How to Hang Shelves Without Studs (That Won’t Rip Out)

No wall studs? No problem. If you’re wondering how to hang shelves without studs, you’re not alone — and yes, it’s totally doable if you use the right anchors and know what to expect. Whether you’re hanging floating shelves, brackets, or a wall organizer, the key is load support and avoiding common drywall disasters.

Let’s walk through exactly how to do it the right way — with real-world advice, tested fasteners, and the tools that make the job simple.

Heads up: Some of the links below are affiliate links. That means if you buy through them, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). We only recommend tools we trust and actually use.

First: What You Can and Can’t Hang Without Studs

Drywall isn’t load-bearing. That means you need anchors — but not all anchors are up to the task. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Light items (under 10 lbs) — use plastic wall anchors (but not for shelves)
Medium loads (10–25 lbs) — self-drilling drywall anchors can work if installed cleanly
Heavy items (25+ lbs or brackets) — toggle bolts or Snaptoggles are your best bet

Tip: If you’re hanging anything weight-bearing — like a floating shelf that holds books, dishes, or tools — skip the plastic anchors and go straight to heavy-duty solutions.

Tools You’ll Need

Power drill or impact driver
Level
Stud finder (to confirm there’s no wood behind your anchor points)
Tape measure
Pencil or painter’s tape
Drywall anchors (toggle bolts, Snaptoggles, or self-drilling)
Screwdriver

Heavy-duty drywall anchor kit we trust for shelves
Our top pick cordless drill for beginners

Step 1: Confirm You’re Not Over a Stud

Use a stud finder to check for wood behind the wall. If you hit one — great, use it. If not, mark your shelf placement and confirm you’re in open drywall.

Need a simple guide?
See: Beginner Power Tools Guide
See: What Size Wall Anchors to Use (No More Guesswork)

Step 2: Mark and Level Your Shelf Position

Use a level and pencil to mark where the shelf will sit. For brackets, mark the mounting holes. You can also use painter’s tape to visualize the shelf before drilling.

Make sure your marks are precise and even — especially if you’re hanging a multi-shelf unit.

Step 3: Choose the Right Anchor Type

This is the most important part.

Option 1: Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors (for light loads)

These screw directly into drywall and work well for shelves holding small items. No pre-drilling required — just screw them in and attach your shelf with the included screws.

Best self-drilling drywall anchors for light-duty shelves

Option 2: Toggle Bolts or Snaptoggles (for medium/heavy loads)

These create a wider spread behind the wall, holding significantly more weight.

Toggle bolts require a pre-drilled hole and metal wings that open behind the drywall
Snaptoggles are easier to install and support up to 265 lbs in drywall

Snaptoggle anchor kit we recommend for heavy shelves

These are the best option if your shelves will hold books, dishes, tools, or anything remotely heavy.

Step 4: Drill and Install Anchors

Use your drill or screwdriver to install the anchor based on the type:

For toggle bolts, drill a hole slightly larger than the wings and thread the bolt through your shelf bracket before inserting
For Snaptoggles, drill the hole, insert the anchor, snap the strap, and install the bolt through your shelf bracket

Tighten screws until snug — but don’t overtighten or you risk damaging the anchor or drywall.

Step 5: Mount the Shelf

With anchors installed, line up your shelf or brackets and drive in the screws. Use a level to double-check before finishing.

If you’re using floating shelf mounts, follow the included instructions carefully — most use a bracket that attaches to the wall first.

Bonus: Hanging Shelves in Plaster or Tile?

If you’re working with plaster walls, pre-drill slowly with a masonry bit — they’re more brittle than drywall.
For tile, you’ll need a carbide-tipped bit and go very slow. Anchoring shelves to tile requires special anchors designed for smooth surfaces.

Real-World Tips (from DIYers Who’ve Done It)

✅ Don’t trust the included anchors with cheap shelf kits — upgrade to better ones
✅ Use a level to speed up your install
✅ If you’re unsure, hang something lighter or move the shelf location to hit a stud
❌ Don’t use plastic expansion anchors for shelves — they pull out easily
❌ Don’t skip measuring — even slight misalignment can ruin the install