Wall-Mounted and Hanging Shelves
A hanging shelf is the simplest way to create additional storage space where no standing furniture can fit. It doesn't take up floor space while allowing you to showcase books, plants, and decorations.
At Eye on Design, you'll find wooden, metal, and modular wall shelves – single boards, arrangements of several modules, and shelves with invisible mounting.
How High Should You Hang a Shelf?
Leave about 40–50 cm of space above a desk or dresser – this is enough to easily reach and place taller items. If the shelf is hanging alone on the wall, it looks best at eye level, around 150–160 cm high.
When hanging several shelves one above the other, maintain a distance of 30–40 cm between them. A smaller gap makes it difficult for books to fit vertically.
Mounting and Load Capacity
This is often the most overlooked aspect. In drywall, you need to use wall anchors or hit a stud – a regular anchor won't hold a shelf loaded with books, which are much heavier than they seem.
Shelves with hidden mounting look the lightest, but they usually have a lower load capacity than models with visible brackets. For heavier items, it's worth choosing a solution with a sturdy bracket.
Shelves in the Living Room and Bedroom
In the living room, shelves are most often hung above a dresser, next to a TV cabinet, or in arrangements of several modules creating a composition on the wall. They are perfect for albums, vases, and candle holders.
In the bedroom, a narrow shelf above the bed can replace a nightstand, and in the office, it can relieve the desk. In the hallway, a shelf above the coat rack can hold hats and small items.
How to Arrange Items on a Shelf
Asymmetrical arrangements look best: a few books standing vertically, next to a stack placed horizontally, with a small decoration on top. It's good to leave some empty space – a completely filled shelf can appear cluttered.
Find more storage furniture in the cabinets and shelves category, including shelves and display cabinets. Wall decorations can be complemented with posters and pictures as well as wall ornaments.
Hanging Shelves – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance between shelves?
Usually 30–40 cm – with a smaller distance, books won't fit standing vertically.
How to hang a shelf on drywall?
You need anchors designed for drywall or to screw into a stud. A regular anchor won't hold a loaded shelf.
What shelf should go above a desk?
Ideally, it should be 40–50 cm above the surface, with a depth that allows for binders – but not so deep that it interferes with sitting.
Discover hanging shelves at Eye on Design – free delivery on orders over 1000 PLN, showroom in Warsaw.
