It depends on the length of the shelf.
The longer it is, the less support there is to hold heavier items. In other words, a 12-inch shelf will be able to hold more weight without the chance of bowing than a 36-inch shelf.
Tips for a stronger shelf.
- Add strength to your shelf by adding some decorative support molding to the front of a shelf.
- Instead of using a cabinet, add open shelf storage with our stylish floating shelves.