Interiors

Secure Bookshelf to Wall Without Screws: 4 Best Ways

Written by

Rosanne Jones

Writer, Designer

FACT-CHECKED BY

Steven D. Carrico

Architect

secure bookshelf to wall without screws

A bookshelf can indeed store your books and organize your home. Also, you may add some of your favorite things on the shelf, beautifying your house.

But, leaving unsightly holes on the wall to keep case in place is unacceptable for most of us. That’s why we should know how to secure bookshelf to wall without screws.

This article has rounded up the four best ways to stabilize bookshelf without drilling. Read on to know.

4 Best Ways to Secure Shelf to The Wall Without Screws

Method 1: Using Velcro Strip

secure-shelf-to-wall-without-screws

Velcro strip is a strong adhesive that can attach bookcase to wall without drilling. It is a woven tape made from polyester, nylon, and Nomex, a flame-resistant material.

The velcro strip can support up to 10 pounds. For a bookshelf, you need several pairs of velcro strips.

What you need for this method:

  • Quality Velcro strip ( We use 3M Command strip, which is known for its strong adhesion)
  • A pencil and measuring tape
  • Isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth

Here are the steps on how to use them:

  • Step 1: Locate your bookshelf to your desired place and mark it with a pencil. You can use the measuring tape to easily get the exact points. Make sure you are happy with the location of the bookshelf before you attach it to the wall.
  • Step 2: Clean the wall where you will secure the bookshelf and also the back of the bookshelf. Use a clean microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
  • Step 3: Attach one side of the Velcro strip to the wall lining them on the vertical edges of the bookshelf. You may use several Velcro strips for a big bookshelf and a number of Velcro strips for a smaller one.
  • Step 4: Then, press all the strips tightly and confirm if they are attached well to the wall. Repeat this step on the bookshelf using the other strip.
  • Step 5: Leave the Velcro strips for 1 – 2 hours to make them fully steady.
  • Step 6: Then, place the bookcase on the wall with Velcro strips. Press the bookshelf firmly against the wall until it is completely secured and immovable.

Method 2: Applying Heavy-Duty Glue

anchor-bookshelf-to-wall

Many homeowners apply heavy-duty glue to anchor bookshelf to wall.

One of these heavy-duty glues is polyurethane glue which is tough and can make your bookcase stable on the wall.

This glue can bond to various materials, especially wood. It has strong adhesion, and you do not need clamps to fasten objects like the bookshelf fully.

What you need for this method:

  • Super Glue of your choice
  • Masking tapes
  • A pencil and measuring tape
  • Some pieces of microfiber cloths
  • Isopropyl alcohol and water

On the other hand, when you decide to move your bookcase to another place, some of the glue may be left on your bookcase or on the wall.

Therefore, to ensure a tight connection of your bookshelf to the wall, you may follow the instructions below:

  • Step 1: Use the measuring tape to determine the location of your bookshelf if it’s too heavy to lift. Get a pencil and mark the wall where you will secure the shelf for long-term use.
  • Step 2: Clean the bookshelf and the wall using a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol. To be careful, you can wipe it again with clean water, then leave it for 15 minutes to dry.
  • Step 3: Get your polyurethane glue and apply a generous amount to the back of your bookshelf.
  • Step 4: You might need some help in this step if the shelf is large and heavy. Press the bookshelf tightly on the wall, following your marks where you will attach the bookshelf. Check if the glue is firmly attached to the wall.
  • Step 5: To add pressure while the glue is curing, get masking tape. And tape the entire bookcase against the wall.
  • Step 6: Finally, you can leave the tapes there for about a day to ensure that the glue sets in before removing them.

Method 3: Making Use of Heavy-Duty Tape

secure-bookcase-to-wall-without-drilling

For a lightweight bookshelf, you may use heavy-duty tape, particularly double-sided mounting tape. This tape can secure shelf to wall without screws.

What we like about using heavy-duty tape is you can easily remove it without having marks. Besides, it can make your bookshelf stable on the wall.

What you need to prepare:

  • A pencil and a measuring tape
  • Some pieces of microfiber cloths
  • Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning
  • Heavy-duty tape that can work well with wooden objects

The following are the steps on how to use heavy-duty tape in connecting your bookshelf to the wall:

  • Step 1: Get a pencil and a measuring tape to mark the exact desired location of your bookshelf.
  • Step 2: Remove dirt on the wall where you will attach your bookshelf using a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
  • Step 3: Use isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean your bookcase, especially its backside.
  • Step 4: Get the heavy-duty tape and apply it to the backside of your shelf. Press it tight to ensure firm bonding for about 30 seconds.
  • Step 5: Then, pull out the protective strip on the backside of the double-sided tape. Now, push the bookcase onto the tapes, making sure all the corners have adhered correctly.
  • Step 6: Once done, press your bookshelf firmly on the desired location’s wall. Press it tight for about 20 to 30 seconds. Make sure the bookshelf is immovable and stable on the wall.

Method 4: Utilizing a Furniture Anti-Tip Kit

secure-bookcase-to-wall-with-furniture-anti-tip-kit

A Furniture Anti-Tip Kit is a safety box that helps you secure bookcase to wall without drilling.

This type of kit often packs velcro straps, steel cables, adhesives, or plastic ties that can attach your bookcase to the wall. They also have wall anchors that can secure the straps.

Besides the kit, you still need the usual items, including Isopropyl alcohol, soft cloths, a pencil, and your measuring tape.

You may continue reading about how to use the anti-tip kit.

  • Step 1: Clean the wall with a piece of soft cloth and water or Isopropyl alcohol. You might want to do the same with the bookcase to ensure the adhesive works well.
  • Step 2: Use the pencil and a measuring tape to mark spots on the wall where you want to attach your bookshelf.
  • Step 3: Use four safety Velcro straps and position them vertically on the backside of your bookshelf. Then, press them tightly and in place for 30 seconds.
  • Step 4: Now, position your bookshelf on the level of the Velcro straps and remove their protective strip exposing the sticky side. Apply pressure on the sticky side against the bookshelf.

Conclusion

The methods above on how to secure bookshelf to wall without screws can leave your walls free from holes and scars. Also, this can make your family and pets safe from falling incidents due to earthquakes and more.

Also, do not forget always to clean the surfaces of your bookshelf and the wall where it is attached. It may secure the bonding of adhesives firmly. Also, you may lower the weight of your bookshelf for more stability.

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