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

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DIY Shelving Ideas Can Get Your Organized
Building your own DIY wall shelves can save you money and have 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).
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. You will love checking out this list of DIY shelving ideas.
You may even decide that there is a blank interior wall in your home that could use some shelving. Or a closet that could get redone after seeing these shelf designs.
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.
Read More: If you love shelf ideas make sure to check out 23+ amazing bathroom shelf ideas to add to your home.
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.
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.
Types of DIY Shelves To Try
- Wood shelves
- Floating shelves
- Shelves with Brackets
- Bookcases
- Picture Ledges
- Bathroom Wall Shelves
- Closet shelves
- Hanging Shelves
- Garage Shelves
- Built-Ins With Shelving
- Freestanding Shelves
- Corner Shelves
Our Favorite DIY Shelving Ideas
This list contains all different types of shelving ideas, from DIY wall shelves to easy shelving ideas to bookcases. These shelf tutorials could fit anyone's budget, style, and skill. We can't wait to see which ones you love!
DIY Shelves for Walls
Everyone loves to have wall shelving to help them stay organize or to just display their favorite home decor items.
DIY Live Edge Floating Shelves
This step-by-step tutorial is not only detailed but totally cool. We have always wanted to try to create a floating wall shelf with a live edge. A live edge is a tree that is cut into a slab and retains its natural edge.
We didn't realize there were so many easy and sturdy brackets to help easily attach these homemade shelves. This is a must-see shelving option for your home!
Knock-off Pottery Barn Floating Shelves
You will love this floating shelf idea. Get the same PB look with floating these rustic shelves for way cheaper! You can even see the PB product that inspired these and how much money you will save.
Bathroom Set Of Pipe Shelves
We are such a huge fan of these flange pipe fittings around our house. This easy project added a little industrial look during this cheap bathroom makeover. Create your own look by using your favorite wood stain on the wooden boards.
DIY Laundry Room Cabinets with Open Shelving
Learn how stock cabinets from big box stores and farmhouse metal brackets added more functional storage space in the laundry room. The new shelves and cabinets were a great idea for extra DIY storage in a small laundry room.
How to Make a Barn Wood Shelf
These fun barn shelves are great DIY shelf projects. Create these DIY shelves one Saturday afternoon to complete your farmhouse decor. We even love the frosted mason jars she has on display.
DIY Wood Triangle Shelf Brackets
This simple DIY shelf idea can be customized in so many different ways. Don't worry about having to buy your shelf brackets and just make your own.
Pallet Wood Wine Rack Shelf
If you are a wine lover, then this shelving idea is for you. Be inspired by this pallet wood wine rack to store your favorite vino! Not to mention the money you will save by using pallet wood for this wall shelving idea.
DIY Pipe Corner Shelf
Have you ever wondered what to do with your cable box after you mount your television? Here is a great industrial shelving idea that was such a great addition to this living room. The DIY corner piece of wood was added to pipe fittings in this afternoon DIY project.
DIY Farmhouse Shelves
We love how simple and easy these DIY farmhouse wall shelves are to build. The stained thicker wood really adds to this farmhouse style. Coffee anyone?
DIY Floating Shelves in the Living Room
These awesome floating wood shelves were the perfect addition to this living room. They were really able to utilize the wall space to add a unique functional and decorative touch.
DIY Kitchen Floating Wall Shelves
The white beadboard and white painted shelves go so well together in this cheap DIY shelving project. We love when DIY projects allow you to get exactly what you want (like 70" custom floating shelves).
Rustic DIY Bathroom Shelving
We just love pipe shelving. Use pipe flanges and reclaimed wood to create a fun bathroom shelf above the toilet.
DIY Farmhouse Corbel Bracket Shelves
The best part about these shelves is that they are pretty easy to make. You can customize the corbels and wood to fit your taste and style.
DIY Outdoor Serving Station for Summer Soirees
This DIY shelf (and we use that term loosely) is so clever. Not only will store items for you but can act as a table when you need it.
DIY Bathroom Storage Shelves
These easy DIY bathroom storage shelves are an inexpensive way to add storage to a small bathroom. This DIY bathroom shelving tutorial will show you how you finally get your bathroom organized.
DIY Industrial Pipe Shelving On a Reasonable Budget
These pipe shelves would complement any home decor and room. Learn how to build this impressive industrial pipe shelving the easy way! These DIY pipe shelves are perfect for farmhouse, rustic, or industrial modern decor.
Easy DIY Shelving Ideas
Not everyone wants to get out power towels to build their own shelving units. Here are a few easy DIY projects that can be done with minimal tools and time.
DIY Hanging Rope Shelf with Driftwood
Looking for an easier way to use natural wood or driftwood. This is a great shelf for those that don’t want to do a lot of drilling into a wall but still create a wall shelf (I know odd, to say). We thought using this boat cleat was such a smart hanging idea. You will love this DIY hanging rope shelf that is perfectly rustic and fun.
DIY Rain Gutter Bookshelves Under $10
Create these easy DIY shelves using painted rain gutters to help display children's books. We just love how inexpensive and fun this shelving idea is.
How To Build An Easy Pegboard Shelf (Not Using Wood)
Guess what? This easy DIY shelf for your craft room is made only using cardboard and contact paper. We just love that we were able to recycle while helping organize our children's craft room.
Super Easy DIY Crate Shelves for $100
This brilliant and easy shelf idea uses premade crates to create division in a studio apartment. This DIY shelf or bookcase provides storage and functionality to this small space.
Upcycled Floating Shelf
This is a very unique shelving idea. If you don’t like using power tools, but you love creating inexpensive DIY projects, then this upcycle DIY hanging shelf is for you.
DIY Acrylic Shelves In Windows
Do you want to grow plants indoors, but just don't have access to natural light? This DIY shelving project is perfect to get you the extra storage to not only display those flower pots, but also a place to let those plants grow.
DIY Plant Shelves Using Wood Slices
Are you looking for another plant shelf idea that could work in small spaces? You will love these simple wooden shelves. We love the rustic look of this plant shelf but know you could use this shelf in all sorts of ways.
Repurposed Painted Nursery Shelves
See how you can use different types of shelves in unique ways. Simply spray-painting IKEA spice racks are an amazing way to add to your baby's nursery decor.
Baby's Nursery Wire Basket Shelves
These wire baskets are another great DIY shelving idea to try that seems pretty easy to complete. You will love how quickly you are able to store things in your child’s room, nursery, or play area.
Modern Popsicle Stick Shelf
Get your kiddos involved in working on this DIY shelving option. We love the fun colors and everyone will be amazed at this easy popsicle stick shelf idea.
Repurposed Chair Shelf
Do you have an old chair that needs a new life? Why not turn it into a very unique DIY shelf? We love that you can easily add a towel hanging bar or key ring hook to the bottom.
LEGO Display Shelves
This beginner woodworking project is super cute to help your little one keep all those little trinkets and legos in one place. And who doesn't love a DIY shelf project that also helps kids stay organized!
DIY Built-in Shelving Ideas (and some fun bookcases)
Here are some inexpensive shelving ideas that really help make space feel like home. Learn how you can use store-bought shelves (IKEA hacks anyone) or simple materials to create a custom look for half the price.
Basement Built-In Storage
Create an inexpensive and one-of-kind built-in shelving and storage cabinet for all of your organizational needs. You will love learning how to upper stock cabinets to complete this cheap basement remodel.
DIY Garage Shelves with Plans
These garage shelves were just too great to not include. If you are sick of having a disorganized garage, then these are the DIY shelves for you. Easy to make and free plans are included!
Ikea Hack Bookcases
A great Ikea hack! These built-ins are not really built-in. Check out this homeschool room to be inspired with a whole wall of faux built-in shelves.
DIY Built In Bookshelves for the Living Room
Create a fun built-in entertainment center for your living. Customize the finish to match your home decor style.
Built-In Book Case
Revamping this library and going the DIY route for built-in bookcases was totally worth the wait and effort. You have to see the big reveal!
DIY Built-Ins Using Big Box Store Cabinets
Use stock cabinets to create your own built-i shelves for your living room. This peel and stick wallpaper that was used in the back was such a good idea that added a little personality in the living room without overdoing.
DIY Industrial Bookshelves
Another great Ikea shelving hack that will inspire you to be creative today. See how to score a DIY industrial shelf look from Ikea products.
DIY Collage of Pages Bookcase
Have an old bookcase that you want to redo? This decoupage method will revamp your bookshelf. Readers unite!
DIY Built in Office Shelving
Create a clean look and add more storage to your home office. The best part is that you can fully design these shelves to fit your wall space. Keep them white or paint a fun bold color for a really big impact.
DIY Wooden Shoe Organizer
Are you sick of shoes laying around your garage floor? This simple wooden shoe organizer will give your family a place to place their shoes before coming in your door!
DIY Closet Shelving Ideas
Bye, bye wire shelf organizers. These DIY shelves for all types or closets are sure to help you organize your space the way you want to.
Easy Linen Closet Shelving
These simple DIY shelves really added storage to this linen closet. Be inspired to create your own custom shelving while being budget-friendly.
Build A Cubby In An Old Closet
Take the doors off of your entryway closet and add custom shelves to fit your family's needs.
Easy DIY Wooden Closet Shelves
Make inexpensive custom shelving for your closet. You will be able to create these wooden shelves in one weekend in order to completely redo your closet.
Nursery Closet Shelving Under $100
Nursery closet shelving built for under $100. These DIY shelves will help you get organized before your little bundle of joy arrives! We also love the neutral cloth storage baskets with chalkboard labels!
Replace your Ugly Wire Shelves with Wood Floating Shelves [DIY]
Learn how to replace old wire shelving units with this awesome tutorial. You will love the updated and fresh look of these DIY linen closet shelves.
DIY Closet Shelves – Craft Closet Organization!
This craft closet organizer is the perfect way to add DIY closet shelving. You will love the step-by-step instructions as well as the 3-d virtual plans provided.
Add Shelves to Cinderblock
Using similar farmhouse brackets, these shelves were added to a cinderblock wall closet. This space is going to make an amazing kid craft room.
Collapsible Storage Shelves for Mudroom
This brilliant shelving idea is not permanent but can be used whenever you just need a little extra storage. We love the idea of having a place for all those extra boots and coats in the winter.
We hope you found inspiration from these DIY shelf ideas. We know there are a few new ones that we would love to try. Bye, bye wire shelving that we have all over.
Shelving FAQs
Plywood is the cheapest wood, followed by Pine. Both are good options if you plan on painting your shelves.
At least 3/4″ plywood works when building shelves.
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.
Looking for more DIY shelving inspiration, then follow our Pinterest Board all about shelving and organization.
Related Home Organization Ideas
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We just love these awesome home decor DIY projects that can help you create the home (and new shelves) of your dreams!
Steph
Friday 26th of June 2020
I love these! As we are decluttering, we are seeing where we need shelving solutions.
Erin
Friday 26th of June 2020
Hi Steph! Yes, DIY shelves are the perfect solution for decluttering!
Emily Flint
Friday 26th of June 2020
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!
Erin
Friday 26th of June 2020
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.
Holly
Friday 26th of June 2020
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
Erin
Friday 26th of June 2020
Hi Holly! I am glad you enjoyed these shelving ideas. We were happy to include your book case reveal!
Rachel
Friday 26th of June 2020
Thank you! We are buying a house and one of the first things we want to make are some shelves! This will be helpful!
Erin
Friday 26th of June 2020
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.