How to Hang Wall Shelves Without Drilling

This article explores alternative solutions that allow you to hang wall shelves without drilling.

Dealing with fragile walls, adhering to strict building regulations as a renter, or lacking experience or interest in using power tools such as a drill can all be reasons why drilling may not be a feasible option.

To hang a shelf without drilling holes in your wall, you can use adhesive strips, glue, no-drill floating shelves, or suction cups.

Keep in mind: These solutions may not provide as much stability as hanging your wall shelves with screws. If you want to hang your wall shelves the regular way, check out our article on how to hang floating shelves in 5 easy steps.

Tools and Materials

Hanging wall shelves without drilling is possible with the right methods and tools. Here are the tools you’ll need depending on which method you’ll be employing. 

Method 1: Use Adhesive Strips

This is one of the easiest methods of hanging wall shelves without drilling. All you need are heavy-duty adhesive strips and lightweight to medium-weight wall shelves. This method is best for items like picture frames, light decor, and other not-so-heavy items. 

Let’s go through the steps to hang your wall shelves with adhesive strips:

1. Prepare Your Surface: Clean the wall where you want to hang your wall shelf with some rubbing alcohol. This will get rid of dust and dirt, and also ensure that the adhesive strips stick properly to the wall. 
2. Attach the Strips to the Shelf: Apply one side of the strips to the back of your shelf and hold them down for at least 30 seconds. Ensure the strips are evenly spaced to get the best balance.
3. Attach to the Wall: Peel off the other side of the strips and press your shelf firmly against the wall for at least 30 seconds. This will ensure that the strips bond well.
4. Wait: Read the instructions on the adhesive strips to determine how long it will take for them to set fully. A rule of thumb is to wait for at least one hour.
5. Arrange Your Items: Once your shelf has solidified, arrange your lightweight to medium-weight items on the shelf, take a step back, and admire your masterpiece.

Before you use this method, check the weight capacity of the strips to ensure they can support your shelves and the items you’ll be displaying.

It’s not very safe to use adhesive strips to hang wall shelves weighing over 4.5kg.

When I first moved into my apartment, I set this up, since it seemed better than putting a bunch of holes in the wall. It worked great at first, but after a while, I started to notice a lot of sagging and shaking. If you’re looking to display heavier items, you might be better off with another option in this article.

Method 2: Use Adhesive Glue

This method combines adhesive glue with shelf brackets for better results. The brackets provide strong support, while the glue ensures a long-lasting hold.

The first thing to do is check the glue’s specifications to determine its weight-bearing capacity. Once it checks out, you may begin following these steps:

1. Prepare Your Wall Surface: Start by cleaning the wall with a damp cloth and mild soap. Just like rubbing alcohol, this will eliminate any dirt or residue that could interfere with the glue and prevent it from holding strong.
2. Smooth the Wall: Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough patches on the wall. After sanding, wipe the wall with a cloth to remove any remaining dust or particles.
3. Mark the Shelf Placement: Hold your level to the wall and use a pencil to mark where the wall shelf and the brackets will sit. The level ensures that your shelf sits straight against the wall.
4. Apply the Glue: Apply some urethane adhesive glue along the back edges of each bracket. Don’t put too much; just enough to create a thin but even layer. 
5. Attach the Brackets: Press the brackets down firmly on the wall against the spots you already marked out. This will transfer some of the glue to the wall.
6. Remove the Brackets: Before the brackets adhere to the wall, remove them and let the urethane adhesive bond with the wall.
7. Re-attach the Brackets: Wait 10-12 minutes for the glue to set, then press the brackets firmly back into place. You can use masking tape to hold the brackets in place while the glue dries. Afterward, wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth.
8. Wait: Let the adhesive cure for at least 48 hours before doing anything else. Waiting this long will ensure the glue has fully bonded and the brackets are secure.
9. Set Up Your Shelf: After 48 hours or more, place your shelf on the brackets and arrange your items on it. For extra support, you can apply some glue to the bottom of the shelf before mounting it on the brackets.
10.  Remember: While this method lets you display heavier items, it works best for medium-weight items.

Despite being an ideal alternative to drilling, removing the glued brackets from the wall can cause minor wall damage. 

Tip: For even greater stability, we recommend setting your brackets at least 16-18 inches apart. 

Method 3: Use No-Drill Floating Shelves

This method is probably the easiest way to hang wall shelves without drilling. It involves buying floating shelves that come with nail-free mounting options. There are multiple options to choose from, including adhesive hooks, invisible nail hooks, suction cups, and shelf pegs.

Many of these no-drill floating shelves even feature multiple mounting options. They also often come with everything you’ll need for the installation. You can get them at your local hardware store or by searching for renter-friendly floating shelves online on sites like Amazon.

Now, let’s get right to the installation process:

1. Prepare the Wall: Like with other methods, start by wiping down the wall with a damp cloth and mild soap or with rubbing alcohol.
2. Attach the Brackets: Once the wall is clean, insert the metal brackets into the floating shelf. Ensure that they are secured well since these brackets serve as the primary support for the shelf.
3. Apply Adhesive Shelf Pegs: Underneath the shelf, use adhesive shelf pegs for additional support. Stick the pegs to the wall and press firmly against the surface.

Depending on your preferred mounting option, you can use adhesive hooks, adhesive stickers, or invisible nail hooks instead. Each of these options has a unique installation process which is contained in the installation manual.

4. Set Up Your Shelf: Arrange your items on the installed shelf.

Once again, always check the shelf’s specifications to know the weight limit. No-drill floating shelves are durable and can hold up to 13+ kg when installed correctly.

Method 4: Use Suction Cup Shelves

This method works on smooth surfaces like tiled walls or windows. As such, it is usually used to hang shelves in a bathroom or kitchen.

The suction cups work by creating a vacuum seal against surfaces like glass, tile, or smooth-painted walls.

Here’s how to use suction cups to hang wall shelves without drilling:

1. Prepare the Wall: Clean the glass or tile surface with mild soap and water or rubbing alcohol to remove dust, grease, or dirt. Your surface must be completely dry before you proceed.
2. Measure and Mark: Use your measuring tape and level to determine where to place the suction cups on the wall. Mark the positions with a pencil or piece of tape for accuracy.
3. Attach Suction Cups: Press each suction cup against the wall at the positions you marked. Make sure you press down firmly to create a strong vacuum seal. Some suction cups also have a lever you can adjust to create a tighter seal.
4. Wait: Wait for about 10- 15 minutes before attaching the shelf. This will make sure that the suction cups are securely attached to the wall.
5. Attach the Shelf: Some shelf designs include brackets, while others are designed to work directly with suction cups. For the latter, you just have to place the shelf on the already-mounted suction cups. For the former, you need to follow the instructions of your shelf manufacturer.
6. Arrange Items: Test the shelf’s stability to ensure that everything is firm and securely positioned. Once the shelf is stable, arrange your items on it.

Note that the suction cup method is best for lightweight items. This means you should avoid overloading the shelf. And as usual, you have to check the product specifications to figure out the weight capacity.

When to Call a Pro

If you’re new to DIY home improvement, a little help can go a long way toward making sure the job is done right. A free quote from Home Gnome is a great starting point for local handyman services, including hanging shelves.

Learn More About Floating Shelves:

• What is a Floating Shelf?
• How Far Apart to Hang Floating Shelves
• How to Hang a Floating Shelf Without Wall Studs

Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.

Main Photo Credit: BajimBa / Adobe Stock

Racheal Oyebisi

I am a writer with a passion for transforming homes through insightful and engaging content. With a love for all things DIY, I specialize in crafting home improvement articles that inspire and educate readers on a wide range of topics. In my free time, I enjoy staying active and love to read.

Posts by Racheal Oyebisi