The Owner-Builder Network

Building Plan: Best DIY Small Open Shelf – 8 Effective Steps

ShelfOBN
Building Plan: DIY Small Open Shelf

Your bathroom can be one of the messiest parts of your home.  Partly this is because it is normally the smallest room of the house.  The other reason why our bathrooms get messy is because of the number of products and items that get used while we’re in there.

The best solution to keep your bathroom organized is with an efficient bathroom storage system.

Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. You can also view the images as a slideshow if you prefer 😎

Aside from storing bathroom items, it can also be used for decorative purposes. A way to get an organized look inside the bathroom is by matching the style of a storage system with its interior and decoration. This is another factor to consider when selecting storage.

In this project, Amy of Hertoolbelt was on the lookout for a great bathroom storage solution. She came across this small rustic tub side storage shelf. We think it’s a great find as it has lots of storage space, and its rustic look is sure to fit in almost any style of bathroom.

If you already have a great bathroom storage system, you can use this for other storage purposes. This can serve as a shelf for storing shoes, boots, and other types of footwear. Take it to your garden shed and use it as a potting bench and storage for gardening equipment. Your imagination is the limit 🙂

What are the materials needed to build a DIY Small Open Shelf?

Materials Needed:
  • 2 – 2″ x 2″ x 8′ (actual 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″)
  • 2 – 1″ x 4″ x 8′ (actual 3/4″ x 3 1/2″ furring strip)
  • 1 – 3/4″ x 2′ x 4′ plywood
  • 8 – 1 1/2″ pocket hole screws
  • 1 1/2″ minimum length brad nails
  • wood glue

How to build a DIY Small Open Shelf?

1. Measure and gather the materials

Determine the measurement of the size of your desired small open shelf. Collect all the materials you need based on the measurement you made for your shelf.

2. Divide the plywood

Divide the plywood into three 24” x 12” x ¾”, for the shelves, based on your measurement. Cut the corners of these two shelves equally, where we will connect the legs later.

3. Connect the legs

Attach the 4 legs (27 ¾” x 1.5” x 1.5”) on every corner of the shelves, using the 1.5” pocket hole screws and wood glue.

4. Attach the top shelf

Attach the top shelf (27 ¾” x 1.5” x 1.5”) on top of the legs, using the brad nails and wood glue.

5. Make a diagonal design

To make the diagonal cut design, rip a diagonal shape on the edge of small plywood (12” x 3 ½” x ¾”), make two pieces and attach them to both sides of the top shelf.

6. Make Small borders

For the small borders, cut the plywood into 24” x 12” x3/4”, equal to the length of the shelf. Then attach them to the shelves using the nails and wood glue. (24” x 12” x3/4”)

7. Make the slanted sides

To make the slanted (z-shaped) sides, cut the plywood with 17 1/2″ x 1 1/8″ x 4”. Then make a 49-degree angle. Glue and nail these diagonal cuts on the sides of the shelves. 

8. Paint the shelf

After the assembly, now you can paint your shelf the colour that you want. Remember to apply a wood conditioner before painting. Let it dry. Finally, display it and fill them with your books, crafts or anything you want! 🙂

A great advantage of this project is that you can build it yourself without spending a fortune. The skills required to finish this project are quite basic, and you can build it out of reclaimed lumber. Thanks to Remodelaholic, you can learn how to build this shelf by following Amy’s plan.

If you liked this project, you might also like these shelves and bookcases…

|

Search All Projects:

|

Our Deal For Today!

Your details will never be shared with any third party. Unsubscribe at any time with a single click.

The posts on this site sometimes contain an affiliate link or links to Amazon or other marketplaces. An affiliate link means that this business may earn advertising or referral fees if you make a purchase through those links.