How to create bathroom shelves without drilling

No drills, more thrills!

Bathroom shelves attached with Sugru

Sugru Mouldable Glue is ideal for this project because it bonds well with metals, ceramics and wood. We've used a metal handrail with marble and slate coasters (and even a wooden cheeseboard!) but you can use anything to personalise your bathroom just the way you want it.

P.S. You'll need to leave the handrail bracket to set against the wall before attaching the shelf. Sugru sets in 12-24 hours. 

Depending on the thickness of the application, for load-bearing projects, allow up to 48 hours for Sugru to fully set.

Step 1

Sugru in 10 colours and a Sugru pack divided into two pieces

To make a no drill shelf using two handrail brackets (or two shelves using a handrail bracket each), you'll need two single-use packs of Sugru. And for each bracket/shelf combo, you'll need to divide your Sugru into the proportions seen above.

For the first step (attaching the bracket to the wall), you'll require a piece of Sugru rolled into a ball. For the second step (attaching the shelf to the bracket), you'll require a piece of Sugru that is more of a chunky wedge – as seen above,

Note: Once you open a single-use pack of Sugru, it cannot be resealed. This is why we recommend making two handrail brackets at once, using one single-use pack for attaching the handrail bracket to the wall and one single-use pack for attaching the shelf itself.

Step 2

Sugru applied to rim of handrail

Roll the small ball of Sugru into a line and stick it evenly around the circumference of your handrail... where it's going to come into contact with the wall!

Note: Sugru works best when less than 3mm thick as it will set within 24 hours. Sugru sets to 1.5mm in 12 hours, 3mm in 24 hours, and thicker applications may take 24–48 hours.

Once you've chosen where you'd like your no drill shelf to go, press the bracket firmly against the wall.

Step 3

Excess Sugru removed from handrail shelf bracket to give a neat finish

To achieve a neat finish, run a screwdriver around the edge to remove excess Sugru, before tidying it up with a tissue.

Leave to set.

Step 4

Shelf attached to handrail with Sugru

After the Sugru on the handrail has set, build a "chunky wedge" piece of Sugru into a prism shape on your handrail bracket, and press the coaster (or whatever you have chosen as your no drill shelf!) down firmly.

For a neat finish, use the same process as you did for the handrail bracket, and leave to set.

Top tip: Use masking tape to secure your shelves in place while your Sugru sets to ensure a strong bond between the brass and the wall.

Step 5

Bathroom shelves attached with Sugru

In 12-24 hours, you'll be ready to relax in your new bathroom haven, whether you use your shelves for setting the mood with candles and plants, or for the practicality of keeping essential bathroom stuff handy.

Step 6

How to remove Sugru from bathroom tiles

15s
Shelf stuck to wall with Sugru

And best of all, Sugru is removable! Ideal if you're living in rented accommodation or want to keep your tiles like new.

Head over to our Projects & Inspiration page for more great ideas.