There are a couple of things to keep in mind in this scenario.

Ideally, shelf hardware should be fastened to the studs.

Additionally, because of the placement of the shelves, you should plan on using fairly narrow boards.

Decorative shelf hung on brackets

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

This way, people will be less likely to hit their heads.

Always pay special attention to weight limits on hardware and shelf materials.

When in doubt, choose materials that are overqualified rather than under.

Materials needed to hang a shelf

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

In general, 10 inches is a good starting point for space between each shelf.

Consider the thickness of your shelf material and the height of your shelf hardware.

If there aren’t wall studs available to use, buy appropriate anchors for your shelf’s weight requirements.

Measuring shelving width

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Mark the screw holes using a pencil.

Repeat this process for each shelf bracket.

If using drywall anchors, drill holes using the anchor’s specified bit size.

Using a stud finder on the wall

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Screw Shelf Brackets to Wall

Securely fasten the shelf brackets to the wall with long wood screws.

This ensures there’s always room for your drill or screwdriver.

Oncedecorative itemsare placed on the shelf, the hardware becomes nearly invisible.

Tracing horizontal lines over a level

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Marking where to draw pilot holes on the wall

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Drilling pilot holes in the wall

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Screwing the brackets to the wall

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Fastening the brackets to the shelves

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly