How to Attach Bookshelves to Walls

Bookcases are a stately and useful decor element.

Bookcases are a staple in every home, but sometimes they can be a little unstable. To avoid a situation where your bookcases and books come raining down in your living room, there is a simple way to attach them securely to the wall. The method is discreet as well. You can position the braces you will use to attach the bookcases either at the top of the bookcase, or, in the case of lower bookcases, on the inside of the top shelf where they are not showing. Use the correct anchor type for your wall, whether it is drywall or plaster.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Screwdriver (or screw bit for the drill)
• Anchors
• L-brackets
• Screws (half-inch minimum, but no longer than width of bookcase plank)

Instructions

1. Place the L-brace on the bookcase where it meets the wall, near the left edge. You can put it on top of the top plank or somewhere on the inside. The brace should be near the top of the bookcase for a more secure hold.

2. Make a pencil mark through the hole in the L-brace, one on the bookcase and one on the wall.

3. Repeat this procedure on the right end of the bookcase. One L-brace on each side of the bookcase will hold it in place.

4. Drill into the wall where you marked. Use the bit indicated for your anchor. The bit width will be listed; just check over the box to see what is recommended. Drill deep enough to hold the anchor. Repeat for the other side.

5. Insert the anchors in the holes. Push them all the way in.

6. Re-align the L-brace to its original position. You should see the anchor sleeve through one hole and the pencil mark on the bookcase through the other.

7. Screw the anchor screw into the anchor, through the hole in the L-brace. Screw another screw through the L-brace, directly into the bookcase. Repeat on the other side.

References

• This Old House: Choosing the Proper Fastener