Floating shelves have become super popular thanks to their elegance and usefulness. But hanging your shelf wrong, or skew, might end up haunting you. When you buy a floating shelf, they often come with easy-to-follow instructions, but for some extra tips and tricks, continue reading. And if you are in any doubt, you could always contact a
handyman in your area.
1. Gather your equipment
You’ll need some tools to get you going. Find these in your toolbox or nearest hardware store: spirit level (important!), drill, screwdriver, pencil, tape measure, eye protection (health and safety first!) and a stud finder (or stud finder app) if you’re going to be hanging the shelf on drywall.
2. Buying your floating shelf
Floating shelves are relatively easy to find and they usually come as a kit, including the shelf’s bracket. When you go to your hardware store, look at what’s included in the package and buy anything extra you might need.
3. Find a spot for your shelf
See where you’d like to hang your shelf, and use the stud finder if needed. Some stud finders can detect wires as well. This could be handy depending on where you’d like to hang your shelf. If it’s next to your TV, for example, it helps to know where the wires to the nearby wall sockets are located. If you can’t find studs, it’s ok, you can get floating shelves that come with extra support.
4. Organise the area and wipe down the wall
Move furniture out the way if you need to, and make sure that your wall is clean and completely dry. You might also want to put down a towel or drop sheet.
5. Measure it out
Measure where you’d like your shelf to be. Place your bracket against the wall and mark where the holes should be. Make a horizonal line between these holes and make sure your line is straight using your spirit level. When the bubble is in the centre of your spirit level, it is straight. Remember to mark a central point.
6. Drill your central point
Drill a hole at your central point. Review your shelf’s instructions. Once done, screw your bracket into place.
7. Secure your bracket
Slide your shelf on and check that it’s straight. You can use your spirit level to check, and to confirm whether you are happy with the shelf’s positioning. Then remove the shelf and drill the other necessary holes. This may differ from shelf to shelf depending on the length or brand. Then secure the other shelf brackets, screwing them into place.
8. Hang the shelf
Finally, slide the shelf on and fix it into place using the small screws that come with the shelf. Use the predrilled holes at the underside of the shelf.
9. Vacuum and tidy up
When you screwed the holes into the wall, you may have created dust and debris. Vacuum this up and wipe down the wall.
Voila! You have installed a stylish storage option in your home. If you got the shelf straight, you can pat yourself on the back. And then maybe think about where to put your next one. Floating shelves can make great floating side-tables, if you get the size and location right. Why not try it out?