Plans

Free Woodworking Plans to Build a PotteryBarn Inspired Floating Display Shelf

06.28.11 By //
Project Image

This piece is inspired by the PotteryBarn shelves of a similar nature, but is by no means declared as an accurate replication (though I sure did attempt as much). I actually created this plan for a Design Services Job… Robyn hope you like your new display mechanism for your collection of milk glass!

This construction is the most simple, maybe ever…after your cuts are made, this should take you maybe 15 minutes at the most, and more likely about 5!

The website suggests they use MDF for longevity of the structural strength, so I figure when Rome….right? However something to consider is that MDF is fairly heavy and so if you plan to place decently weighted items on this, just be forewarned and consider using wood instead. For mine shown below I used Poplar because I originally intended to leave them natural…then my boy colored on them and they are now black!

 

Tools 
  • Tape Measure
  • Square
  • Sander
  • Drill
  • Saw (If you can get the store to cut your boards then you won't even need this)

 

Lumber 
  • 1 – 1×4 at no more than 6' if possible (with 6 feet you could make 2 of these)
  • 1 – 1×2 at no more than 6' if possible (with 6 feet you could make 2 of these)
  • 1 – 1×6 at no more than 6' if possible (with 6 feet you could make 2 of these) or a 1×4 would work just as well.

 

Materials 
  • 2″ Coarse Thread Screws (or drywall screws) for MDF and soft wood and 2″ Fine Thread Screws for Hard wood
  • Dry Wall Anchors for securing your screws directly into the wall
  • Wood Glue
  • Wood Filler
  • Sandpaper
  • Finishing Supplies

 

Cut List 

A. 1 – 1×4 at 3' (Shelf Back)

B. 1 – 1×2 at 3' (Shelf Lip)

C. 1 – 1×6 at 3' (Shelf Ledge) for mine I chose a 1×6 for the shelf bottom, it is the perfect size for several layers of accessories.

Instructions 

Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.

Step 1

Step 1 

Attach the Shelf Ledge to the Shelf Back: C to A (Blue to Red), use 2″ Screws and glue.
 

Step 2

Step 2 

Attach Shelf Lip to Shelf Ledge: B to C (Green to Blue) Use 2″ screws and glue.
 

Step 3

Step 3 

Hang the shelves with dry wall anchors and 2-3″ Screws. Secure to your studs which should be found every 16″ OC (on center).
 

Finishing Instructions 

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.

**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.

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