How to Put Wall Shelves in a Living Room

Bracket Shelves

• 1

  Locate the studs in your wall with a stud sensor. Use a pencil to mark the stud's location so you know where the studs are located during installation. Studs are typically situated every 36 inches, so locate the second stud before you install the shelving brackets. If you can't located a stud, drill the screws into wall anchors for support.

• 2

  Drill pilot holes into the wall at the pencil marks and secure the two standards to the wall with a cordless drill and provided wall screws. After drilling the first screw at the top of the first standard, use a level to make sure it is plumb as you install the rest of the screws.

• 3

  Insert the shelf brackets into the slits on the standards. Make sure the standards are even by holding the second standard up to the wall, inserting the shelf bracket and placing a level across both brackets to verify it's even. When level, secure the second standard to the wall using the drill and screws.

• 4

  Place the shelf over the brackets. Arrange books, videos or decor on the shelves to complete the look.

Floating Shelves

• 5

  Locate studs in the wall with a stud sensor and mark with a pencil.

• 6

  Drill pilot holes into the wall. Attach the provided bracket to the studs. If there are no studs, use wall anchors to secure the shelving to the wall. Check that your work is level by placing a level along the edge of the bracket.

• 7

  Slide the shelf onto the bracket. Place a vase, family photos or other decor onto the shelving.