Q: I want to install shelves above my pseudo kitchen counter to replace the shelving unit currently perched on top of it. My kitchen has a mixed-finish vintage look, so my idea was to use natural-colored wood (like my counter) with a metal bracket to tie the different pieces together.

Unfortunately, the positioning of the tile in my kitchen is making it impossible for me to find shelf brackets that will work in this space and still allow me to reach things on a daily basis. I tried to install a floating shelf, but my Brooklyn apartment's walls aren't structurally sound enough. Ideally, some sort of reverse/upside down bracket would be perfect to keep things from falling off either side, because I'm also a klutz.
I'm a renter and just gradated from school, so my budget is limited and I'm not looking to install any crazy system. I found a picture of shelves with this general idea that I've included, but since it's from a photo shoot, I have no idea where to find them in real life.
Does anyone know where I can find reverse brackets for shelves? I'm desperate!
Sent by Kelly
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Shaw's Original Fir...
I'm not 100% sure those are actually brackets - It looks like a floating shelf and ribbon to me, but I could be wrong.
What you could do is use regular brackets and attach them to the shelves with carriage brackets instead of regular screws. They'd go all the way through the shelf, but they'd be secure. You could turn it into an industrial sort of look.
I agree in that these look to be just simple boards and ribbon/ strap system to me. Which is a great Idea for a renter.
Instead of ribbon, try to find some other secure binding at a hardware store - leather would be great if you could find it. Secure the shelf to the strap and secure the straps to the wall with screws+anchors if your walls aren't as structurally sound as you would like.
I'd always be careful setting larger items (your flour pot and utensil storage) on here without making sure to secure the shelf as much as you can in the wall. Studs are best!
Good luck!
Hannah McCoy
hannahmccoyinteriors.com
Yup. Those are ribbons. http://www.marthastewart.com/269884/ribbon-bracket-shelves?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/shelving-projects
Check out this idea from The Container Store.
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/shelving/wallMountedShelving?productId=10016851&N=13377&Ntt=shelf
Container store appears to sell just the brackets and cable for $19.99. I'm guessing you could find those in a lot of organizing-type stores.
There are simple Ikea shelves I have, I got them for like $10 each I think. It's just a plain pine board and the brackets. But the brackets can be installed upside down or right side up. Good luck!
These are the shelves I have. They work well!
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/46693309/
We just installed shelves up towards the ceiling in our dining room and we used these brackets from ikea. we attached them to the top of shelves instead of underneath. we used strong anchors, and they work perfectly and look great. here is a link.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30168724/
You can use Made of Metal's brackets for this application. Just use them upside down and drill one side into the wall and the other in the shelf.