Skip to main content

DIY: Wood Honeycomb Shelves

Even though we veered away from the original design for the revamped shared kids space, my son had his heart set on honeycomb shelves after I showed him the Land of Nod style.  And since this mama can’t let her boy down, I had to pull through.

But instead of buying, what did I do?  DIYed them, of course.  After a little research & this post by A Beautiful Mess, I was confident to move forward.

Not only are these honeycomb / hexagon shelves functional, the whole ensemble is like a piece of art.  And instead of painting the shelves a color or staining them a traditional wood finish, I chose an interesting blue hue which is in-trend and spot on with the other tones that I’ve introduced into the room.

Take a look…

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

The entire shelf composition runs the length of the twin bed, which is about 80″ long, and makes the entire wall truly come alive.  This “installation” also parallels with my Lowe’s Creative challenge project for this month which focuses on introducing the submerged color trend of watery, cool blue hues into a project.  With the size + interesting finish, this project is by far one of my favorites!

———————————–

Before we move forward, it has to be said that this project was a big challenge, but the bigger the venture, the better the result.  I don’t often do large-scale woodworking projects and at times I thought it was going to be a big F-A-I-L, but in the end the honeycomb shelves MAKE THE ROOM.  Take Away? Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.  Push through because in the end, it’ll be worth it!

———————————–

Like usual, before starting a larger scale project, I sketched out my idea and figured out the supplies I needed.  This was the first sketch…

Design 1 for honeycomb shelves

And then the shelves ended up evolving into this layout instead so not all of the shelves are actually attached…

Design 2 for honeycomb shelves

Supplies I used:

  • (7) 1″ x 6″ x 6′ long pieces of wood – each shelf took approximately (1) board
  • 1-1/2″ wood screws
  • 1-1/2″ corner brackets
  • Plastic toggle anchors
  • Stain or Paint – depending on how you want to finish the shelf surface
  • Other supplies: miter saw, tape measure, drill, sander, level, pencil

To save on time, I often have my wood cut while at shopping at Lowe’s, but for this project, I cut it at home because of the quantity needed + the angles.

Here are the steps I took:

1. I set the miter saw to 30 degrees and never touched the saw again for the entire project.  This angle is crucial so each of the 6 pieces will make the perfect hexagon shape.  I approximated that I wanted each finished shelf to be an overall dimension of about 14″ x 14″, and chose the length of 7″ for the long side of each piece.

After marking the wood with my tape measure + pencil, I made the first cut using the miter saw. Then I flipped the piece of wood over to make the second angled cut.

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

This is what the first piece looked like when cut.

Then I cut about 42 more…

Size of cut for honeycomb shelf

2. Before taking the next steps of attaching each piece to make the shelves, I layed all the pieces out to see how they’d actually go together.

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

3. Then we were ready to chug forward and attach these bad boys…

The first hexagon box was created using 6 pieces and all the angles faced each other.  It’s best to stand them up on their sides, so the floor acts like the wall. The Mister (who was a huge part of this project as well) and I actually moved from the carpet to a flat, hard surface so the pieces would lay flat.  The carpet was too cushy.

TIP: You must use wood screws for this project.  We started out with screws, but it wasn’t working right (because we didn’t pre-drill), then changed over to using nails.  BIG MISTAKE.

Once you have the angled wood pieces in position, first pre-drill the holes, then drill in the wood screws.  If you don’t pre-drill the holes, the wood will probably split, which is what happened to us atfirst.  Using a nail won’t work because they’ll pull out and the overall shelf won’t be stable / sturdy.  Believe me, these are all lessons we learned along the way!

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

4. When the first box is complete, you can either be done or add on to it to create a multi-honeycomb shelf like ours.  If you continue adding on to the first hexagon, you’ll use one side of the original hexagon to create the second hexagon. This time though, the cut angles won’t touch each other, but instead overlap.  I’ll be honest, it does get tricky at this point and the shelves become a big jigsaw puzzle.  We ended up with (1) 3 box shelf, (1) 2 box shelf, and (1) stand alone shelf.

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

Once all the shelves were screwed together, we were ready for the next steps…  finish the surface + install.

It took me some time to determine how I wanted to finish the shelves.  At first I was going to paint them, but then steered away because I wanted to see the wood grain shine through.  That meant stain.  But, what stain?  In the end, I chose a gray / blue water-based stain by Minwax.  The submerged color seemed perfect with the other hues in the room and was ideal with what’s on-trend right now.

5. First, I gave the edges and all the surfaces a good sanding with my orbital sander.   Then using a rag, I applied the wood stain and almost instantly wiped it away so very little actually soaked into the wood.  Because of this, the drying time was very quick.

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

6. About a day later, the shelves were ready to install.  I first attached the metal angle brackets to the shelves. Then I determined the height + positioning of where the shelves would be hung.

Next, the Mister + I marked the holes through the brackets and pre-drilled the holes into the wall.  As with hanging anything, I always love using plastic toggle drywall anchors (I shared a pic recently on Instagram).

Once the anchors were in each hole, we repositioned the shelves in place and screwed them in using a drill + screw.  It’s key to use a level as well so the shelf doesn’t get installed crooked!

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

At this point, the shelves were almost done…

I loved the look of the blue shelves against the lighter gray walls, but I still wanted to make them pop.  To do so, I chose to paint the front edge of the shelves a white color which matches the moulding throughout the room.  Two coats later with a small, flat brush did the trick.

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

Lastly, so the metal brackets didn’t stand out so much, I painted those as well using the wall paint color.

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

And then they were finally complete!

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

Love the under-the-bed wood rolling carts?  I shared the tutorial on how to make them earlier this week.

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

These shelves are perfect to fill with books, toys in containers, and any fun thing(s) to display.

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

And here is a pretty pinnable picture if you want to remember this project for a later date…

{DIY Tutorial} How-To Make Wood Honeycomb Shelves. Why spend hundreds, when you can make them yourself! These shelves complete the look of the room. So many great projects in this kids room makeover.

So what do you think?

Do you like the honeycomb / hexagon look?  Have you incorporated this new trend into your home? What has been your most difficult DIY project endeavour?

Lowes Creative Team Member Badge - Spring 2014

To gather even more unique, fun, and creative ideas for your indoor and outdoor Spring spaces, I would definitely suggest downloading the Lowe’s Creative Ideas app on your iphone and/or ipad.  I’m always checking out the FREE app for great seasonal + do-it-yourself inspiration.

 Also consider following Lowe’s on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram as well.

Disclosure: I am part of the Lowe’s Creative Team and was provided with a Lowe’s gift card to purchase items for my project.  I was also compensated for my time to use the products.  No one told me what to create, what to buy, how to use the product, or what to write.  All opinions are 100% mine!

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves

Within the past two months, I’ve purchased 4 leaning shelves (a.k.a. ladder shelves).

Obsessed? No.

Great for storage? Affordable? Open + Airy?  Yes.

For the same reason, I’ve been loving leaning shelves as of late, I’ve got my clients hooked too and I’d like to share with you why leaning shelves work so well for any room in the home.

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!

Any style shelf gives height to the room. Most pieces of furniture (tables, sofa, chair, bed, etc) aren’t higher than 30/36″ off the floor, which often leaves pictures / artwork to be the only source of height in a room.  As much as it’s important to have “things” on the wall, it’s also important to break up the monotony and a bookcase / shelves can be that element.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the look of a closed bookcase, but I also really prefer the style of a leaning shelf.

Why?

> Height: Art + pictures are a must on the walls, but without anything else to grab the eye and break up the plane, a space can become boring and lack depth.  By adding shelving, specifically leaning shelves, a wall can have the needed to break and 3-dimensional look needed to add visual interest.  With the addition of books, accessories, baskets, and more, the shelves can become the star of a room.

> Storage: The aesthetic part of shelves is that it brings height + interest to a room, but the storage element of shelving brings in the functional aspect.  Who doesn’t desire more storage in their house?  I certainly do {raising hand in the air}…  Adding in a tall element, like a shelf, allows you to use the vertical plane of the wall instead of the horizontal, floor area, of a room.  Save on floor area, use height instead!

> Affordability: Leaning Shelves are very affordable, probably because there really isn’t much too them.  The most recent style I chose, I purchased at Target for a few dollars over $100. I’ve also been wanting to make my own version – I think it would be fairly easy – but I’m still gathering the guts + time to do it.  Anyway, there are versions that are less than $100, like this one and styles that are a lot more (but are pretty fabulous) like this one at $1600.  Add height to a room for around $100? Perfect!

> Open + Airy: I specifically like the look of leaning shelves because they provide the height and the storage needed in a room, but they aren’t closed in as a typical bookshelf with a back + sides are.  The leaning shelf is minimal allowing for any size space (even small spaces like bathrooms & laundry rooms/nooks) to handle the horizontal attention-grabber.  Plus I’ve seen leaning shelves in a variety of widths, as well.

I must be on the right design track with my recent purchases because I opened two design magazines this month and they both featured spaces with leaning bookshelves.

After reading the first feature in the March issue of HGTV magazine, it ‘s what inspired me to write this post. I know you all would love and feel confident to use leaning shelves after seeing these inspirational spaces!

1.  A leaning shelf in the kitchen

Perfect for holding dishes, cookbooks, bowls, coffee supplies, and so much more.

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!

2. A leaning shelf in the living room

Ideal for books, pictures, accessories, and I adore the idea of a adding a reading light.  No more need for a side table.

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!

See how this ladder shelf gives so much height to the space, yet there is no real break of wall color or ‘closed-in’ feeling.

3. A leaning shelf in the entry

Essential for all the winter-wares, shoes, and bags!  The shelves allow space for the must-haves, along with some surface to display some pretty like a plant and cool fan.

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!

4. A leaning shelf in the entry

Big or small, most bathrooms could use more storage.  Am I right?? And if you have a pedestal-style sink, you really are in need of more surface space.  A ladder shelf is the perfect solution for all your products + towels.

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!

5. A leaning shelf in the laundry

Another spot that most everyone can use more space.  Depending on the layout of the laundry room or nook, a leaning shelf can provide the extra storage needed to keep the space tidy + organized.

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!The above images of 5 ways to use a leaning shelf is from HGTV magazine

The other publication that I was flipping through and came across an interesting display of leaning shelves was Better Homes and Gardens April issue.

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!

For these shelves, I am pretty sure they painted them the popping turquoise hue, but what a great space, right?!  I love the color palette of the vivacious yellow, gray, and turquoise.  If you can, get your hands on this issue – they’re are lots of great + affordable ideas for bathroom upgrades.

After seeing all these ideas, I am sure you want to get your hands on some new shelving.  Am I right?  I put together a collection of a few favorites with resource links.

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!

Resources:
1. Cherry-finish Leaning Shelf
2. White Leaning Shelf
3. Iron frame / Wood Shelves Leaning Shelf
4: Black Leaning Shelf
5: Lucite (clear) Leaning Shelf
6: Gray Leaning Shelf with Bins
7: Leaning Shelves with Desk

Here’s a peak at the recent leaning shelves I purchased…

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!

Recognize the room?  It’s my boys room that I am currently giving an overhaul.  work is still in progress…

I’m sharing this because it’s amazing how much these shelves have brought to the room!  The amount of storage / surface space is incredible.  From books, to ‘special things’ to ALL THE LEGOS, these shelves hold it all + have there is room for more.

My daughter’s room also got a leaning shelf.

We moved the pictures that were there into the master and added the shelf in it’s place to hold books, and of course ALL THE LEGOS!

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!

Seen enough?  No?  Okay, I’ve got more inspiration for you…

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!Awesome coastal living room with a leaning white shelf/desk. via: Sabrina Alfin Interiors

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!Seriously, how great is this space with the leaning shelves used for wine storage?  Doesn’t get much better than this! via: Cynthia Lynn Photography

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!Work space with white leaning shelves. Shelves by The Container Store

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!How amazing is this lucite leaning shelf?  It’s incredibly expensive, but is a show-stopper!  Leaning Shelf by Wisteria.

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!Such a bright + vibrant space.  Ideal for a playroom or girly room.  Leaning Shelves by The Container Store

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!Metal + Wood combo shelves by Pottery Barn

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!Such a bright, airy space with the perfect element to bring in some height…  a leaning shelf!  Unknown Source

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!What a great office space with a non-traditional leaning shelf and I adore the pops of turquoise + the amazing wallpaper. via: Matilda Rose Interiors

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!How fun is this?  I love chalkboard walls and layering it with a leaning bookcase still allows for the wall to be seen through it.  Same style as shown above in my favorite finds, this leaning shelf is by Land of Nod.

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!Leaning shelves with a desk make a great combination for storage + work. via: CM Glover

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!Leaning shelves come in all sizes.  This narrow style in a colorful deep red hue is adorable in this nursery. Unknown Source

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!Leaning shelves are great for an office space! via: Asbury Remodeling & Construction

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!Shelf / Desk combo by The Container Store

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!A more modern style shelf/desk combo at Crate and Barrel

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves - Leaning Shelves are affordable, open + airy, and bring great height to a space. So much inspiration + ideas in THIS POST!The shelves on this white ladder shelf are thicker which gives it more weight and style.  How great for a kitchen or casual dining space.

Leaning shelves for everyone.  Are you now ready to purchase one (or 2, or maybe 3) for your home?!