How to Safely Hang Floating Shelves That Won't Budge

Floating shelves are a stylish and practical storage solution. However, you'll want to make sure you're hanging them correctly. One misplaced screw or uneven surface can send your books, trinkets, and art tumbling to the floor. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for hanging floating shelves. This method uses a built-in bracket system that makes it easy to see where you're placing your shelves and provides extra support.

Learn how to build floating shelves.

What You Need

• Level
• Pencil
• Stud finder
• Drill with drill bit
• Tape measure
• Shelf with shelf bracket
• Screws

Step 1: Mark Placement

Look at your wall and plan where you want your shelves to go. Once you have an idea, use a level and pencil to mark a straight line across your wall. If you're hanging multiple floating shelves, measure an equal distance between each desired shelf placement, accounting for the width of your shelf, and repeat the process.

Step 2: Find Wall Studs

Use a stud finder to locate the nearest wall studs. Wall studs are traditionally 16 to 24-inches apart and are easy to find with a stud finder. Mark on your line where the wall studs are located.

Learn How to Use a Stud Finder

Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes

Measure on the wall where the studs are in relation to the line. Transfer that measurement to the shelf bracket and mark where the screws should go. Use a drill to make pilot holes at the location of the studs.

Step 4: Attach Bracket

Hold the shelf bracket up to the wall at your marked line. You may want a partner to help with this step. Drive screws through the pilot holes you created on the bracket and into the wall studs.

Step 5: Hang Shelf

Finally, slide the floating shelf onto the wall bracket. If built correctly, the shelf should slide right up to the wall. Drill screws into the underside of each corner to secure the shelf to the bracket and prevent sliding.