Hello everyone, I’m facing the challenge of installing my Billy shelves in a rental apartment without drilling or otherwise damaging the walls. This is important to me because I want to avoid problems with the landlord when I move out. I’ve heard of various methods, such as screw systems without drilling, tension rods between floor and ceiling, or special adhesive strips, but I’m unsure how stable these solutions really are, especially when the shelves are fully loaded.
My question is: How can I secure Billy shelves without drilling so that they remain as stable as possible without damaging the wall? Are there any proven solutions or products you can recommend? I would appreciate tips based on personal experience, ideally with information about how much weight the shelves can support without drilling.
My question is: How can I secure Billy shelves without drilling so that they remain as stable as possible without damaging the wall? Are there any proven solutions or products you can recommend? I would appreciate tips based on personal experience, ideally with information about how much weight the shelves can support without drilling.
Hello mutuso, this is really a tricky situation, especially when you’re not allowed to damage the apartment – I know that feeling very well and have often wondered myself what the best approach is.
I once had several Billy shelves that I fixed using so-called tension rods between floor and ceiling. This works surprisingly well because the pressure is quite high and the shelf is basically wedged in place. However, you need enough ceiling height and relatively smooth floor and ceiling surfaces for it to hold properly.
I would also say that this is the biggest uncertainty. For me, it held for several months without any problems – but I didn’t load the shelf to the maximum, rather with lighter items. Maybe using non-slip rubber pads to prevent slipping would help.
If you’re unsure, it might be better to specifically look for weight capacities when using adhesive products; there are also special furniture tapes that adhere very strongly.
I’m curious to see what other tips come up here, there are surely other good ideas!
I once had several Billy shelves that I fixed using so-called tension rods between floor and ceiling. This works surprisingly well because the pressure is quite high and the shelf is basically wedged in place. However, you need enough ceiling height and relatively smooth floor and ceiling surfaces for it to hold properly.
mutuso schrieb:
how stable it really holds, especially when the shelves are fully loaded
I would also say that this is the biggest uncertainty. For me, it held for several months without any problems – but I didn’t load the shelf to the maximum, rather with lighter items. Maybe using non-slip rubber pads to prevent slipping would help.
If you’re unsure, it might be better to specifically look for weight capacities when using adhesive products; there are also special furniture tapes that adhere very strongly.
I’m curious to see what other tips come up here, there are surely other good ideas!
V
vincent4628 Oct 2019 19:45Hey mutuso, I completely understand your concern; the fear of damage is often an issue with rental apartments.
For similar reasons, I used self-adhesive mounting brackets. These are specifically designed for shelves and are often quite strong; they hold up well, especially if you don’t load the shelves to full capacity.
But be careful: the quality of the adhesives varies a lot. Sometimes they come off again after a few months, depending on how clean and grease-free the surface is. I would definitely clean the wall thoroughly beforehand, and especially avoid using them on wallpaper, as some adhesives don’t stick well there.
Good tip! That definitely helps with stability.
Is the shelf placed against the wall or free-standing? The stability usually suffers a lot with free-standing shelves that are not anchored to the wall.
For similar reasons, I used self-adhesive mounting brackets. These are specifically designed for shelves and are often quite strong; they hold up well, especially if you don’t load the shelves to full capacity.
But be careful: the quality of the adhesives varies a lot. Sometimes they come off again after a few months, depending on how clean and grease-free the surface is. I would definitely clean the wall thoroughly beforehand, and especially avoid using them on wallpaper, as some adhesives don’t stick well there.
FELOTAU schrieb:
maybe you should also use non-slip rubber pads
Good tip! That definitely helps with stability.
Is the shelf placed against the wall or free-standing? The stability usually suffers a lot with free-standing shelves that are not anchored to the wall.
Mutuso, I recommend tension rod systems available from IKEA or other suppliers.
These are installed between the floor and ceiling, and the shelf is secured to them. No drilling required, and they offer good stability.
Alternatively, heavy-duty adhesive tape or double-sided tape for wall brackets can be used if the shelf is not heavily loaded.
These are installed between the floor and ceiling, and the shelf is secured to them. No drilling required, and they offer good stability.
Alternatively, heavy-duty adhesive tape or double-sided tape for wall brackets can be used if the shelf is not heavily loaded.
R
reoWilhelm29 Oct 2019 08:55Good morning mutuso!
I had a similar idea: no drilling, but still reliable.
I used furniture feet with a tandem system. That means placing a non-slip rubber pad between the floor and the bottom of the shelf, and on top using a telescopic tension rod to create pressure. This way, the shelf stands firmly against the wall and doesn’t wobble at all.
Of course, it might not always look very stylish, but hey, stability comes first 😉
Mine is placed against the wall. Without wall contact, a Billy shelf would be risky, especially if there are children or pets around.
I had a similar idea: no drilling, but still reliable.
I used furniture feet with a tandem system. That means placing a non-slip rubber pad between the floor and the bottom of the shelf, and on top using a telescopic tension rod to create pressure. This way, the shelf stands firmly against the wall and doesn’t wobble at all.
Of course, it might not always look very stylish, but hey, stability comes first 😉
vincent46 schrieb:
Is your shelf placed against the wall or free-standing in the room?
Mine is placed against the wall. Without wall contact, a Billy shelf would be risky, especially if there are children or pets around.
Thanks in advance for your tips! The idea of tension rods sounds really interesting to me, but I’m wondering whether you necessarily need the IKEA-specific solutions or if third-party options would fit just as well.
Are there differences in build quality? And how complicated is the installation? I don’t have much DIY experience and also don’t own a lot of tools. Additionally, I’m curious how these systems secure the shelf firmly in place so it doesn’t slip.
Looking forward to your feedback.
Renegi schrieb:
Tension rod systems available at IKEA or from third-party suppliers
Are there differences in build quality? And how complicated is the installation? I don’t have much DIY experience and also don’t own a lot of tools. Additionally, I’m curious how these systems secure the shelf firmly in place so it doesn’t slip.
Looking forward to your feedback.
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