I am always in need of good storage! Especially in my craft room / office! I’m a big fan of shelves, since there is usually lots of open wall space just begging to be covered, and that’s how these Cheap and Simple Floating Shelves came to be.
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I recently ran into a storage issue: I went on a Cricut vinyl shopping spree and I didn’t have anywhere to put it. All of the vinyl I had purchased in the previous months was still in bags and boxes. What was I thinking?!
I needed a solution quickly, before my new shipments came in!
I have a couple of IKEA bag holders, plus an Art Bin vinyl holder, that were currently holding some of my rolls, and I was brainstorming a good way to rearrange those above the pegboard in my office. I considered maybe spray painting them.
I then remembered an episode of “Good Bones” where they made hanging shelves with leather straps. I knew it would be perfect in my craft space!
Another thing I have in excess is fabric. I immediately went searching for my leather scraps, but quickly realized I probably didn’t have any pieces long enough. Then I remembered the upholstery vinyl I had!
But what would I use for the actual shelves? I know! I have wood boards that I had stored away for name plaques I was making years ago! Woohoo! This project was going to happen!
I pulled out the boards, cut the vinyl and had my son (who is much taller than me) come hang it on the wall! Yes, I was so excited to get started on the others!
But… the gray straps and the unfinished boards wasn’t working for me. I needed color!
So I pulled out my Apple Barrel paints and decided to paint each shelf a different color of the rainbow. This also helped me to sort out my vinyl (Solids, Glitters, Patterns…etc)
As I was waiting for the paint to dry a better idea came to me: clear vinyl!
I had bought a ton of clear vinyl for some crochet projects I had been working on, so I had plenty to make all the shelves!
I am so thrilled with my decision! It doesn’t obstruct the view of my vinyl and it goes great with the colorful wood shelving!
Want to make your own cheap and simple floating shelves? Here’s what I did:
Materials
Wood Planks [12″ x 5″ x 1/4″+ thick]
Vinyl Fabric [Clear – 16 gauge] (I purchased mine in-store at Joann Fabrics)
Craft Paint
Polycrylic Protective Finish
Screws + Matching Anchors [#12]
Single Hole Punch
Optional Materials:
Spray Sealer
Sandpaper
Plastic Wrap or Plastic Drop Cloth
Finished Measurements
12″W x 19″H (from top of strap to board)
Skill Level
Beginner
Craft Time
2 Hours (including painting and drying)
24 hours with spray sealer
Notes
- You can use any type of sturdy fabric for the straps, such as leather or marine vinyl.
- I purchased a sheet of 1/4″ plywood and trimmed it down. I only used 5 shelves for this tutorial, so it does leave a lot of extra wood.
- If you purchase your wood from Lowe’s or Home Depot, they will make cuts for you. Home Depot charges a fee if there are more than one cut last I know, but it’s not too costly.
- I used Polycrylic sealer on my shelves, but you can also find spray sealers at craft stores and some big box stores in the craft section.
- I originally started with gray marine vinyl for this project, but changed to clear vinyl once I had the boards paints. I have chosen to continue the tutorial with the gray vinyl so the instructions are easier to see.
Instructions
Start by cutting planks into 12″ x 5″ [30.5cm x 12.5cm] pieces and sand down any rough edges (or purchase pre-cut boards).
Start by painting your wood planks as desired. Allow them to dry completely.
[I like to paint on the floor, so I lay down some plastic to protect the surface.]
Once paint is completely dry, apply Polycrylic Protective Finish to seal the paint. Set aside to dry.
Cut the vinyl (or chosen fabric) into 2″W x 44″L [5cm x 112cm] strips. You need two strips per shelf.
Punch a hole 1″ [2.5cm] down from the top, centered in the middle on both ends of each strip.
Chose placement for your shelves, fold the strips in half, and insert the screw through both ends. Hang the strips, so the screw heads are approximately 8.5″ [21.5cm] apart.
Once the boards are dry, insert them in the straps, so the board is flat in the bottom.
Add your vinyl rolls (or whatever you planned to use them for!) and then you’re done!
Now you have cheap and simple floating shelves!
Aren’t they fantastic?! So quick and easy!
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