Bookcases are great fixtures to have in your home, but it's essential to make sure they're secured properly. During an earthquake, an unsecured bookcase can fall over and send projectiles flying, while possibly damaging valuable items.[1] Smaller bookcases can be viewed as an obstacle course for children, which can lead to serious injury.[2] To prevent these issues from happening, you can easily secure your bookcases with metal brackets or anchor straps.
Make sure the stud markings are 16 inches (41 cm) apart if you don’t have a stud finder on hand.
This method works best on metal and wooden wall frames.
Push the bookcase back far enough so you enough room to comfortably mark the measurements on the wall.
The exact placement of your wall straps may differ depending on the manufacturer. Consult the installation guide to make sure that you’re marking the correct places.
Check to see that your drill bit matches the size of the screws you’re using to install the bracket.
Read over the anchor bracket’s packaging and see what kinds of screws are needed to secure them into place. Chances are, you’ll need a combination of 1 in (2.5 cm) screws as well as screws that are less than 0.5 in (1.3 cm) long.
Both of these anchors have to be sturdy before you attach the bookcase brackets, or else the straps won’t hold.
It doesn’t matter if the brackets are an equal distance away from each other since the straps won’t be visible to the naked eye.
Make sure you don’t drill the bookcase bracket into the back of a shelf, as this won’t be as secure.
The straps should automatically be attached to the anchor brackets. If not, check the installation guide to see how you should attach the straps to the anchor brackets.
Ask someone to help you tighten the straps and move the bookcase into place.
Depending on the manufacturer, the straps might have a different tightening mechanism.
Measure the width of your bookcases. Take note of how wide your central bookcase and side shelving pieces are. Depending on the manufacturer, there’s a good chance that your corner bookcase has at least 3 shelving components. In order to set this furniture up properly, you need to have the right measurements on hand.
If your bookcase is designed to specifically fit into a corner, align the metal brackets so they’re both attached to a different wall.
If you’re buying a corner shelf from a furniture company, there’s a good chance that the screws and brackets you need will come in the packaging. If not, purchase a variety of 1 inch (2.5 cm) or longer screws in addition to shorter 0.5 in (13 mm) screws. Ask a hardware store associate for clarification if you need any assistance while buying these materials.
This bracket has a slightly raised edge that helps keep it in place along the foot of the bookcase.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific screw size you should use. Depending on the size and complexity of your bookcase, it may differ.
Use a stepladder to reach and secure the brackets into place, if necessary.
Why do I need to find the studs? Can I secure the bookcase with brackets without finding the stud?
You could use drywall anchors, preferably toggle bolts. Even with anchors, drywall is not as strong as wood and could potentially rip out. You should drill at least one side into a stud.
Where do I get Velcro that comes with screws?
You would have to get the Velcro and screws separately.
What if it is on an outside wall?
It makes no difference if you secure the furniture to an outside wall. There will still be regularly placed studs within the wall. The only difference with an outside wall is the presence of insulation between the studs, which should have no impact on the anchoring process.
I have 3/4 inch baseboards, so the bookcase cannot be flush against the wall. How do I fasten it?
You can get a 3/4" board and attach that to the wall, and then attach the brackets to the board.
How many brackets should I use?
Every bookcase I have ever bought has only had one bracket. For the average bookshelf, I believe one will be plenty. Just make sure you put it in a stud. If you are forced to use drywall anchors, I would put in multiple brackets just to be sure.
There are baseboards on my wall preventing my book shelves from being snug against the wall. How can I secure the bookcases?
If the bookshelf will be located there permanently, it would be worth cutting out the section of baseboard that is touching the back of the bookshelf. Otherwise, cut a strip of wood the same width of the bookshelf that is the same thickness as your baseboard to ensure the bookshelf stands flush and does not wobble.
How do I secure a metal bookcase to the wall?
For metal or plastic bookcases, use three-inch machine screws with washers to attach your brackets.
What size should the L brackets be?
How do I secure a bookcase to a wall if there are pipes on the wall so I can't get the bookcase flush against it?
To secure a bookcase to a wall with brackets, start by using a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall. When you find a stud, mark the center of it with a vertical line using a yardstick and pencil. Then, position your empty bookcase at a point between the wall studs. Once the bookcase is positioned, place an "L" bracket on top so it is flush with the wall and shelf and use a drill to attach the bracket to the top of the shelf. Finally, use a drill to attach another "L" bracket between the wall and the side of the shelf. For more tips, like how to secure an antique bookcase to a wall using Velcro, read on!
"Reminding me to use a bracket rather than screw directly into the back of the bookcase helped."
"I am really impressed on how simple it is to attach furniture to the wall."
"I'm putting up shelves for books and other stuff. Thanks for the help. "
"Just the explanation of the wall anchors helped me!"
"Thanks for the quick tips."