How to Build a Display Shelf

Display shelves are ideal ways to show off heirlooms or other prized items and collections. A display shelf is also a terrific space-saving device.

Things You'll Need

• 2-3/4-inch x 9/16-inch solid pine crown molding
• 2x4 lumber
• Wood glue
• 18-gauge, 1-inch nails
• 1/2-inch x 3-1/2-inch lumber (to be the top of the shelf)
• 2 paint trays
• Paint brushes
• Paint primer
• Paint (of your choice)
• 3-inch drywall screws
• Level
• Lightweight spackle
• Spackle knife
• Damp cloth
• Miter saw
• 18-gauge nail gun
• Router with a 3/4-inch groove-cutting bit (if making a display for plates, as shown)
• Drill

Instructions

1. 

   Determine how long you want your display shelf to be and cut a section of crown molding to the desired size. Use the miter saw to trim the ends to a 45-degree angle. Remember to hold the wood right side up, in the same direction that it will be installed.

2. 

   Use the miter saw to make sure that the lower edges of each section of crown molding are trimmed 1.5 inches in from the edge. When put together, they will allow for 2x4 inch cleats to be placed there. Set the saw at "zero" when you cut each of the two 2x4 inch cleats for the inside edge of the crown molding. Fasten the crown molding pieces together with wood glue. Secure the sections with nails.

3. 

   Cut a ¾-inch groove into the plank that will form the top portion of your shelf, if you are making a display for plates, as seen above. Otherwise, skip this step and simply cut a straight 90-degree angle on both ends of the plank to make the top of the platform. Secure with both wood glue and nails to assemble your shelf.

4. Paint the shelf and cleats with primer followed by your chosen paint color. Allow the paint to dry. Locate the wall studs behind the wall upon which you will hang your display shelf. Use three-inch drywall screws and a drill to secure the cleats to wall studs.

5. 

   Place the shelf onto the cleats. Nail the shelf into place by driving the nails through the shelf and into the wall stud behind it from above so the nails won't be seen. Cover the holes left by the nails with spackle. Allow the spackle to dry and conceal the nails further with more paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that the cleats are both level before securing the shelf to the wall.

Resources

• More plans for building a display shelf.