How To Build A Corner Shelf In 7 Minutes

by Mandy on September 30, 2012

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Today I am answering the ever so popular question…

“Where did you find those corner shelves?”

how to build a corner shelf in 7 minutes

Instead of giving you the short answer, which would be…”Oh, my dad built them“…I thought it would be helpful if I posted a tutorial on HOW he built them. Yes, this required me to beg him to be on video. Luckily I’m a daddy’s girl {still} and he happily obliged.

Maybe not happily, but still.

You may remember the shelves I am referring to when I posted pictures of our master bedroom

how to build a corner shelf master bedroom

…or our powder room.

how to build a corner shelf powder room

If you have ever wanted to learn how to make these yourself then you will love this tutorial by my dad.

First let’s take a look at what you will need.

how to build a corner shelf materials

In case you like lists instead of pictures…

Materials List: 

{1} 1″x2″ Board (frame material)
{1} 1″x3″ Board (front shelf trim)
{1} 3/4″ Plywood (shelf top)
{1} 1/4″ Plywood (shelf bottom)
{2} Wall Anchors (for mounting)
Finish Nails 1 1/4″ or 1 1/2″
 

how to build a corner shelf tools

Tool List:

Saw (circular)
Drill
Miter Saw
3/16″ Drill Bit
1/2″ Drill Bit
Tape Measure
Hammer & Nail Set OR Finish Nailer

CUSTOM CORNER SHELF

{Complete Video Tutorial Below}

1. Determine overall desired width of shelf.

2. Cut 45 degree angle on end of 1″x3″ board.

how to build a corner shelf saw

3. From 45 degree angle measure & mark overall desired length.

how to build a corner shelf building it

4. Cut another 45 degree angle at mark on 1″x3″ front piece.

5. Use this front piece to make the pattern for the remaining pieces as described in video.

how to build a corner shelf using a saw how to build a corner shelf the frame

6. Assemble Frame

how to build a corner shelf assemble

7. Paint or stain & finish the top, bottom, & front trim to desired finish.

how to build a corner shelf spray paint

8. Mount the frame to corner walls with wall anchors.

how to build a corner shelf drill how to build a corner shelf level

9. Attach the top of the shelf with finish nails.

how to build a corner shelf top

10. Attach the bottom of the shelf with finish nails.

11. Attach the front piece of trim with finish nails.

how to build a corner shelf finished shelf

12. Touch up over the finish nails.

how to build a corner shelf completed

We built this corner shelf for P’s room to hold his chalk for his chalkboard wall…and also so that it was out of reach of Bam-Bam Bents. Just in case you were curious, 2.5 year olds think that EVERY wall becomes a chalkboard wall and they are also under the false belief that crayons are erasable.

Ahem.

Can we give a big huge group THANK YOU to my dad for making his first ever “vlog” appearance and doing an awesome job on showing YOU how to build a corner shelf in 7 minutes?!?! I may have him bust out some of his dance moves for you next time. If you thought J could dance, watch out because Poppy gets down!

What should I convince him to teach you next since he’s the real brains behind all these DIY projects? Let me know in the comment section below.

I bet if you are really convincing {and entice him with some Keystone Light} he will happily complete your requests and I won’t even have to beg.

You can see more of my projects here or check out our home tour.

{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }

Tonya @ Love of Family & Home October 1, 2012 at 9:03 am

Yay!! Your dad did an awesome job with his first vlog!! Great tutorial!!
Tonya @ Love of Family & Home´s last [type] ..September Month In Review…

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Mandy October 1, 2012 at 9:37 am

Thanks Tonya!!

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Rheannon October 1, 2012 at 6:35 pm

I have seen your bedroom and bathroom on some of my friends Pinterest. I’m pretty nerdy so I’m like “I know that girl” even though we’ve never met. Just wanted to share my excitement over seeing another Southern Illinois girl getting “famous” :)
Rheannon´s last [type] ..What year is it?

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Elizabeth October 4, 2012 at 9:37 am

Mandy, LOVE this tutorial! My dad is coming in town to put these together for me next weekend! Can’t wait to FINALLY finish my bedroom!
Can I ask you where you got thoe wooden “love” sign? I have looked pretty much everywhere… no luck. It’s probably non existent now.. :( Thank you! Love the blog! :)

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Mandy October 4, 2012 at 9:51 am

Thanks so much! Are you talking about the wooden love sign on the dresser (if so I can’t remember where I got that one). If you are talking about the mirror love sign on the wall…Hobby Lobby! I hope that helps!

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Elizabeth October 4, 2012 at 11:15 am

Oh! That’s a mirror?? Umm… I think I am more in love with it now than I was!!! I thought it was a wooden love sign put in an empty frame. Thank you! :) I know where I am going on my lunch!

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Brenda Jones October 15, 2012 at 6:03 pm

Oh My… I cried thru that whole thing. My Dad could build me anything too. Love them while you have them :) Bj

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Susan November 25, 2012 at 9:21 pm

What style/ brand are the wall anchors? I haven’t seen that type before.

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Maricia December 9, 2012 at 10:31 pm

I love this! I have been looking for shelves like this for awhile (that don’t cost an arm & leg). My husband now has something new on his honey do list! Thanks so much to you & your dad!!!

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Amanda December 17, 2012 at 7:18 pm

Found this link on Pinterest and glad I did! Your corner shelves look so good, and I definitely have some corners I could use these in. Adding this to my (and my husband’s) to-do list!
Amanda´s last [type] ..DIY Holiday Decor: Tomato Cage Christmas Trees

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Kelly January 16, 2013 at 8:48 am

Thanks so much for sending me this link! Your dad did a great job on the video instructions.
Kelly´s last [type] ..2013

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April Smith January 23, 2013 at 7:29 pm

Absolutely love your style!!!! Btw on the corner shelves you show them on a salmon colored wall…I’m in love with that color could you tell me what it is :-)

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Kaitlyn January 25, 2013 at 12:15 am

Great tutorial! I love the corner shelves… we did some in my toddler’s room, but these look simple enough that maybe I could try it out! :) I am in LOVE with your gray/white/aqua nursery! I have these colors in my to-do list for our baby we’re expecting in the beginning of July. What color and brand is that gray? I’ve looked at a million paint chips and I think I just need to see some on the wall. Thanks!!

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Mandy January 25, 2013 at 9:45 pm

Thanks so much! You can find the paint details here: http://houseofroseblog.com/nursery-ideas-gray-and-white/

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Betty March 8, 2013 at 9:39 am

Your dad did an awesome job. I don,t suppose he would let me adopt him hmm? Lol

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Erika March 10, 2013 at 7:16 pm

What color did you paint your corner shelves in your master bedroom? Or did you stain them?
Thanks.

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Mandy March 23, 2013 at 3:15 pm

They are stained!

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Andrea Pazienza March 19, 2013 at 7:52 pm

Great vlog! My Uncle helped me make them this weekend. What color stain did you use on the shelves in your bedroom?

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Mandy March 19, 2013 at 9:35 pm

I honestly don’t remember, I am so sorry! It was a dark walnut I think??

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Brianna April 3, 2013 at 11:05 pm

I am obsessed with the color you painted the powder room! I tried looking on the other pages but didn’t see it mentioned? Thanks!

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Mandy April 14, 2013 at 8:08 pm

Thanks! I actually just painted over it. LOL! It’s a good wine color if you are looking for something that deep. I needed to brighten it up some so I went lighter. I can’t find the exact color that I used. I’m sorry!

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Kris Bradseth Christiansen April 18, 2013 at 9:37 pm

The shelves are cute (and super useful,) but your dad… He should have his own HGTV program!

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Nikki April 27, 2013 at 12:43 pm

I just found your blog through Pinterest, and I’m in love! I will definitely keep coming back. I can’t wait to try (actually make my Husband make these) these shelves. They are just what we need!

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