DIY Shelves: Choose the Right Type for the Job

A shelf is simple only after you decide what it must hold, how far it spans and how it will be supported.

Wall-mounted, floating or freestanding

Wall-mounted shelves can be efficient when reliable attachment is available. Floating shelves hide support hardware but can be less forgiving. Freestanding shelving avoids wall attachment and can carry storage across multiple levels.

Measure the load and the objects

Books, pantry goods, tools and decorative objects create very different demands. Size the depth around what will sit on the shelf and choose the structure around the expected load.

Plan the support

Longer spans generally need more support or stiffer construction. A decorative shelf plan may need a different structure before it can handle heavy storage.

Where shelves work well

See garage, laundry room and bathroom project ideas.