ᐅ How can I securely install BILLY shelves without wall anchors in rental apartments?

Good morning everyone, I want to securely fix Billy shelves in my rented apartment, but I am not allowed to use wall plugs or drill holes in the wall. Are there practical and safe alternatives to the classic fixing with wall plugs that can still keep the shelf stable and prevent it from tipping or falling over without screws? My main concern is safety and stability, as I don’t want to cause any damage to the wall, and the shelf should not simply fall over when it is fully loaded. I look forward to any tips, including experiences or recommendations for materials that are well suited for this challenge.

Hello isidorlen, I completely understand your concerns about safety while wanting to protect the walls. I faced a similar issue myself because I live in a rental apartment with very thin walls and wasn’t allowed to install wall anchors. One solution that worked well for me is using tension rods or shelf supports that are secured between the floor and ceiling. These don’t require drilling and hold the shelf firmly against the wall. However, you need to check if your ceiling is sturdy enough for this. How is it in your case?

Hello everyone, I would like to briefly present a few ways to secure BILLY shelves without the use of wall plugs:

1. Shelf safety straps with adhesive tape: There are special self-adhesive shelf safety straps that can be removed without leaving residue; however, their load capacity is limited.

2. Anti-tip fittings with tension straps: These can be attached to furniture and ceiling or floor without drilling but must be individually adjusted.

3. Use of pressure rods (telescopic poles) fixed between floor and ceiling to prevent tipping.

It is important to check the weight of the shelf and the books to ensure the chosen securing method will hold. Combining several methods increases safety.

If the ceiling is load-bearing, I recommend telescopic poles between the floor and ceiling. No drilling required, stable support.

Tape alone is not enough. It is better to secure furniture with anti-tip brackets that attach to both the furniture and the ceiling, but without screws in the wall. These are also available with a clamping mechanism.

I have had good experiences with heavy-duty hook and loop tapes. They hold surprisingly well and do not cause any damage.