the MDF you should use latex or acrylic paint or you can use a wood stain for natural wood shelves.

Are floating shelves suitable for a bathroom?

Yes, but use moisture-resistant paint or any waterproof finish for better performance in places with high humidity.