Due to the drywall’s thinness, heavier objects like shelves risk ripping through if they are not supported by studs. And regrettably, not every desired location for your shelf’s hanging has a stud.

You’ll need to use a different strategy if you find yourself in a situation where there are no studs around.
On drywall without studs, follow these instructions to hang a shelf.
USE DRYWALL ANCHORS IN 3 WAYS TO HANG A SHELF ON A DRYWALL WITHOUT STUDS

Anchors for drywall are made of plastic and look like screws. Plastic drywall anchors can even be included if your shelf arrived with hardware.
For a firmer hold, these anchors grasp the wall and assist disperse the weight of the object you’re hanging.
The majority of plastic drywall anchors can support up to 20 pounds in total. Therefore, bear this in mind while you decorate your shelf.
Here’s how to install drywall anchors to hang your shelf.

Determine the location of your shelf and mark it with a pencil as Step 1. Decide where you want to hang your shelf first. To make sure your shelf is straight and level, use a level, then use a pencil to mark the bracket holes on the wall.

Drill pilot holes in step two. Drill pilot holes in the wall where your pencil markings were made using a drill bit that is the same width as your drywall anchor.

In step three, put the anchor. Now insert the drywall anchor’s pointed end into the pilot hole. Hammer it a few times till the head just peeks out from the wall.

Continue until all holes have been filled.

The anchor is screwed into the wall in step four. When the anchor is flush with the wall, take a Phillips head screwdriver and insert it into the anchor’s head. Don’t overtighten.

Do this for each anchor.

Step 5 is to Screw the Bracket on. Line align the holes on the shelf bracket so that they are above the anchors. Take your screws and insert them into the anchors by threading them through the bracket holes.

Drill or use a screwdriver to tighten until stable. Do this for every anchor.
HANG YOUR SHELF IN STEP 6 The last step is to fasten your shelf to the mounting brackets.
MOLLY BOLTS INSERT

Molly bolts are preferable to plastic drywall anchors if you have medium-sized shelf or intend to use more than 20 pounds of decor.
The majority of molly bolts can handle 50 pounds of weight.
Here’s how to set them up.

Determine where you want your shelf and mark it as the first step. Choose the location where you want your shelf to go. Mark the bracket holes with a pencil after making sure it is level.

Drill pilot holes in step two. Drill the pilot holes on your markers after that. The holes should be just a little bit smaller than the molly bolt’s sleeve.

Step 3 is to secure your Molly Bolts using a screwdriver. Use a hammer to tap your molly bolt into place after inserting the tip into the hole. Continue until the bolt’s head is flush with the wall.

Take a screwdriver now, and turn the bolt firmly until resistance is felt. The bolt in the wall will be set as a result.

REMOVING THE SCREWS IS STEP 4 You must take out the screws after the molly bolt has been installed. Use a screwdriver to accomplish this and rotate it counterclockwise.

Discard the screws.

SET THE BRACKET IN PLACE AND SCREW IT IN AT STEP 5. Place your shelf bracket over the molly bolt openings at this point. To fasten the bracket to the wall, use the screws you just removed.

For every molly bolt, repeat.
ATTACH YOUR SHELF IN STEP 6 You can now add your shelves after installing your bracket.

USE TOGGLE BOLTS
Another great option for medium-sized shelves that can support up to 50 pounds is toggle bolts.

MARK YOUR SHELVING IN STEP 1 Establish the location of your shelves, check to see that they are level, and then use a pencil to mark the bracket holes on the wall.

Create a pilot hole in step two. Make a pilot hole for the toggle bolts using your drill.

Pilot holes for toggle bolts must be somewhat larger than the bolts themselves. For instance, you’ll need an inch pilot hole for a 3/16 inch toggle bolt.

For details, consult your packaging.

Put the metal end into the holes in step three. Now, insert the toggle bolts’ metal ends into each of the pilot holes you created. It is best if the plastic piece faces outward.

Step 4: Bolt security Your bolts ought to have a little plastic ring and a piece of plastic that resembles a rope. Pull the plastic rope toward you with one hand while moving the plastic ring toward the wall with the other.

By doing so, the bolt’s flange will be opened, fastening it to the wall.

ACTION 5: REMOVE THE PLASTIC The plastic end of the bolt can now be separated from it. Up and down bending will cause it to come off.

Step 6 is to attach the bracket. You can see the screw holes once the plastic pieces have been removed from the wall. Add the screws after positioning the bracket over the toggle bolt holes.

ATTACH YOUR SHELF IN STEP 7 Your shelf can now be fastened to the mounting bracket.

LAST THOUGHTS You can hang a shelf on the wall without using studs thanks to drywall anchors. Plastic drywall anchors are the simplest way to use when mounting a small shelf that will only support a limited amount of weight.

You must change to a molly or toggle bolt if you are hanging a larger shelf that can support up to 50 pounds. Both will securely hold your shelf to the wall.