Best Anchors and Screws for Drilling Floating Shelves into Drywall
Installing floating shelves on drywall is a fantastic way to add stylish storage and display space to your home, but choosing the right anchors and screws is critical for a secure, damage-resistant shelf display. Drywall alone can’t support heavy loads, so selecting anchors and screws that distribute weight effectively ensures your shelves hold books, decor, or kitchen essentials without pulling out. Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, these tools create a professional, modern DIY wall decor setup. Below, we share 10 of the best anchors and screws for drilling floating shelves into drywall, with tips for achieving a sturdy, polished look.
1. E-Z Ancor Twist-N-Lock Drywall Anchors with Screws
E-Z Ancor Twist-N-Lock Drywall Anchors are a top choice for floating shelves, supporting up to 75 pounds per anchor in 1/2-inch drywall. These self-drilling anchors twist into the wall with a screwdriver, requiring no pre-drilling, and come with matching #8 screws for a secure hold. They’re ideal for medium to heavy-duty shelf displays in living rooms or home offices, holding items like books or vases.
To install, mark your shelf bracket holes with a bubble level, then screw the anchor directly into the drywall until flush. Insert the provided screws to secure the bracket, ensuring a tight fit. These anchors are renter-friendly, as they leave small holes easily patched with spackling paste, perfect for temporary DIY wall decor setups.
For best results, use at least two anchors per bracket for shelves over 24 inches wide. Pair with minimalist decor, like wooden frames or plants, to enhance the modern aesthetic. E-Z Ancor anchors provide a reliable, easy-to-install solution for floating shelves on drywall.
2. TOGGLER SnapToggle Strap Anchors with Bolts
TOGGLER SnapToggle Strap Anchors are heavy-duty champions, supporting up to 265 pounds in 1/2-inch drywall when used with their included 1/4-20 bolts. These toggle bolts feature a metal strap that locks into place behind the drywall, making them ideal for heavy-duty floating shelves holding electronics or kitchen appliances. They’re perfect for robust shelf displays in dining areas or entertainment spaces.
Drill a 1/2-inch hole, insert the metal strap, and pull it tight before snapping off the plastic guides. Secure the shelf bracket with the provided bolts, using a bubble level to ensure alignment. The small hole size is easily patched, making this a renter-friendly option for DIY wall decor that requires serious strength.
Use multiple toggles for wide shelves to distribute weight evenly. Pair with bold decor, like ceramic sculptures, for a modern look. TOGGLER SnapToggles offer unmatched holding power, ensuring your floating shelves stay secure on drywall.
3. WingIts RC Series Drywall Anchors with Screws
WingIts RC Series Drywall Anchors are designed for heavy loads, supporting up to 300 pounds in 5/8-inch drywall with their included #10 screws. These anchors feature a winged design that expands behind the drywall, providing exceptional strength for floating shelves in high-traffic areas like kitchens or living rooms. They’re ideal for shelves holding heavy books or decorative baskets.
Drill a 3/4-inch hole, insert the anchor until the wings deploy, and tighten the screw to secure the shelf bracket. Use a bubble level to align marks before drilling for a polished shelf display. The larger hole requires more patching effort, so plan for spackling paste if removing, making this better for long-term DIY wall decor setups.
For wide shelves, use at least three anchors to prevent sagging. Pair with sleek decor, like glass jars or metal frames, to maintain a modern vibe. WingIts anchors deliver heavy-duty reliability for floating shelves on drywall.
4. Hillman Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors with Screws
Hillman Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors are a versatile, renter-friendly option, holding up to 50 pounds in 1/2-inch drywall with their included #6 screws. These anchors screw directly into drywall without pre-drilling, making them ideal for lightweight to medium floating shelves in bedrooms or bathrooms. They’re perfect for displaying small plants, frames, or toiletries in a shelf display.
Mark your bracket holes with a bubble level, then screw the anchor into the drywall until flush. Secure the bracket with the provided screws, ensuring a firm hold. The small hole size is easily patched with spackling paste, making this a great choice for temporary DIY wall decor in apartments.
Use two or more anchors per bracket for stability, especially for shelves over 18 inches. Pair with minimalist decor for a clean, modern look. Hillman anchors offer an easy, reliable solution for floating shelves on drywall.
5. Qualihome Drywall Anchors with Pan-Head Screws
Qualihome Drywall Anchors are budget-friendly and effective, supporting up to 65 pounds in 1/2-inch drywall with their included #8 pan-head screws. These plastic anchors require a 5/16-inch pilot hole and expand when the screw is inserted, providing a strong hold for medium-duty floating shelves in home offices or entryways.
Drill pilot holes with a drill, using a bubble level to ensure alignment, then tap the anchor in with a hammer and secure with the screw. The small hole size is renter-friendly, easily filled with spackling paste for a clean removal. This makes Qualihome anchors ideal for temporary or adjustable shelf displays in DIY wall decor projects.
Use multiple anchors for wider shelves to distribute weight evenly. Decorate with lightweight items like candles or small books for a modern aesthetic. Qualihome anchors provide a cost-effective, secure solution for floating shelves on drywall.
6. TOGGLER Plastic Toggle Anchors with Screws
TOGGLER Plastic Toggle Anchors offer a reliable hold, supporting up to 79 pounds in 1/2-inch drywall with their included #6 screws. These anchors fold and insert through a 5/16-inch hole, expanding behind the drywall for a strong grip, making them ideal for medium-duty floating shelves in living rooms or nurseries. They’re perfect for shelves holding toys, books, or decor.
Drill pilot holes, insert the anchor until it clicks, and tighten the screw to secure the shelf bracket, using a bubble level for alignment. The small hole size is easily patched, ideal for renters creating temporary shelf displays. These anchors are easy to install, requiring minimal tools for a professional DIY wall decor setup.
Use at least two anchors per bracket for stability, and pair with colorful or minimalist decor to suit your style. TOGGLER Plastic Toggles provide a versatile, renter-friendly option for floating shelves on drywall.
7. Swpeet Metal Drywall Anchors with Screws
Swpeet Metal Drywall Anchors are durable, supporting up to 100 pounds in 5/8-inch drywall with their included #8 screws. These self-drilling anchors screw directly into the wall, creating a strong hold for heavy-duty floating shelves in kitchens or entertainment areas. They’re ideal for shelves holding appliances, cookware, or large decor items.
Mark holes with a bubble level, then screw the anchor in until flush, securing the bracket with the provided screw. The metal construction ensures longevity, but the small hole size is still patchable with spackling paste, making this renter-friendly for DIY wall decor. Use multiple anchors for wide shelves to prevent sagging.
Pair with bold decor, like ceramic vases or wooden trays, for a modern shelf display. Swpeet anchors offer a robust, easy-to-install solution for floating shelves, ensuring a secure hold on drywall.
8. ITW Brands Red Head Drywall Anchors with Screws
ITW Brands Red Head Drywall Anchors support up to 65 pounds in 1/2-inch drywall, paired with their included #8 screws. These plastic anchors require a 5/16-inch pilot hole and expand when screwed in, providing a strong hold for medium-duty floating shelves in dining rooms or bedrooms. They’re great for shelves holding frames, plants, or small electronics.
Drill pilot holes with a drill, using a bubble level to ensure alignment, then tap the anchor in and secure with the screw. The small hole size is easily patched, making this a renter-friendly choice for shelf displays. These anchors are simple to install, requiring minimal tools for a clean DIY wall decor setup.
Use multiple anchors for wider shelves and decorate with sleek, modern items for a cohesive look. ITW Red Head anchors offer a reliable, affordable solution for floating shelves on drywall.
9. Monkey Hook Drywall Anchors for Quick Installation
Monkey Hook Drywall Anchors are unique, J-shaped hooks that support up to 50 pounds in 1/2-inch drywall without screws, making them ideal for lightweight to medium floating shelves in entryways or bathrooms. Push the hook through the drywall, twist to lock, and hang the shelf directly on the hook, using a bubble level for alignment.
These anchors require no pre-drilling, leaving a tiny, easily patched hole, perfect for renters creating temporary shelf displays. They’re best for shelves with wire or loop mounts, offering a quick setup for DIY wall decor. Use multiple hooks for wider shelves to ensure stability.
Decorate with lightweight items like small plants or photos for a modern vibe. Monkey Hooks provide a fast, renter-friendly solution for floating shelves, ensuring a secure hold with minimal wall impact.
10. WEDGE-IT Drywall Anchors with Screws
WEDGE-IT Drywall Anchors support up to 85 pounds in 5/8-inch drywall with their included #8 screws, making them a great choice for medium to heavy-duty floating shelves in home offices or living rooms. These anchors require a 3/8-inch pilot hole and expand when screwed in, providing a strong grip for shelves holding books or decor.
Drill pilot holes, tap the anchor in, and secure with the screw, using a bubble level to ensure a straight shelf display. The small hole size is patchable with spackling paste, ideal for renters. These anchors are easy to install, creating a professional DIY wall decor setup with minimal effort.
Use multiple anchors for wide shelves and pair with sleek decor for a modern look. WEDGE-IT anchors offer a durable, renter-friendly solution for floating shelves, ensuring stability on drywall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best anchors for heavy-duty floating shelves on drywall?
TOGGLER SnapToggle (up to 265 lbs) and WingIts RC Series (up to 300 lbs) are ideal for heavy-duty floating shelves, offering strong holds for books or electronics.
Do I need to drill into studs for floating shelves?
Studs provide the strongest hold, but anchors like **TOGGLER SnapT`’s or WingIts support heavy loads without studs. Use a bubble level for alignment.
What screws should I use with drywall anchors for shelves?
Use screws provided with anchors, typically #6 to #10, matching the anchor type (e.g., #8 for E-Z Ancor). Ensure screws fit snugly for a secure shelf display.
Are drywall anchors renter-friendly for floating shelves?
Yes, most drywall anchors like E-Z Ancor or Monkey Hooks leave small, patchable holes with spackling paste, making them ideal for DIY wall decor in rentals.
How many anchors should I use for a floating shelf?
Use at least two anchors per bracket for shelves up to 24 inches wide, and three or more for wider shelves to ensure stability for your shelf display.
How do I patch drywall holes after removing shelves?
Fill holes with spackling paste, smooth with a putty knife, and sand lightly after drying. This restores drywall for a damage-free floating shelf removal.
Conclusion
Choosing the right anchors and screws for floating shelves on drywall ensures a secure, stylish shelf display that holds everything from books to decor without wall damage. These 10 top options—from E-Z Ancor to WingIts—offer solutions for various weights and shelf sizes, perfect for renters and homeowners alike. By matching anchors to your shelf’s load and using a bubble level for alignment, you can create a professional, modern DIY wall decor setup. Pick the best anchor for your project, start installing today, and save this guide for future home decor inspiration to keep your space functional and chic!
