Thoughts on hanging a shelf (and not driving yourself crazy in the process)

I’m at the tail end of my kitchen renovation. It feels nice. Although the reason that it’s not 100% complete is because of those final little details that seem so hard to finish. One of my biggest headaches these past two weeks has been hanging a double decker kitchen shelf from Ikea. Who knew something so seemingly simple would be so freaking frustrating?

Well, I’ve learned from experience that you need proper support when trying to hang a shelf. Several years ago, I attempted hanging a different Ikea shelf and in the middle of the night it came tumbling down…along with everything on top of it. Ugh.

So this time, I wanted to make sure that didn’t happen. Thus began the hunt for the perfect toggle bolt. Well, I will spare you the humiliating details of my incompetence…and instead just give you a simple DIY’ers how-to checklist for when YOU are hanging shelf [with a toggle bolt].

1. Find a shelf. Preferably NOT from Ikea. I know they look pretty, but I’m convinced that they’re designed to make your life hell. However, assuming that you are like me and prefer form over function…then continue down this list.
2. Determine what kind of wall you have and if there is a stud available. Screwing the shelf into a stud is ALWAYS preferable to using any other method. Or so they tell me… I never seem to hang anything into a stud.
3. However, assuming you bought some fancy Ikea shelf that doesn’t work with the spacing of your studs (like I did), then knowing what type of wall you have will help you determine what kind of wall anchor you will need.
4. When you’re marking the holes for drilling into the wall…make sure you use a level to make sure that your shelf will hang level. If possible, have the shelf propped up on top of something so that you’re not trying to hold the shelf whilst also marking the holes. This can be extremely frustrating.
5. If you have hollow walls, a molly bolt or toggle bolt is your best option. But if you plan on hanging heavy items on this shelf, go straight for the toggle bolt. (Oh, and BUY A FEW EXTRA!) You’ll lose a couple in the wall trying to get it right…and the last thing you want to do is head back to the hardware store at 8pm on a Tuesday night.
6. Also, if there is a small local hardware store nearby…make sure to purchase any wall anchors there. The people that work there are more knowledgeable and can help you pick out the right size anchor as well as any new drill bits you might need to insert that bad boy. If using a toggle bolt, you’re going to need a bigger hole than you think.
7. Follow instructions on the package for how to use the toggle bolt, but here’s a tip: Make sure you get the right length bolts. (Or else you’re going to have to go back to the store yet again.) When you’re not sure, err on the side of longer than your first inclination . You can always tighten it.
8. Another tip for the toggle bolt: Don’t try to be sly and put the toggle all the way at the end. You’ll need to screw it on a couple of threads so that it doesn’t get messed up behind the wall. Trust me!!
9. Next tighten up the bolts…and then you’ve got a nice shelf hanging on the wall.

Hopefully this project won’t take you almost two weeks like mine did. But even though it took me that long, I must say that I’m very happy with the results.

Adorable Shadowbox idea

In this month’s Elle Decor, there’s an adorable idea for a keepsake shadowbox. I’m obsessed with art wall installations as well as not having too many tzchotkes sitting around the house, so incorporating them into my art collection sounds like such a great idea!! And as you’ve probably already guessed as well, I love my pups and therefore the idea of turning their old collars into wall decor sounds like a GREAT idea!! This could easily be made with a shadowbox from the Ikea ribba collection (aprox cost $8) and a basic stainless hook from the hardware store ($2).  (I loved the room so much I had to show the entire thing…isn’t it gorgeous?!  I love that chest of drawers.) Also…here’s a detail of the box itself.

In LOVE with Ikea’s room ensembles

Okay, I realize that Ikea is nothing new. It’s great for affordable design, fun kitchenwares, and simple low-cost frames, but it’s one of those retailers that I always think must be experienced in person. Their website just has never translated. It’s honestly at the BOTTOM of my list when I think of online shopping, so therefore HOW(!) amazed was I when saw their interpretation of the more traditional “shop by room.” It looks like a cross between a commercial and the matrix, but also works like a selling tool. SUPER COOL! Go Check it Out!!   (Oh, and like they say…listen to it with the volume ON.)

Oh, and in case you forgot it…maybe they got their inspiration for this from this scene from Fight Club.