Hexagon shelves have become a popular design choice for modern interiors, offering a unique blend of style and functionality. Their geometric shape allows for creative integration into various spaces, whether as standalone pieces or part of an accent wall. Hanging hexagon shelves can also provide a stylish way to display decorative items, plants, or books, enhancing the aesthetic of any room while maximizing vertical space.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps for how to hang hexagon shelves, ensuring that they are secure and visually appealing.
Benefits of Using Hexagon Shelves
Hexagon shelves offer several advantages that make them a desirable addition to any home. Firstly, their unique shape adds visual interest and can serve as a focal point in a room, enhancing the overall decor. Additionally, they are versatile; hexagon shelves can be arranged in various configurations, allowing for personal expression and creativity in design. Moreover, these shelves provide ample storage space without occupying a large footprint, making them ideal for smaller areas.
Their geometric aesthetic is not only trendy but also timeless, ensuring that they remain stylish for years to come. Finally, hexagon shelves are perfect for displaying plants, books, and collectibles, bringing a touch of nature and personality into the living environment.
Choosing the Right Location
Selecting the optimal location for your hexagon shelves is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. Consider placing them in high-traffic areas where they can act as a statement piece, such as living rooms, hallways, or above a console table. Ensure that the shelves are positioned at eye level to maximize visibility and accessibility for displayed items. It’s also important to take into account the surrounding decor and available wall space; placing hexagon shelves near complementary colors or patterns can enhance your overall design scheme.
Additionally, think about the purpose of the shelves: if they will hold plants or other items requiring light, choose a spot near a window to provide adequate sunlight. Remember, the right location not only showcases your shelves but also integrates them seamlessly into your home’s interior.
10 Methods How to Hang Hexagon Shelves
1. Choose the Right Wall Anchors for Secure Installation
The first step to successfully hanging hexagon shelves is selecting the right wall anchors. The type of anchor you choose depends on the wall material (drywall, plaster, concrete) and the weight of the items you plan to display. For drywall, plastic expansion anchors work well for lighter shelves, while toggle bolts or metal molly bolts are better for heavier loads.
For plaster or concrete walls, masonry anchors are recommended. After selecting the appropriate anchors, mark the placement of your shelves on the wall, ensuring they are level. Drill holes where you’ve marked and insert the anchors, then attach the screws to secure the shelves. This method ensures that your shelves are firmly attached, preventing them from pulling away from the wall over time.
2. Use a Template for Accurate Placement
Given the unique shape of hexagon shelves, it’s essential to get the placement just right. Creating a paper or cardboard template of your hexagon shelves can help you accurately plan the arrangement on your wall before drilling any holes. Simply trace the outline of your shelf onto the paper, cut it out, and tape it to the wall.
Move the template around until you find the perfect spot, then use a pencil to mark where the screws or anchors will go. This method helps you visualize the final look and ensures that your shelves are evenly spaced and properly aligned.
3. Find and Use Wall Studs for Maximum Stability
For the most secure installation, try to hang your hexagon shelves on wall studs. Studs provide a sturdy anchor point for your screws, ensuring the shelves can support more weight without sagging or pulling away from the wall. Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind your drywall. Once located, mark the stud positions on the wall where you want to install your shelves.
If the placement of your shelves doesn’t align with the studs, you can use drywall anchors, but securing at least one screw into a stud will increase the overall stability. This method is particularly important if you plan to display heavy items on your shelves.
4. Level Your Shelves for a Professional Look
A level is an essential tool when hanging hexagon shelves. Even if your wall appears straight, slight variations can cause your shelves to hang crookedly, detracting from their appearance. After marking where you want to hang your shelves, place a level along the top edge of the shelf to ensure it’s perfectly horizontal.
Adjust the placement as needed before drilling your holes. If you’re hanging multiple shelves in a pattern, use the level to ensure they are all aligned consistently. This method ensures a professional-looking installation and prevents items from sliding off due to uneven shelving.
5. Use Mounting Hardware for Invisible Support
For a clean and minimalist look, consider using hidden mounting hardware, such as keyhole brackets or floating shelf brackets. These allow you to mount the shelves without visible brackets or supports, enhancing the modern aesthetic of the hexagon design. To install, attach the keyhole brackets to the back of the shelf, then measure and mark the corresponding locations on the wall. Install screws or anchors at these points, leaving a small portion of the screw head exposed.
Finally, slide the shelf onto the screws using the keyhole openings, ensuring a snug fit. This method provides a sleek, floating effect that emphasizes the geometric beauty of the hexagon shelves.
6. Create a Clustered Display for Visual Impact
Hexagon shelves are particularly striking when arranged in a clustered pattern, creating a honeycomb effect. To achieve this look, plan out the arrangement on the wall using paper templates or by lightly marking the wall with a pencil. Start with the central shelf and work outward, ensuring that the gaps between each shelf are even.
A clustered display not only enhances the visual appeal of the shelves but also allows you to maximize storage and display space. This method works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or entryways where you want to create a focal point.
7. Reinforce the Back of the Shelves for Extra Support
If your hexagon shelves are made from lightweight materials like particleboard or thin wood, reinforcing the back with additional support can prevent them from bowing under weight. Cut a piece of plywood or MDF to fit the back of the shelf and attach it using wood glue or screws.
This reinforcement provides extra strength and ensures that the shelves remain sturdy, even when loaded with heavier items. This method is especially useful if you plan to use the shelves for books, plants, or other substantial items.
8. Use Double-Sided Tape or Adhesive Strips for Lightweight Shelves
For lightweight hexagon shelves or if you’re renting and can’t drill into the walls, double-sided tape or adhesive strips can be a practical alternative. Choose high-strength adhesive strips designed to support the weight of the shelf and its contents. Clean the wall surface thoroughly before applying the adhesive to ensure a strong bond.
Press the shelf firmly against the wall, holding it in place for the recommended time to allow the adhesive to set. This method is best suited for small, decorative shelves and should not be used for heavy or fragile items.
9. Combine Hexagon Shelves with Other Decor Elements
To create a cohesive and dynamic wall display, consider combining your hexagon shelves with other decorative elements such as framed art, mirrors, or wall decals. Arrange the shelves first, then fill in the surrounding space with complementary items. This method adds depth and interest to your wall decor, transforming the hexagon shelves from a functional storage solution into an integral part of your room’s design. The combination of shapes and textures can make a powerful visual statement in any room.
10. Adjust for Uneven Walls with Adjustable Brackets
If your walls are uneven or slightly sloped, using adjustable brackets can help you achieve a level installation. These brackets allow you to make fine adjustments after the shelves are mounted, compensating for any irregularities in the wall surface. Install the brackets as you normally would, then use the adjustment screws to level the shelf perfectly. This method is particularly useful in older homes where walls may have settled over time, causing them to be less than perfectly straight.
Conclusion
Installing hexagon shelves can greatly enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your space. By implementing the tips outlined, such as utilizing wall studs for stability, ensuring a level installation, and reinforcing shelves as needed, you can create a beautiful display that is both practical and visually appealing. Whether you choose to cluster your shelves for impact or combine them with other decor elements, these creative strategies will help you maximise your wall space while showcasing your unique style. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to hang hexagon shelves!
Huston Douthit is a distinguished figure in the world of furniture design, with a decade of expertise creating innovative and sustainable furniture solutions. His professional focus lies in merging traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, fostering designs that are both practical and environmentally conscious. As the author of Fruniturix, Huston delves into the art and science of furniture-making, inspiring artisans and industry professionals alike.
Education
- RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia)
Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)- Focus on sustainable design, industry-driven projects, and practical craftsmanship.
- Gained hands-on experience with traditional and digital manufacturing tools, such as CAD and CNC software.
- Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom)
Bachelor’s in Furniture and Product Design (Honors)- Specialized in product design with a focus on blending creativity with production techniques.
- Participated in industry projects, working with companies like John Lewis and Vitsoe to gain real-world insights.
Publications and Impact
In Fruniturix, Huston shares his insights on furniture design processes, materials, and strategies for efficient production. His writing bridges the gap between artisan knowledge and modern industry needs, making it a must-read for both budding designers and seasoned professionals.