WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- First, measure the area where you
want the shelves. Use the stud finder
to determine if you can secure the L
brackets directly into the studs. If the
area doesn’t have studs, you’ll need to
get dry wall anchors to secure the
shelves instead of regular nails. - Cut the wood to the length of your
desired shelves. - To prep the wood, sand it lightly; then
wipe it down. Paint on a coat of stain.
Depending on the finished look you
want, you can either sand again and
paint more coats, or leave as is. “I’m often
asked if we sand and add a clear coat,
but we do neither,” Rhiannon says. “They
clean and wipe well, and I was worried
about it looking ‘shiny’ or too polished.”
4. Spray paint the L brackets and
screws with black matte spray paint.
Alternatively, you can buy L brackets
in the color of your choice if you want
to spend a bit more. “This was strictly a
money-saving tactic,” Rhiannon says.
“You can find them already finished
black, but they cost much more.”
5. Position the top of the L brackets onto
the bottom of the shelves, and drill in
place. Then position the shelf on the
wall and mark with a pencil. “Always be
sure to check with a level and, if possible,
screw your L brackets into studs,”
Rhiannon says. Then drill either the
screws or the dry wall anchors (followed
by the screws) to secure the shelves.
“It’s an incredibly
easy, affordable DIY
project with a big
impact, and it’s tons
of fun to decorate and
display favorite
items.
“
JUNE/JULY 2019 • 13