• Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Health, Home, and Heart

  • Home
  • About Me
    • Meet Amy
    • Contact Me
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • DIY projects
    • Organization
    • Room makeover
  • Budget
    • Budget Home
    • Shopping
  • Shopping and Gift Guides

MONTHLY GIVEAWAY

Subscribe to the Health, Home, and Heart newsletter for a chance to win home decor every month!

Simple DIY Box Shelves

February 15, 2019

I absolutely love these DIY box shelves.  They are easy to make, great for organization or display, and a unique statement piece. 

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these super simple DIY box shelves. They are incredibly easy to put together!

I love organizing and decorating.  

And it’s a good thing I do, because I feel like I am pretty much always organizing, decorating, or rearranging something – be it a closet, drawer, room, desk, etc.  

I like everything to have its own place in the house.  It never ceases to amaze me, though, how quickly things multiple, which often results in items laying around with nowhere to go.  How does that happen?!  Does this happen to you, too?

Well, if you are anything like me, then I have good news for you – times two!  I have teamed up with 30+ other bloggers for a monthly blog hop, which starts right now.  Every month we will be bringing you projects based around a specific theme, and this month, the theme is DIY organization.

So, not only do you get the step-by-step for these amazing DIY box shelves, but you can also browse through all of the other amazing organization projects that my friends have come up with.  Woohoo!

Let’s get started then, shall we?

Like I said earlier, I like it when everything has a place in my house.  Let me just tell you, that has not been the case in our guest bathroom for months now.  Our guest bathroom, or hall bath, is the one that both of my kids use and my husband use.  Yep, that’s right.  I pretty much get the master bath all to myself.  Ha!  

We live in an older home, so the bathrooms, including the master, are fairly small.  We have minimal counter and cabinet space in all of the bathrooms.  Before we had kids, my husband moved his stuff to the hall bath, so that we weren’t in each other’s way while trying to get ready in the morning.  

This arrangement actually still works for us, since he and I both shower and get ready in the morning, while the kids bathe at night.  The problem for the past few months has been organization.  We used to have a tall metal rack in the bathroom that held all of my husbands toiletries.  When my youngest started pulling up on things, though, the metal rack full of bottles – including glass cologne bottles – had to go.  So, all of my husband’s toiletries got thrown into a heap in a basket, which has been sitting on top of the toilet ever since.

Well, these DIY box shelves have finally given us some organization in that room once again.  And I have to admit, that I totally love it!

Super Simple DIY Box Shelves

Here’s how to build your own.

This post contains affiliate links.  To see my full disclosure, go here.

Supplies

      1. 14′ of 1 x 4 Pine
      2. Miter Saw
      3. Minwax Wood Stain
      4. Foam Brush
      5. Wood Glue 
      6. 1-1/2” Finish Nails
      7. Hammer 
      8. Nail Set
      9. Minwax Blend-Fil Pencil
      10. 8 Corner Braces, 1.5″ x 1.5″
      11. 4 L-Brackets, 1-1/2 Inch
      12. Compact Drill
      13. Anchors and screws

Step 1 – Cutting

The first thing you need to do is cut your boards down to size.  The width of my shelves was based on the size of the wall I would be hanging them on, and I determined the height by using one of the tallest toiletry items and adding a couple inches onto that.

Then, we cut each board to the appropriate size using our miter saw.  I had 2 boards at 34.5″, 2 boards at 22.5″, and 4 boards at 11.5″.  This gave me one shelf that was two feet wide and a second shelf that was 3 feet wide.  

You could make your shelves whatever size you wanted though.

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these super simple DIY box shelves. They are incredibly easy to put together!

(There are only 7 boards in the picture because that is what we had on hand.  I had to run out and buy another board in order to cut the eighth piece.)

Step 2 – Staining

The next thing to do is stain the boards.  I used my favorite stain, which is the Minwax Wood Stain in Provincial.

Simply brush the stain on with a foam brush, making sure to cover the whole board.  Then, wipe the excess off with a rag, and let dry.  Once dry, flip the boards over and do the same thing to the other side.  

I only did one coat on mine.  

*The more coats you put on, the darker the stain will be.

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these super simple DIY box shelves. They are incredibly easy to put together!

Step 3 – Nailing

Now it’s time to put them together.  

You will want the long boards to go on the inside of the frame, and the short boards to be on the outside.  So, the end of the long board will attach to the face of the short board, and you will be putting your nails into the short boards.

Before nailing, I ran a thin strip of wood glue along the ends of the longer boards just to help reinforce the hold.

We put three nails into each side.

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these super simple DIY box shelves. They are incredibly easy to put together!

Step 4 – Sinking the Nails

If you don’t want the nails to be visible on the outside of the shelves, then you will need to sink your nails into the board.  

Place a nail set on top of each nail, and gently drive the nail down into the board a bit further with your hammer.

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these super simple DIY box shelves. They are incredibly easy to put together! Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these super simple DIY box shelves. They are incredibly easy to put together!

Step 5 – Filling the Holes

Then, using a fill pencil that matches your stain, simply fill in the holes, and wipe off the excess.

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these super simple DIY box shelves. They are incredibly easy to put together! Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these super simple DIY box shelves. They are incredibly easy to put together!

Step 6 – Attach the Hardware

We chose to further reinforce the shelves by adding corner braces to the back of each corner.  This step is optional, but will definitely help add to the durability of your shelves.

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these super simple DIY box shelves. They are incredibly easy to put together!

Then, you can add the L- brackets for hanging.

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these super simple DIY box shelves. They are incredibly easy to put together!

Step 7 – Hang and Organize

Finally, you are ready to hang these beauties on the wall!  We used drywall anchors and screws in order to ensure that the shelves would stay safely on the wall. 

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these super simple DIY box shelves. They are incredibly easy to put together!

What do you think?

Edited 08/27/2020  –

These shelves were so helpful for organization in our small guest bathroom, but we actually didn’t have a need for them in the bathroom of our new home.  So, now they reside in our laundry room.

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these DIY box shelves. They are so easy to put together!

I still love the look and the versatility of them, even 1.5 years later.

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these DIY box shelves. They are so easy to put together!

Box shelves are super stylish and so versatile. Here is a step-by-step tutorial for these DIY box shelves. They are so easy to put together!

 

Don’t forget to Pin this for later, and follow me on Pinterest for more inspiration!

 

And be sure to check out all of the other organization projects that my super talented friends have come up with.  

This link party is powered by Link Party Animal

1905 Farmhouse, Abbots at Home, Bitterroot DIY, By Brittany Goldwyn, Creative Ramblings, Cribbs Style, Delicious & DIY, DIY Beautify, DIY Danielle, Dukes and Duchesses, Girl, Just DIY, Happily Ever After, Etc, Health, Home & Heart, House by the Bay Design, House on Longwood Lane, Just Measuring Up, Kenya Rae, Little Bits of Home, Living Letter Home, My Kitchen My Craft, Pinspired to DIY, Red Cottage Chronicles, Refashionably Late, Renovating Mapleson Manor, Savvy Apron, Shine Your Light, Shrimp Salad Circus, Songbird Blog, Southern Revivals, T.Moore Home, The DIY Dreamer, The DIY Village, The Frugal Homemaker, The Handyman’s Daughter, Two Feet First, What Meegan Makes, Zucchini Sisters 

 

Related Posts:

  • DIY Kids Art Display Wall
  • Easy DIY Large Chalkboard
  • DIY Rustic Wood Nursery Decor
  • DIY Stuffed Animal Zoo
  • How to Organize the Junk Drawer for Good

Sharing is caring!

174shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

46 Comments | DIY projects, Home, Organization

Don’t Miss the MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!

Subscribe to the Health, Home, and Heart newsletter for a chance to win home decor every month!

« Sweet Inspiration Link Party #144
Sweet Inspiration Link Party #145 »

Comments

  1. Danielle Pientka says

    February 16, 2019 at 7:08 am

    These are super useful!

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 16, 2019 at 12:45 pm

      They are definitely coming in handy right now!

      Reply
  2. Megan says

    February 16, 2019 at 9:37 am

    I like how simple these boxed shelves are plus they would be a great way to organize lots of other stuff. Thanks for sharing this DIY tutorial!

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 16, 2019 at 12:46 pm

      Yes! That’s part of what I love about them – they are so versatile. You could put them in just about any room. πŸ™‚ Thanks so much!

      Reply
  3. Carmen says

    February 16, 2019 at 9:56 am

    This looks great! I love the fact that they’re open shelves but you can style them on the top or inside, super creative! glad to be a part of this blog hop with you!

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 16, 2019 at 12:48 pm

      Thank you! And that’s what I love about them, too! They are so versatile. It’s actually part of the reason I made the top one shorter – so I could place something (like a small vase) on the top/outer side of the lower shelf. πŸ™‚ Glad to be doing this with you, too!

      Reply
  4. Mary says

    February 16, 2019 at 10:09 am

    Amy this is such a simple idea but so rustic and beautiful at the same time. It adds emphasis to the beauty of the wood while being functional.

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 16, 2019 at 12:49 pm

      Thank you! I am loving the simplicity, also. It’s functional AND stylish. What more do you need? πŸ˜‰ I love seeing them every time I walk past the bathroom now!

      Reply
  5. Kenya says

    February 16, 2019 at 1:55 pm

    These would be a nice way to set picture frames in a layered way. So nice and versatile.

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 16, 2019 at 8:02 pm

      Yes! There are so many different things you could do with them. I love the idea of picture frames. πŸ™‚ Thanks so much!

      Reply
  6. meegan says

    February 16, 2019 at 3:17 pm

    I just love me a simple DIY project that is fully functional. Thanks for sharing and showing all the specific details. Love the stain color, too.

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 16, 2019 at 8:03 pm

      Thanks so much, Meegan! Simple and functional is my favorite, too. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  7. Eileen says

    February 16, 2019 at 7:30 pm

    These are awesome, Amy! I love how rustic they look πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 16, 2019 at 8:04 pm

      Thanks, Eileen! I like the rustic appeal, as well. πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  8. Toni | Girl, Just DIY says

    February 17, 2019 at 7:12 pm

    These shelves are great, so easy to build and you could make them in varying sizes and shapes too.

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 18, 2019 at 8:19 pm

      Exactly! They are so versatile when it comes to both size and styling. πŸ™‚ And yes, the bonus is that they are so easy to make. Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Sarah says

    February 17, 2019 at 9:40 pm

    Such a simple and pretty way to organize, love these shelves.

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 18, 2019 at 8:19 pm

      Thank you so much! I am loving them, too!

      Reply
  10. Christine Cook says

    February 18, 2019 at 1:06 pm

    Oh!! I LOVE the shelves!! They are just wonderful!!

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 18, 2019 at 8:51 pm

      Thank you so much! They are working brilliantly so far! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  11. Jacque says

    February 18, 2019 at 1:16 pm

    Beautiful finish, I really like the simplicity of this project.

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 18, 2019 at 8:59 pm

      Thank you so much! I love the simplicity, as well. It’s actually quite striking on the walls. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  12. Brittany Goldwyn says

    February 18, 2019 at 6:50 pm

    Simple and cute. Love it.

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 18, 2019 at 9:02 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  13. Michelle says

    February 19, 2019 at 7:43 am

    Wait…. WHAT!!!! There’s a thing called a fill pencil?!!! How did I not know this.? That’s such a clever little invention. And I love your shelves Amy. Now all your hubby’s goodies are safely out of harm’s way and it looks good too.

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 19, 2019 at 8:16 pm

      Yes! It’s a brilliant little tool. πŸ™‚ And thank you so much! I’m loving them so much, I am considering making some more for the master bathroom!

      Reply
  14. Sherry says

    February 19, 2019 at 11:15 am

    This is such a clever way for storage and it looks great!

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 19, 2019 at 8:15 pm

      Thank you so much! I’m considering making some more for the master bathroom. πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  15. Anam says

    February 19, 2019 at 11:27 am

    The shelves look Beautiful!

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 19, 2019 at 8:22 pm

      Thanks so much, Anam!

      Reply
  16. Jamie @ Southern Revivals says

    February 19, 2019 at 5:33 pm

    These make bathroom stuff look pretty!

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 19, 2019 at 8:24 pm

      Yes, they do! I am so happy with the way they turned out. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  17. Debbie-Dabble says

    February 21, 2019 at 6:51 am

    Amy,
    The shelves look great!! Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to comment!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 23, 2019 at 8:22 pm

      Thanks so much, Debbie! I’m super pleased with how they turned out. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  18. Kippi says

    February 22, 2019 at 11:37 pm

    Great project. I want to make some of these too. The shapes are interesting and the extra shortage is a plus. Happy Crafting, Kippi #kippiathome

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 23, 2019 at 8:26 pm

      Thank you, Kippi! The extra storage has been fantastic! I love how versatile they are, and they really do look great on the wall.

      Reply
  19. Lisa says

    February 26, 2019 at 12:12 pm

    I could totally see these in my son’s room to hold signed baseballs and sports paraphernalia! Great project, thanks for sharing your tutorial Amy!

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 27, 2019 at 8:14 pm

      Thanks so much! That’s a great idea! I can totally see it. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  20. Amy says

    February 27, 2019 at 3:00 pm

    These look great and so functional!

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      February 27, 2019 at 8:14 pm

      Thanks so much, Amy! They are definitely functional, which I’m loving!

      Reply
  21. Christine says

    February 28, 2019 at 9:37 am

    I love the subtle stain you picked and the clean lines on these. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • amy_at_healthhomeandheart says

      March 1, 2019 at 7:35 pm

      Thank you so much, Christine! I love the simplicity of them, as well. πŸ™‚

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 12 Super Simple Home Storage Options - 1905 Farmhouse says:
    February 27, 2019 at 11:10 pm

    […] Super Simple DIY Box Shelves-Health, Home and Heart […]

    Reply
  2. 15 Built for Organizing Projects you can Build - Girl, Just DIY! says:
    February 28, 2019 at 3:03 pm

    […] it possible to ever have enough storage? With my tiny bathrooms I need to get creative like Health Home and Heart did in with these shallow but wide shelves I can hang on the […]

    Reply
  3. 15 DIY Build to Organize projects says:
    February 28, 2019 at 5:21 pm

    […] How fun are these simple DIY box shelves that Health, Home and Heart made!Β  Such a great storage and decorative option for a bathroom.Β Β  I need to make these for my husband’s shaving stuff in our bathroom. […]

    Reply
  4. Amazing DIY Organization Ideas | Savvy Apron says:
    February 28, 2019 at 9:00 pm

    […] Home, and Heart has come up with a great idea with these Super Simple DIY Box Shelves that look […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MONTHLY GIVEAWAY

Subscribe to the Health, Home, and Heart newsletter for a chance to win home decor every month!

Let’s Connect!

  • Bloglovin
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • StumbleUpon

Search This Site

RSS Health, Home, and Heart

  • Budget Laundry Room Makeover
  • How to Install a Wood Trim Accent Wall
  • Simple Romantic Table Runner
  • How to Organize the Junk Drawer For Good
  • How to Apply Frosted Window Film for Privacy
  • 17 Last Minute DIY Gift Ideas

Recent Posts

  • Budget Laundry Room Makeover
  • How to Install a Wood Trim Accent Wall
  • Simple Romantic Table Runner
  • How to Organize the Junk Drawer For Good
  • How to Apply Frosted Window Film for Privacy

Important info

  • Contact Me
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • WPMS HTML Sitemap

Policies

  • Contact Me
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • WPMS HTML Sitemap

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Don’t Miss the MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!

Subscribe to the Health, Home, and Heart newsletter for a chance to win home decor every month!

Copyright © 2021 · Pink theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 Β· Pink Theme on Genesis Framework Β· WordPress Β· Log in