Get More from Your Kitchen Cabinets with Shelf Brackets

If your kitchen cabinets are stuffed to the brim with pots, pans, dishes, and food, it may be time to consider adding extra storage space. Installing shelf brackets inside your existing cabinets is an easy and affordable way to double your storage capacity. With just a few basic tools and materials, you can create customized shelving that makes the most of every inch of available space. Discover how the right brackets can transform your kitchen into an organized haven.

The benefits of brackets go far beyond just gaining storage space. Strategically placed shelves allow you to neatly group similar items together or separate dishes from food. You can optimize corner cabinets or display decorative items. Best of all, adjustable brackets give you flexibility to reconfigure your space as needed. Read on to learn all about the many bracket options and how to install them for maximum impact.

Types of Brackets for Kitchen Shelves

The most popular type of bracket used in kitchens is the basic L-shaped metal bracket. These hardy supports come in a range of sizes, widths, and finishes to suit any cabinetry. Heavy-duty steel provides exceptional strength to securely hold a fully-loaded shelf.

For a touch of style, decorative wrought iron or wooden shelf brackets complement cabinet doors made of rich hardwoods. Though wood may not be quite as strong as metal, it creates a cohesive look. There are also ornate scrolled metal brackets for a vintage feel.

Metal Brackets

With an unbeatable mix of affordability, strength, and versatility, metal brackets are a top choice for most kitchens. Steel and aluminum options range from simple flat bars to elegantly curved scrollwork.

Sturdy steel provides the highest weight capacity, typically supporting up to 200 pounds per pair. Though aluminum is lighter weight, it can still handle moderate loads up to 100 pounds.

Both fixed length and adjustable brackets are available. Adjustable brackets allow you to reposition shelves as needed with just the turn of a screwdriver. Fixed types only offer one set position but are quicker to install.

Wood Brackets

For a natural look, wood corbels and brackets come in oak, pine, poplar, and various stained finishes. The graceful curves and classical details complement traditional styled cabinetry. Go for an Art Deco flair with clean-lined maple supports.

Wood provides adequate strength for everyday dishes and lighter items but cannot match the steel supports of metal brackets. Stick to middle shelves and avoid loading wood brackets with heavy pots.

Since wood brackets cost more than basic metal and offer less flexibility, make sure they align with your kitchen’s style before choosing them.

Cabinet-Mounted vs Wall-Mounted

One decision to make is whether to use brackets attached to the cabinet itself or anchored directly into the wall. Cabinet-mounted brackets are the most common choice for adding shelves inside existing cabinets.

Wall-mounted brackets allow you to install floating shelves adjacent to cabinets. The shelf appears to magically hover against the wall since the brackets are hidden. This works best for lightweight decor items.

Corner Brackets

Take advantage of awkward corner cabinet space with brackets specifically designed for a 90-degree fit. Triangular corner shelves mounted at various levels maximize every inch. Spinning “lazy susan” shelves bring items front and center.

Or maximize vertical storage with tall corner brackets supporting stacked shelves. You can store bulky items like stand mixers out of the way or neatly file baking sheets.

Choosing the Right Brackets

With so many sizes, load capacities and designs available, choosing the ideal brackets for your space takes some consideration:

Measure Carefully

First, closely measure the inside cabinet dimensions so you purchase brackets that fit correctly. Standard depths are 12 or 16 inches but can vary.

Also consider the thickness of the shelves you will use. Brackets should match the height of the shelf to provide maximum support. The optimal shelf thickness for most brackets is 3/4 inch.

Weight Capacity

Check the recommended load rating before buying brackets to ensure they can handle the weight of your intended items. Small, lightweight floating shelves only need decorative wrought iron brackets rated for 20-30 pounds per pair.

For sturdy cabinet shelves, look for a higher capacity around 150 pounds. Heavy duty metal brackets may support up to 500 pounds if you need to store hefty cookware.

Spacing Brackets

Properly spaced brackets prevent shelf sagging or collapse. For shelves up to 36 inches long, allow 12 to 16 inches between brackets. Longer shelves require more frequent support, so space 48-inch shelves every 8 to 12 inches.

Also place brackets closer together if using weaker materials like wood or supporting very heavy loads. Refer to manufacturer instructions for optimal bracket placement.

Allow for Adjustability

Adjustable shelf brackets make rearranging your space quick and easy down the road. Locate them along the top or bottom shelf edges for easy access.

Fixed brackets don’t allow adjustments, but they let you simply drop in shelving without fussing with knobs. Opt for at least some adjustable brackets for flexibility.

Installing Cabinet Shelf Brackets

Once you select the ideal brackets, it’s time to add your new shelving. Carefully following these steps ensures your shelves are level, study and customized to your space.

Gather Materials

Before starting, gather your brackets, tools for predrilling and installation like a drill, drivers and stud finder, shelf material, and hardware like lag screws or mollies.

You may also want shelf liner to prevent slippage, edge banding to hide shelf sides, or cabinet lights.

Mounting Brackets

Measure and mark precisely where to place the brackets. Hold them against the wall and mark the screw holes. Predrill pilot holes.

Use lag screws for attaching to wall studs or mollies for drywall without a stud. Follow manufacturer instructions on proper hardware and tighten brackets securely.

Check with a level that the brackets are even to prevent an uneven shelf. Repeat to install any remaining brackets.

Adding the Shelf

Once brackets are in place, set the shelf onto them. Have a helper hold the shelf while you check for a secure, level fit. Add shelf supports if needed for long shelves.

For floating shelves without cabinet attachment, apply construction adhesive between the bracket and shelf for added security.

Finishing Touches

To help keep items in place, line shelves with non-slip liner material. Self-adhesive vinyl options easily trim to fit.

For a more finished look, apply edge banding that adheres over plywood shelf sides. Use peel-and-stick types or solid wood strips.

Light up your new shelving with battery-operated cabinet lights. Install strips beneath shelves or opt for puck lights.

Getting Organized with Shelf Brackets

Once your shelving is installed, it’s time to organize. Brackets help maximize every inch of space by customizing cabinets to your storage needs.

Kitchen Storage Solutions

Added shelving is perfect for separating and organizing dishes, glasses, pots and pans. Designate shelves for baking essentials or food storage containers.

Install a mixer shelf to stash bulky appliances off the counter. Use bed risers to lift a shelf higher.

Pull-out shelves mounted on drawer glides roll fully out of corner cabinets for easy access to spices or canned goods.

Easy Access to Frequently Used Items

Place everyday dishes, drinking glasses, mugs, and cooking tools on shelves in the optimal ergonomic zone for ease.

Below-shelf spice racks that mount via brackets keep seasoning within arm’s reach. Or add a custom shelf above your cooktop for oils and garnishes.

Optimize Corner Cabinets

Take advantage of hard-to-reach corner cabinet space with lazy susans or vertical storage using brackets. Spinning shelves bring items right to you with just a swivel.

Or utilize all the vertical room with stacked shelves on tall brackets. Great for stashing baking sheets, cutting boards and other flat items.

Display Decor

Make use of awkward narrow spaces between cabinets. Floating shelves mounted with brackets are perfect for plants, cookbooks, or decorative displays.

In open shelves, brackets act as elegant supports to hold servingware, savvy collections or anything you want to show off.

With the right brackets, you can gain storage, organization and style in your kitchen. Take time to consider your needs and cabinet layout when selecting bracket types. Measure carefully before installing and space brackets properly for sturdy support. The effort pays off with fully-utilized cabinets customized to your storage requirements.

Strategically placed shelves keep everyday items within reach and hide less-used items. Display collections or decor. Gain up to double the storage capacity from existing cabinetry. For the highest quality and selection of brackets for kitchens, choose a trusted manufacturer.