Yes, matte brown would blend perfectly.

Being the type who never throws anything away, I went out to my typhoid box of junk and found these brackets:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1647647926.JPG

Now all I need to do is convince my wife this will work OK.
Thanks guys! SmileWavy

merge / link this to "which engineering school should I send my kid to?" thread.

see if Ace can assemble a book case.

We would move the breakable stuff.

Even if you secure the shelves(I would probably use dabs of clear silicone) the breakables are not safe from the many forms of childhood armament such as pillows, balls, and other breakables.

We displayed the kids handiwork and will likely do the same if and when the grandkids come around.

You can get duct tape in colors, sponge and matte brown gives you a faux wood appearance. If'n you fail to tell her it is duct tape, she will think you are a genius.

You can paint the brackets and screw heads too, if you go that route

Seriously though, little black stop screw would stop it from sliding forward or back, depending on which side you put it. It is black, and it is on the bottom, so it will be invisible.

You could also use those 3M Command strips between the edge of the shelf and the cabinet.

https://www.command.com/3M/en_US/command/products/~/Command-Large-Picture-Hanging-Strips/?N=5924736+3294529207+3294737318&rt=rud

This ^^^

Take it apart, baby bead Tight Bond II along all joints, snap the existing fasteners back in. Easy peasy and stronger than fasteners

By far the best suggestion.

https://images.app.goo.gl/zoBCAiqirxtoX6Ho8

Just put these on the back.

Is it possible to just put up a gate preventing the grands from entering the dining room?

I would be more worried about the the grands using the shelving to stand up and pulling the whole thing down on top of them.

One thing to consider, since you say the shelves are moved up & down regularly. You are screwing into glorified sawdust if you use brackets or anything that requires removing the screws (leaving holes too), and you're going to do this each time.

A simple black screw into the bottom of the shelves and serving as a stop against the pinned thingys...one time & done. Those screws will never need to come out. KISS ...

So just to follow up on this...here is what I did this morning.
After doing a really deep dive into my 'typhoid' box, as my son used to call it:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1647886251.JPG
I found some 'clips' that worked out perfectly.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1647886298.JPG

Small, unobtrusive, not easily seen when installed at the back of the shelving.
Wife approved and it's a done deal. Even used my Port-a-line drill attachment rather than getting the drill press involved.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1647886405.JPG
Worked perfectly to keep me from piloting all the way thru the shelves.
Had enough clips to do two per shelf so all is good now.
Thanks for the help and suggestions.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1647886702.JPG

"...but I don't think Hank done it this way" - WJ

Nicely done :)!

Our house is not designed such that gates could be used. The dining room is part of the kitchen and is part of the main thoroughfare to the family room.
Climbing on anything other than maybe a chair or couch will not be allowed at this Grandpa's house, so no worries about them pulling the cabinet over. It's tethered to the wall anyways, cause well, you know, we live in earthquake country. If it falls over we will have much bigger problems to worry about I'm sure.

Thanks!
I was pretty proud of the fact I didn't have to go to the hardware store for anything to get this done.
Re-use, re-purpose, make do with whatcha got already.

^ I like that idea somehow

Or tie the kid to something heavy.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1647896103.jpg

+

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1647896103.jpg

The twins are just now starting to walk so no leashes will be employed.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1647898677.JPG

^^^^ That's awesome :)!

They are adorable! Glad you got it squared away with stuff you had on-hand. I love that!