Shelving 101: Etsy’s Guide to Buying and Installing Shelving

New year, new projects! If, like us, your goal for 2025 is to add a touch of fresh character to your home, a great set of shelves just might be the DIY update you’ve been dreaming of. Picture it: vintage bookcases stacked with neat rows of paperbacks, wall-mounted shadow boxes styled with beloved knick-knacks, and kitchen shelves arranged with all your beautiful bakeware, close at hand. “Selecting and installing the right shelving for your space not only makes for a functional storage solution,” explains Lindsay O'Brien, Etsy’s Senior Category Manager for Home & Living. “The end result also gives you a creative outlet for putting your personality on display.”

But where to begin? With all the options on Etsy—from basic brackets to custom built-ins—how do you determine which type of shelving best fits your space and your vision? Whether you’re looking for a low-lift way to cozy up a corner nook or a transformative design to elevate an entire wall, we’ve gathered pro tips and best practices to guide you through the entire process of finding, buying, building, and styling your perfect shelf. So, what are you waiting for? Break out the ol’ screwdriver and let’s begin!

In this article:

• How to start shopping for shelving
• Types of shelving
• Brackets and hardware
• How to search for shelving on Etsy like a pro
• Best practices for installing shelving

Tips for kicking off your shelving search

SHOP: Rustic wooden shelves (set of 2) from TheCraftyCoupleUK, from $128

The key to sourcing great shelving online is having a clear idea of what you want to achieve in your space. Once you know the specifics of what you’re looking for, you can streamline your search terms and home in on top-quality options that suit your taste.

1. Define your shelving goals

Start by asking yourself, “What will be my shelf’s primary purpose?” Will it serve as a shrine to showcase treasures? An accessible way to organize toys? A casual place for browsing books? Or, maybe your shelves will bring together another combination of storage and style. Having a specific function in mind for your shelves will help guide your subsequent design choices—from style and size to materials and finishes.

2. Assess your space

Choose a location where your new shelving is most effective. Consider:

• Flow: Take note of any potential obstructions, like the swing of a door or the height of nearby seating. If you need to easily access the items on your shelves, make sure there aren’t bulky furnishings blocking the way, and try to center the shelves at eye level and within arm’s reach.
• Placement: Think about the overall set-up of your space, such as proximity to cozy reading nooks for a bookcase or electrical outlets, if your shelf will hold something that needs to be plugged in, like a lamp.
• Weight: Consider what load-bearing capacity you’ll need from your new shelves. If you plan to display a hefty object, make sure the shelf you buy can properly support it.
• Size and fit: This is a good time to take out your tape measure, map the footprint of your space, and calculate your desired dimensions for your shelf or bookcase. A handy rule of thumb? Measure your decor, then add an extra inch to give it a buffer. And don’t forget to factor in overall ceiling height and shelf spacing! As you shop for shelving, keep these crucial figures in mind.

3. Pinpoint your ideal shelving style

Whether you gravitate toward designs that are sleek and minimal or something more ornate, figure out what type of space you want to cultivate. Consider colors, textures, finishes, and shapes. Vibrant hues and curved edges make a bold, modern statement, whereas natural materials, like wood, may exude a farmhouse feel.

Types of shelving to consider

For inspiration, browse some of the most common shelving styles. For each style, we’ll break down a few basics, including where they work well and any important installation do’s and don’ts. Having this fundamental vocabulary is a great jumping off point for setting your search terms—and getting more of what you’re looking for!

Floating shelves

SHOP: Clockwise from top left: Floating oak shelf and drawer from Este Furniture Co., from $620; floating wood shelf with bracket from Hurd & Honey, from $46; wooden photo rail shelf from Hurd & Honey, from $18

Versatile and chic, it’s easy to see why floating shelves have become a fan favorite, popping up everywhere from bathroom vanities and kitchen pantries to bedroom headboards and living room displays. Lindsay says, “Floating shelves are a popular choice because they’re not simply about storage, they’re also a decorative accent in your space.”

Technically, to be a “true” floating shelf all of the hardware should be completely hidden away, creating the airy illusion that the shelf hangs suspended without any supports—an enchanting effect indeed! But, depending on your style preference, your floating shelf of choice can actually be a more or less visible presence in your decorating scheme. A large, gravity-defying piece can act as a focal point, whether that’s a magnificent slab of live-edge wood or a shelf doing double duty as furniture, complete with drawers and cubbies. On the flip side, simpler, low-profile designs, such as slender record shelves and petite picture rails, prioritize functionality, allowing the eye to move naturally across the art on display.

Installation tip: When securing a floating shelf to the wall, it’s crucial to use proper mounting technique. “Always hang a floating shelf using the studs behind your wall for maximum sturdiness,” Lindsay advises. “If your studs are irregularly placed, you can ask an Etsy seller for a custom mounting bracket.”

Try searching: floating shelf, magnetic shelf, record display shelf, picture ledge, or photo rail

Wall-mounted shelving

SHOP: Clockwise from top left: Brass-plated French bistro shelves from Soil and Oak, from $675; modular floating shelves from KRAFTLON, $430; hanging spice rack from Oak and Iron Design LLC, from $229; midcentury-style floating shelving unit from Warwood Made, from $375

Options for wall mounts run the gamut in size, from expansive bracketed beams to smaller accent shelves and organizers. Sturdy farmhouse shelves crafted from rustic, reclaimed wood make a particularly gorgeous choice for bathrooms and kitchens where extra durability is key. For added organizational flair, try a modular Scandinavian-style pegboard that can be rearranged to fit your shelving needs or a tiered midcentury-inspired catchall to adorn your beside or entryway. Looking for something extra more polished? Give a wet bar or butler’s pantry a glam glow-up with a stunning French bistro-style unit, complete with gleaming glass shelves and brass-plated rails worthy of the most stylish speakeasy.

Try searching: wall-mounted shelf, brass shelf rails, wall shelf, farmhouse shelf, pegboard shelf, or bistro shelf

Statement shelves

SHOP: Clockwise from top left: Multicolor shelves from Gabrielle Hola, $1,234; drippy green wall shelf from ShopCuriousHNL, $48; white curio display shelf from Minimalist Ceramicist, $210

Squiggly shelves in creamy pastels. A minimal open lowboard, block-painted in vibrant Memphis-style. Smooth cement curios sculpted with tiny, trinket-sized coves. In some cases, the shelf itself is a work of art. But these one-of-a-kind designs aren’t all pop and pizzazz—they also serve a purpose. Perfect for collectors and creative-types, they offer a beautiful way to showcase the little delights we treasure most in life. The secret to styling a statement shelf is all in the composition. Try not to overwhelm it with too much stuff—pick a prized piece or two to stand on its surface and voilá—you’ve got a mini moment.

Try searching: colorful shelving, maximalist shelves, statement shelf, wavy shelf, curio shelf, ceramic shelf, whimsical shelf, or art shelf

Bookcases and shelving units

SHOP: Clockwise from top left: Midcentury-style bookcase and desk from PWoodPro, $5,042; tall, solid walnut bookcase from Hedge House, from $2,299; minimalist low bookcase from The Sapling Studio from $249; large white oak bookshelf from wwmake, from $4,295

If your room is in need of a more comprehensive storage solution, it’s time to explore a shelving unit. From classic bookcases to modular shelving systems that span the entire length of a wall, these more substantial pieces add richness and depth to your decorating scheme. Whether you opt for a pre-made freestanding furnishing or collaborate on a custom built-in designed to your specifications, the plentiful shelving space you’ll gain is perfect for housing a home library, keeping cookware handy, or showing off a prized record collection.

Modern, open-backed shelves offer an unobstructed view of plants, pictures, and sculptural art (and can even be used to divide a room!), while multi-purpose units complete with desks and cabinets can stash away unused electronics and games. Available in styles ranging from industrial (think: salvaged wood shelves paired with sturdy steel frames) to mid-century and Scandinavian, you’ll find a piece on Etsy to suit every interior.

Try searching: bookcase, bookshelf, modular shelving, tired shelving, shelving unit, shelving system, or built-in shelving

Vintage shelving

SHOP: Clockwise from top left: Birch bookcase from CasaFika, from $825; ladder shelving system from DELFUvintage, $794; midcentury modern shelving unit from Modage Gallery, $795; modular shelving system from ZEITWERTFurniture, from $3,866

Dedicated vintage enthusiasts will attest: the best way to give authentic character to a space is to decorate with well-loved items from the past—and the story with shelving is no different. “Vintage shelves and shelving units come in a variety of styles and shapes, and often have lots of interesting embellishments,” Lindsay notes. “Try filtering your search for a few different styles—like midcentury, Hollywood regency, and farmhouse—and see what catches your eye. With a little digging, you’re bound to discover something unexpected.” Whether you’re on the hunt for a vintage teak bookcase in mint condition or antique cast-iron corbels to complete your own DIY upcycled wall shelf, there are tons of creative ways to incorporate vintage* into a shelving project of any scale.

Try searching: vintage shelf, vintage mid-century shelf, vintage bookshelf, vintage wall shelf, or vintage shelving brackets

Classic wood shelving

SHOP: Clockwise from top left: Birch shelving unit from BLAN Design Studio, $390; Avers bookcase from Hedge House, from $2,299; ladder shelf from StoneWon Designs, from $332; floating shelves from Dirdino Wood Studio, from $180

If you’re ordering tried-and-true solid wood shelves, they’ll likely come in your choice of a few classic materials (including cherry, oak, maple, walnut, cedar, and pine), plus options for stains and finishes.

Types of wood

Softer woods, such as cedar and poplar, are lighter in weight, and often used for thicker shelves, while hardwoods, like oak and maple, are a great choice for thinner designs. If you love wood with a bit of extra texture and character, search for shops that source reclaimed woods, such as barn wood.

To get a better sense of the wood’s color, density, and grain, many sellers will even ship swatches to you for a small fee. As Lindsay notes, “It’s a great option for getting a sneak preview of how an item will look in your space.”

Wood stains and finishes

A simple, natural wood finish works effortlessly with a wide range of interior styles, but if you have a specific hue in mind, look for shops that offer a range of stains. From classic black to trendy shades of mocha, berry, and sage, sellers can turn your technicolor dreams into reality. That said, to make sure you end up with a perfect pigment match, again, we recommend you order samples and test them under different lighting.

Try searching for: floating wood shelves, solid wood bookcase, reclaimed wood shelving, live edge walnut shelf, or vintage teak shelving

DIY shelving brackets and hardware

SHOP: Clockwise from top left: Cast-iron shelf brackets (set of 8) from CastIronHook, from $37; leather hanging shelf straps from BoxWoodStore, from $14; forged steel brackets from Sol Forge, from $4; wood shelf brackets from BoxWoodStore, from $9

Good news for the toolbelt-toting DIYer who loves a bit of good, old-fashioned elbow grease: Etsy sellers offer beautiful brackets and shelf straps galore—a great choice if you’ve already sourced some wood you want to work with. Plus, this option gives you a chance to get hands-on with your shelf design. Simple and sleek hanging leather straps are a smart option for creating minimalist displays in boho-chic bedrooms and modern entryways. And heavy-duty metal brackets will lend your shelves a rustic, industrial feel, and come in a range of materials and finishes, like cast iron and powder-coated or fire-forged steel.

Try searching for: shelf brackets, shelf braces, corbels, and hanging shelf straps

How to search for shelving on Etsy like a pro

Once you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, let the Etsy search begin! To help you surface the very best shelves to suit your space and your taste, here are a few expert tips.

1. Explore search filters. First, type a few words that describe your perfect shelf into the search bar, like “rustic live edge floating shelf” or “vintage mid-century corner bookcase.” Next, refine the results with filters such as Price, Room, Color, Vintage, Style, Shop location, and Estimated delivery date. From there, adjust your filters as you go to broaden or narrow the results and surface different shelving styles that interest you.

2. Read the reviews. On each product listing, scroll below the images to read customer reviews. Some reviews may even contain a photo of buyers’ purchases, which can offer a helpful glimpse into what a shelf looks like installed in different home environments. If there aren’t reviews for the specific piece you’re considering, peruse other existing shop reviews to learn how customers rate the shop’s overall quality and service.

3. Look for badges. When you see a color-coded bubble in Etsy’s search results that reads “Bestseller,” “Etsy’s Pick,” or “Star Seller,” that’s a signal that the shelf you’re looking at is—respectively—a proven fan favorite, a curated staff pick, or a seller with a consistent history of five-star reviews. But, even if the shelf you’re eyeing doesn’t have a badge yet, that may simply be a sign that you’ve unearthed a new-to-Etsy gem that’s just awaiting its big discovery by a trendsetter like you.

4. Stay organized with favorites and collections. Finding your search fruitful so far? Rather than “storing” all your potential shelving options in a sea of open tabs, keep track of your top contenders by tapping the heart icon on any listing to save it to your Favorites. That way you can easily revisit your faves picks later, and even get notified when those pieces go on sale or come back in stock. To take it a step further, create a Collection and organize all your stellar shelving ideas in one convenient place.

5. Ask sellers questions. For many Etsy sellers, creating your perfect piece is an ongoing conversation that begins well before you tap “order.” Shelving designers in particular will often offer a range of customization options, from cut-to-order sizes to your choice of colors, materials, and finishes. Whether you’re confirming dimensions, asking an installation question, or requesting care tips, sending a message directly to a seller is not only super easy, it’s also the best way to clear up any confusion and get any answers you need, fast.

For more shopping tips, read our definitive guide to shopping the best of Etsy.

Best practices for installing shelving

SHOP: Pegboard shelving unit from Unchained Design Store, from $140

Of course every shelving project will be slightly different, but here are a few tried-and-true tips to get you through any basic installation. When in doubt, follow the seller’s instructions and send them a message with any questions.

Prep your toolkit

Different designs—and different walls—will require different tools, but here are a few supplies commonly used for mounting shelving:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Level
• Stud finder
• Screwdriver
• Multipurpose drill (and bits)
• Wood screws
• Drywall screws
• Drywall anchors
• Toggle bolts or butterfly anchors

Locate the studs

In general, it’s good practice to confirm the load-bearing capacity of any shelf before you make a purchase. If your shelves are going to be holding any real amount of weight, mounting them to a stud will be imperative. For especially heavy wall installations, attach shelf brackets to every available stud, adding anchors for additional support where no studs are found. Once your shelves are mounted, gradually stress test with heavier objects before filling them up with all your favorite treasures.

Tip: Studs are typically spaced 16 to 24 inches apart.

Measure twice

“Measure twice, cut once” is the golden rule of DIY for a reason. So, make sure to measure in every direction: height, length, depth, shelf thickness, and, if applicable, distance between shelves. Planning an installation from scratch will likely require a little math, so double-check your calculations. Make sure to map out your shelving project’s overall positioning among existing furnishings, and include some buffer space near the floor and ceiling.

Tip: The recommended distance between shelves for a standard bookcase is between 8 and 12 inches.

*Etsy does not evaluate vintage items’ condition and authenticity. Descriptions of the environmental attributes of any items on Etsy are based solely on seller’s listing information.

Shop shelving on Etsy