Drilling holes into walls to put up shelves can feel intimidating – where do you even start? Do you pick the brackets first, measure the wall or just hope it all lines up straight? And once the shelf is secure, what do you want to do with it?
That’s where we come in! We’ve put together some simple tips to help you put up your shelves right away and then transform them with our clever shelf styling tips.
What you need
To make the process quick and simple, here’s a list of your shelf essentials:
- Drill
- Screws and wall plugs
- Brackets
- Spirit level
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Screwdriver
- Shelf boards
- 3-IN-ONE Oil Spray
How to prepare your tools
Before you start putting up your shelves and dive into our shelf styling tips, it’s a good idea to prepare your tools with a little 3-IN-ONE Oil Spray first.
- Clean your tools
Give your drill, measuring tape and screwdriver a quick dust. Wipe them with a clean, dry cloth. - Apply your Oil Spray
A light spray on your drill bits, the screwdriver shaft and the measuring tape’s retracting edge will keep them working like new! - Wipe away excess
Use your clean cloth to get rid of any excess oil so you have protected, not slippery tools!
How to put up shelves
With just a few tools and three easy steps, you can decorate your bare walls with some useful storage.
- Measure and mark
Use your measuring tape and pencil to mark where you would like your shelf to go. Hold up the brackets and lightly trace the spots where the screws will sit. Double-check with your spirit level to make sure it’s straight. - Drill and secure
Use your drill to make holes where you marked the wall. Slot in the wall plugs for extra grip, then screw the brackets securely into place. - Add your shelf!
Place your shelf board onto the brackets. Tighten any loose screws and get ready for the fun part – shelf styling!
Easy shelf styling ideas to transform your shelves
This part is all about mixing practical storage with decorative touches to complement your personality and space.
- Mix heights
We’re thinking tall vases, medium-sized candles and small ornaments to create movement and stay away from a boring, uniform look. - Layer pieces for depth
We don’t want lines of items – we want to layer and overlap to curate your shelves and give them a designer look. - Add greenery for freshness
A pop of colour literally brings a shelf to life – it adds texture and draws the eye. Delicate trailing plants are perfect for shelves! - Place books for structure
Go against the grain and stack your books horizontally with the spine facing forwards. They can be used as raisers for your small ornaments. - Personalise with meaningful touches
Framed photos, travel souvenirs or family heirlooms are the perfect place to showcase your unique belongings. - Balance – not symmetry
Heavy items need to be offset with lighter items. You don’t need to match things exactly, spread things out and balance bold pieces with smaller accents so the whole shelf is easy on the eye.
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