One of the ways to decorate a room is to use shelves. But they are not only an object for decoration. Much more often they are functional. Shelves are hung on the wall, placed on the floor, some are hung from the ceiling or beams. But the best thing is that they are easy to make yourself, with your own hands.
Types of shelves in the house
Depending on the installation location, shelves can be wall-mounted, floor-mounted or hanging. If the floor shelf has a large height - from a meter and above, it is often called a rack. A few words about hanging ones: usually these are decorative structures that hang on a pipe or a specially driven bracket. This option is popular in rooms where heating pipes run under the ceiling: they just beg to have something hung on them. Shelves are hung on the pipe in the kitchen and bathroom: it’s convenient there.
They are made of wood, fiberboard, and have glass shelves. The same materials are used as stands, but they are also made from metal, plastic and other absolutely incredible things - for example, pipes or bottles.
IN living rooms It doesn’t really matter what material the shelf is made of. It is important that its design is in the same style as the interior. Even functionality is not always important: some play a purely decorative role. If they have anything on them, it’s only one or two items. Their role is to give the interior of the home a special style and flavor.
A laconic style of apartment design and the same laconic shelves in a contrasting color. In this interior they are the main element. The free space above the sofa is organically filled with shelves to match the walls
If we talk about shelves in Technical buildings- kitchen and bathroom, in particular, then in addition to considerations of aesthetics, practicality requirements are almost universally added. Even decorative shelves The kitchen must be cleaned well. For bathroom shelves, the requirements are generally high: from time to time there are very high humidity and materials are required that can carry it without any harm. There aren't many of them. It's plastic and stainless steel. They also make bathroom shelves from MDF, but they can be used normally if they are in good condition.
Shelves on the wall
In any room there are places on the wall where you just need to hang something. After all, the majority modern furniture occupies only the lower part - sofas, tables, couches. Top part remains empty and dissonance arises: overloaded Bottom part rooms and a half-empty or completely empty upper one. These voids on the walls are organically filled with shelves.
The whole system, and the most “dead” space is used - the corner
Structurally, most shelves consist of the actual shelves and lintels. But these components are combined into so many options that it is impossible to count. Simple design This is good: you can make any shelves with your own hands. Moreover, these products may be the first self-made things. It's really simple.
How and what to attach it to
It’s not for nothing that we start with fasteners. The design of a wall shelf largely depends on the type of mounting. Or maybe it’s the other way around. It depends on what to dance from...
Traditional hinges
Eat traditional way- on the hinges. It is suitable for wood and fiberboard, any other material that is thick enough to attach. Screwed onto the sides with self-tapping screws. Then the distance between the centers of the loop holes is measured and marked on the wall (make sure it is horizontal). At the marked points, holes are drilled for the dowel, the dowel is inserted and a dowel-nail with a small head is screwed into it, which fits into a loop or bracket (a pin slightly bent upward). Then a shelf is hung on them.
Not all materials can be drilled. For example, glass shelves. You definitely can't screw anything into them. Fastenings for glass shelves are special: they consist of two parts, between which glass is inserted. Often elastic pads are installed between the holders. The bottom mount usually has a small clamping screw to secure it in place.
Fasteners for glass shelves
The most popular mount for glass shelves is called “pelican” - for its unique shape. He looks good himself, there is different colors. The thickness of glass that it can hold is from 8 to 34 mm. You can insert not only glass into it, but also any other material of such thickness. It just looks stylish with glass.
It’s easy to make glass shelves on the wall with it: you buy a mount, order it from a glass workshop the right size and shape pieces of glass with processed edges (or cut them yourself if you know how). All that remains is the assembly itself:
- Attach the pelicans to the wall. Two dowels each. The case is collapsible - the decorative trim is removed, and there are two holes in the mounting plate. One is higher in the body, the second is lower. We secured it and put the decorative trim in place.
- Glass was installed.
- Tightened the screw. All.
There are other forms of similar fasteners. The photo below shows a few of them.
Decorative brackets
Another type of fastening is brackets. They are reliable, some are decorative, so much so that they themselves are decorations.
Concealed installation - shelves without support
And the most amazing device for hidden installation. It makes it possible to hide the fasteners. A seat for the pin and the holder body is cut out at the end, and the shelf is simply put on it.
As you can see, even simple board or a piece of glass on such mounts is already quite good. But there is still a sea of all sorts of ideas.
Bookshelves
There are strength requirements for bookshelves: they can hold significant weight. Therefore, the fastening, materials and design must be reliable. Traditionally, bookshelves are made of wood, laminated or veneered fiberboard. And then fiberboard with a long span (more than 90 cm) sag over the years.
When planning shelves for books on the walls according to your own dimensions, keep in mind that the distance between the supports should not be more than 90 cm. Then even when fully loaded it will not bend. There are two types and varieties of shelves: wall-mounted and floor-mounted. Both of them can be angular.
In the simplest case, it is a board secured in one of the following ways. Some options, especially when presented correctly, look very good.
And with imagination, several planks turn into a very interesting thing, which can even be the main element of decor. Ideas for DIY are collected in the photo gallery.
And this is a serious way to expand the space due to the angles between two windows. Nonlinearity - they are always interesting, and on such a shelf you can put books of different heights
Floor-standing bookshelves can be loaded more seriously. Here the forms are different: there are racks to which shelves are attached. The highlight can be a broken or unusual line of shelves, as well as interesting racks.
It's more likely bookcase or even a closet, but the essence does not change - the original color and interesting small shelves in the central part and the structure looks interesting 
A very interesting idea - non-linear shelves and lintels made of thick glass
On the manufacture of fountains (both small indoor ones and more substantial ones for country houses, gardens or garden plot) read.
Hanging
Not very numerous, but an original type. The most important thing is that it can be done easily: a few planks, four ropes or two belts and you can get to work.
This is a complex system of blocks...and the shelves can be located at any level. Two planks, four ropes and half an hour of time are all that is needed to make this shelf. How to make a hanging shelf - graphic step-by-step instructions
To the nursery
While the child is very small, I want functional shelves, but with children's drawings. But where can you get these? Do it yourself. Any shelf of the configuration you like can be covered with non-woven wallpaper or thick wrapping paper (glued with PVA). After drying, coat with varnish twice. water based. Such shelves can be washed, but what’s most interesting is that the shelf can change with the child. You tear it off old decor, glue a new one. The idea is simple, it works perfectly.
For children, the shelves are not very different in design. If we talk about floor or shelving, then they must be strong, taking into account the fact that older children will definitely want to climb on them. Therefore, often even those shelves that stand on the floor are additionally attached to the wall: so that they do not collapse and crush young climbers. Based on these considerations, they are not made tall: even if they fall, it’s not scary.
The shelves in the children's room also differ in color - they are brighter, can be made in the form of letters, and boxes for toys can be installed in them: this makes it easier to keep them in order. In general, functionality and security must be combined.
System with drawers - cleaning will be quick Combination of open and closed shelves - convenient for preschoolers
Shelves and shelves for the kitchen
Say what you like, but in the kitchen the main thing is functionality. There is not much free space even on the walls: cabinets take up large territory. Therefore, one of the tasks is to make the most of free space. There are interesting ideas for small or even very small gaps between the wall and the refrigerator or other household appliances. Strictly in size, you can make a pokka on wheels, which can be pulled out and completely hidden there. It is wide and narrow (see photo).
It’s easy to make such a retractable shelf-rack on wheels for different jars. Everything you need is at hand and out of the way
Is there some more interesting ideas about saving space. If the sink or station is located near the window, you can take the sides. There is an interesting hanging option- a grid on chains to which all utensils are attached. But such a shelf is possible if the desktop is not against the wall. Another option for saving space is if the kitchen-dining room is zoned with a counter, you can also make a shelf above it, which will be partially hanging. One part of it rests on the wall, the second on the counter or “hangs” on the ceiling.
Covering the entire wall above your desk with cabinets is not the best the best way out. They look heavy. The problem can be solved by using glass doors, but not everyone likes this. The solution is to make open shelves between the cabinets. They will add more lightness to the interior and work zone will not put so much pressure on the rest of the space.
Glass and open shelves will “lighten” the interior The style is different - the idea is the same Closed and open shelves in one system - convenient and non-standard
Decorative and original
Often, shelves on the wall play a purely decorative role. They are designed to attract attention and this goal is achieved unusual shape, contrasting with the walls, color. You can’t bet much on it: one or two things, but how interesting they are.
Another option for “square” shelves. Two identical sets arranged differently If traditional square shelves are decorated around the edges with curly frames, the style turns out to be completely different
Another one interesting topic- glass shelves. Just one glass is not very interesting. Its combination with wood and steel is more attractive. The effects are sometimes unexpected. Glass is assembled on guides: the material is fragile and heavy, and it needs to be held. Steel can do this.
In fact, these systems are designed to create store interiors, but also apartments in a modern style or look stylish.
Also suitable for vintage style
What are shelves made of? Even from pipes. Metal and plastic. Do you have any samples left from the renovation? Put it to work and get a designer item, interestingly, assembled from trash.
This is an interesting variation of a bookshelf made of pipes
Problem free space is always relevant, especially for small apartments. What to do if you want to place your favorite books or children's crafts? Corner shelves will help out.
Almost always in the apartment there is an unoccupied free corner in which a rack or small shelf would be perfectly located. This will free up some space and also add a new decorative element.
Materials for making shelves
Today it is difficult to find a house or apartment that does not have shelves. They are convenient for laying out personal hygiene items in the bathroom, arranging books, flowers, kitchen utensils or small crafts and trinkets. The angular position provides great possibilities for designer's imagination when creating various shelf configurations.
Due to their design, corner shelves can save apartment space and at the same time aesthetically decorate the corners.
Today you have the opportunity to choose corner shelf on the wall for any room. Specialized stores are ready to offer a wide range of shapes and designs from various materials. But the cost of such shelves does not always suit every potential buyer.
Wooden wall hangings have a traditional and classic look. It can be made in a minimalist style, but will still remain attractive.
Shelves are often used not only to complement and decorate the overall interior of the room, but also for a clearer and more expedient organization of space. Thanks to their use, the apartment owner has the opportunity to conveniently arrange great amount small things that simply get lost in closets.
Today there are a lot of different models on the market that are made from different materials. They also differ in design.
You can choose not only products with classic design, but also ultra-modern designs.
But more and more often people prefer to make such interior details themselves. Wondering how to make a shelf with their own hands, they re-read a lot of literature and look through many catalogs.
However, this does not mean that self-production The shelves are complex and it is beyond the capabilities of a person who does not have special skills. No, that's not true at all.
Familiarization with the literature in this case is necessary in order to create a product with beautiful design, which will fit into general interior. Let's take a closer look at what kind of shelves there are.
Types of shelves
Any specialist will tell you that before you start creating a product, you need to decide for yourself what kind of design you want to get and whether it will be combined with the interior. And only after that you can start creating the product.
After all, for a house decorated in a classically styled style, it is completely unacceptable to use trendy and modern shelves. They will look extremely ridiculous.
The most popular and widely known subtype of shelves is the classic shelf. This is due to the fact that it is quite easy to install, and appearance, thanks to its simplicity, it seems refined and sophisticated.
Both open and closed shelves are used successfully. Closed products are most often used for decoration and installation in rooms decorated in more modern styles. Glass and sometimes plastic are used to construct them.
Open structures can be used both in modernly decorated houses and in apartments with a classic design. Over the past few years, this particular type of shelf has gained enormous popularity and is therefore gradually replacing the classic options.
IN small spaces Quite often you can see corner shelves that have a special method of fastening. They are mounted on adjacent walls that are adjacent to each other. They are most often used in bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms.
In addition to the above types of shelves that are mounted on the wall, there are hanging and floor structures. Hanging shelves are mounted in an unconventional way.
They are installed using cables and vertical racks, and attached directly to the ceiling. This mount looks quite unusual and original.
Floor structures are most often used in hallways. After all, hand-made floor shelves for shoes not only look beautiful, but also help you organize the space of a small hallway. At the same time, making them is quite simple.
How to make a simple shelf?
To create the claimed product, you should purchase or prepare some tools and materials in advance. As connecting elements, you can use whatever suits you best. But the most popular are ordinary screws, brackets and dowels.
Note!
For example, let's take a photo of the shelves with our own hands, which is presented below. It shows a product with the following parameters: width 250 mm, height 300 mm, length 1100 mm. For convenience, the manufacturing process will be divided into stages.
Stages of work
At the first stage, you need to complete the markup. To do this, you should lay the boards on a table or any other flat surface and transfer the measurements from the drawings. The side walls must be exactly 268 mm high.
This marking is optimal because the side walls will be located between the two parts.
The second stage requires cutting the boards. To get smooth and neat cuts, you need to use a jigsaw. After cutting, you will end up with 2 fairly long pieces and 2 shorter ones.
At the third stage, you can begin processing the resulting workpieces. The resulting segments should be coated with a special protective varnish or stain, having previously sanded them.
Note!
If you only plan to paint the shelf, you can get by with treating it with a regular antiseptic primer. This way you will not only increase the service life, but also achieve a more uniform distribution of paint.
At the fourth stage of making a wooden shelf with your own hands, you begin to directly assemble it. The bottom board should be laid on a flat surface. Step back 8 mm from the ends of the workpiece and draw two lines parallel to the cuts.
2 points should be marked on them with a distance of 5 cm from the edge. At the marked points it is necessary to drill holes for self-tapping screws. The same manipulations must be done with the second workpiece.
After this, you should install the side blanks on the lower section of the board and secure them. Once you are done with attaching the side panels, proceed to install the top panel and secure it.
At the fifth stage, you should attach the brackets to the ends of the side panels, and make several holes in the wall for the dowels. After this, screw in the screws so that they protrude by 5 mm. And now your shelf is ready.
In the same way you can make acoustic shelves, but you need to take into account the size of the equipment itself. Measurements should be taken carefully, because if you make a mistake, the work will have to start again.
Note!
DIY photo of shelves
There are many ways to make a corner shelf. All of them are quite simple and accessible to everyone. Of course, only a professional can make a complex product with many decorative carved elements and other decorations. However, an ordinary corner, in no way inferior to factory products, is very easy to create with your own hands.
You can use it at work following materials:
- Chipboard. Laminated sheets are used. The material is convenient because it does not require processing. It’s easy to make DIY shelves from it at home.
- Plywood. Plywood shelves are probably the simplest option you can imagine. At correct processing the furniture will turn out very beautiful.
- Boards. A properly made wooden corner will delight the eye for generations. Due to the simplicity of the product, you can safely give preference to this material.
- Drywall. It will create a built-in corner, that is, the product will be a stationary structure. Advantages - no need for large quantities tools and ease of operation.
There are 2 main types of shelves: wall-mounted and floor-mounted. The difference between them is clear. Both types are easy to make yourself.
Basic principles of creating furniture from wood materials
Below are drawings of products that are easy to make with your own hands:
Regardless of which material is chosen, plywood, chipboard or natural wood, the following tool is required:
- jigsaw;
- screwdriver;
- furniture conductor.
The order of operation is also the same:
- Preparing parts. The corner shelf has walls and shelves themselves. It is necessary to cut all parts from the material used. Then holes are made through the furniture jig for subsequent fastening of the parts together.
- Product assembly.
- Final works.
Features of working with chipboard
If you decide to make a shelf with your own hands from chipboard, then you need to purchase furniture edges. This is a special material that is attached to the ends of products. Thanks to it, the product will be protected from moisture, it will not swell or crack after a couple of years of use.
The parts are fastened together using self-tapping screws, metal corners or confirmations. The choice remains with the employee. It is important to take all measurements correctly - if, when working with wood, an incorrect hole can be repaired, the chipboard will not “forgive” the mistake.
Wooden shelf
When creating a wooden shelf with your own hands, you need to consider several details:
- Correct selection wood - regardless of the type of wood, the wood must be carpentry, that is, have a moisture content of no more than 15%.
- The wood must be treated. After the parts are prepared (cut to size, equipped with all necessary holes etc.), they are processed with sandpaper or angle grinder, and opened with varnish. Before this, you can apply stain to give the product shades of valuable species. The varnish is applied in several layers. The first one is unpaved. For this, you can use either a highly diluted substance used or a special primer.
- You can fasten the parts in several ways: using dowels, making special grooves, or with self-tapping screws. Often hanging shelves have a design in which it is possible to connect opposite walls using the shelves themselves, without sacrificing the reliability of the product.
The drawings presented in the section on chipboard shelves also apply to natural wood. Here are some ideas on what kind of wooden shelves you can make with your own hands:
Plywood is a lightweight and reliable material
Many people prefer to make shelves from plywood, as from the most affordable and easy-to-use material. For example, the product shown below can be cut in 15 minutes if you have a jigsaw. All that remains is to cover the plywood shelves with paint and wait for it to dry.
It is very convenient to create hanging products from plywood - it is light and does not require serious fixation. And if you have the skills and patience, you can even make a real work of art from this material.
Such compositions are cut out with a knife. The work is very painstaking and requires a lot of attention. This plywood shelf is suitable for those who need not just functionality, but also original item interior Stencils for the patterns can be found online. Here are a few items that may come in handy:
Plasterboard shelf
You can make a stationary, non-movable shelf with your own hands from gypsum board. The principle of its creation is simple: a frame is made of metal or wooden slats, onto which prepared gypsum board parts are attached.
For work you will need:
- A utility knife - this will be used to cut drywall.
- Hardware - gypsum-wood or gypsum-metal, depending on what material is chosen for the frame.
- Putty, spatula, dilution container.
- Metal corners, the side of which is equal to the thickness of the gypsum board used.
- Frame materials – wooden slats or metal corners.
- Level, tape measure, pencil.
How to make a corner shelf according to the instructions with your own hands:
- The installation locations of the slats are marked on the wall. All markings must be made as evenly and accurately as possible. Each one needs to be controlled by level.
- The frame is attached.
- Prefabricated plasterboard parts are installed.
- A metal corner is attached to the ends and sealed with putty.
- The finished corner is painted to taste.