ᐅ How can I securely mount IKEA Hemnes shelves to the wall?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to install several IKEA Hemnes shelves in my living room, but I want to make sure that the shelves are securely and safely attached to the wall. Since the furniture feels quite heavy and I have young children at home, wall mounting is especially important to me.

My question is: How can I safely install IKEA Hemnes shelves on the wall?

Specifically, I am interested in:

- What fastening materials are recommended (e.g., anchors, screws, special brackets)?
- How can I best identify the right spots on the wall (e.g., whether the wall is concrete, drywall, etc.)?
- Are there any special tips or tricks for mounting Hemnes shelves that should be considered?
- Should the mounting hardware provided by IKEA be used, or are better alternatives recommended?

I look forward to your experiences and advice!

Hi LOHAU,

to answer your question with a bit of ease – when it comes to Hemnes shelves, secure wall mounting really makes the difference. The included brackets and screws are fine for standard walls, but if you have children, I would definitely use stronger anchors.

Here’s how:
- First, find out if you have a concrete wall, a load-bearing wall, or drywall (using a small stud finder or by tapping)
- For concrete walls, heavy-duty anchors and suitable screws that sit deep and firmly are best
- For drywall, you should use special hollow wall anchors; otherwise, the shelf won’t hold

One more tip: my personal favorite is these metal brackets that you screw under the shelf and then fix directly into the wall. They provide extra stability.

And don’t worry, drilling a little can be fun too! 😊

Hello LOHAU,

I am happy to provide you with a structured guide for the safe installation of the IKEA Hemnes shelves:

1. Determine wall type:
- Concrete wall: Use a concrete drill bit, heavy-duty anchors, and screws that typically support high loads.
- Drywall (plasterboard): Use cavity anchors, such as toggle bolts, specifically designed for drywall.
- Wooden walls: Screw directly into the studs or use appropriate wood screws.

2. Mounting brackets:
- IKEA includes brackets for attachment. These are sufficient if the correct anchors are used as described above.
- For extra security, use larger brackets or corner braces from a hardware store.

3. Positioning:
- Mark precisely using a spirit level or laser level.
- Plan spacing and height beforehand to ensure the shelf hangs straight.

4. Mounting depth and screw length:
- Screws should penetrate at least 5 cm (2 inches) into the anchor.
- The outer diameter of the anchors should match the screws and be at least 8 mm (0.3 inches).

Summary: The supplied brackets are suitable for home use; the key to safe installation lies in selecting the correct anchors and screws, as well as accurately determining the wall type.

If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist.

The safest method is to attach to load-bearing walls using heavy-duty anchors. Drywall requires special hollow wall anchors. Always fasten the shelf bracket toward the wall and align it carefully.

Important: When assembling Hemnes shelves, always use the wall anchors provided by IKEA. If the wall material is uncertain, it is better to use hollow wall anchors or drill into the studs.

Do not use screws only in the drywall, as the shelf will not hold securely.

Most issues with installing Hemnes shelves arise from using the wrong type of wall plugs and mounting in unsuitable areas of the wall.

My advice:

- For concrete or masonry walls, use Fischer or Tox heavy-duty anchors of 8 mm (0.3 inches) diameter or larger.
- For hollow walls, be sure to use tested hollow wall anchors (e.g., toggle bolts).
- Use screws at least 6 cm (2.4 inches) long to ensure a secure hold.
- Use a stud finder to locate wall studs or masonry, and attach the shelves there.

Contrary to popular belief, the IKEA mounting hardware is usually standard quality. For greater safety, it is recommended to replace them with high-quality components.