One of the biggest challenges to creating shelving is determining how to approach the wall corners. There are a few different options and our brackets will help create the look with strong, sturdy support.
Separate Shelves
This is by far the most simple and effective method for creating corner shelving. It's easy, requires basic DIY skills and works for most corners. However, it does often need more brackets to ensure everything is evenly supported.
For this method, you would install one shelf along the first wall. Using L brackets to provide support at the end of the board and down the length of the shelf.
Then, you simply install another shelf on the second shelf with it lined up next to the first shelf. This one also requires a L bracket at the end of the board.
The pantry shelving in the above photo is a great example of how to achieve this look. This can be an easy, strong option though it may be difficult to get the shelves to line up evenly.
Joined Shelves
For a more finished look, joining corner shelves creates one single custom shelf system. There are a couple of ways to join shelves including:
1. Dowels
Using wooden dowels is a strong and relatively easy way to join two shelf pieces at a right angle. Use a doweling jig for precise placement.
2. Biscuit Joiner
A biscuit joiner cuts slots into each board, where you insert compressed wood “biscuits” that expand when glued. This method is fast and forgiving — perfect for beginners who still want clean lines.
3. Mitered Edge
For a seamless, modern look, cut each shelf end at a 45-degree angle and glue together.
When shelves are joined, fewer brackets are typically needed as the corner itself only needs to be supported. This can be achieved with a basic L bracket or for a more custom support, our Corner Shelf Brackets install directly to the wall corner and attach to the shelf.
Once the inside corner of the shelf is supported, you would then support the shelf down the length of the board, following our typically guidelines for quantity of brackets based on shelf size.
Individual Corner Shelf Unit
One thing to note, corner shelves do not need to be part of a larger shelving system. Using small wood shelves, either cut as a square or with a rounded corner shelf, they can be installed individually. Our corner shelf brackets can hold individual corner shelves securely.
These are a great option for bathroom shelves, a floating plant stand, or simply making good use of extra corner space.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many methods for creating corner shelves. From very beginner DIY skills to more complex details, there are options for just about anyone. Corner shelves can add a custom element to home design and make the best use of space in the kitchen, bathroom, or bookshelves. Let us know if you have any questions for your corner shelving project - we're happy to help!
