Concealed Shelf Brackets

What Are Concealed Shelf Brackets and How Do They Work?

When it comes to creating a clean, minimalist look in your home or workspace, few solutions are more effective than floating shelves. They appear to hover on the wall with no visible support—sleek, modern, and timeless. The secret behind these shelves? Concealed shelf brackets.

At Oakcrafts, we offer a carefully selected range of concealed shelf brackets designed to support floating shelves securely while keeping the hardware completely out of sight. Whether you’re installing shelves in a living room, kitchen, hallway, or office, choosing the right bracket makes all the difference in terms of safety, aesthetics, and long-term durability.

Let’s take a closer look at how concealed shelf brackets work, how to fit them, and which of our four designs might best suit your project.

What Do Concealed Shelf Brackets Do?

Concealed shelf brackets (also known as floating shelf supports or invisible shelf brackets) are hidden components that fix securely into a wall and insert into a cavity at the rear of the shelf. This design gives the shelf a floating appearance while maintaining a strong load-bearing capability.

Rather than traditional brackets that are visible beneath the shelf, concealed brackets are hidden inside, making them ideal for those aiming for a contemporary or minimalist finish. They’re also a popular choice for shelving made from solid oak, reclaimed timber, or chunky wooden boards where aesthetics matter.

How Are Concealed Shelf Brackets Fitted?

Installing concealed shelf brackets requires a bit of planning and precision. Here’s a general outline of the fitting process:

1. Drill and Fix to Wall

   First, you’ll need to drill holes into the wall at your desired shelf height. For best results, secure the brackets into brick, block, or solid studwork.

2. Mark and Drill Shelf

   Match the bracket positions on the back edge of your wooden shelf, drilling deep holes to accept the bracket rods. A snug fit helps keep everything stable.

3. Slide the Shelf On

   Once both wall and shelf are prepared, the shelf slides onto the bracket rods. Some models allow for additional adjustment or fixing once in place.

Installation can vary slightly depending on the type of bracket used, so always check the specific product details and fitting instructions before beginning.

Our Concealed Shelf Bracket Range

Oakcrafts offers four distinct types of concealed shelf brackets, each designed for different requirements. Below is a breakdown of each product and when it might be the right choice for your shelving project.

1. Pair of Concealed Floating Shelf Brackets / Supports

This is our classic floating shelf bracket and the go-to choice for most solid wall installations. The robust design offers a high weight-bearing capacity and a neat finish when fitted correctly.

• Diameter: 12mm

• Length: 120mm

• Wall Plate: 12mm thick, with pre-drilled fixing holes

• Material: Galvanised steel for corrosion resistance

Ideal for shelves 40mm thick or more, this bracket supports medium to heavy loads with ease. The rods insert deep into the shelf for excellent stability, making it a reliable choice for bookshelves, kitchen storage, or feature displays.

2. Pair of Concealed Floating Shelf Supports – With Solid Horizontal Adjustment

Need a little flexibility when lining up your shelves? These floating shelf supports offer a clever solution with a solid metal adjustment sleeve.

• Adjustment range: Allows for 10mm horizontal movement

• Shelf Fit: 30mm+ thickness recommended

• Wall Fit: Brick or solid timber walls only

This type of bracket is especially useful if your wall isn’t perfectly flat or if you’re installing multiple shelves that need precise alignment. The adjustable sleeve makes it easier to achieve a flush, level finish even on uneven surfaces.

3. Pair of Concealed Shelf Supports – With Screw Mount Plate

These brackets are fitted with a screw-mount plate, providing a fast and secure installation option. The screw plate offers an easy way to fix into timber stud walls or where standard concealed supports aren’t feasible.

• Wall Plate: Wider base with multiple fixing holes

• Rod: 12mm diameter

• Recommended Shelf Thickness: 30–40mm or more

These are a good option if you’re working in a timber-framed property or fitting into pre-prepared stud panels. The wider plate ensures better load distribution over a larger surface area.

4. Pair of Concealed Floating Shelf Cavity Wall Support Rods (12mm x 120mm)

Designed specifically for cavity walls, these 12mm x 120mm rods are the best choice when working with hollow plasterboard walls, such as dot and dab or stud partitions.

• Wall Fixing: Must be combined with appropriate cavity wall anchors (not included)

• Shelf Thickness: Minimum 40mm recommended

• Finish: Clean and hidden with a standard floating shelf look

Because cavity walls require different support methods, this bracket is ideal for lighter shelving applications where concealed support is still a must. Always ensure suitable fixings are used for the wall type.

Choosing the Right Bracket

When choosing your bracket, always consider the wall type, shelf thickness, and weight load. Here’s a quick reference:

In Summary

Concealed shelf brackets are the key to achieving floating shelves that are both beautiful and secure. Whether you’re building rustic oak shelving or a sleek modern display, choosing the right bracket ensures your shelves perform as well as they look.

You can browse our full range of concealed shelf brackets here and find the right solution for your home or project. Each product includes clear specifications and is backed by Oakcrafts’ commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

If you need any help choosing the right bracket for your wall type or shelf thickness, feel free to get in touch—we’re always happy to advise.