How To Hang Shelves In An Apartment?

We are always trying new things at home. Previously shelves used to be a piece of furniture that had borders and a frame just like any other furniture. But lately, people have been focusing on floating shelves that don’t require to have any connection with the ground but rather are attached to the wall.

You can call them hanging shelves as well. In this article, we will show you how to hang shelves in an apartment. Along with that we will answer a few more questions related to this topic. But first, let’s start with what you are here for.

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5 Steps of How to Hang Shelves in an Apartment

To complete the session of how to hang floating shelves in an apartment, you need a few tools and materials at hand –

Pencil
Tape measure
Stud finder (optional)
Screws
Shelf
Brackets
Level
Drill, plus bits
Drywall anchors

Let’s begin with the “how to hang a bookshelf in an apartment” steps now.

Step 1

Detect the studs in the walls with a stud finder and mark them with a pencil. Attaching the brackets of your shelf to the studs in the wall is by far the most secure choice, and it is the one you should use if you want to fill the shelf with heavy objects. If you can’t find studs and your full shelf weighs twenty pounds or less, you can secure it with drywall anchors instead.

Step 2

If possible, use an additional set of hands to support the shelf against the wall while you decide where you want it to go. If you don’t have a second pair of hands, cut a piece of painter’s tape to the extent of your shelf and stick it to the wall for a visual. Once you’ve decided where you want the shelves to go, use a level to ensure it’s straight before tracing below with a pencil. (If you’re using a tape line, you may trace below it after using a level to ensure it’s straight.)

To decide where to set the brackets, use a tape measure. They should be spaced no more than 18 to 24 inches apart and centered beneath your shelf. Hold your bracket up to the wall and use a pencil to mark the holes.

Step 3

If you’re installing the apartment friendly floating shelves straight to the wall studs, drill pilot holes somewhat smaller than the size of your screw or drywall anchor. Install drywall anchors according to the manufacturer’s directions. Some drywall anchors must be pounded in with a hammer, while others must be screwed in.

Step 4

By using pilot holes or wall anchors you’ve already drilled in the wall, screw in your brackets.

Step 5

Position the shelf on atop the brackets, leveling and evening it out. After that, secure the shelf towards the brackets using a drill and wooden screws. That concludes our discussion. Your shelf is ready for your favorite goods to be placed on it.

How to Hang Shelves Without Nails

The previous method included nails and such. Some people don’t want to put any pressure on the apartment wall studs. So, for those people here’s an alternative method that requires no nails. You can mount the shelves using adhesive mounting strips.

Step 1

Isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean the shelf and the wall. Isopropyl alcohol must be dampened on a new cleaning cloth. Then, brush the cloth lightly against the wall as well as the mounting surface of the shelf. Allow 5 minutes for the areas to dry before applying the adhesive strips.

Step 2

Press your strips down for 30 to 45 seconds to secure them to the shelf. Push the Velcro-style attaching sides of two of the mounting strips together if they aren’t already. Then, make sure to remove the liner from one of the strips, press the sticky side to the mounting area of the shelf, and hold the linked strips in place for around 30 to 45 seconds. Repeat this step with the remaining strips.

Step 3

Hold the shelf against the walls for 30 to 45 seconds. Immediately remove strip liners and arrange the shelf along the wall once you’ve applied the adhesive strips. Then, for 30 seconds, push the unit against the wall to secure it in place.

Step 4

Remove the shelf and hold each strip for 30 to 45 seconds. Pull the edges of the shelf away from the wall with gentle, cautious strokes. Each pair of strips should be separated such that one side is linked to the wall and the other to the shelf. Then, for 30 seconds, press firmly on each particular adhesive patch to ensure total adhesion.

Step 5

After 1 hour, replace the shelf. Allow 1 hour for your adhesive strips to cure and firm. Then, reconnect your shelf by attaching the two sets of adhesive strips. As you let go of the shelf, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t come down.

Place light, long-lasting goods on your shelf. Without strong fasteners such as nails, your shelf would most likely be unable to support heavy goods such as textbooks or stationary. It should, however, be able to store tiny decorations, light gadgets, and similar stuff.

Which Way is Preferable?

Among two of the methods, the first one is much more preferable. If you are installing a shelf, you will require the convenience of keeping a few heavy items on it. Hanging the shelf using adhesive strips don’t allow the shelves to hold anything that has a bit extra weight considering it may cause the shelf to fall over.

So, for me the best method to go with is the first one. It keeps the shelf far more secured and also, you get to keep a few heavy items considering the carrying capacity of the shelf itself.

Final words

Now you know two new and different methods that will answer the question of how to hang shelves in an apartment. Choose the method according to your preference. We have already explained why we prefer the first method.

Only apply the method that you agree 100% with and try to follow them accordingly. A small mistake can cause you a great loss of cherished items.