Can you put recessed shelves in a wall?

Quick Answer

Yes, it is possible to install recessed shelves in a wall. The process involves cutting openings in the wall to create recesses for the shelves to fit into. Wood or metal brackets are then installed to hold up the shelves. Recessed shelving creates a built-in look and saves space compared to traditional mounted shelves.

What are Recessed Shelves?

Recessed shelves, also known as alcove shelves or niche shelves, are shelves that are installed inside cavities cut into walls. The shelves sit back inside the recesses, creating a streamlined, built-in look. The wall areas around the recesses act as supports for the shelves.

Recessed shelving has a few key advantages:

• Streamlined appearance – Since recessed shelves don’t protrude out from the wall, they create a cleaner, more integrated look compared to mounted shelves.
• Space saving – By recessing back into the wall, this type of shelving doesn’t take up as much room in a space. The walls essentially act as the sides and backboard of the shelves.
• Customizable – Recessed shelves can be designed and customized to fit the exact specifications of the space. The cavities can be cut to any size and shape.

They are commonly used in living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices to hold items like books, collectibles, and decor. They are also popular in kitchens for storing cooking ingredients near prep and cooking areas.

Can Recessed Shelves Be Installed in Any Wall?

Recessed shelves can be installed in most standard interior walls, but some wall types are more suited for recessed shelving than others:

• Drywall – The most common wall material in modern homes. Recesses can be cut easily in drywall.
• Wood paneling – Recesses can be cut in wood panel walls. The cut edges should be finished with trim pieces.
• Brick or concrete – Recesses can be built into new brick/concrete walls, but cutting shelving recesses into existing brick or concrete is very difficult.
• Tile – Recessed niches are often built into tiled shower/bath walls, but cutting into existing tile is tricky.

Load-bearing walls should generally be avoided when possible, as cutting recesses into them can compromise strength. Always check first before cutting.

Walls with plumbing, electrical, or other hidden utilities also need special care to avoid damage. Using a stud finder to detect framing and piping can help minimize this risk.

How to Install Recessed Shelves in a Wall

Installing recessed shelves into an existing drywall wall is a involved, multi-step process, but it can be a DIY project for an experienced homeowner. The basic installation steps are:

1. Plan the design – Decide on size, position, and number of shelves. Account for studs, utilities, and clearances. Consider sight lines if area is visible.
2. Mark openings and drill guide holes – Use a stud finder to detect framing. Mark openings in drywall and drill guide holes at corners.
3. Cut drywall openings – Use a drywall saw to cut along marked lines. Make rounded corners. Remove cut drywall.
4. Cut/install framing – Add wood bracing frames around openings. Cut to fit tightly.
5. Install shelf brackets – Screw sturdy metal brackets into framing to create shelf supports.
6. Install backerboard – Cut cement board or moisture-resistant drywall to line recesses.
7. Finish wall edges – Fill gaps with joint compound. Sand once dry. Prime and paint.
8. Add shelf – Cut boards to size. Insert shelves into brackets. Attach securely.

Proper planning is vital to get shelf spacing, depths, and alignments correct. The framing and backerboard strengthen the recesses for a durable finished product.

Advance Planning for Recessed Shelves

Successfully installing recessed shelving requires careful planning and preparation:

• Decide on sizes – Measure area and design shelving depths and widths.
• Check for obstructions – Use a stud finder to detect framing and wiring.
• Account for clearances – Leave room for door swings, furniture, etc.
• Choose durable materials – Select moisture-resistant backerboard and metal brackets.
• Gather tools – Assemble drywall tools, saw, drill, level, screwdriver, etc.
• Turn off power – Shut off circuits in the work area to be safe.
• Protect surfaces – Cover flooring and furniture from dust and debris.

Rushing into the project without planning risks poor alignment, shelving failures, or accidental damage. Measure twice and cut once!

Cutting Wall Openings for Recessed Shelving

The key steps for cutting recessed shelf openings are:

1. Mark stud locations – Use stud finder and mark opening area.
2. Drill guide holes – Drill through top drywall layer at cut line corners.
3. Cut drywall – Use a drywall saw in guide holes. Cut on lines.
4. Remove drywall – Carefully pull off cut drywall exposing framing.
5. Trim framing – Cut or notch studs allowing shelving to recess.

Take care when making cuts – go slowly and double-check measurements. Wear eye protection and masks to reduce dust.

Cut openings will have exposed framing. The next step is adding bracing frames around openings.

Adding Bracing Frames Around Shelf Openings

Once openings are cut, wood bracing frames are installed around the recesses. This keeps the openings neatly framed and provides attachment points for shelving brackets.

• Measure and cut horizontal bracing boards slightly wider than shelf depth.
• Measure vertical studs for end boards. Cut 2×4 boards to fit snugly.
• Predrill then attach boards with 3” deck screws. Check for level.
• Double check frame is square before continuing.

The bracing frame will sit flush with the drywall front surface. Boards should fit tightly together without gaps for best strength.

Installing Shelf Brackets

With the bracing frame complete, metal shelf brackets can be installed:

• Mark bracket locations – Determine spacing based on shelf sizes.
• Drill pilot holes – Drill where each bracket will attach into framing.
• Attach brackets – Use lug bolts or wood screws to anchor firmly in place.
• Check for level and alignment – Verify all brackets are even.

For adequate strength, brackets should be attached with at least 2” wood screws anchored into framing. Follow manufacturer instructions for bracket spacing and load capacity.

Adding a Backerboard in Shelf Openings

The last main step is installing a backerboard to enclose the recesses:

• Measure openings – Size cement board or drywall to fit inside frames.
• Cut boards – Use cement shears for cement board. Use utility knife and straightedge on drywall.
• Insert boards – Test fit, then attach into framing with cement board screws or drywall screws.

Cement board adds moisture-resistance, while drywall is cheaper. Apply silicone caulk around edges for watertight seal.

Finishing Shelf Recess Openings

Once backerboard is installed, some finishing work remains:

• Fill gaps – Use drywall joint compound and tape on seams and screw holes. Let dry.
• Sand – Lightly sand dried compound to smooth.
• Prime – Apply primer to sanded surfaces and cut edges.
• Paint – Finish with desired sheen/color of paint to match wall.

Proper finishing ensures recesses blend into the wall for a seamless look. Take time tosmooth gaps, texture, and paint edges.

Installing the Shelves

The final step is installing the shelves into the completed recesses:

• Cut shelves – Use finished boards, MDF, etc. Cut edges square.
• Sand – Lightly sand shelves to smooth edges.
• Finish shelves – Apply protective sealant if desired.
• Insert shelves – Set back into brackets. Confirm fit and alignment.
• Attach – Use L-brackets or other fasteners to secure shelves in place.

Pre-drill and countersink all screw holes. For a flawless look, shelves should sit back equally and align across openings.

Conclusion

Installing recessed shelving requires proper planning, patience, and attention to detail. But the results can be well worth it, creating space-efficient storage with a stylish, built-in look. With the right tools and process, advanced DIYers can add recessed shelves to transform plain walls into functional and decorative features.