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DIY Open Shelves

January 30, 2022 in Decor, DIY's

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission- at no extra cost to you.

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)
Decide on shelf placement and find and mark the studs on your wall.
Mark the holes using your shelf bracket as a template for placement.
The brackets I used came with the screws also. The long screws will of into the studs in the wall. The shorter screws will hold the shelf onto the bracket.
Be sure to pre-drill each area before you drive in the screws. This will give the screw a channel to guide it into and helps prevent wood splitting. Use a bit smaller than your screw diameter.
I installed the lower brackets first. Then measured up from there for the upper brackets. (after the wood shelves are in place, I have 13″ of space between each completed shelf)
Use a level to make sure your brackets are plumb (plumb is a term that means to level vertically). You don’t want crooked brackets. I spaced mine, so after the wood shelves are installed, I will have 13 inches of space between the completed shelves.
All four brackets are installed. Mine are all secured into the studs in the wall.
Add your wood shelves, once dry from painting or staining.
Now secure the wood shelf to the bracket with the shorter screws. Pre-drill the holes first.

Directions:

  1. Measure out your space to determine the depth and length for your shelves.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. If you are painting then you will need to prime first. If you are staining then apply the wood conditioner.
  5. While that is drying, it’s time to attach the shelf brackets.
  6. Find your studs using a stud finder and mark with a pencil. I highly recommend drilling the brackets into the studs for maximum security.
  7. Then decide where the brackets will go on the studs and mark the holes with your pencil, using the bracket as a guide.
  8. Pre- drill the holes that you marked. (Use a bit smaller than the diameter of the screws you will be using.)
  9. Attach the brackets using the included screws.
  10. Paint or stain your shelves.
  11. 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.
  12. You are done! Stand back and admire your work! 
  13. Style with your favorite dishes, home decor, etc.

I have a video tutorial, HERE: 

https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MTE2NjIyNTk4MDc0NTQw?story_media_id=2245177685110497555&igshid=8lox3jh6bdek

My finished shelves. These are styled with a few winter touches.

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.

For all other sources, click HERE. Be sure to follow along with me on the Shop.LTK app for stoppable sources for the spaces in my home, as well as exclusive app-only content!

Be sure to follow along with me on Instagram for more projects and tips, as well as all the behind the scenes.

I hope you will come back soon for more DIY’s, home decor, recipes and all the in between!

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Tags : diy home, diy home decor, DIY open shelves, DIY shelves, home decor, open shelves, open shelving, shelf, shelves, transitional home

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Disclaimer

All information provided for projects is from my own personal experience. I am not a certified plumber, electrician, contractor, etc. Before attempting to do any project, please be sure to follow all building codes in your area. If you feel uncomfortable with any project, please seek out professional assistance in the specific field of expertise.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission- at no extra cost to you.

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