Choose the Best Brackets for Open Shelving in Your Kitchen
Open shelving is an inviting new trend that gives kitchens a lighter, airier feel. Ditching upper cabinets for floating shelves can showcase your beautiful dishware and add warmth to your space. But the key to great open shelves lies in selecting the right brackets and supports. Read on as we explore how to pick sturdy, stylish brackets perfectly suited to your kitchen's design.
With the right brackets anchoring your new open shelves, you can display treasured kitchen items in a sleek yet cozy way. Let's dive into the versatile bracket options that will keep your shelves secure while complementing your personal taste.
Types of Shelf Brackets for Kitchens
Today's brackets range from industrial metal to natural wood to clear acrylic supports. Choose materials and finishes that enhance your desired aesthetic.
Metal Brackets
For a modern, industrial vibe, opt for metal brackets in stainless steel, wrought iron, or powder coated finishes. Metal offers unmatched durability, easily holding heavy cast iron pans and robust dishware collections. The coolest metal brackets incorporate minimalist shapes or decorative scrollwork.
Sleek metal shelf supports connect well with stainless steel appliances for a unified look. Mixing black and stainless steel metal brings pleasing contrast. Wrought iron looks gorgeous in historic homes.
Wood Brackets
Wood shelf brackets infuse warmth and welcome rustic charm into kitchens. Natural pine, oak, or maple pairs nicely with cabinets in a traditional cottage or farmhouse style. Choose wood that coordinates with your existing cabinetry.
While wood looks wonderful, it can't handle extremely heavy items like stoneware. But it admirably supports lighter dishware, cookbooks, and decorative items. Finish with paint or stain to complement your color scheme.
Acrylic/Plastic Brackets
For an ultra-modern look, acrylic or plastic brackets create the illusion of floating shelves. Their clear transparency highlights the shelf while minimizing visible supports. Acrylic works beautifully in contemporary homes with a minimalist aesthetic.
Plastic and acrylic brackets should be limited to lighter items given their weaker strength. While affordable, the materials lack the resilience of metal or wood. But their discreet profile helps shelves look like they're floating.
Hidden Brackets
Hidden brackets take floating shelves to the next level for a light and airy look. The brackets attach securely to the wall but remain totally concealed. This requires precise installation but delivers stunning results.
Since hidden brackets are obscured from view, they facilitate a streamlined, modern aesthetic. But their lower weight capacity means they can only anchor lightweight decor.
Consider Shelf Bracket Design and Features
Beyond material, several other bracket details impact functionality and design.
Weight Capacity
Always check the weight limits before purchasing shelf brackets. Standard metal brackets hold 20-30 lbs per pair. Heavy duty steel models bear 50+ lbs or more per bracket. Wood capacity varies based on the type and hardness - pine is weaker while oak supports more.
Exceeding recommended weight places unsafe stress on brackets. Distribute weight evenly between multiple brackets for best stability.
Placement
Proper bracket placement prevents sagging shelves. Standard spacing is 12-16 inches for shelves under 36 inches long. For shelves 36-48 inches long, space brackets 8-12 inches apart. Follow specific manufacturer instructions.
When installing, align brackets vertically for level shelving. If the brackets tilt, so will your shelves and items.
Adjustability
Many brackets allow you to adjust shelf height by sliding brackets up or down. This flexibility makes it easy to install shelves exactly where you want them.
Height adjustability also enables changing shelf positions later. As your needs evolve, adjustable brackets let you modify your open shelving layout.
Design Styles
Beyond the main materials covered already, look for specialty brackets offering unique decorative touches. Flourishes like scrollwork, finishes, shapes and colors help your shelving reflect your personal taste.
Mixing and matching bracket designs and materials creates bespoke shelf displays. You can blend wood and metal styles for eclectic charm.
Tips for Installing Shelf Brackets
Ready to get started? Use these tips for properly installing your brackets and shelves.
Gather Supplies
First, purchase the right shelf brackets for your project along with matching shelves. Have necessary tools for measuring, drilling and driving screws. Pick up drywall anchors or wood screws depending on your mounting surface.
Find Studs
Locate the wood studs behind your wall using a stud finder. Studs offer stronger support than drywall alone. If possible, align brackets with studs.
Follow Instructions
Consult the specific directions included with your brackets. Follow weight limits, measurement guidelines, and recommended mounting hardware.
Level and Anchor
Use a level during installation to ensure brackets and shelves are straight. Secure brackets into studs or drywall anchors according to the fastener specs.
Add Shelves
Once brackets are properly anchored, set shelves into place. For floating shelves, attach hidden brackets precisely before setting shelves onto them.
When finished, style and decorate your new open shelves with beloved kitchenware, cookbooks and accents!
FAQs About Brackets for Open Shelving
Wondering about small but important bracket details? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
What size brackets do I need?
Choose brackets designed to hold the size of shelves you want. Standard sizes are 12", 18" and 24" brackets. Make sure it can accommodate shelf depth too.
How much weight can my brackets hold?
Check manufacturer specs to see the recommended weight capacity per bracket. This varies based on material and gauge. Overloading shelves risks brackets loosening or breaking from walls.
What tools do I need to install brackets?
Basic tools include a drill, screwdriver, level, tape measure, stud finder and pencil. Use wall anchors for drywall or wood screws for studs. Have ladder if needed.
How do I mount into drywall vs. wood studs?
For studs, use wood screws directly into the stud. For drywall without studs, use hollow wall anchors designed to grip sheetrock. Follow individual product instructions.
As a rule of thumb, space standard 12" brackets 12-16" apart for shelves under 36" long. For longer 36-48" shelves, space brackets 8-12" apart. Follow manufacturer recs.
With a wide selection of brackets for open shelving, you can create a kitchen display that showcases your style. Choose materials and designs that speak to your personal taste then install properly for secure, stable shelves. Brackets let you curate an open, organized kitchen that fits your life.