Best Shelf Brackets

Updated September 2021
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
A29 Set of 2 Classic 7 3/8 Inches Iron Shelf Brackets
A29
Set of 2 Classic 7 3/8 Inches Iron Shelf Brackets
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Bottom Line

In your choice of many finishes, these handcrafted iron shelves split the difference between function and style.

Pros

Handcrafted in iron. Adjustable in both directions. Can hold shelves that are 8 inches or 10 inches deep. Includes screws. Choice of finish. Well-made. Heavy-duty, as long as you mount them for heavy-duty use. Good-looking and practical.

Cons

Do not over-torque the screw, or it may break. Consider using different screws to mount, especially if you need to reach the stud for heavy-duty use.

Best Bang for the Buck
Ultra Hardware 96111 Shelf Brackets 10-Inch by 12-Inches Grey
Ultra Hardware
96111 Shelf Brackets 10-Inch by 12-Inches Grey
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Bottom Line

Pre-drilled with multiple options, these brackets support up to 65 pounds each and can be painted to match any project.

Pros

Pre-drilled installation holes. Multiple holes for multiple levels. Steel construction. Enamel finish. Each bracket rated for 65 pounds. Can paint any color to match decor. Great for use in garage and utility projects.

Cons

Screws not included, but that's so you can choose the correct type for your project and wall type.

Alise J5207-4P Stainless Steel Shelf Brackets
Alise
J5207-4P Stainless Steel Shelf Brackets
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Bottom Line

This set of 4 brackets comes with pre-drilled holes and everything you need to mount. Although you may want to consider getting higher quality drywall anchors.

Pros

Set of 4. Stainless steel construction. Hand brushed finish. Mount holes. Includes screws. Sturdy and durable. Flex a little bit. Work well as corner brackets, too. Good value and quality. Simple design and instructions. Choice of sizes.

Cons

The drywall anchors that come with the brackets are very low quality.

Knape & Vogt John Sterling THE MAX BRACKET Shelf Bracket
Knape & Vogt
John Sterling THE MAX BRACKET Shelf Bracket
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Bottom Line

The diagonal support bars in these quality, powder-coated brackets help them hold up to 1,000 pounds per pair, when mounted into 16-inch stud centers.

Pros

Holds up to 1,000 pounds per pair when mounted into 16-inch wall stud centers. Heavy-duty utility shelf bracket. Max bracket shelves are intended for heavy-duty shelving projects in places like the utility closet, basement, or garage. Black powder coat finish. Easy to install. Very sturdy and stable.

Cons

Powder coating can get scratched.

WINOMO 4-Piece Shelf brackets Wall Mounted Floral Shelf Brackets, Black
WINOMO
4-Piece Shelf brackets Wall Mounted Floral Shelf Brackets, Black
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Bottom Line

If you need something more feminine-looking, try these floral shelf brackets. Just be aware they will not hold as much as more industrial-looking alternatives.

Pros

Vintage-style floral pattern design in triangle shape. Sturdy. Comes with screws. Brackets measure 7.87-inches length by 7.87-inches width. Holds about 27 pounds. Attractive and easy to install. Paintable.

Cons

You may wish to use different drywall screws from the ones provided.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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35
Models
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159
Consumers
Consulted
26
Hours
Researched
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A shelf bracket allows you to install shelving in a bedroom, garage, or other rooms. It is usually constructed from iron or other types of metal. Shelf brackets are sold in myriad sizes. Brackets come in a wide range of finish options, and they may be painted to complement a setting's décor. Some brackets can support up to 1,000 lbs. They are frequently sold with screws and may include pre-drilled installation holes. Brackets are sometimes adjustable in multiple directions and may hold shelves of varying depths. They can usually be installed in just minutes and will remain in place for an extended period of time.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Bravo!
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Heavy Duty Steel Floating Shelf Bracket, 6 Pieces
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Wengus
Heavy Duty Hidden Floating Shelf Brackets, 6 Pack
Claimed Corner
Heavy-Duty Shelf Brackets
Bravo!
8 Pcs Shelf Bracket
EZYDECOR
6 Pcs Floating Shelf Brackets
Claimed Corner
Floating Shelf Bracket
Claimed Corner
Shelf Brackets
See more
Our Top Picks
A29
Best of the Best
A29
Set of 2 Classic 7 3/8 Inches Iron Shelf Brackets
Bottom Line
In your choice of many finishes, these handcrafted iron shelves split the difference between function and style.
Shop Now
Ultra Hardware
Best Bang for the Buck
Ultra Hardware
96111 Shelf Brackets 10-Inch by 12-Inches Grey
Bottom Line
Pre-drilled with multiple options, these brackets support up to 65 pounds each and can be painted to match any project.
Shop Now
Alise
Top Pick
Alise
J5207-4P Stainless Steel Shelf Brackets
Bottom Line
This set of 4 brackets comes with pre-drilled holes and everything you need to mount. Although you may want to consider getting higher quality drywall anchors.
Shop Now
Knape & Vogt
Top Pick
Knape & Vogt
John Sterling THE MAX BRACKET Shelf Bracket
Bottom Line
The diagonal support bars in these quality, powder-coated brackets help them hold up to 1,000 pounds per pair, when mounted into 16-inch stud centers.
Shop Now
WINOMO
Top Pick
WINOMO
4-Piece Shelf brackets Wall Mounted Floral Shelf Brackets, Black
Bottom Line
If you need something more feminine-looking, try these floral shelf brackets. Just be aware they will not hold as much as more industrial-looking alternatives.
Shop Now