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Ever assembled a beautiful bookcase only to realize that securely fastening it to the wall is more complex than you thought? Whether it's the molding on your wall, a prohibition on drilling, or simply a lack of included hardware, securing your grey bookcases can quickly turn into a frustrating task.
But don't worry! Whether you have chrome bookshelves or lighted bookcases, our ultimate guide will help you navigate these hurdles and ensure your bookcase is safely anchored to the wall. We'll discuss various techniques on how to secure a bookshelf to a wall and even provide solutions for those who can't or don't want to drill holes in their walls. Let's dive in!
Why You Should Anchor a Bookshelf to a Wall
A secured bookcase is much more stable than an unsecured one. It won't wobble or tilt, providing a safer environment, especially if you have kids or pets who might try to climb it. That's why you should learn how to mount a bookshelf to a wall.
In homes with children or pets or in areas where earthquakes are common, securing a bookcase to a wall is a must. Children and pets can easily tip over a bookcase, and an earthquake can do the same. This can result in damage to your property or, worse, injuries. By learning how to attach a bookcase to a wall, you reduce the risk of such accidents.
How to Anchor a Bookshelf to a Wall
We’ll be providing you with two main ways to mount your bookcase to a wall, as well as alternatives in case you can’t or don’t want to use a drill.
1. Using Brackets and Screws
One of the most secure ways to fasten large white bookcases to a wall is through the use of brackets and screws. Here's how to go about it:
Locate and Mark the Wall Studs
Before you start, you need to locate the wall studs. These are the vertical frames that support the wall. You can use a stud finder for this. Once you've located the studs, mark the positions with a pencil.
Attach the Bracket to the Top of the Shelf and the Wall
Place the bracket on top of the bookcase in line with the marked studs. Drill pilot holes into the dark walnut bookcase and wall, then secure the bracket with screws.
Check the Screw Length and Size
The screws should be long enough to go through the bookcase, the bracket, and into the wall stud. The size of the screws should match the holes in the bracket. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended screw size and length.
@life__with__books2. Using Wall Anchor Kits
Another method of securing a bookcase to a wall is by using a wall anchor kit. First, get the kits with straps made from nylon webbing or braided steel cable These kits include straps that are designed to hold heavy items securely. They are easy to install and provide a high level of security.
One end of the strap is attached to the bookcase, while the other end is fastened to a wall stud. This creates a secure connection between the bookcase and the wall. It should be noted that wall anchor kits have weight limits, so be sure to check the weight capacity of the kit before purchasing.
BONUS: Alternative Methods Without Drilling
If drilling into the wall is not an option, there are still ways to secure your bookcase. Here are some alternatives:
Furniture Anti-Tip Kits That Use Picture Hooks
These kits use picture hooks instead of screws. They are easy to install and can hold a decent amount of weight. However, they are not as secure as brackets or wall anchors.
Baby Safety Straps
Baby safety straps are designed to prevent furniture from tipping over. They are easy to install and do not require drilling. However, they may not be suitable for heavier bookcases.
Strategic Placement
Placing heavy items on the bottom shelves does not require any installation. Simply place heavy items on the bottom shelves of the bookcase to lower its center of gravity. This can help prevent the bookcase from tipping over.
Safety Reminders When Securing a Bookcase to a Wall
Here are three key safety reminders when moving and mounting your bookcase:
Check Your Bookcase Regularly
Even after securing your bookcase, it's important to check it to ensure that it's still secure regularly. Over time, the fasteners might loosen, making the bookcase less stable.
Additionally, be attentive to environmental changes, such as house settling or temperature fluctuations, which may impact the bookcase's integrity, necessitating adjustments for long-term reliability.
Don't Overload Your Bookcase
Overloading your bookcase not only makes it more prone to tipping over, but it can also cause the shelves to sag or even break.
Distribute the weight evenly across the shelves and avoid placing heavy items on the top shelves.
Teach Children About Safety
Teach children not to climb on or pull on your driftwood bookcase or any other bookshelf. Make sure that toys or other items that children might want are not placed on the higher shelves, which might tempt them to climb.
Keep Your Home Safe
Learning how to secure a bookcase to a wall is crucial for stability and safety. It’s a relatively straightforward way to avoid accidents, especially if you have kids or pets who might try to climb it. This way, you can prevent damage to your property and ensure the safety of your loved ones.
