Shelf brackets buying guide
Whether you’re storing a heavy load, a light load, or need brackets for specific shelves, such as glass, corner or floating shelves – we have an extensive selection of brackets and fixings at B&Q. In this guide, we’ll talk you through the different brackets we offer to accompany your shelf boards. From contemporary to vintage, we’ve got a finish to suit every style.
- Regular load brackets (10kg to 40kg max. load)
- Heavy load brackets (100kg to 400kg max. load)
- Specific use brackets
Make sure you read our step-by-step guide on how to put up shelves. It's packed with heaps of useful information about bracket spacing and on how to get a strong fixing.
Regular load brackets: 10kg - 40kg maximum load
Wall plugs and screws are sold separately as they need to be suitable for the type of wall you have.
Light load metal brackets
These standard steel brackets are available in a range of sizes with a variation of maximum loads, from 10kg to 30kg. Brackets are reversible, so they can be used in 2 different positions. They are suitable for indoor use and have been painted with a white Epoxy finish for long-lasting colour and resistance to rust.
Regular load metal brackets
Available in black, white and aluminium effect. Choose from brackets that measure 200mm in height and can be used on shelves from 150mm to 300mm, or brackets that measure 300mm in height and can be used on shelves from 250mm to 450mm. Brackets are reversible, so they can be used in 2 different positions, and have a maximum load of 40kg. They are suitable for indoor use and have an Epoxy finish for long-lasting colour and resistance to rust.
Wooden brackets
Available in black, white and natural pine wood finish. Choose from brackets that can be used on shelves from 150mm to 300mm, or ones that can be used on shelves from 250mm to 450mm. Brackets are reversible, so they can be used in 2 different positions and have a maximum load of 40kg. They are suitable for indoor use and can be cleaned with a soft cloth.
Clever brackets
These clever brackets are compatible with shelves from 200mm to 420mm and can hold up to 40kg. They are available in green, red, black, white, grey, copper effect and aluminium effect, and can be mounted to the wall in 3 different positions. Resistant to rust and can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth, these shelf brackets are ideal for indoor use.
Decorative metal brackets
Available in black, white, bronze effect and aluminium effect. Choose from brackets that measure 200mm in height and can be used on shelves from 150mm to 300mm, or 300mm brackets that can be used on shelves from 250mm to 450mm. Brackets are reversible, so they can be used in 2 different positions and have a maximum load of 40kg. They are suitable for indoor use and have an Epoxy finish for long-lasting colour and resistance to rust.
Heavy load brackets: 100kg - 400kg maximum load
Bear in mind that the maximum load shown may be lower depending on the wall condition. Remember that loads should be distributed evenly to avoid any problems.
Xtreme metal brackets - max load 300kg
Our Xtreme aluminium brackets are ideal for holding extremely heavy weights. They are reversible, so can be used in 2 different positions and come in 2 different sizes – they can be used on up to 675mm shelves and have a maximum load of 300kg.
Specific use brackets
Floating shelf brackets
These brackets are the perfect solution for creating stylish floating shelves. Our Rigga floating shelf brackets can be used with 18mm shelf boards, and our Cusko floating shelf brackets can be used on 38mm shelf boards. All have a maximum load of 20kg. Rigga and Cusko brackets are available in aluminium effect, whilst the Kasper brackets have a galvanised steel finish.
Our floating shelf connectors can be used on either 18mm or 38mm thin floating shelves. Use them to create endless shelving configurations with our shelf boards, from a spot to a full wall solution. Available in a painted aluminium effect, resistant to rust and can hold up to 20kg.
Microwave brackets
Save space on your kitchen worktop thanks to these clever microwave brackets. They are adjustable, come in a white painted finish and have a maximum load of 40kg. Giving you more space for other appliances and accessories that you wish to place on your worktop.
Glass shelf brackets
Our Rest shelf brackets are available in nickel effect or a white painted finish and are compatible with glass shelves up to 19mm thick. With a maximum load of 20kg, these brackets are ideal for everyday use indoor shelves.
Corner fittings
These aluminium effect corner fittings are compatible with our RIGGA corner shelves and have a maximum load of 20kg. Corner shelves are a fantastic way of making the most of limited space.
Regular load brackets: 10kg - 40kg maximum load
Wall plugs and screws are sold separately as they need to be suitable for the type of wall you have.
Light load metal brackets
These standard steel brackets are available in a range of sizes with a variation of maximum loads, from 10kg to 30kg. Brackets are reversible, so they can be used in 2 different positions. They are suitable for indoor use and have been painted with a white Epoxy finish for long-lasting colour and resistance to rust.
Regular load metal brackets
Available in black, white and aluminium effect. Choose from brackets that measure 200mm in height and can be used on shelves from 150mm to 300mm, or brackets that measure 300mm in height and can be used on shelves from 250mm to 450mm. Brackets are reversible, so they can be used in 2 different positions, and have a maximum load of 40kg. They are suitable for indoor use and have an Epoxy finish for long-lasting colour and resistance to rust.
Wooden brackets
Available in black, white and natural pine wood finish. Choose from brackets that can be used on shelves from 150mm to 300mm, or ones that can be used on shelves from 250mm to 450mm. Brackets are reversible, so they can be used in 2 different positions and have a maximum load of 40kg. They are suitable for indoor use and can be cleaned with a soft cloth.
Clever brackets
These clever brackets are compatible with shelves from 200mm to 420mm and can hold up to 40kg. They are available in green, red, black, white, grey, copper effect and aluminium effect, and can be mounted to the wall in 3 different positions. Resistant to rust and can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth, these shelf brackets are ideal for indoor use.
Decorative metal brackets
Available in black, white, bronze effect and aluminium effect. Choose from brackets that measure 200mm in height and can be used on shelves from 150mm to 300mm, or 300mm brackets that can be used on shelves from 250mm to 450mm. Brackets are reversible, so they can be used in 2 different positions and have a maximum load of 40kg. They are suitable for indoor use and have an Epoxy finish for long-lasting colour and resistance to rust.
Heavy load brackets: 100kg - 400kg maximum load
Bear in mind that the maximum load shown may be lower depending on the wall condition. Remember that loads should be distributed evenly to avoid any problems.
Xtreme metal brackets - max load 300kg
Our Xtreme aluminium brackets are ideal for holding extremely heavy weights. They are reversible, so can be used in 2 different positions and come in 2 different sizes – they can be used on up to 675mm shelves and have a maximum load of 300kg.
Specific use brackets
Floating shelf brackets
These brackets are the perfect solution for creating stylish floating shelves. Our Rigga floating shelf brackets can be used with 18mm shelf boards, and our Cusko floating shelf brackets can be used on 38mm shelf boards. All have a maximum load of 20kg. Rigga and Cusko brackets are available in aluminium effect, whilst the Kasper brackets have a galvanised steel finish.
Our floating shelf connectors can be used on either 18mm or 38mm thin floating shelves. Use them to create endless shelving configurations with our shelf boards, from a spot to a full wall solution. Available in a painted aluminium effect, resistant to rust and can hold up to 20kg.
Microwave brackets
Save space on your kitchen worktop thanks to these clever microwave brackets. They are adjustable, come in a white painted finish and have a maximum load of 40kg. Giving you more space for other appliances and accessories that you wish to place on your worktop.
Glass shelf brackets
Our Rest shelf brackets are available in nickel effect or a white painted finish and are compatible with glass shelves up to 19mm thick. With a maximum load of 20kg, these brackets are ideal for everyday use indoor shelves.
Corner fittings
These aluminium effect corner fittings are compatible with our RIGGA corner shelves and have a maximum load of 20kg. Corner shelves are a fantastic way of making the most of limited space.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many brackets are needed for a shelf?
You generally need at least two brackets for a shelf. For light domestic loads a pair will support short shelves, but for longer or heavier shelves fit additional brackets approximately every 600mm. For heavy loads or deep shelving reduce spacing to 300–400mm. Position brackets near the ends, within about 25mm of each edge, and use suitable wall fixings or secure into studs. Always check the bracket weight rating and the shelf material to ensure safe support.
- How far apart should brackets be on a shelf?
As a rule of thumb, space shelf brackets about 400–600 mm apart for standard loads. Exact spacing depends on shelf material, depth and how much weight it will carry, so use closer spacing of 300–400 mm for heavy or deep shelves and consider a centre support for long spans. Position brackets about 25–50 mm from each end of the shelf to reduce overhang. Always check the bracket and wall fixing load ratings before installing.
- How to hide shelf brackets?
You can hide shelf brackets by choosing concealed or floating brackets, or by covering visible brackets with trim. Recessed or hidden wall-mounted brackets sit inside the shelf so no metal shows. Alternatively paint brackets the same colour as the wall or shelf, fix a timber valance or moulding to disguise them, or use decorative corbels that blend with your scheme. Ensure any cover does not reduce load capacity and is securely fixed.
- What screws to use for shelf brackets?
Use screws suited to the wall type and bracket load. For masonry, use 6–8mm diameter screws with matching wall plugs or rawlplugs; for timber studs use 4.5–6mm wood screws long enough to bite at least 30–40mm into the stud. For heavy loads choose larger coach screws or masonry anchors. Use stainless or galvanised screws in humid areas and ensure screw heads fit the bracket countersink or slot for a secure fixing.