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Modern Wall Shelf

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modern wall shelf
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Beginner Projects
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Modern style wall shelf, can be hung vertical or horizontal.  Free plans from Ana-White.com

modern wall shelf
modern wall shelf

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – 1×6 board, 5 feet long 2 metal angles like these – they are just used to hang the shelves on the wall – don’t need anything fancy here. Check the hardware aisle. 3/4″ screws (you will only need 4 – two for each metal brace) 2″ screws (for attaching to the wall, use a dry wall anchoring system if you can’t locate a stud or wish to place the shelf not on a stud)

Cut List

1 – 1×6 @ 36″ 1 – 1×6 @ 15″ 1 – 1×6 @ 9″

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

Notch Boards

Measure and mark the boards as shown above. Carefully cut the notches out with the jigsaw. I make the side cuts first, then go back and make a curved cut from the side to the opposite corner, and then go back and cut to the remaining corner.

Step 2

Assemble

Now at this stage, you really want to test the fit. Make sure the boards fit together snug. Pull apart and apply glue. Reassemble and adjust for square and let the glue dry.

Step 3

Hanging

Now use the metal angle braces to hang the shelves as you would any picture or shelf. If you cannot locate a stud in the wall, you can use a drywall anchoring system. Also, if you are planning on storing little weight (less than 16 pounds total) you can use Command strips from 3M – that’s what’s holding my shelves up!

Project Type
Entryway Furniture
Room
Teens
Bathroom
dining room
living room
office
Style
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Sarah (not verified)

Wed, 12/15/2010 - 02:53

I imagine you could, but asking just in case. Could you make both of the sides equal, so that it had a look of symmetry? Thanks for the plans! My kids are both getting beds for Christmas that my husband and I built. I will post pics when they are complete!

aSprinkling (not verified)

Wed, 12/15/2010 - 04:21

Actually, you COULD hang it diagonally - particularly with the largest protrusion as the "bottom". Then, you would have 5 ways to hang it. :)

Jim Reeves (not verified)

Wed, 12/15/2010 - 06:39

Ana, very nice as always, but am a bit confused on the upright cut 2 1/2 inches deep and the shelf 3 inches deep will they line up?
jim

Loni (not verified)

Wed, 12/15/2010 - 06:59

Yes they should, The plans call for 1x6's which (usually) only measure 5.5 inches. Of course measure your boards first to make sure and make adjustments as necessary :)

Dorothy (not verified)

Wed, 12/15/2010 - 07:48

Yes, yes, yes!!! I about jumped up and down when I saw this shelf! I need several shelves in our daughter's bedroom for her books and had an idea very similar to this one, but was waiting on my husband to make them. (He is the one with all the measurement skills and brains to figure things out.) Now I can do it myself -- all because of you!! Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!! :-)

Tsu Dho Nimh (not verified)

Wed, 12/15/2010 - 12:49

Jim - The sum of the two slots should equal the width a single board of the pair (if they are equal)

For the strongest joint, make them approximately equal depths.

Theresa (not verified)

Wed, 12/15/2010 - 16:03

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G so simple but sooo classy This is my kind of project.
I may have to build a bigger house any plans for that Ana?

Jon (not verified)

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 03:37

This looks like a great idea for both of my kids rooms, but I am curious about the visibility of the metal bracket. Any suggestions for hiding it? Great plan!

jennifer c (not verified)

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 12:05

I feel silly asking this but I am an newbie at building... so how do you hide the metal brackets if you don't used command strips?