How to Build a Decorative Shelf Bracket

Decorative shelf brackets are traditional supports for shelves or overhangs in older-style homes. Larger brackets are called corbels and may be ornately carved or pierced to create elaborate decorative elements. The shelf bracket must also be functional and support the shelf, meaning the wall and the shelf side of the bracket should be flat and installed perpendicular to each other.

Things You'll Need

• 1-by 8-inch hardwood
• Table saw
• Tape measure
• Plate
• Pencil
• Leaf
• Band saw
• Drill
• Jigsaw
• Sandpaper
• Paint or stain
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of 1-by 8-inch hardwood 8 inches square with a table saw.

2. Draw a diagonal line from the top left corner to the bottom right corner, using a pencil. Cut along your diagonal line with a table saw. This will give you two triangles. You can use the second piece for a second shelf bracket.

3. Place the wood flat and draw a 3/4-inch line parallel to the edge along the two short sides joined by the 90-degree angle, measuring with a tape measure. These will be the flat sides that mount to the wall and to the bottom underside of the shelf.

4. Draw a line from the point where your 3/4-inch pencil line intersects the diagonal cut line. Your line should be perpendicular to the side. Cut off the sharp point of the diagonal cut. Repeat for the other side. Measure from your cut along the 3/4-inch line 2 inches and mark. Repeat for both sides.

5. Place a round dinner plate so that the outside edge of the plate touches both marks with the outward curve toward the diagonal cut line. Draw a curve. Find a leaf in your garden or draw a leaf design centered inside the remaining wood area. Cut the notch and the curved side with a bandsaw or jigsaw.

6. Drill a 1/4-inch hole through your leaf shape. Insert a jigsaw into the hole and cut out your leaf shape. Drill a pilot hole 1 inch from the each end along your flat sides. Drill at an angle toward the mid-center of the 1-inch flat side of the wood. You should have two holes on each flat side. Use these holes to mount the shelf bracket. Sand your bracket on all sides and finish with paint or stain and a paintbrush.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use any shape or design for the center of your bracket. Match some element in your decor like a star or fleur-de-lis.

References

• Carve Wright: How to Make Your Own Corbels