How to Make Wall Shelves

Wall shelves decrease room clutter

Wall shelves can increase available storage area and clean up a room fast by eliminating clutter. Wall shelves come in handy for displaying collections, trophies, books, and music or movies. In the bathroom, a wall shelf is indispensable for candles, potpourri, and air freshener. You will soon be wondering how you ever managed to stay organized without your wall shelves. How do you make wall shelves?

Things You'll Need

• Boards 1-inch-by-8-inch-by-4-feet
• Brackets
• Screws 1-to-2-inches depending on shelf size
• Screws 1/2-inch depending on shelf size
• Level

Instructions

1. 

   Measure the available space on the wall where you want to make wall shelves.

2. 

   Purchase boards that are already sanded and finished to fit the area. For a bedroom, kitchen, or living room boards that are 4-feet-long and 8-inches wide may work best. For a bathroom, you may need to use much smaller boards, especially if placing them over the toilet. To save money, purchase lumber, sand it, and finish it yourself.

3. Screw your brackets to one side of the board using the 1/2-inch screws. Be sure to align the angle of the bracket with the edge of the board. You will need to place a bracket every 12-to-18 inches under the wall shelf to support it.

4. Place the level on top of the shelf. Have another person hold the shelf while you level it against the wall. Put one screw in each end bracket once you have the shelf leveled. Then screw in the remainder of the one or two-inch screws to secure the wall shelf.

Tips & Warnings

• Shelves can be stained natural colors or painted to compliment a room.

• Brackets are available in white, silver, and gold tones.

• Be sure your brackets are large enough to support the shelf and what you intend to put on it.

• Find studs in the wall to screw in the end brackets if possible to prevent loosening or falling.

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