$50 DIY Shelves

Style for Less

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.

What You Need: Poplar Boards

We started with a 10-foot-long 1 x 8 and had it cut into four (28-inch-long) sections.

What You Need: A Quart of Paint

We love the aged, slatelike finish that milk paint provides. We used Pitch Black from The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co.

What You Need: Sisal Rope

We used 24 feet of 3/4-inch-diameter rope. It's available by the foot at your local hardware store.

What You Need: Dowel Pieces

We bought one (5/8-inch-diameter) dowel rod and had it cut into twelve 2-inch-long pieces at the store.

Step 1: Prepare the Boards

Measure 1 1/2 inches in from the ends of each board, and mark the spots for four holes. Then use a 7/8-inch spade bit to drill each hole.

Next, paint all sides of each shelf the color of your choice. We used one coat of black milk paint.

Editor's Tip: While drilling, place a scrap piece of wood underneath your shelves to prevent tear-out.

Step 2: Thread the Rope

Use heavy-duty scissors to cut the rope into two (12-foot) 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 4 feet 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 2 feet of rope below it at each corner. Knot each end, fray the edge, and cut any excess.

Step 3: Set and Secure the Shelves

Space your shelves evenly -- the ones shown are 8 inches apart. To keep shelves in place, insert the dowel pieces through the twist of the rope at each corner under every board.

Editor's Tip: Once each dowel piece is in place, you can just twist it up and down for fine adjustment.

Use a Plant Hook

Hang your shelves on an inverted plant hook that is properly secured with a wall anchor and screw. The wide crook of the hook will easily accommodate the width of both pieces of rope.

Accessorize

Accessorize your shelves with a pretty collection or display. Take your family heirlooms out of the closet, and put them center stage.

Make It Yours

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.