DIY Shelving Unit: 2 Ways

Sometimes you need a little extra storage in a room. Going vertical can help maximize space but it can be hard to find a bookshelf or cart in the specific dimensions your space requires. My favorite solution is to build something myself! You can use the steps in this tutorial to create a short end table, a medium cart, or a tall bookshelf in a variety of widths and depths. Your only limitations are the pre-cut wood (if you don't own your own tools) and plated slotted angle sizes available to you. I built my cart knowing I'd probably use it in a few different rooms in the future, because we tend to move a lot. I used 3 ft. plated slotted angles and cut a 6' board into three equal pieces. There's plenty of space between the shelves, so in the future, if I want to add another shelf, I can just get another piece cut and evenly space the two in the middle.1. Supplies: 4 - plated slotted angles measuring 1-1/2" - 1/2x3', 1 - 1"x12"x6' piece of pine, 1 - 1"x3"x36" piece of wood (or scrap wood), 4 - 3" casters (2 of them should lock), 24 flat phillips screws 14x1-1/4, drill and 1/8 drill bit, handsaw, wood glue, clamps (not necessary), medium and light grade sandpaper, yardstick, pencil, cardboard, spray paint and primer if applicable. Note: You want screws that are short and have big heads. If you have a hard time finding them use washers in between the screw and the hole in the metal. 2. Ask to have your 1"x12"x6' board pre-cut into three equal pieces in the store if it's available. This will ensure even cuts. Then use your handsaw to cut four rectangles measuring 1"x3"x4". Sand each piece with your medium sand paper and then smooth grades to ensure you won't get splinters. 3. Glue each small piece of wood to the corners of one of your shelves. Make sure the edges are flush. Clamp in place or place a heavy book on top of them as they dry. 4. Leave it for about 10 minutes and then screw your casters in place—one on each small piece of wood as shown. Make sure they're consistently placed on all four. 5. If you're going to paint your wooden pieces but not your slotted angles, tape off your casters and then spray paint all of your wood according to manufacturer's directions. Let them dry before your proceed. If you plan on spray painting it all the same color, do so once it's completely assembled. 6. Lay your base on it's edge and place a slotted angle as shown on the bottom corner. Mark and drill. Repeat for each corner of each piece of wood. 7. Carefully screw each slotted angle on starting with the back two sides and working your way around. Note: Your screws may run into each other if they are too long so be sure to get get short screws with wide heads. I used the screws shown above and only had a little bit of a run in between them in each corner.

I love a touch of industrial in every space to toughen up the girly vibe that I lean towards. In an all white kitchen, I think bare wood and silver would look great. It's minimalistic and fresh but can be a bit unfinished looking to some. Here's an example of how your shelving unit could look painted all one color. I chose Krylon Italian Olive for my shelf, because I love the industrial look paired with an industrial color. It reminds me of Army green. I then used it to display some of my favorite things in a spot in our dining room. I styled it with bronze, black, white, and wood accents for fall but could easily incorporate a vintage fan, some cameras, a few plants, or layered prints for other seasons. My favorite kind of furniture is versatile, so I'm really happy with how this turned out. I can see it being put to work in Sebastian's room someday or repainted white or gold to fit changing tastes down the road. The best part is that it was still more affordable than buying a pre-made steel shelving unit. I love when projects save me money! -Rachel

Comments

[Sarah MacEwen]

Love both versions of this cart! Makes me want to make one right now! Freakin awesome and easy.
Thank you lady!

[Mademoiselle M]

This is so cute! I love how Rachel manages to make cheap things look like they just came out from an interiorism magazin. I just bought her "Style your Space" e-course and she's amazing!

[Jessica]

I LOVE this project! I think it will be added to my todo list. Can you tell me where you got the pretty glass cups from? I love those colors! too pretty. thanks :)

[LARY@ Inspiration Nook]

This is awesome Rachel! All you girls are so creative. :)

[Stephanie]

Rachel, you crafty woman you! I love how the painted version looks like a vintage metal shelf. I've been wanting a baker's rack to house all my kitchen overflow, and I feel like this is a cheaper and prettier solution. Thanks so much ladies!

Stephanie

[Rory]

Love it! A creative way to keep things organized :)
Rory
http://www.wearaboutsblog.com/

[Marlena]

I enjoyed seeing what you had on the bookshelf. I sent a suggestion to my husband for his reading list.

[Kate @ Songs Kate Sang]

Love this!

[Deana]

So creative and lovely! :)

http://birdsandoxfords.blogspot.com/

[Sophie]

What a woman :) Sophie x

Http://your-girl-is-lovely.blogspot.co.uk

[Theresa]

I love the industrial look of the cart as a bookshelf!

Theresa
http://bomamma.blogspot.com

[Kacie]

That's so clever. I love the way it looks as a bookshelf.

Kacie
http://www.acollectionofpassions.com/

[Irene's Closet]

lovely diy!!

xx
www.ireneccloset.com

[Monica @ MonMakesThings]

I love Rachel's posts; she always makes me feel proud to be a chick with her own power tools! :)

[Julia]

This is such a cool idea and I love the fact that you did it all by yourself. Definitely on my list!

[Lily]

Looks great! Inspires me to do something similar in a corner of our dining room. One of my friends had done something similar and added flowers and ribbons to the slotted angles. Seeing yours shows me that I can go utilitarian or girlie. Thanks!

[Ruff House Art]

Ooh, I love these! I'd love one in the kitchen! :)

Natalya

[Gina_AcuteDesigns]

rachel - i saw this on instagram last night and fell in love! such a simple and creative way to create useful shelving. thanks for sharing :).

[fanny (mcpb)]

awsome ! Especially the dark gray one !

[Hannah]

This could not have come out at a better time! I am moving in 3 months from a house to a (much smaller) apartment that I can finally decorate because we will be sitting still for a minute or two. While looking at industrial style furniture I've almost got the wind knocked out of me every time I look at the prices! This is something I can try, or even build on to make larger units to best suit are new place. The best part is I can do the heavy work in my house for assembly down the road in the apartment :)

Wonderful as always Rachel!

xoxohannah
www.signedxoxohannah.com