Latest Designer Bathroom Ideas and How To Guides for your Home

Shelves are perhaps one of the most popular DIY projects. Not only do they instantly change the look of a room, they also provide more storage space. The only problem in choosing shelves is identifying what type you need. There are so many different options available, you might be unsure as to which type to select.  As with all wall-mounted shelves, the amount of weight they can bear is largely dependent on the construction of the wall to which they are attached.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are so named because they appear to float on the wall. The mounting bracket is attached to the wall, then the shelf to the bracket, hiding it from view. These shelves are primarily used for light to medium weight objects. 

Fixed Bracket Shelves

Fixed bracket shelves are comprised of two vertical bars and the shelving is laid across the top. This tends to be the most common type of shelving. These shelves can be used for medium to heavier weight objects, depending on the material used for the shelf itself.

Adjustable Shelving Systems

Adjustable shelving systems comprise of two vertical bars, with notches in them, which are attached to the wall. There are brackets that fit into the notches and a shelf is then placed across the brackets. These shelves are able to hold a great deal of weight when properly installed.

Built in Shelving

These shelves are generally among the strongest of all. The shelving supports are typically affixed to all three available spaces on the wall of an alcove or other small, enclosed space.  The shelf is then placed on the supports.