How to Properly Hang a Large Wooden Shelf + Tips on Decorating

Floating shelves are an excellent way to maximize storage space in any room and can be used as a decorative display. It doesn’t matter if you decide to put them in your kitchen, dining room, living room, or wherever; you must ensure that the long wooden shelf is properly placed, level, and sturdy.

This article will help guide you through how to hang a large wooden shelf properly, and then we’re going to give you some decorating ideas for your large wooden shelf.

How to Hang a Large Wooden Shelf

Here are the steps you’ll want to follow to hang your long wooden shelf properly.

1. Gather Materials and Tools

Before starting, get together your materials and tools for this project:

• Hammer
• Power drill
• Screwdriver
• Drywall anchor
• Screws
• Wall stud finder
• Level
• Tape measure
• Pencils
• Shelf bracket and other mounting hardware
• Long wooden shelf

2. Figure Out Where You’re Going to Put It

After gathering your materials and tools, you need to figure out where you’ll put your large wooden shelf. Weight will play a significant role in helping you find the right location; think about the weight capacity of the long wooden shelf and the items it’s going to hold.

It’s recommended that you use a stud finder for large wooden shelves that hold heavy objects to locate wall studs in the area you want to hang the shelf because studs add additional shelf support. But if you can’t find any, you can use drywall anchors for your wood shelf.

3. Determine Position

Have somebody hold the wood wall shelf up against the wall and use the level to ensure that the shelf is level, then mark this position on the wall. Now take the brackets and put those against the wall along the bottom of the shelf. Make pencil marks where the holes will be, so you know where to insert the screws. Remove the long wooden shelf and the brackets from the wall.

4. Make Starter Holes

Using a power drill on the low setting or a screwdriver to create starter holes with the screws where you put the mounting bracket hole markings. Don’t twist the screws completely into the wall!

5. Install Brackets and Anchors

Remove the screws and then put one of the brackets into place. If the large wooden shelf is heavier and you can’t locate a wall stud, insert a wall anchor into the pre drilled holes. Use a hammer to tap them into place lightly. Then take the screws and screw them into place, ensuring that you aren’t over tightening them.

6. Hang Your Large Wooden Shelf

Place your large wooden shelf on the brackets, ensuring that it’s centered. If there are openings on the top of the brackets, take time to secure them to the bottom of the long wooden shelf by putting screws into the holes and drilling to secure them into place. This prevents them from toppling over or sliding.

How to Decorate Your Large Wooden Shelf

Now that you’ve properly hung your long wooden shelf, let’s talk about what you can do to decorate that shelf.

It can be hard to figure out how you’re going to decorate your large wooden shelf. So, we’re going to go over some decorating tips to help you achieve the beautiful, organized look you desire.

Develop a Cohesive Color Scheme

We’re not talking about using the same-colored items on your shelf. Instead, what we mean is to use colors that complement each other. To do this, unless you’re hoping to create a monochromatic look, use one color as your primary color for most of the pieces on the shelf and then add complementary accent pieces of at least two other colors.

Create Sections on Your Shelf

It helps to divide your long wooden shelf into sections as you’re decorating instead of thinking of it as one large area. This makes the process seem less intimidating! The best way to divide a long wooden shelf is to split it into thirds.

Find Visual Balance

Visual balance is a sense that’s created when the overall design of the shelf is equally weighted. A balanced design makes you feel comfortable, whereas unbalanced designs can make you feel chaotic and uncomfortable. Visual balance isn’t only impacted by the size of an item but can be affected by its location, shape, and color.

Stagger the Height of Objects

This is an essential step when you’re trying to create an interesting display! Think about it: how boring would it be if everything was the same height on your long wooden shelf? To stagger the height of your objects, use cake pedestals, display stands, and even books If you don’t have items that are tall enough.

Use Texture

If you want to create a cozy and inviting display, you need to include some texture in your display. Think about it this way – using items that only have a smooth texture creates the impression of a sometimes cold and sleek feeling space. But if you bring in some texture, it creates some warmth and intimacy.

Walk Away

There are times when things don’t feel like they’re going right when you need to walk away from decorating your large wooden shelf for a while and come back in a little bit. Don’t try to force your decorating if it isn’t clicking. Always be willing to step away for a couple of hours or days to help you see the design with fresh eyes.

Always Edit

After you’re done decorating your large wooden shelf, take a step back and, using a critical eye, look at your display. Then try taking away one item. This will help you determine if your design is pleasing to the eye or needs a little tweaking.

If you can’t see anything with your naked eye, you can always take a picture to see if you can find any changes that need to happen. You can also use the eyes of someone else to help you achieve the best presentation!