How to Hang Shelves in a Rental Without Losing Your Bond

April 3, 2025

Creative Ways to Install Floating Shelves Without Making a Landlord Cry

Have you ever stared longingly at your blank rental walls, picturing dreamy floating shelves showcasing your favourite books, plants, or that funky ceramic owl your mum gave you? And then, oof—the hard truth hits: putting holes in the wall could cost you your bond. 😩 But don't pack away those shelf dreams just yet! There are plenty of clever, tear-free ways to hang shelves in a rental—and I promise, your landlord won't even notice (or care).

The Pain of Bare Walls—We Get It

Renters know the drill. You’re told you can’t make "permanent modifications," which somehow translates to living in a house that feels more temporary than a camping tent. But here's the thing: your home should still feel like, well, yours. Even if your name's not on the mortgage.

I know folks who’ve balanced picture frames on benchtops and nailed absolutely nothing into the wall for years—just to avoid the dreaded exit inspection. But you deserve better, and your design ideas? They deserve centre stage. So let’s talk about how you can hang those shelves without the sky falling (or your bond disappearing).

No-Drill Shelf Hacks for the Win

Before we get into tools and materials (psst—Strathalbyn H Hardware has a tonne of them), let’s run through some shelf-hanging techniques that don’t require a single hole.

Adhesive Strips and Brackets: Brands like Command make heavy-duty adhesive strips that are surprisingly strong. While you won’t want to put your entire cookbook library on these bad boys, they’re perfect for lightweight displays like spice racks, mini plants, or framed prints.
Freestanding Shelving Units: These mimic wall-mounted shelves but stand on their own. Think ladder shelves styled with books, greenery and cute baskets – goodbye drilling, hello style.
Tension Rod Shelving: Great for small spaces! Stack thin planks or trays between two wall-to-wall rods in a wardrobe or corner alcove. The tension holds everything up evenly—with zero damage to paint or plaster.
Lean-To Shelves: Large wooden planks that rest against the wall with angled legs. Chic. Boho. Pain-free. No screws needed—just balance, baby.

Okay, But What If I Really Want to Drill?

Let’s say you're set on traditional brackets and bold shelf placements. Maybe you’ve got tools, books, or pottery from your travels that deserve a sturdy home. You can still go the drilled route—just responsibly 😉

Your Bond-Saving To-Do List:

Speak with Your Landlord: A quick call or email could save you stress later. If you offer to patch and paint at the end of your lease, many landlords are more flexible than you’d think.
Drill Into Studs: For heavier loads, find wall studs with a stud finder (available at Strathalbyn H Hardware). It's safer and prevents plaster damage.
Limit the Damage: Use smaller screws and wall plugs for light-duty jobs. When your lease ends, patching these tiny holes is easy with a bit of filler and matching paint.
Document Everything: Take photos before and after you hang. Keep receipts for paint, filler, or brackets to show you’ve done the right thing when it’s time for final inspections.

Your Friendly Shelf Shopping List

So you’re raring to go. What should you grab on your next trip to Strathalbyn H Hardware?

Adjustable adhesive brackets
Tension rods and planks (lightweight, untreated pine is fab!)
Level gauge or spirit level (no wonky shelves here)
Wall-safe adhesives, putty, and paint for end-of-lease patching
Stud finder—your new best mate

Don’t hesitate to ask for advice when you're browsing the aisles – trust me, the team here knows their stuff and will never leave you hanging (pun fully intended 😉).

Real Talk: Making Your Rental Feel Like Home

When you're renting, finding that personal touch can be tricky without causing damage or stress. But with a few sneaky tricks and the right gear, you can wake up every morning to shelves that make you smile—and say goodbye to that sterile, blank-box feeling.

Whether you’re a DIY newbie or the go-to handywoman in your mate group, there's always a clever way to decorate smarter, not messier. And when you’ve got a place like Strathalbyn H Hardware backing your projects with the know-how, gear, and a friendly smile every time you walk through their doors, there's not much you can't do.

Happy shelf hanging—and remember, you deserve a space that feels like yours (without giving up a single cent of that bond). 🎉

See you in the aisle with the brackets and spirit levels!

Cheers,
Candeece