Wood bracket shelving is known for its incredible style, and its aesthetic appeal is the most touted benefit for good reason. However, these brackets offer much more than just good looks.

1. Beautiful Materials and Finishes

Wooden brackets are available in a variety of premium wood types. At NookWoodworking, we offer oak and mahogany, two hardwoods that add a natural and inviting look to any room. Because they’re made from solid wood, you can also stain or paint them to perfectly match your decor.

2. Versatile and Customizable Styles

Another benefit is versatility in both style and functionality. Wood corbels can be cut and shaped to suit the specifications of your shelf and the decor of your space. You can find wood brackets for shelves in everything from a contemporary “wave” shape to an ornate Gothic design, as well as plain styles for a minimalist look.

3. Durability and Repairability

Scratches, dents, and cracks can be repaired more easily on a wood corbel than on some other materials (like MDF), which can extend its "shelf life." (We’ve also heard that some people like the weathered look that corbels can get over time, so you may want to leave those chips and dents after all!)

While wooden shelf brackets are valued for their visual appeal, that doesn’t mean they aren’t well-suited for supporting heavy shelves. The weight capacity of a wood corbel depends on a few different factors.

Factors That Determine Strength

• Size: In general, the bigger the corbel, the more weight it can support.
• Wood Type: A bracket made from a quality hardwood will be stronger than one made from a softwood.
• Mounting Method: Installing on a wall stud will always maximize weight capacity.

Weight Capacity Examples

NookWoodworking’s solid wood brackets are designed to support 60-90 lbs per stud. If you’re using drywall anchors, the weight capacity is reduced to 30-60 lbs per bracket. Our custom wood wall shelf brackets may vary, depending on the requested sizes and styles.

The Hybrid Solution: Pairing with a Floating Shelf

For the best of both worlds, consider pairing a floating shelf with wood brackets. In this setup, you benefit from the hidden metal bracket of the floating shelf, but still achieve the style you’re after with the wooden corbels. You can attach the corbels to the shelf for even more support or simply place them below for aesthetic purposes only.

Yes, wooden shelf brackets can absolutely work in modern and minimalist interiors. While corbels are rooted in historical architecture, they can be seamlessly integrated into contemporary decor by following a few key design principles.

Choose Clean Lines and Simple Shapes

To make corbels work for your modern or minimalist space, choose designs that feature clean lines and little to no ornamentation. These streamlined corbels are often described as “plain” or contemporary and are simply shaped to blend easily with modern decor.

Add Warmth and Natural Texture

As a material, wood is a perfect fit for any minimalist interior. It is often used to add warmth and texture to a room that might otherwise feel “cold.” Incorporating wood, stone, and other natural textiles helps create a more inviting atmosphere.

Focus on Timeless Functionality

The essence of minimalism is “less is more,” with a special focus on functionality. Corbels have a functional purpose—they provide support. But where other materials may go in and out of style, wood is timeless. It doesn’t require replacement if you change your decor; instead, it can help add balance to your space.

Both wood and metal shelf brackets have their place in every home. Making the right choice for your space begins with a simple question: “What do you plan to use the shelf for?”

Choose Metal Brackets For:

• Heavy-Duty Support: If the plan is to store heavy items (like a host of small appliances in your kitchen), you’ll be better off with the heavy-duty support of a metal bracket.
• Strength and Durability: Generally, metal brackets are the top choice when maximum strength and environmental durability are the primary needs.

Choose Wood Brackets For:

• Aesthetic Appeal: If you’re interested in displaying a few family photos and decorative items in the living room, a shelf with eye-catching wood brackets may be a better option.
• Style and Character: Wood brackets are typically chosen when the goal is to add warmth, character, and a specific design element to a space.

As you can see, both are great choices! Cost and installation may vary by manufacturer, but at NookWoodworking, we provide easy-install instructions for all our bracket styles. If you’re still feeling stuck, give us a call. We are more than happy to help you find the perfect fit.

When you buy wood brackets for shelving from NookWoodworking, you’ll receive detailed instructions to make mounting your shelves easy. The process uses basic tools you likely already have, such as a power drill, level, pencil, and stud finder.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Position and Mark the First Bracket: Place the first wood corbel against the wall at your desired location. We recommend attaching your brackets to wall studs for extra stability. Mark your drill spots through the bracket's mounting holes with the provided wire poker or a pencil.
2. Secure the First Bracket: If you are not mounting to a stud, you will need to use the provided drywall anchors. Otherwise, drill your pilot holes on the marks and secure the first bracket to the wall with screws.
3. Position and Install the Second Bracket: This is where your level is essential! Use it to ensure the second bracket is perfectly aligned with the first so that your shelf sits evenly. We recommend placing the brackets 2-3 inches from the shelf’s edge. Once level, mark, drill, and secure the second bracket.
4. Attach the Shelf to the Brackets: Position the shelf on the wooden supports. Use the wire poker or a pencil to score the bracket holes on the underside of the shelf. Remove the shelf, drill your pilot holes where you’ve scored, and then use the remaining screws to attach the shelf firmly to the brackets.

And that's it! If you have any additional questions, you can always reach out to us for help.