how to attach an ikea bookcase to the wall

Secure Your IKEA Bookcase: How to Wall-Mount for Safety

By Daniel WalkerNovember 21, 2025

Are you looking to secure your IKEA bookcase to the wall for added stability and safety? You're in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of attaching an IKEA bookcase to the wall step by step. By the end, you'll have a sturdy, wall-mounted bookcase that you can be proud of.

Before we dive in, let's briefly discuss why wall-mounting your bookcase is a great idea. Not only does it prevent the bookcase from tipping over, but it also saves floor space, making your room feel more spacious. Now, let's get started!

Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. This will save you time and prevent any frustrating mid-project trips to the store.

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Here's a list of what you'll need:

Wall anchor kit (included with your IKEA bookcase)
Drill (cordless if possible)
Drill bit set (including a masonry bit if you're drilling into concrete or brick)
Tape measure
Pencil
Level
Stud finder (optional, but helpful for locating wall studs)

Choose the Right Wall Anchors

IKEA bookcases come with a wall anchor kit that includes expandable wall anchors. These are suitable for drywall. However, if you're mounting your bookcase to concrete, brick, or another hard surface, you'll need to purchase masonry screws and wall plugs separately.

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Always double-check the weight capacity of your chosen wall anchors. They should be able to support the total weight of your bookcase plus the weight of the items you'll be storing on it.

Locate Wall Studs

Wall studs provide the strongest support for mounting heavy objects like bookcases. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall. Mark their locations with a pencil.

If you can't find studs or don't want to drill into them, you can use the expandable wall anchors provided with your bookcase. However, keep in mind that these won't provide as much support as mounting into studs.

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Mark and Drill Holes

Once you've located your studs (or decided where you want to mount your bookcase without them), it's time to mark the holes. Most IKEA bookcases have pre-drilled holes, so you'll just need to transfer these markings to the wall.

Using your tape measure, mark the holes on the wall at the same height and spacing as the pre-drilled holes on your bookcase. Make sure your bookcase will be level by using a level to check your markings.

Drill Pilot Holes

Using a drill bit that's slightly smaller than the screws that came with your wall anchor kit, drill pilot holes at your marked locations. Be careful not to drill too deeply, as you don't want the bit to poke through the other side of the wall.

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If you're drilling into a hard surface like concrete or brick, use a masonry bit and be prepared to apply more pressure while drilling.

Insert Wall Anchors

With your pilot holes drilled, it's time to insert the wall anchors. If you're using expandable anchors, simply screw them into the pilot holes until they're flush with the wall. If you're using masonry screws and wall plugs, insert the wall plugs into the pilot holes first, then screw in the screws.

Make sure the wall anchors are secure and can't be easily pulled out of the wall.

Attach the Bookcase to the Wall

Now that your wall anchors are in place, it's time to attach your bookcase to the wall. If you haven't already, assemble your bookcase according to the IKEA instructions.

Using the screws that came with your wall anchor kit, screw the bookcase to the wall. Make sure to screw into the pre-drilled holes on the bookcase and the wall anchors you've installed.

Check for Level

As you're screwing the bookcase to the wall, use a level to ensure it's straight. You don't want your bookcase to be crooked, as this can make it unstable and unsightly.

Once the bookcase is securely attached to the wall and level, you can start filling it with your books, decorations, and other items.

Test the Bookcase's Stability

Gently tug on the bookcase to ensure it's securely attached to the wall. It should feel solid and not wobble at all. If it feels unstable, double-check that all the screws are tight and that you've used the correct wall anchors for your wall type.

If your bookcase still feels unstable, you may need to reinforce it with additional wall anchors or by mounting it into studs.

Congratulations! You've successfully attached your IKEA bookcase to the wall. Enjoy your new, secure, and space-saving storage solution. Don't forget to periodically check the screws to ensure they're still tight and that your bookcase remains stable.