How to Put up a Shelf the Easy Way

I’ll be honest, I’m not good with a drill. Hands on DIY has never been my strong point, I’m more the one to direct and design than to get drilling, but I’ve been making an effort in recent months and even put up a few shelves and the noticeboard in our office. Still, my lack of DIY prowess isn’t something I am proud of.

So, when British Gypsym invited me to come and style some shelves I knew I was onto a winner. They were making a film all about their very handy product Gyproc Habito – a new type of plasterboard that makes hanging shelves a doddle without the use of a drill , and wanted some bloggers to spend the afternoon making the shelves look pretty for a promotional piece.

But, when I arrived in London for the fun project along with Sarah Akwisombe and Lori from Wild and Grizzly, I found out we were going to have to hang the shelves as well as style up their contents. Oh dear.

I have to admit I was a little nervous. Even though this special plasterboard wall meant I didn’t need to be handy with the drill, I did need some skill with a spirit level and screwdriver. After a short lesson from the experts, we went to work.

Here’s the plain, untouched wall I had to work with, and the accessories I’d selected:

This is what you need to do:

1. Identify where you are going to hang the shelf and make marks with your pencil
2. Straighten up the marks with your spirit level
3. Taking a screwdriver, make a small dent in the spot where you are going put your screw (yes you only needs screws)
4. Line up your screw and start screwing it in until 3/4 of the way in
5. Hang your shelf on the brackets or screws

I know, it couldn’t be simpler right? No need for drills, drill bits or mess, simply screw your screw into the desired location and you’re good to go.

Gyproc Habito from British Gypsum can hold way more than normal, and just screws alone will hold 15kg.

And here’s the finished result:

So I feel empowered. I almost consider myself a DIYer! Seriously though this does make a huge difference and to DIY adverse types like myself, this is a must.

Anyway, back to the styling, here’s how my shelves turned out. I was pretty pleased with them and think they’d look great in a child’s bedroom. What do you think?

And after all that hard work, it was time for a glass of bubbly to celebrate!

And if you want to see me, Sarah and Lori in action on the day, check out the Rooms Made for Your video –

In collaboration with British Gypsum.