At what height should you hang the shelves

Updated in October 2026

A well-placed shelf organizes the wall and makes it look taller; a poorly placed one seems to float for no reason or, worse, ends up being a hazard to your head. The correct height depends on what’s underneath and what you’re going to put on top.

In this guide, you'll find the measurements for hanging shelves in each room, the recommended spacing between shelves, and the key points for securing them properly to the wall.

Shelf and Shelf Board Heights: Summary Table

These are standard measurements for a person of average height. If anyone in your household is very tall or very short, adjust them up or down by about 10 cm, and always adapt the height to what you’ll be storing: items for daily use should be placed between waist and eye level.

At what height to put shelves in the living room

On an empty wall, the eye-level rule almost always works: place the center of the composition about 145 to 150 cm above the floor. This is the same height at which paintings are hung, and it makes the shelves look like part of the decor.

Above the sofa, the top shelf should be 25 to 30 cm above the backrest. If it’s any closer, you’ll bump your head against it; if it’s any farther away, the sofa and bookshelf will no longer look like a set. Above the TV, use the same distance and avoid placing heavy objects directly above the screen.

If you want to cover the entire wall, mix up the heights: low shelves at 90 to 120 cm for everyday items and tall shelves at 180 to 200 cm for decorative items. Check out our ideas on how to decorate a bookshelf with style.

At what height to place shelves above the bed

Safety comes first here. When you sit up in bed, your head is about 85 to 90 cm above the mattress: the shelf must be above that line. In practice, leave at least 60 cm between the headboard and the shelf, which usually places it 150 to 170 cm above the floor.

• Place only light, stable objects: books, small framed photos, lightweight plants.
• Align the shelf with the width of the headboard or the bed so that the wall looks balanced.
• If you're looking for a place to put your phone or a book at night, it's best to have a small table or a low shelf on either side, at mattress height.

For the bedroom, we have models designed for these dimensions in our bedroom shelving section.

On the desk and in the kitchen

Desk: The top shelf should be 40 to 50 cm above the desk surface (about 115 to 125 cm from the floor) so that it doesn't get in the way of the monitor or the lamp. If you use a large monitor or an adjustable arm, raise it to 50 to 60 cm.

Kitchen: Leave 45 to 60 cm between the countertop and the first shelf so you can work without bumping your head and so there’s room for small appliances. Kitchen shelves should be easy to clean and located away from the cooking area.

Distance between shelves

If you're not sure what you're going to put on them, shelves with adjustable racks are the most flexible option: you can adjust the spacing as your needs change.

How to Hang a Bookshelf on the Wall

The correct height is useless if the fastening fails. Key points:

1. Identify the wall: for brick or concrete, use nylon anchors; for drywall, use anchors specifically designed for drywall or swing anchors; and if the load is heavy, look for the metal studs.
2. Calculate the load: an 80-cm shelf filled with books can weigh more than 20 kg. Use at least two anchor points, and don't push the shelf's limits.
3. Mark with a level: Use a spirit level or laser level to mark the line before drilling.
4. Check the fastenings: check the screws after a few weeks, once the shelf is bearing weight.

Drill-free solutions (adhesives and strips) are only suitable for lightweight shelves and decorative items—never for books. If you're looking for a complete step-by-step guide to choosing and installing shelves, check out our guide to wooden wall shelves.