8 How to Build a Basic Simple Shelf

Last time we talked about the Entryway, I sewed some quickie curtains. Side note: is the entryway not the longest blogging update ever?! I guess just keepin’ it real. Anyway, I’m back to show you how to make this ridiculously simple shelf:

Remember those corbels we found at a church rummage sale (quite a few #thriftscorethursdays ago)?! If not, here’s a little refresh:

Well we pretty darn excited to use them for this project. Especially since we estimate the corbels were around $0.20 cents each since it was an -all-you-can-fit-in-a-bag sale.

Which brings us to Supplies: 

• Corbels (thrifted, ≈$0.20 each) 
• 1" x 6" x 4' ($3.40) 
• Drunk Octopus Hangers (you know, these) 
• Primer and paint (we used leftovers from painting our kitchen cabinets) 

And Tools:

1. Drill
2. Tape Measure
3. Finishing nail gun (or *finishing nails and a setting tool) 
4. Table saw (skill saw or have the home improvement store trim it for you) 

*finishing nails are used to minimize the hole to avoid seeing where the nail head was inserted. 

Our corbels came with super long nails, so if yours doesn’t, you may have to pick up a few. In all, we spent under $5.00 for a shelf… um, yes please!

Instructions:

1. Using a table saw or skill saw, trim the 1 x 6 x 4 to fit the space. Ours was 46.75 inches. 
2. Measure the distance you want between your corbels, ensuring that at least two hit studs. 
3. Prime and paint the corbels and board. 
4. Attach the board the corbels using a finishing nail gun. 
5. Attach the shelf to the wall (our corbels came with super long nails to attach to the wall). 

Our shelves main purpose is to hold baskets full of various winter gear (hats, gloves, etc.) so we didn’t have to worry about weight. If your intended purpose is for items heavier, be sure to use proper brackets and even drywall anchors if necessary.

To finish things off, we added those octopus looking hangers in between each corbel to hang our coats, sweatshirts, scarves, etc. We found the octo-hangers in our attic, but they can be picked up for just a few dollars at any home improvement store.

At less than $5, just goes to show you, collecting things from your thrifty excursions really pays off in the long run huh?

P.S. We were not paid or perked from any of these vendors; we just happily picked up the supplies necessary for the job.

Want to follow along with the Entryway progression? Here’s the $5 Drum Shade, Intro/Plan, Doorway Removal, adding storage using creative materials, the magic of paint, installing the floor, DIY’ing a Corner Bench, and Sewing Curtains.

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