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Throughout our homes, we often need storage solutions. There are many options, such as cupboards, sideboards, and storage boxes. However, these items typically require floor space and limit what we can put in our rooms. There is a great alternative that utilises our wall surfaces instead – shelves. Often these items include brackets, but they may be plain or not sturdy enough. If you want to add a dash of style or add support, there are plenty of standalone brackets that can serve as a functional brace or decoration. Choosing just became easier since we have selected seven of the best options below.
How We Compared Shelf Brackets
To find the right shelf brackets, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Size
- Load Capacity
- Mounting Method
- Style
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Shelf Bracket Reviews
XFORT London Floating (Editor’s Choice)
If you want a simple set of brackets for practical use where style isn’t as necessary, the no-nonsense design of these products is perfect. They have a simple L-shape frame and could be great for a garage, DIY storage, a utility room, or a home office.
The XFORT London Floating Shelf Brackets are made from high-quality steel, which makes them durable and long-lasting. Additionally, they are available in multiple sizes ranging from 4 x 3 inches up to 14 x 12 inches. It allows you to get what you need to support the shelves you wish to install.
For installation, each frame has a number of pre-drilled holes so you can fix them securely to both the wall and boards. We also like that you get a comprehensive set of 10 brackets for either five shelves or a combination of longer units.
Pros:
- The brackets are made from strong steel
- You get ten items in the pack for multiple shelves
- Simple installation with pre-drilled holes in each unit
- Available in multiple sizes
- Simple and contemporary design
Cons:
- Screws and fixtures may not be included
- Some people might not like the basic design
ChasBete Heavy Duty (Luxury Choice)
If you need shelves that can support heavy objects, the underslung design of these units is perfect. The frames fit underneath the shelves but are fixed above them, which gives superior lateral support. Additionally, each product can support a weight of up to 90kg+.
The ChasBete Wall Shelf Brackets have superior construction and are built from solid iron. As a result, they have brilliant longevity and resistance to damage. We also like that the underside of the frame has a wide lip so that your shelves will rest on them securely.
For installation, you get all the required short and long screws and a set of four brackets. Additionally, if you like another colour, the material is smooth and thus is suitable for painting or staining to match your room decor.
Pros:
- Underslung support method to keep shelves in place
- Made from incredibly durable iron
- Rustic style to fit with various decors
- Each bracket has a load capacity of 90kg+
- The package includes all required fixtures
Cons:
- The angle of the brackets could be offset from 90 degrees
- Some customers might have reported missing screws
Ouvin Black 6 Inch (Best Value)
The clean design and the hidden weld joint give these brackets a stylish but functional look. They are made from excellent-quality cold-rolled steel with a baked finish, which also seals it. Therefore, the items should last for years.
The Ouvin Heavy Duty Shelf Brackets come in a set of four and are available in three different measurements ranging from 95 x 150mm to 160 x 250mm. We like that you get a set of long and short screws and wall plugs to make a secure connection.
The included accessories and pre-drilled holes in both the vertical and horizontal sections make them simple to install. Lastly, they can hold a weight of up to 30kg when mounted on a concrete wall.
Pros:
- Made from high-quality cold-rolled steel with a baking finish
- Hidden weld joint for a cleaner look
- Includes all the hardware you need to install
- Simple black finish to suit various decors
- A maximum load capacity of up to 30kg
Cons:
- The metal frames could feel a little thin
- Some customers may have reported incorrect sizes delivered
Ttcwm Rustic (Best for Sturdiness)
If you value handmade products that have real character and stand out, these rustic shelf brackets are a brilliant choice. Each item is custom-made and has a relatively rough and textured finish which could complement a traditional or industrial-themed room.
The Ttcwm Rustic Shelf Brackets are constructed from mild steel, which has superior longevity and durability. Moreover, all fixtures are supplied for installation on solid walls like brick or concrete.
The units are available in three different styles, but each bracket has a raised ridge on the horizontal frame so that your shelf cannot fall off.
Pros:
- Handmade items for an authentic look
- Rustic style with patina for a retro feel
- Made from durable mild steel
- The brackets have a ridge at the end to support the shelves
- Available in three different configurations
Cons:
- The finish could be a little rough
- Some customers might have reported un-cleaned items on delivery
BTSKY 40cmm (Best for Easy Mounting)
The foldable hinges of these shelf brackets allow you to erect a space-saving solution that could be perfect for things like retractable breakfast bars or workbench extensions. Each item has a simple mechanism where you press a joint to both folds or extend the frame.
The BTSKY Folding Shelf Brackets are made from high-quality, durable steel, improving their longevity. As a result, the maximum load capacity is around 60kg, making them potentially ideal for foldable DIY storage.
In the basic set, you receive 2x brackets. Furthermore, they are available in four different sizes, so you can easily get a pair that matches your desired shelf width. We also like the easy installation, as they have multiple pre-drilled screw holes in both the horizontal and vertical sections.
Pros:
- Retractable design to lower the attached shelves
- Available in multiple bracket lengths
- They have a decent load capacity of up to 60kg
- Made from high-quality and durable steel
- Space-saving design that also looks great
Cons:
- It may not include any screws for fixing
- Some customers may have reported offset angles of +/-5 degrees from 90
Castelion Cast Iron (Best Decorative)
If you have an old-fashion room design complete with retro fixtures, the Edwardian scroll pattern and textured material of these shelf brackets are a must-have. Each item has a decorative leaf design that would look superb in a traditional farmhouse kitchen, or a library, for example.
The Castelion Shelf Brackets are made from solid cast iron and are thus extremely durable. This gives superior support for the boards placed on top and fantastic longevity. Additionally, there is a lacquer protective layer for improved resistance.
In terms of size, there are two different measurements and, therefore, can work with a relatively wide shelf mounted on top. For installation, the wall part has 3x pre-drilled holes, while you can also secure a board to it with the 1x hole on the horizontal part.
Pros:
- Edwardian scroll pattern that looks superb
- Made from excellent solid cast iron
- Simple installation with multiple screw holes
- Durable and great weight capacity
- A lacquer protective layer for improved resistance
Cons:
- The lacquer protective layer could eventually flake
- Different screw sizes may be required than those supplied
eSynic Pipe Tube (Best Retro Design)
If you have a retro design in your room and want something that looks industrial, steampunk, or traditional, the pipe-effect style of these brackets is fantastic. These units, made from durable iron, are meant to replicate old plumbing, and the effect is superb.
The eSynic Pipe Shelf Brackets also have superior build quality, including a protective, rustproof coating on the metal. The flanges, pipes, and elbows just need to be tightened together for installation, but this is a simple process. Moreover, you get all the required long and short screws and wall plugs.
Once erected, these brackets have a maximum load capacity of 55lbs and protrude approximately 15cm from the wall. We like that they are available in either a rustic copper finish or a black coating for two completely different looks.
Pros:
- The aesthetic design meant to look like pipes
- Screws and plugs included for installation
- They are made from durable iron
- Each set contains four shelf brackets
- The metal has a protective anti-rust coating
Cons:
- The brackets might not be very wide
- The two-piece assembly may compromise the strength
How to Choose a Shelf Bracket
As you can see from the above, many different types of shelf brackets are available. So how do you know which is the best one for you? Firstly, consider where you want to install the shelves and what you intend to put on them. Next, consider the decor of the room and if you want a particular style. For more inspiration and tips, you can then look at our buying guide below.
Size
One of the most important factors is the size of the brackets, as this determines the type of shelf you can place on top.
For example, if the items are relatively narrow on the horizontal part, you may only be able to use them with thin shelves, limiting what items you can store. Alternatively, wider slats give you more versatility in terms of width, but they are usually heavier and require a stronger bonding method with your wall.
Load Capacity
Next, what weight can the brackets support? Sometimes, the manufacturer will state the maximum capacity. However, if this information is unavailable, you have to judge this by looking at the material they are made from and the wall connection.
For example, if the brackets only require small screws, the load capacity may not be that high, which could reduce the usefulness of the items. Look at what you intend to use these products for and what items you wish to place on them – you can then pick a unit with a suitable load capacity.
Mounting Method
How the brackets connect to both the shelves and the wall is also vital. Most products like these have screw holes you can drill through to secure them to the vertical surface. Look at this and see if you have the relevant power tools to install them. You may also need things like plugs to provide a more secure connection.
After this, look at how the shelf connects to the brackets. In most instances, the board simply lies flat on the horizontal part of the frame and is held in place by gravity and the weight of the items placed on it.
However, some brackets also have methods of securing the shelf in place. This could be with a raised lip to prevent the board from sliding off or even an advanced lock mechanism.
Style
Lastly, you want a product that looks good too. Hundreds of different shelf brackets are available, so it is essential to look at the decor of your rooms and pick something that you find attractive but also that works with your colour scheme and style.
Summary
Our top pick is the XFORT London Shelf Brackets due to their availability, the quantity you get, and the quality of the items. Within this set, you get ten individual frames which could be used to mount five single shelves or longer items that require multiple brackets. The style is traditional and functional, and they would look great in a home office, utility room, workshop, or garage. The frames are also constructed from strong steel, giving superior longevity and durability.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.