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Open shelves are a great way to add space for displaying your favorite dishes, decor and more! There are many pre-made options available but if you need a custom size or want a certain finish they can be very costly.
Let’s DIY them instead! You can customize the size (length and depth) and stain or paint to any color that coordinates with your home!
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
- wood for the shelves (I use 2×10 wood that I cut to length)
- shelf brackets (mine are linked here and come with the screws to install)
- stain or paint of your choice for the wood shelves
- sandpaper, 220 grit
- primer if you plan to paint
- wood conditioner if you plan to stain
- tack cloth
TOOLS NEEDED:
- drill (with bits and drivers)
- stud finder
- pencil
- level
- saw to cut the wood to length (many stores will cut the wood for you for a small per cut fee)
Directions:
- Measure out your space to determine the depth and length for your shelves.
- Take those measurements to your home improvement store, choose the depth of board and they can usually cut the wood to length for you (some may charge a small fee per cut).
- Sand the wood with 220 grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges and for a nice smooth finish. Then wipe with a tack cloth to remove all sawdust.
- If you are painting then you will need to prime first. If you are staining then apply the wood conditioner.
- While that is drying, it’s time to attach the shelf brackets.
- Find your studs using a stud finder and mark with a pencil. I highly recommend drilling the brackets into the studs for maximum security.
- Then decide where the brackets will go on the studs and mark the holes with your pencil, using the bracket as a guide.
- Pre- drill the holes that you marked. (Use a bit smaller than the diameter of the screws you will be using.)
- Attach the brackets using the included screws.
- Paint or stain your shelves.
- Once the shelves are dry, place on the brackets, pre-drill the holes for the smaller/shorter screws that will hold the shelf in place and then secure with the included screws.
- You are done! Stand back and admire your work!
- Style with your favorite dishes, home decor, etc.
I have a video tutorial, HERE:
Info on the space:
- shiplap- DIY painted Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.
- back door- PPG paints Gray Heron.
- floors- original to the home, color and info unknown.
- coffee bar is over 14 years old and has been painted and updated.
- the shelves are stained in the color Farmhouse from Rove and Dwell.
For reference: the wall that my coffee bar is on is 50 inches long. The shelves are 46 inches long. There is 13 inches of space between each completed shelf. You can customize your shelves to the length and depth that works for your space.
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I hope you will come back soon for more DIY’s, home decor, recipes and all the in between!