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]
Ginger says
I would absolutely like to win these black n’ decker products!! I am almost 50 years old. My life has definately taken a change in direction these last few years. I have found myself alone with my13 year old son. Needing something that can really bind us togdrher and teach us both a new skill, this would be a great gift for us to share TOGETHER!! I am a HUGE DIY Reader, but have no tools besides a wooden toolbox and some odds and ends. Good Wishes for Everyone!!
DJ says
My hubby would love this drill for working on our new deck this summer.
Harmony B says
Would be great for fixing up the random projects around the house
David says
I have always wanted to have some TV trays for those times when we eat dinner in the living room, so I would use these tools to make that. Ideally I would make folding tables, but my skill level may not be ready for that.
LaTanya says
I would add some shelves to our bathroom and some shelves to our pantry.
Laurajj says
Oh I love your picture ledge shelves! Gave me an idea to make two…and put in our entry way for the kids to hang their coat and hats! I would love to put a picture canvas on each one so everyone knows where to hang their coats! Such a wonderful idea! I would love to use these to put in our closet organizer. I tried this weekend a bit, but I do not have the strength to keep turning! I would love the power to help!
Melissa E. says
I’ve been doing pallet art and use the drill from work because I can’t afford one yet. So, what would I do? Pallet art and then anything I could!!
Cindy A. says
I am dying to make an open closet shelving system for my bedroom!
Elle says
I would honestly gift it to my Dad who would surely tackle all sorts of fun projects for his home.
Sharon Touart-Crim says
I have not only wanted to make my own shelves as shown above, make my own picture frames, make boards with coat hooks, as well as bathroom towel hooks, and entry way bench!
I had spinal cord surgery four years ago and have wanted to do my own DIY projects forever, not able now to do a whole lot at one time and have to take a lot of breaks in between as to not over do it. I desperately need all the right tools to make things a little easier on me!
My dad used to use Black and Decker tools, they have been around forever, very good brand of tools. I would certainly appreciate a set of awesome tools like Black and Decker tools, would make things so much easier on me.
Laura says
I’m really needing a shelf or two for my newly painted bedroom!
Jade Low says
A M A Z I N G giveaway! ❤ ❤ ❤ I’ve been dying to make my very own food dehydrator for preserving fruit and vegetables from the garden. These awesome Black & Decker tools are just what I need to make the frame and shelves, Plus a bunch of other projects I’ve got in mind! Good Luck everyone 🙂
Gayle Scarmardo says
I want to build 3 large, alternating shelves for a large wall in my dining room. The above article is really useful in knowing how! Thanks for such a great step-by-step article.
Tracie Cooper says
I would love to build a extra long workstation/desk for my home office!
Carol Inler says
I’d like to make some picture ledges, some floating shelves, and some signage for my dining room and entry! Fun Stuff! Thanks for the opportunity!