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27 Quick DIY Wall Shelf Ideas For Easy & Simple Storage

Are you looking for DIY shelves you can build today? Here are some of our favorite DIY wall shelves for any room in your home. DIY shelving is the perfect opportunity to add extra storage while avoiding buying expensive premade ones.

collage of DIY wall shelves include pipe shelves, bracket shelves and floating shelves.

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Building your own DIY wall shelves can save you money and can help you get a custom look to fit your style. As far as DIY home projects go, building your own shelves is not that much harder than putting up premade ones (not to mention how much you will save for way higher-quality materials).

These ideas below cater to various skill levels and allow you to transform your space in no time at all.

Types of DIY Shelves To Try

  • Floating Shelves: Create a modern, uncluttered look with floating shelves. These shelves appear to “float” on the wall, making them a good idea for people who want extra space with a modern or rustic look.
  • Pipe Shelves: For an industrial design, consider pipe and wood shelves. Depending on the shelf you are building this can be simple or more advanced. You can even buy premade fittings if you don’t want the hassle of finding all the pieces and using spray paint.
  • Customizable Pegboards With Shelves: Pegboard shelves are versatile and perfect for organizing spaces like craft rooms or garages. Easily adjustable and beginner-friendly, these shelves allow for quick storage rearrangements with little effort.
  • Bracket Shelves: These are one of the simplest ways to add extra storage with limited tools. You can even ask hardware stores to precut your lumber and use a paint or stain color of your choice before attaching it.

Read More: If you love shelf ideas make sure to check out 23+ amazing bathroom shelf ideas to add to your home.

tape measure on thick piece of poplar wood.

Is it cheaper to build your own shelves?

It all depends on the materials you are using. Most of the time your DIY shelves will end up being cheaper if you build them right the first time and purchase your own materials. You can even see how you can add DIY shelves with stock cabinetry or premade furniture to create your DIY built-ins.

The best upside to building DIY shelves is that you will be able to customize the shelves for your space. In this list, you can even see 70″ kitchen floating shelves and super long wall shelves that you would never be able to purchase as is.

Our Favorite DIY Shelving Ideas

This list contains all different types of shelving ideas, from DIY floating shelving to DIY brackets wall shelves. These shelf tutorials could fit anyone's budget, style, and skill. We can't wait to see which ones you love!

DIY Floating Shelf Ideas

You can make wooden floating shelves by using sturdy brackets or by making your own mounting brackets to put the cover on.

DIY Bracket Shelves

Some of our favorite brackets include pipe flanges to farmhouse brackets. The best part is that you can customize your brackets and wood boards to fit large or small spaces.

Other DIY Wall Shelf Ideas

Not all wall shelves are considered floating or use brackets. You can find more DIY inspiration below.

Looking for more DIY shelving inspiration, then follow our Pinterest Board all about shelving and organization.

Shelving FAQs

Why build your own shelves?

The best part about creating your own shelving is that you get to pick the style, price of materials, and difficulty. Building your own shelves can be either decorative or completely functional. Each of the shelves on this list has a unique purpose and not all require power tools like a circular saw and more.

What is the easiest shelf to build?

Bracket shelves give a great custom look without too much hassle. Simply cut a wood board or have it cut to size, stain it, or paint it and add it to your brackets. Use as a stud finder to help attach your brackets to the wall studs, check that they are level and add your board. Within a few hours, you could end up with brand-new open shelving.

What wood is the cheapest to make shelves?

Plywood is the cheapest wood, followed by pine. Both are good options if you plan on painting your shelves.

How thick should plywood be for shelves?

At least 3/4″ plywood works when building shelves.

How can I ensure my wall shelves are securely installed?

Proper installation is crucial for safety and stability. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs or use sturdy anchors if attaching to drywall. Use a bubble level to double-check that the shelves are straight.

Follow us on Pinterest, Youtube or Facebook for more DIY inspiration!

Related DIYs

We just love these awesome shelving wall projects that can help you create the home (and stylish storage) of your dreams! You can say good-bye to wire shelving and start building today.

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8 Comments

  1. Thank you! We are buying a house and one of the first things we want to make are some shelves! This will be helpful!

    1. Hi Rachel! Hopefully, you will be inspired by a few of these DIY shelving projects. I know there are a few on my DIY list now.

  2. Hi Erin – I love all of these creative DIY shelves. PINNED! Thank you for including my book case reveal. My heart is full of gratitude! Hugs, Holly

    1. Hi Holly! I am glad you enjoyed these shelving ideas. We were happy to include your book case reveal!

  3. Emily Flint says:

    I am always looking for new places to put things and I love that you put together so many ideas in one place. I am definitely making some of these shelves this summer!

    1. Hi Emily! I am glad you enjoyed seeing all types of DIY shelving options. I love that this list not contains unique shelving ideas, but will allow you to stay on budget because you are trying to do-it-yourself. Good luck building.

  4. I love these! As we are decluttering, we are seeing where we need shelving solutions.

    1. Hi Steph! Yes, DIY shelves are the perfect solution for decluttering!