How To Make A Picture Ledge Shelf
I’ve day-dreamed about just this style, so I can easily switch out art, framed photos, mirrors, etc… without putting more new holes in the walls. In my lathe & plaster walls… that have a design swirled into the plaster. So filling the holes never looks exactly the same. And look, I finally did it! I’m so happy. It only took me about 3 years to get around to it, but less than 3 hours to complete it. Is that some kind of record? It was zip-zip with my new Black + Decker 20v cordless drill/driver (affiliate link)
Let me show you how I did it. It’s really simple, and lets whatever you are showcasing really shine. With the versatility to change it out on a whim! And I get a whole lot of whims..
What I used to complete my project:
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Black + Decker 2 speed 20volt Drill/Driver affiliate link
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Screws
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Drill Bit
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Find my awesome Black + Decker Drill Bit Set here affiliate link
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Phillips Head Bit
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Pine Wood (measure to fit your particular space)
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Saw
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Paint or Stain
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Wood Filler (stainable if you decide on stain)
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Tape Measure
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Level
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Pencil
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Clamps
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*Optional – Straight Edge/Metal Yard Stick
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*Optional – #2 square drive galvanized deck screws & bit
How To Make A Picture Ledge Shelf:
THE CUTS –
- Start by measuring your space to determine the length of the piece you are going to attach to the wall. Cut accordingly. My shelves are 3 feet long.
- Next determine the depth you want for your shelf, cut accordingly. *The deeper the shelf, the more “lean” you will get you place you items on it.
- Next determine the lip or reveal you want on the front and, cut accordingly. I did a 3 inch lip on mine.
DRY FIT –
I can not stress enough that you always want to lay your project out and fit it together for a dry-run before you start nailing/screwing/gluing things together. You might find a warp you need to account for, a flaw you want on the bottom… it’s just a great idea to get familiar with how everything is going to fit together, before you start.
PRE DRILL –
- It’s best to pre-drill a pilot hole for your screws. This ensure a clean entry and prevents the wood from splitting.
I used my drill on the DRILL setting for this, on speed #2. The drill setting looks like the photo below.
The #2 setting looks like this.
- I used a 3/32 drill bit. You’ll want your bit to be the proper size for the screws you are using, so keep that in mind. You don’t want to make a bigger hole than the shank of your screw.
- NOTE: I like to use a countersink bit when using screws the will show on my projects. This not only pre-drills the hole, but carves a space for the screw head to counter sink (sitting below the wood surface) as well. You can them cover the screw head with wood filler and the hole/screw will not distract from your awesome shelves! I could not find mine though, so I went with plan B.
- TIP: I used a metal yard stick as a guide to make sure all my holes were drilled the same distance away from the edge.
SCREW IN/ASSEMBLE –
- This is where you’ll attach the board that will be screwed into the wall, and the shelf portion together. Screw in, starting in the middle, and working out to the ends. I used five 2.5 inch screws in my 3 foot length of shelf.
- For driving my screws, I set my drill on 6 and put it in 1st gear. The #1 position.
My Suggested Board Configuration
- Attach your lip or front section last. Again, starting in the middle, working out. This allows you to make minor adjustments. I pre-drilled 5 holes, and used 5 screws.
- NOTE: Because I could not locate my counter sink bit, I decided to use some #2 square drive galvanized deck screws, mostly for the look. I thought the silver would be fun. I have this awesome Black + Decker 129 piece drill bit kit [you can find it here] (affiliate) and I had the bit to match the heads, so I went for it!
Here are the shelves completed, with both front lip/stop boards screwed into place.
Next I’ll take them in the house. Hang, cover my screw holes and add my second coat of paint.
How I Hung My Shelves:
- I used a level to ensure my shelves would hang straight. I held them against the wall and used a pencil to mark my placement. I hung them each 3 inches from my window casements.
- Next, I held the shelf with one hand onto the mark I had made, and screwed my shelf directly into the wall/studs with large anchor screws. Start with your middle screw. I used three screws. Set your level on your shelf to ensure it stays straight. Add your left or right screw.
- NOTE: You’ll need to make sure you use the proper screw/anchoring system for type for your wall. You may have drywall, concrete, etc… – We’ve got lather and plaster, as I mentioned earlier.
This was where I really appreciated the weight and maneuverability of the drill. I was holding the drill, the shelf and the level. And I didn’t feel like my arm was going to fall off. That was so nice! I felt like this drill was made for me. It’s smaller and more compact. Plus, it fit in every angle I needed it to, but it had the power (on speed 1, the lower gear) to drive 4 inch anchors through the wood shelf, lathe & plaster, and into the hard wood studs. All smooth as could be!
Now that the shelves are built & installed, let’s take a look at them! This was my “before”, with my side tables pulled out and naked walls. Oh my, so sad.
And now! With my new, built by me, picture ledge shelves.
Do you love them? I love them!!
See how neat the deck screws look? Maybe it’s a good thing I couldn’t find that other bit?
For now, I popped a few nautical pieces of art on the shelves.
It’s been very red, white and blue here this Summer.
Of course, you never know when one of my whims could strike?
You could swing by next time, and I’ll be feeling sun-kissed and aqua. I don’t know if I can go all Summer without any. Maybe after the Fourth Of July? After all, a little aqua never hurt anyone.
Thanks so very much for joining me today!! I hope you like my latest project. I had a lot of fun making my picture ledge shelves. I think they are going to be a lot of fun to decorate, and if you whip some up, I sure would love to see them!!
I’m going to go eat my berries now… 🙂 xo Shannon
Flash Forward
A few ways I decorated the shelves over the years.
MORE SIMPLE WOOD DIY PROJECTS
Farmhouse Kitchen Bakery Sign [click here to read]
How To Make A Pallet Wood Circle Base [tutorial here]
How To Make A Simple Wood Trough Box [tutorial, click here]
Nancy Schmitz says
This is an awesome project and I definitely want to try this one. Looks great
Sharon SS says
Working on updating my bedroom. All kinds of things to do in there that would be much easier with a good drill.
Linda Cole says
Thanks for the opportunity to win. I would like to make a bench to put on my porch. Love your shelves…..look easy to do.
Jo-Ann says
I would make tables.
Cindy Dennard says
I would use the drill to make a bench for my dining room table.
Jill Schulte says
I need need my very own drill!!!
Jill Schulte says
I need my very own drill!!!
Lu Ann says
What couldn’t I do.. I am a new home owner and would love to start building up my toolbox with a new drill.
Anne Marie says
I would definitely make some much needed shelving.
Jodi Brungardt says
What “wouldn’t” I do with this tool!! For One, I could stop asking my husband for his tools?! I have a list of projects around my house that I am so excited to get started on!
Open shelving in my kitchen
Shiplap the island in the kitchen and a bathroom wall
Make some shelves similar to Shannon’s
Revamp my fireplace mantel to incorporate some shelving/storage units
EEEKKKK!!!! I love making lists like these!!!
Pick me, pick me!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Great list!! Much luck 🙂
denise wright says
I would love to make some slatted signs and frames for my girlfriends for Christmas.
Nancy cox says
I would love to have these. I would make a big wooden square and paint something on it for my deck.
Lucia says
I would love to use the drill to make the same shelves you did 🙂 and add them to my classroom. I have been waiting to learn how to make them for a while. Thank you Shannon for all your ideas.
llm7094@yahoo.com
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank your for being a teacher 🙂 good luck!
Linda jayne bancroft says
If i won a black & decker drill id love to put a big wooden pellet above my kitchen window id make it myself paint it cream to match my tea room themed kitchen & place all pretty jugs plates anything shabby on it to break up my boring window as it is at the moment.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Sounds cute!! Luck XX
Lisa Brown says
I would use the drill to make a few frames for a few prints that I have been wanting to frame and hang up. Thanks for the chance!
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com