Designing the Wall Shelf
In many ways, the wall shelf is a direct descendent of the desk shelf. We’d talked about designing a wall shelf for years—the catch-all, our entryway storage solution, actually started as a shelf concept. After launching the desk shelf, we brought the idea back out to see where it might lead.
We all have stuff, stuff that needs to be displayed and/or stored. We started by investigating the right sized zones for different needs, exploring what items would be ideally suited for display on a shelf.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=668682e95115ebd89acc15bcc63f1499 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=eed2202fb8193a3b2b3a360a33914c78 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=8a865472b469b90b394efd84d3e0c27f 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=1c5dd7612d4e9e281624a5b8f3fdd7e7 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=9156c3e823fba903a12f843ac9bb9f69 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=2aabd449aaef71f20016e25019bb98d7 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=fb3f2721cee2fb73be5c16bcf54a66f3 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=c8516c27092c6c37f607ae2c5c0c53c2 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=4ecde9190df517addf53727af4525577 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=489ab6921d6e49a90aad91fb3754c33c 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=c510df6a95bb761d41b4bbbf97070ab4 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-A2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=2a540f89efc93fcb2a70876838f5122d 3000w)
Above: Lead Designer Sean Kelly’s sketch concepts exploring the bracket location and size relative to the shelf surface.
We riffed on the elements of the desk shelf, bringing together plywood, cork and metal. The cork in the bracket provides a natural book end, and delineates spaces on the shelf. We created ‘structural cork’ by incorporating a ⅛” thick aluminum bracket that cradles and strengthens the cork, allowing us to use the natural soft material in a structural way.
We riffed on the elements of the desk shelf, bringing together plywood, cork and metal. The cork in the bracket provides a natural book end, and delineates spaces on the shelf. We created ‘structural cork’ by incorporating a ⅛” thick aluminum bracket that cradles and strengthens the cork, allowing us to use the natural soft material in a structural way.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=fa62ae1df5550bb9050e72d21d56a523 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=3dbcdbe4fc4cab59c65ca4e2e48d7e0a 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=8e743bc19a87bf6a35205d53092544e5 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=168aa265744b29a39d506550a6c76ca3 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=607622e9271ea9d4d63e668391cdd22b 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=64c41ec1424278a665bd0967bbc0cfae 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=6d6038fd47bc89f6ea1c05b0e36d0a6d 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=223393ea2f4d8a0089c9847ec09470e6 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=edf0241898e8260d122e33b916e26c04 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=8e967a7b3c215140260bd6cadeea52dc 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=74a4c7df6a52736ed22ec0b758b8e6c0 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0103-LP-Design-Wall-Shelf-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=63342ce5c556b90560b81626034c298f 3000w)
Above: A sketch concept showing the metal and cork components of the bracket and how they work together.
For the material of the main shelf, we started our explorations with plywood. The usual back bevel / chamfer that we use in our plywood (think of the sloping edge on the monitor stand or desk shelf) didn’t work on the wall shelf because your eye level would be below the shelf when mounted. Looking up at the bevel exaggerates the plywood and distorts the view. We went back and forth discussing the issue and finally decided on a flat edge for the shelf, which has a nice balance with the cork bracket shape.
For the material of the main shelf, we started our explorations with plywood. The usual back bevel / chamfer that we use in our plywood (think of the sloping edge on the monitor stand or desk shelf) didn’t work on the wall shelf because your eye level would be below the shelf when mounted. Looking up at the bevel exaggerates the plywood and distorts the view. We went back and forth discussing the issue and finally decided on a flat edge for the shelf, which has a nice balance with the cork bracket shape.
Subtle Functions
With the bracket and the shelf material decided, we needed to figure out how to attach the bracket and the shelf. With our wall mounted products, we always aim for something that looks magically suspended—products that float cleanly on the wall with no visible fasteners. The cork and metal brackets of the wall shelf mount flush to the wall using the same mechanism as our wall hooks.
For the bracket/shelf interface, Ken Tomita, our CEO/Co-Founder, drew on his experience in furniture design to propose an extra strong (and extra invisible) joint: a normal joint (on the left) is much weaker than we wanted. The joint on the right provides remarkable strength, and a really clean look.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=aa4947b2eeeb0e9324cdc657f51ca7e7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=511b4ffdb213cae01ed1a3dac3523fe3 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=906adcd82e9d77cf83a0c726c12bfbec 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=d2850c0b00055478f184db83908574cf 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=f6be5d32eb0d279d5b9064dbcdcffcd6 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=a2bf99117188e9f7391fd959704ae4ec 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=9ed514c013a73f34c6bcdd0a5d09eeb8 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=ba3a1d183f0d230423ef6c8f93cdff41 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=f7aa2365153760153b51bf9a602a4d84 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=5b69819513e1b2583e5c340eb0ed0bf4 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=0d4ace78757c50d0fd796f11928fd7d2 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-illustration-A3.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=9ca5da518b5947d5a6b4f4cb6f87801c 3000w)
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=d3415b8575d472a8abc83bd9230dcbb9 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=a73d7baec2b777cfed8b0ecc229a3335 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=464a29412124a9ce67b0c8d6dcc45ec7 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0eb366fb9672083102ce003c77e78f10 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=aa65b2f12081128166cc5c4453645686 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c066e95190a91a7dbf7d15f54f0c36f6 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=5c7cce9b7047477b744b0093f00b2489 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=dd47ac881d5e08ae1c200ea18dafc5aa 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=9be4e53d0aefc5a9da40cc4793cfb171 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=504b75457d6bbc787cc66882c3cf1799 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=76153608471feb2872bc0f99f9dfe20b 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwall-shelf-maple-galB-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=cabd40bce6f035d75398cc460c636cc3 3000w)
Using this joint allows us to incorporate a nice feature into the shelf—an easy way to drop cords of any size behind, even after mounting the brackets. A gentle cut out on the back gives you room to route a cord, for a lamp, or speaker, or baby monitor—whatever you need. And sliding the shelf on and off the brackets is straightforward, so you can pass cords with large plugs without issue.
![](https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 200w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 300w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 700w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 900w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 1100w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 1300w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 1500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 1800w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 2250w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 2500w,https://siteleaf.grovemade.com/uploads/walnut-wall-shelf-speaker-animation-A2.gif 3000w)
The wall shelf took us about three months to develop. It drew heavily on past products, but was also a great chance for us to design a product that is a bridge between the office and the home. It’s a modern wood shelf that’s designed to display what’s most important.
Better Together
Shop the bundle for a convenient shelving solution that gives you room to improvise.
Shop for Home
The wall shelf is one part of our collection of products for your home—they’re all designed to bring clean lines and unique accents to your living space.