How to Install Closet Shelves: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Updated: January 9th, 2026

Closet shelves are an essential part of any home, offering a convenient way to store and organize clothing, shoes, accessories, and other household items. Learning how to install shelves in a closet can help you make the most of your space while giving your closet a polished and functional look. While do-it-yourself closet shelving can be a fun and rewarding project, there are times when calling a professional ensures the best results.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to building closet shelves and how to determine if it’s time to call in the experts:

1. Plan Your Closet Shelving Design

Before diving into installing closet shelves, spend time planning the layout and purpose of your storage. Whether you are building a new system from scratch or adding shelves to a closet that already exists, a well-thought-out design ensures you’re making the most of your space.

Steps to Plan Your Design:

1. Assess Your Needs: Identify the items you’ll store, such as folded clothing, shoes, handbags, or bins, and plan the shelves accordingly.
2. Measure the Closet Space: Use a tape measure to record the width, height, and depth of your closet. Note any obstructions, such as light fixtures or door frames.
3. Choose Materials: Popular options include wood for a traditional look, wire for ventilation, or laminate for easy cleaning.
4. Sketch Your Layout: Map out where each shelf will go. Include different heights and widths to accommodate a variety of items.

Pro Tip:

For a custom and seamless design, explore Renuity’s closet solutions, which offer tailored storage systems for any space.

2. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Having the right tools and materials on hand ensures a smooth installation process. Here’s a checklist to guide you:

Tools:

• Drill and drill bits
• Level
• Stud finder
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Saw (to cut shelves to size)
• Screwdriver

Materials:

• Shelf boards (wood, laminate, or wire)
• Brackets, cleats, or a track system for support
• Screws and wall anchors (heavy-duty toggle bolts or drywall anchors)
• Sandpaper or shelf liners for finishing

Select your shelving material based on how you plan to use the space:

• Wire Shelving: The most budget-friendly option. It promotes airflow, which is excellent for linens, but small items may tip over without liners.
• Solid Wood/Plywood: The strongest option for heavy loads. It allows for custom cuts and sturdy mounting but often requires sanding, painting, or staining.
• Laminate: Provides a polished, easy-to-clean surface instantly. However, it is heavy and difficult to cut to size without chipping the finish.

3. Locate Studs and Mark Shelf Placement

Finding and using wall studs is crucial for ensuring your shelves are stable and can support the weight of stored items. Follow these steps:

1. Use a Stud Finder: Move the stud finder along the wall to locate studs, and mark their positions lightly with a pencil.
2. Decide Shelf Height: Measure and mark the height of each shelf on the wall. For example:
   • Lower shelves can store shoes or bins.
   • Mid-level shelves work well for folded clothes or daily essentials.
   • Upper shelves are ideal for infrequently used items.
3. Ensure Level Markings: Use a level to draw horizontal lines where the supports or brackets will be installed.

4. How to Attach Closet Shelves to the Wall

The supports form the backbone of your shelving system. Depending on your design, you may use brackets, cleats, or a track system. The most critical step in this process is knowing how to attach the shelves to the wall securely so they can bear weight without sagging.

Securing to Studs vs. Using Drywall Anchors

Before installing your supports, determine if you are drilling into wood studs or hollow drywall:

• Into Studs (Recommended): For the strongest hold, always drive screws directly into the wall studs you marked in Step 3. This is essential for heavy loads.
• Into Drywall: If your shelf layout requires a bracket where there is no stud, you must use wall anchors. Use heavy-duty toggle bolts or self-drilling drywall anchors to prevent the shelf from pulling out of the wall.

Installing Brackets:

1. Align the brackets with the stud markings.
2. Drill screws through the brackets into the studs.
3. If a stud isn’t available, drill a pilot hole and insert your wall anchor before securing the bracket with a screw.

Installing Cleats:

Cleats are wooden strips mounted to the wall to hold shelves securely.

1. Cut the cleats to the width of each shelf.
2. Attach the cleats along the marked lines using screws driven into studs.
3. Ensure each cleat is level before securing it.

Using a Track System:

Track systems offer adjustable shelving and are great for closets that need flexibility.

1. Mount the horizontal top rail (if applicable) into studs.
2. Hang the vertical tracks from the rail or mount them to the wall at the desired locations.
3. Insert the brackets into the tracks at your preferred heights.

5. Attach and Secure the Shelves

With the supports in place, you’re ready to hang the closet shelves themselves.

Steps:

1. Place the shelf boards on top of the brackets, cleats, or tracks.
2. Secure the shelves with screws if necessary to prevent shifting.
3. Sand the edges for a smooth finish, or apply shelf liners for additional protection.

6. Add Finishing Touches

Once the shelves are installed, you can enhance their functionality and appearance with a few finishing touches:

• Organizers and Bins: Use storage baskets or bins to group smaller items and reduce clutter.
• Lighting: Add LED strips or motion-sensor lights to brighten the space and make it easier to find items.
• Labels: If you’re storing multiple categories of items, labels can keep everything organized.

Tips for Success

• Double-Check Measurements: Measure twice before drilling to ensure accuracy.
• Start Simple: Begin with one shelf before installing the rest to confirm alignment.
• Test Weight Capacity: Place light items on the shelves first to check stability before adding heavier loads.

When to Call a Professional

While do-it-yourself closet shelving is a satisfying project, there are scenarios where professional help is the better choice. Here’s when you might need expert assistance:

Custom Designs

If you’re looking for a built-in system with features like drawers, shoe racks, or specialty shelving, professionals can create a design tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Large or Complex Closets

Walk-in closets or spaces requiring intricate layouts may be challenging for DIYers. A professional can ensure everything fits perfectly and functions efficiently.

Structural Issues

If your walls have uneven surfaces, insufficient support, or other complications, a professional can address these issues safely and effectively.

Tight Deadlines

Installing shelves can be time-consuming, especially for larger projects. Hiring a professional ensures the work is completed quickly and with precision.

Advantages of Professional Installation

• Expertise: Professionals have the experience to handle complex installations and avoid common mistakes.
• Time-Saving: Instead of spending hours or days on a project, you can enjoy your new closet sooner.
• Seamless Finish: Custom systems installed by professionals often feature a polished look that’s hard to achieve with DIY methods.

DIY vs. Professional Installation: How to Decide

If you’re unsure whether to tackle the project yourself or hire a pro, consider these factors:

• Your Skill Level: Have you done similar projects before, and are you comfortable using power tools?
• The Project’s Complexity: A simple reach-in closet is easier to DIY than a multi-tiered walk-in design.
• Available Time: If you’re on a tight schedule, calling a professional can save you time and stress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Closet Shelves

How much weight can a standard closet shelf hold?

The weight capacity depends entirely on your installation method. A shelf bracket screwed directly into a wall stud can typically support 50 to 100 pounds per bracket. However, if you use drywall anchors, the capacity drops significantly to 10–20 pounds per bracket. For heavy items like textbooks or tools, always mount your supports into studs.

What is the standard vertical spacing between closet shelves?

For general clothing storage, space your shelves 12 to 15 inches apart. If you are storing bulky items like comforters or large bins, increase the spacing to 18 inches. For shoe shelves, a spacing of 6 to 7 inches is usually sufficient.

Why is my closet shelf sagging in the middle?

Sagging usually occurs because the support brackets are spaced too far apart. For most materials, supports should be placed every 32 inches maximum. If you are using particleboard or wire shelving for heavy loads, place a support every 16 to 24 inches to prevent bowing.

Can I install closet shelves without hitting studs?

Yes, but you must use the correct hardware. Standard plastic wall plugs will pull out under load. Instead, use heavy-duty toggle bolts or strap toggles, which expand behind the drywall to distribute the weight. However, we highly recommend finding at least one stud for the main structural support.

Conclusion

Knowing how to put shelves in a closet can save you money and provide a sense of accomplishment. With the right tools, careful planning, and attention to detail, do-it-yourself closet shelving can be a manageable project. However, for complex designs or large-scale installations, calling a professional can ensure your closet meets your needs while looking polished and professional.

Whether you’re ready to tackle a DIY project or looking for expert assistance, creating an organized, functional closet is within reach. Contact Renuity for tailored storage solutions that elevate your space.