Easy DIY shelves
You can create these functional and stylish hanging shelves in just a couple of hours.
southern living
Everyone needs more shelf space in their home, and graced with a pretty display, these easy-to-make hanging shelves add interest to any empty wall. Use them as a decorative display in the living or dining room or for storage space in a kitchen or bathroom.
YOU WILL NEED:
[4] Pine board cut to 20 x 60cm lengths
Drill / Driver and 16mm spade bit
Woodoc Gel Stain - ebony
Woodoc 10 interior sealer
Woodoc steelwool
180-grit sanding paper
Clean cloth
7 metres thick rope
8mm dowel rod cut into [12] 5cm-long pieces
Paint brush
HERE'S HOW:
1. Measure 4cm in from the ends of each board, and mark the spots for four holes. Then use a drill/driver and 16mm spade bit to drill each hole. Place a scrap piece of wood underneath the shelf when using the spade bit to keep the holes smooth. Sand smooth around the holes and edges.
2. Stain all sides of each shelf with Woodoc Gel Stain - ebony, or colour of your choice. Once applied, use a paint brush to apply 3 coats of Woodoc 10 to the shelves, according to the instructions on the tin.
3. Use heavy-duty scissors to cut the rope into two 2.5 metre lengths, and wrap one end of each piece with masking tape to make the threading easier. Place the boards together on their sides with the holes lining up.
Starting with the bottom board, thread the rope through the bottom right hole of each board. Leave 1.5 metres of rope at the top, and then thread it back through the bottom left corner of each board.
Repeat with the second piece of rope and the top set of holes. Adjust the bottom board so that there is at least 50cm of rope below it at each corner. Knot each end, fray the edge, and cut any excess.
4. Space your shelves evenly - the ones shown are 20cm apart. To keep shelves in place, insert the dowel pieces through the twist of the rope at each corner under every board.
5. Hang your shelves on an inverted plant hook that is properly secured with a fischer wall anchor and screw. Accessorise your shelves with a pretty collection or display. Take your family heirlooms out of the closet, and put them centre stage.
Another Idea: In a powder room, these shelves make a pretty place to keep extra towels and toiletries so they are easily accessible to guests.