A wall bracket is fundamentally a structural component designed to provide support by extending outwards from a wall.
Based on common definitions, a wall bracket is described as:
a support projecting from a wall (as to hold a shelf)
Synonyms for a wall bracket include simply bracket.
Function and Purpose
The primary function of a wall bracket is to project or stick out from a vertical surface (a wall) to carry a load or hold another object. This projection allows the bracket to support items that need to be positioned away from the wall itself, such as shelves, curtain rods, or fixtures.
- Projection: It extends horizontally or at an angle from the wall.
- Support: It bears the weight or secures the position of the item it holds.
- Attachment: It is securely fixed to the wall structure, typically using fasteners like screws or bolts.
Common Applications
Wall brackets are versatile hardware items used in numerous applications:
- Shelving: This is perhaps the most common use, as mentioned in the definition. Brackets installed on a wall provide the necessary base to hold a shelf board.
- Curtain Rods: Smaller brackets are used to support curtain rods above windows.
- Lighting Fixtures: Many sconces and wall-mounted lights attach via integrated or separate brackets.
- Signage: Brackets can hold signs or displays away from a wall surface.
- Handrails: Brackets support handrails along staircases or hallways.
- Decoration: Decorative brackets can be used purely for aesthetic purposes or to add architectural detail.
Wall brackets come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials (like metal, wood, or plastic) depending on the load they need to bear and their intended decorative style. Their design is crucial for ensuring stability and safety when supporting objects on a wall.
