The Wall Shelf Blog

Often, when someone wants to purchase a new wood wall shelf, they will do research online or go shopping locally. Once the wood wall shelf is purchased, the next step is to choose the area where it will be hung.  Then, with a few easy steps, you can have your new shelving up in no time, ready for books, collections, artwork, plants, or whatever you want to display. All you need is a few basic tools, a little bit of time, desire, patience, and good instructions.

Although there are all types of instructions associated with installing a wood wall shelf, we wanted to provide you with some basic steps to show you how easy this type of project is.  When done, you can sit back and enjoy something wonderful that you did and in very little time. The instructions below are for a simple wood wall shelf but even the more complicated wood wall shelf designs are not difficult.

· Start by determining the wall area where the shelving will go and then finding the studs.  Most homes are made with drywall, which makes finding the stud easy.  For this, you can use an inexpensive stud finder or a hammer.  The stud finder is slid over the wall, indicating where the studs are located.  The hammer would be gently tapped on the wall and when the sound goes from hollow to solid, you know you found a stud.  Once the stud’s edge is found, make a simple mark with a pencil.  Remember, you will need to find two studs but if not, you can always use long screw to ensure both sides of the wood wall shelf are secure.

· With the two stud edges marked, the next step is to take a drill and 1/8 inch drill bit to create pilot holes.  This helps when you get ready to screw the standards in place so the wall itself is not damaged

· Now, the first standard will be installed for the wooden wall shelf, using 2 ½ inch long flathead wood screws that go directly into the pilot hole.  When the first standard is in place, the second one would be installed.  One important note – make sure a level is used to ensure the tops of the standards are even and that the standards are vertically level.  In addition, while you want to screws to be in securely, make sure they are not too tight in that they can get stripped.  Start with the top of the standards, screwing them in place and then the bottom.  Additionally, the standards need to be properly spaced according to the wood wall shelf itself.

· After both standards for the wood wall shelf are securely in place, the brackets need to be installed.  For this step, simply attach them onto the standards at the height needed

· Once the brackets are in proper place, the actual shelves are slid on top.  The final step for installing a wood wall shelf is to bore a hole that measures ½ inch in diameter, going through the front portion of the bracket at the mounting hold.  Be careful not to let the drill go all the way through but about half way through.  Then with the shelf held firmly in place, use a 1 ¼ inch long flathead wood screw to drive up and through the bracket and into the actual shelf.  Do this for all the shelves and when done, you have a functional and secure wood wall shelf unit to enjoy.

If you were to look around in homes and offices, it would be easy to spot a wood wall shelf or two and in a wide range of styles, colors, and styles.  While shelving is common around the world, few people have any idea of the history of the wood wall shelf.  For those who appreciate learning about the origin of common items, you will enjoy this article and perhaps look at the way you purchase your next wall shelf a little differently. In fact, for people who want to purchase antiques or replicas for an era period home, understanding the history of the wall shelf could even help in finding the perfect accessory.

In looking back throughout history, there has always been some type of compartment on which everyday items and collectibles were placed but typically, these “shelves” were rustic and not what we would consider an actual wall shelf. Initially, bookshelves were invented as an actual piece of furniture used for books, figurines, vases, and other display items.  Obviously, bookshelves continue to be designed, made, and sold around the world but people realized that this particular type of shelving was too large for some homes or rooms.

One of the earlier types of wooden wall shelflocker was from the Russian Jacob Empire.  Created by the French maker, George Jacob, this was a shelving unit made from 1780 to 1810.  The intricate French style was a favorite on the Russian market with its rich mahogany wood and brass trimmings.  Another of the older wooden wall shelf pieces comes from China where beautiful shelves were made.  The Chippendale was also made from mahogany with amazing detailing and a mirrored backing. Made between 1930 and 1940, this shelf was made with crown molding that offered a secure way of displaying favorite photographs.

Over the years, inventors realized a simple wood wall shelf could be made that would work for small areas.  Working to come up with a design that would appeal to the public, United States patent number 7028619 was secured for a personal display shelf made with a vertical support surface base.  Also with this patent design was a horizontal transparent shelf made so the outside supports would not be seen.  The goal with this particular design was to have a wall shelf that was beautiful but also strong enough to hold perfume bottles, as well as heavier collectibles.

Since the time of the first simple yet functional wall shelf, we have seen virtually hundreds of different styles.  Today, wall shelving comes in unique designs, various sizes, woods and other materials, hanging options, stains, and other characteristics that make each special.  Because shelving is in such high demand, this product can be found in almost any department or retail store.  Of course, the wood wall shelf can also be found online, which creates new opportunities by being able to shop for shelving from around the world.