Transforming an Old Shelf Into a Stunning New Piece

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It’s finally time to say goodbye to its outdated appearance and transform this old shelf into a beautiful new addition to our living room.

For more than 20 years, we’ve had this nondescript shelf that served various purposes throughout our lives. Though it wasn’t anything special, it was affordable and got the job done.

Instead of starting from scratch, I opted to give the shelf a facelift by adding new wood, making it more durable, functional, and stylish.

The first thing I did to turn this old shelf into something new was pick up some materials from our local home improvement store and gathered the rest of the items I needed from around the house and in the shed.

• 3-1x2s
• 1-1×4
• Wood for the top (I used a 1×12 board)
• Liquid Nails
• Wood Filler
• Finishing Nails
• Clamps
• Saw
• Primer
• Paint
• Paint brush

Building the Shelf: My Step by Step Guide

Here are the steps I took to build my shelf:

1. After gathering all the necessary materials, I cut the 1x2s to the height of the shelf plus two extra inches. I then used liquid nails and clamps to attach them tightly. I also used 1 1/2 inch finishing nails for additional support while the glue dried. Although this step is not entirely necessary, I am not the most patient person when it comes to projects like this.
2. Next, I cut a 1×4 board to frame the bottom of the shelf. I followed the same process as before, using liquid nails and clamps. Although I cut the board a little short, I used wood filler to make it less noticeable.
3. I then cut the board for the top of the shelf and glued it with liquid nails and clamps. I sized the board to my desired length and overhang.
4. The shelves were sagging, so I straightened them out. I clamped them to a straight board and used liquid nails to attach a 1×2 board the length of the shelf. Then I nailed the 1×2 to the shelf.
5. The final step was the most challenging. I set the shelves where I wanted them and, with the help of my amazing kids, nailed them in place for the sides of the shelf. It was not an easy task, but it was the best solution at that moment.
6. We filled in the nail holes and cracks with wood filler.
7. I used a primer that works on the laminate surface without the need to sand. (It costs a few extra dollars, but I am very pleased with the ease and the results are wonderful). You can find it here. I applied about three coats of primer to the surfaces.
8. Finally I painted the shelf with white paint we had from a previous home improvement project. After about 2 coats of paint, I was pleased with the finished product.
9. Finally it was on to putting it in place and decorating the corner of our living room.

Although my shelf is not perfect, I absolutely love it!

I love the idea of taking something old and even worn and turning it into something new, useful, and beautiful.

This was a very fun and even a bit challenging project for me. I am not a natural when it comes to building and creating things of this nature.

Here are some tips and advice for building shelves that you might find helpful:

• When choosing materials for your shelf, consider the weight of the items you plan to store on it. For heavier items, you may want to use thicker boards or add additional support underneath the shelf.
• To ensure that your shelves are level, use a level to mark the placement of the brackets or support pieces before attaching the shelf itself.
• If you’re working with uneven floors or walls, you may need to use shims to level out the shelf before attaching it.
• If you’re using a laminate surface like I did, be sure to use a primer that is specifically designed for that material to prevent the paint from peeling or chipping over time.
• To add some visual interest to your shelf, consider adding decorative brackets or trim pieces. You could also paint the shelf a different color or add a pattern or design to the surface.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things! Building shelves can be a great way to develop your DIY skills and create something that is both functional and beautiful.

I learned a lot in the process of building the shelf and there are even a few things I would have done differently.

After completing the shelf, I have added it to our entryway area to create a storage space for shoes. Unfortunately, it turned out to be too small to accommodate everyone’s footwear. Given that we have some family members with crazy large feet, their shoes wouldn’t even fit on the shelf as they would stick out several inches. If you’re facing a similar problem, don’t worry; I have an alternative solution that just might help.

I love what the shelf has done to the space in our living room. It was previously often a place where we would just put things we did not know what to do with. Now it is an expansion of our entryway and is being used in a way that helps to keep this room neat and organized as well as beautiful and welcoming.

I cannot wait to keep going with these projects to make better use of our space and help to bring a feeling of comfort and peace into our home for all who walk through our door.

Do you have any projects you are working on or would like to start to make your space more cozy and comfortable for yourself and others? I would love to hear what you are doing! Please feel free to share to our Facebook, Instagram, or comment below.

Check out my previous post about my plans for making our house a HOME.

How to Make Your House Feel Like HOME