The Simple L Shelf Bracket

What it is

The Simple L Shelf Bracket is a single strip of stainless steel bent to a 90 degree angle. It holds a wood shelf to a wall with no brace underneath, so the space below stays open. The steel is 3 mm thick, which keeps the bracket stiff under a loaded shelf. Each pack holds two brackets and the screws to fix them.

Sizes

Three sizes cover most shelf jobs. All three share the same 1.25 in (32 mm) depth, so they sit the same distance out from the wall.

Measure your shelf depth before you choose. The bracket should be no deeper than the shelf, or the steel will show past the front edge.

Colors

Black suits dark wood, painted walls and industrial rooms. Silver suits light wood, white walls and polished fixtures. Both colors are the same stainless steel underneath, so the finish is the only difference. Pick one color per pack.

How to fit it

1. Mark the height of your shelf on the wall with a level line.
2. Hold the first bracket against the line and mark the screw holes.
3. Drill the holes and fix the bracket with the included 0.7 in (17.6 mm) screws.
4. Set the second bracket the same distance apart as your shelf width, then check both with a level.
5. Sit the shelf on the brackets and drive short screws up through the slotted holes into the underside of the shelf.

The slotted holes let you slide the bracket a little before the final tighten. That small amount of play makes it easier to get two brackets level with each other. For a shelf that carries books or tools, fix the brackets into studs or use wall anchors rated for the load. The bracket is only as strong as what holds it to the wall.

Where it works

Use the small size for picture ledges and narrow display shelves. Use the middle size for kitchen and bathroom shelves that hold jars, bottles and towels. Use the large size for longer shelves in a study, garage or pantry. The plain L shape also suits open shelving where you want the shelf to look like it floats, with no diagonal brace in view.

Care

Wipe the brackets with a dry cloth. A dry cloth keeps the finish even and removes dust from the corners. If the steel picks up marks from wet hands, dry it right away rather than letting water sit on the surface.

What you get

Two brackets and the screws to fix them. Nothing else is included, so have your wall fixings and shelf screws ready before you start.