DIY: Simple Wood Shelf with Decorative Brackets

As I am crazy busy painting and ordering furniture for the living room makeover, I want to rewind a bit and share a few details on the bathroom remodel that I revealed on the blog a few weeks back.  Sometimes, I move from project to project so quickly and forgot to share the little details that truly make a space extraordinary!

One of the many projects that I created + adore in the new bathroom space is the simple wood shelf with decorative brackets that I created for above the toilet.

Here’s a peek…

My original plan for the wall space above the toilet was to create a multi-tier shelf using metal piping which would have given the space a more industrial aesthetic.  (Here is the original plan of action + mood board)

As the new space evolved and the wallpaper went up, I wasn’t feeling the look of the shelving unit that I had planned on.  Instead I opted to create a simple painted shelf which allowed for the addition of a few accessories, but truly allowed for the statement of the space – the wallpaper – to shine through.  Where the tiered shelf would have covered much of the wall, the one wood shelf enhances the overall bathroom + it makes the space feel larger especially since there is no window (only a skylight above)

Here’s how I made the simple wood shelf >>>

The area above the toilet looked like this before I did anything…

Supplies

> Decorative wood brackets ($3-5 at Lowe’s)

> 1″ x 8″ piece of wood cut to desired length

> screws + anchors

> primer + paint

> general tools

1. Starting off, I measured & determined the middle point of the toilet to center the shelf.

Then using a pencil, I marked on the wall the height placement for the shelf and where I wanted to place the wood brackets.  I first hammered my screw into the wall to make the hole, then input the anchor. Once it was popped through, I installed the screw…

Then I repeated the same steps for bracket #2.

2. Once the screws were in place, I attached both brackets, and laid the 1″ x 8″ (which is actually 7-1/4″ wide) across the top.

Thankfully it was level  – phew…

3. Next up was to cut the board to the right length.

By eye, no measuring tape, I made a mark and cut the board with the miter saw (my recommendation for one here). If you don’t have a miter saw, you can have your local Lowe’s make the cut in their lumber department.

4. Once the shelf was cut, hung, & done, it was time to paint it.

I first primed all the wood pieces with Zinsser Primer, then gave all the surfaces 2 coats of plain ole’ white.

After a day of drying, it was complete and ready to hang.  Typically the longer the paint dries the better, but I was excited to get it in place.  Paint often takes 2-3 weeks to fully cure.

And this is what the new simple-to-make + inexpensive wood shelf looks like in place…

And the overall space…

I am very happy with the change of plan from a more detailed shelving system to a simpler white style.

Sometimes… the simpler, the better.  At least when it comes to design.  A simple wood shelf like this is an inexpensive and fairly easy project for anyone to tackle.  And it’s not just for the bathroom either.  Any space in the home can use an extra shelf here or there, right?!  Think the kitchen perfect for those cute teacups or for the living room ideal for accessory styling + books.  Or how about in the hallway to display photos.  Yes, a shelf like this would be perfect for a photo gallery wall!  The ideas + uses are endless.

I have another fun + easy project that I created for the bathroom which I will be sharing later this week.  Stay tuned…

 From start to finish, these are all the posts pertaining to this bathroom remodel
Plan of Action
Demo: Removal + Installation of the Tub & Walls
How-To Tile + Grout the Bathroom Walls
Installing Wallpaper
Adding a Tile Accent Border
Creating a Tiled Niche
DIY: Simple Painted Wood Shelf with Decorative Brackets
Bathroom Makeover Reveal
Resources