What You Need

  • Shelf and brackets
  • Spirit level (or level app on your phone)
  • Stud finder
  • Drill and drill bits
  • Screws appropriate for your wall type
  • Wall anchors / plugs (for plasterboard between studs)
  • Pencil
  • Tape measure

Step-by-Step

  1. 1

    Decide what the shelf will hold

    Light shelf (plants, photos, ornaments): wall anchors in plasterboard are sufficient. Medium (books, kitchenware): aim for at least one bracket into a stud. Heavy (TV, large book collection, tools): must screw into studs or use a heavy-duty wall anchor system rated for the load.

  2. 2

    Find the studs

    Use a stud finder, scan horizontally across the wall, and mark both edges of each stud found. The centre is halfway between the marks. Mark lightly in pencil. Studs are typically 400–600mm apart.

  3. 3

    Mark the bracket positions

    Hold the first bracket against the wall at your chosen height. Mark the screw holes with a pencil. Use your spirit level to mark the second bracket position at the same height — place the shelf on the first bracket, balance the level on the shelf, and adjust until level, then mark the second bracket position.

  4. 4

    Drill pilot holes

    For studs: drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the screw diameter. For plasterboard between studs: drill the correct size hole for your wall anchor — the anchor packaging specifies the drill bit size.

  5. 5

    Insert anchors if needed and attach brackets

    Tap wall anchors into plasterboard holes with a hammer until flush. Screw brackets into studs or anchors — firm and snug but do not over-tighten into plasterboard. Test each bracket by pulling firmly before loading the shelf.

  6. 6

    Place the shelf and secure it

    Lay the shelf across the brackets. Most shelf brackets have a screw hole in the top to fix the shelf — this prevents it sliding off. Check level one final time and adjust if needed.

Never over-trust plasterboard anchors alonePlasterboard anchors are rated for modest loads — typically 10–25kg depending on type. For anything heavy, always try to hit at least one stud per bracket. A shelf that pulls out of the wall can cause serious damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use heavy-duty cavity wall anchors (Molly bolts, toggle bolts or Snap-Toggler anchors) rated for your intended load. These expand behind the plasterboard and grip far better than standard plastic plugs. For very heavy shelves, a French cleat system (two interlocking timber pieces, one on the wall spanning multiple studs) provides extremely strong support anywhere on the wall.
Floating shelves use concealed brackets or a keyhole mounting system hidden inside the shelf. The bracket or batten attaches to the wall and the shelf slides over it or hangs on it. Installation requires accuracy — drill pilot holes for the bracket, attach it level, then slide the shelf over. The same stud/anchor rules apply for load capacity.