Shelves are one of the most practical pieces of furniture you can buy, and they don’t have to be expensive or hard to assemble. With a few simple DIY projects, you can spruce up your space and make it look more professional with minimal effort.
In this article, I'm going to show you how to build custom-made shelves that fit your style and space. Instead of spending hours researching and buying materials, I'm going to give you step-by-step instructions for building beautiful shelves. You'll be able to create wall mounts, floating shelves, and even corner or angled shelves in no time!
Ready for the journey? Let's get started!
Measure Twice, Cut Once – Basics of Smart Shelving
When it comes to DIY projects there's no better mantra than "measure twice, cut once." This simple saying will ensure that your shelf projects go smoothly, quickly, and look great in the end.
So, where should you start?
Measure your space first—both the length of the wall and the depth of your shelves. You should also consider what height you want your shelves to be placed at.
Once you've got those measurements taken care of, it's time to buy your wood and get cutting! If you're using pre-cut shelving boards at the store, this part is easy—just make sure all the boards are the same length and width.
Now that you have all of the pieces cut to size, it's time to assemble them into a structure. Be sure to use screws rather than nails for a sturdier result—or even better, brackets for additional support! Finally, voilà! Your shelf is ready for hanging and decorating as desired.
Improve Your Home With Floating Shelves
Floating shelves don't just provide a nice way to display decorations, but can also be great for storage. Knowing how to install floating shelves gives you a great additional storage option for your home—and it's easy enough to do yourself.
Firstly, you need the materials:
- A drill and its appropriate drill bit
- Nails or screws
- A level
- Shelf brackets
- Floating shelves of your desired size and material
- Wall anchors (if needed)
Once you have all the necessary materials, start by marking the location of your shelf on the wall. Measure twice and mark once, as they say! Then, use your level to make sure that your shelf stays straight while installing it.
Once you’re satisfied with your measurements, it’s time to get drilling. First, use the wall anchors and then attach the shelf brackets, securing them with nails or screws. Lastly, place your floating shelf on top of the brackets and you’re all set! If done correctly, now you have shelves that look like they were professionally installed!
Woodworking With Pallet Shelving
Woodworking can be intimidating—it's not for the faint of heart. But if you want an easy project that will still give you a great-looking result, then you should consider pallet shelving.
What is Pallet Shelving?
Pallet shelving is made using old wooden pallets, which are used to store and transport goods. You can find them everywhere from warehouses to grocery stores, but don't worry—you don't have to go dumpster diving for them! You can ask your local store if they have any shipments coming in on wood pallets that you can use for your project.
Why Use Pallet Shelving?
Pallet shelving is great because it's so easy and inexpensive to make. All you need is a few basic tools like a saw, drill, hammer, and screws. Once you have the tools and the pallets, you can quickly assemble them into shelves using just a few simple steps. Plus, the materials are often free or very affordable!
How To Get Started
The best way to get started with pallet shelving is to find some tutorials online that show how to assemble it correctly. There are plenty of resources out there that will help walk you through each step of the process so that even someone with limited woodworking experience can make their own shelves in no time at all!
Recycling and Reusing for Industrial Pipe Shelves
Do you like the industrial look? Guess what—you don't have to buy expensive shelves to get it. With a few tools, some recycled pipes, and a cheap piece of wood, you can create stylish industrial pipe shelves of your own.
It's Eco-Friendly!
The best part about these shelves is that it's an eco-friendly project. Recycled parts are used instead of buying new pipes, and any timber bought for the shelving boards will be treated so it lasts longer.
What You Need
To assemble industrial pipe shelves, all you need are:
- Pipes - galvanized or steel are best, but you can also use copper or plastic pipes
- Pipe fitting - depending on the design of your shelf, you will need different types of pipe fittings
- Shelves board - plywood or chipboard should do well
- Basic tools - saws (hand and jig), wrench, and drill with bits for making holes in wood and metal
- Screws and nails - for attaching the shelf boards to the wall brackets
So get creative with your material choices and take some time to plan out your design before getting started—it'll save you a ton of time!
Take Crafting to the Next Level With String Shelves
Up your DIY game with string shelves! These hanging shelves can be customized in size and shape, giving your workspace an extra-special look. All you’ll need to get started are some wood boards, nails, string, and a few tools.
Material Selection
You can choose any type of wood board you like for this project. We recommend something like birch plywood or wall plate for a lightweight but sturdy construction. If you’re not sure what kind of nails to use, try out some small galvanized nails that are easy to drive into the wall and won’t rust over time.
Measurements
Take your measurements before you get started—it pays off in the end! Start by measuring the length of the desired shelf and then divide it into how many parts you want the shelf to be. Each part should have at least one nail hammered into it for attaching your string later on.
Finishing Touches
After you’ve nailed all of the parts together, feed through your string and secure it with a knot at either end. Hang up your shelf using some quality hooks or screws and voila—you have yourself a stylish hanging shelf! As an alternative, you could also use eye-catching paperclips instead of string for an extra pop of fun design.
Create a Custom Shelf System With Claw Basket Shelves
If you are a true DIY enthusiast, you may want to take things one step further and create your very own custom shelf system. One of the best ways to do this is with claw basket shelves!
Easy Installation Process
Claw basket shelves are extremely easy to install. All you need is a drill and some screws. They come in various lengths and sizes so you can customize your shelf system exactly the way you want it. Plus, they’re versatile enough that you can use them as wall shelves or hanging pieces, depending on your needs.
Combine Claw Basket Shelves With Other DIY Components
Make your DIY project even more interesting by combining claw basket shelves with other components like bookcases, wall-mounted cabinets, or even open shelving solutions. This way, you’ll be able to get the exact look and feel that you want without having to compromise on either style or functionality.
Show Off Your Style With a Custom Shelf System
Your custom shelf system will be completely unique and will show off your personal style in a way that no store-bought system could ever match. And don’t forget—it will also give you a sense of accomplishment knowing that you built something with your own two hands! So why not give it a try?
Conclusion
Ultimately, DIY shelves are a great way to get creative and add a personal touch to your home. You can use them to store items, showcase mementos, or even create a gallery wall of art. With so many options, you can choose the project that fits your lifestyle and your skill level.
You don’t need to be an experienced woodworker to tackle a project like this—just take on projects one at a time, and you’ll be able to create your own perfect shelves with just a little bit of effort. Plus, if you don’t like the results, you can always start again!
With DIY shelving, the possibilities are endless, so get creative and start building the shelves of your dreams.