Floating shelves are a fantastic way to add storage and style to any room, and they’re especially perfect for those awkward corner spaces. But who says beautiful shelves need to break the bank? In this guide, we’ll walk you through building your own DIY floating corner shelves, step by step. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just starting out, this project is approachable, affordable, and incredibly rewarding. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get building!
Planning Your Corner Shelves
Before we dive into the sawdust, let’s take a moment to plan.
What You’ll Need:
Materials:
- Lumber:
- 2x4x8 pine or whitewood (for the cleats)
- 1/4” x 24” x 48” plywood (for the shelf bottoms)
- 1” x 10” x 8’ (for the shelf tops)
- 1” x 6” x 8’ (for the shelf trim)
- Fasteners:
- 1-1/2” pocket screws
- 1-1/4” brad nails
- 3” Spax screws (or similar self-tapping screws for mounting to studs)
- Other:
- Wood glue
- Wood filler (optional)
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Stain or paint (your choice of color)
- Polyurethane or other sealant (optional)
Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Miter saw (or hand saw)
- Kreg Jig (or alternative method for pocket holes)
- Drill
- Impact driver (recommended)
- Level
- Stud finder
- Nail gun (or hammer and nail set)
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your local lumber yard or home improvement store to make some of the cuts for you. It can save time and ensure accuracy.
Designing Your Shelves
- Size and Placement: Measure your corner space carefully. Determine the desired width, depth, and spacing between your shelves. Consider the height of your ceiling and any furniture that might be nearby.
- Style: Do you prefer a rustic, modern, or minimalist look? Your choice of wood, stain, and hardware will contribute to the overall aesthetic.
- Budget: Set a budget for your project and stick to it. You can often find affordable lumber options or use reclaimed wood for a unique touch.
Building Your Floating Corner Shelves
Now for the fun part—let’s bring your shelves to life!
Step 1: Building the Cleats
- Cut the Cleat Pieces: Using your miter saw, cut the 2×4 lumber into the following pieces:
- Two long wall cleats: These will be attached to the walls forming the corner. The length will be determined by your desired shelf depth.
- Several short cleat braces: These will connect the two wall cleats and provide support for the shelves. The number you need will depend on the number of shelves you’re building and the desired spacing.
- Drill Pocket Holes: Use your Kreg Jig to drill pocket holes into the short cleat brace pieces. These holes will allow you to securely attach the braces to the wall cleats.
- Assemble the Cleats: Apply wood glue to the ends of the short cleat braces and attach them to the long wall cleats using your pocket hole screws. Each cleat assembly should look like a right-angle bracket.
Step 2: Mounting the Cleats to the Wall
- Find the Studs: Use a stud finder to locate and mark the studs in your wall. It’s crucial to anchor your shelves to the studs for maximum support.
- Position the Cleats: Hold the first cleat assembly up to the wall, ensuring it’s level and aligned with your markings. Use a pencil to mark the screw locations through the cleat and into the studs.
- Attach the Cleats: Pre-drill pilot holes at your screw locations. This will prevent the wood from splitting. Drive the Spax screws through the cleat and into the studs, securing the cleat to the wall.
- Repeat for the Second Cleat: Repeat the process for the second cleat assembly, ensuring it’s level and properly aligned with the first cleat.
Step 3: Enclosing the Cleats
- Cut the Shelf Bottoms: Measure and cut the 1/4” plywood to create the bottoms for your shelves. These should fit snugly within the cleat assemblies.
- Attach the Shelf Bottoms: Apply wood glue to the top edges of the cleat assemblies. Align the plywood bottoms with the cleats and secure them in place using brad nails and your nail gun (or hammer).
- Cut and Attach the Shelf Tops: Measure and cut the 1” x 10” lumber to create the tops of your shelves. Apply wood glue and use brad nails to attach the tops to the cleat assemblies, flush with the outer edges of the plywood bottoms.
- Add the Trim: Measure, cut, and attach the 1″ x 6″ trim pieces to the front and sides of your shelves using wood glue and brad nails. This will create a polished, finished look.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Sand and Fill (Optional): Lightly sand any rough edges and fill nail holes with wood filler if desired. Let the filler dry completely.
- Stain or Paint: Protect your shelves and enhance their beauty with your chosen stain or paint. Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.
- Seal (Optional): For added durability, apply a sealant like polyurethane according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Show Off Your Handywork!
Congratulations, you’ve built beautiful and functional floating corner shelves! Now it’s time to decorate them with your favorite books, plants, artwork, or treasures.
Looking for more inspiring DIY projects and unique handmade gifts? Explore the rest of the Robert Kline Art website and discover a world of creativity at your fingertips. Don’t forget to share your creations and connect with us in the comments below!