DIY Glass Wall Shelf

Purchase shelf brackets that have an upper lip on the end. This lip holds glass shelving in place. Glass is more slippery than wood and needs this extra security. Get shelf brackets that are long enough to support the weight of the glass shelf. The bracket must be as long as the glass shelf is wide. For example, if the brackets protrude 6 inches from the wall, the glass shelf must be 6 inches wide.

Find the studs in your wall. Studs are vertical boards of wood that extend the length of the wall. Turn on your stud finder and hold it on the left side of the wall. Mark with a pencil where you find the first stud. Measure and mark every 16 inches across the wall. Turn off the stud finder.

Hold a level on the wall where you want to put the glass shelf. A level has a bubble of water it in that indicates whether the level is tilted or even. When you have an even, horizontal line, mark with a pencil the exact spots over the studs where you want to attach the shelf. If the line is uneven, the shelf will not be horizontal and will slide of the brackets and break.

Consider choosing shelf brackets that are the same color as the wall because glass is clear and therefore the brackets will show. Brackets the same color as the wall will draw less attention so people will look at the glass shelf and what is on it. Drill shelf brackets into the studs within the wall using an electric drill. Use at least two screws per bracket. Drill the screws in all the way and gently wiggle the bracket to ensure that it is secure. Glass is smooth and may slide off of an uneven or loose bracket.

Center the glass shelf on top of the brackets, ensure that it does not slide off. Place decorations or small books on top of the shelf.