DIY Square Wall Shelf

Make a handmade square shelf using basic hardware supplies.

When you are decorating your home, you can make the room look more uniform and balanced by hanging up decorative shelving. You can even use geometrical shelves that are shaped like rectangles or squares to create a more modern look. Although you can find square shelves at a home decorating or department store, you can save a lot of money by making a square shelf from scratch using a few inexpensive home improvement and craft materials.

Things You'll Need

• 4 wooden boards, 1 inch thick, 6 inches wide, 12 inches long
• Hammer
• Nails, 1 1/2 inches
• Sandpaper, medium-grain
• Sandpaper, fine-grain
• Washcloth
• Latex paint
• Paintbrush, 2-inch flat

Instructions

1. Stand two of the wooden boards upright onto one of the long sides, positioning the boards so that they are placed horizontally on the table and spaced 12 inches apart.

2. Stand the remaining two boards upright onto one of the long sides, and position the boards so that they are placed vertically on the right and left sides of the horizontal boards.

3. Nail the four boards together at the corners using a hammer and 1 1/2-inch nails.

4. Sand the entire square box form using medium-grain sandpaper. Move the sandpaper in small, circular motions to remove roughness, splintering and uneven texture.

5. Sand the entire box using fine-grain sandpaper, as before. This will make the wood soft and smooth.

6. Wipe off the square shelf using a washcloth to remove any sawdust or debris caused by the sanding.

7. Paint the entire square shelf, inside and outside, using latex paint. Allow the paint to dry for four hours before hanging the square shelf on your wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a paint color to match the rest of your room decor.

• Keep latex paint out of the reach of children.