Abstract: An improved support system for a modular wall unit is disclosed. The support system includes an elongate support member mountable to a vertical surface. The support member has an inward face, an outward face, a depth dimension, a mechanism for mounting its inward face to the vertical surface, and a plurality of mechanisms spaced longitudinally along its outer surface for receiving one or more load bearing members. Load bearing members provide a base to which a load can be secured, with each including a mechanism for engaging the receiving means of the support member to adjustably locate and detachably mount the load bearing member to the support member. The support system also includes a unitary elongate pilaster having an inward face, an outward face, and a depth dimension. The pilaster defines a substantially centrally located elongate opening with the opening being sized and shaped to surround and substantially firmly engage a support member mounted on a vertical surface.