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Gallery Ledge Shelves

diy picture ledge shelves
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You can build your own picture ledge or gallery ledge for about a DOLLAR a foot.  This easy to build picture ledge tutorial requires NO cutting and basic tools.  Paint or stain any color you choose.  Thousands of people have built this shelf and you can too - free step by step plans from Ana-White.com

picture ledge with books in kids room

Reader submitted photo by Katie Garber

 

Need an inexpensive and beautiful way to display books, photos, decor or more on your walls?  Our famous $10 picture ledge shelves are easy to build (you can even build these without cutting a single board!), can be built in any length, and are easy to hang! 

What You'll Need

  • Off the shelf pine boards available at any home improvement store
  • Drill (used to build and hang the shelves)
  • Screws (used to build and to hang the shelves)
  • Paint or stain
  • Level is recommended for hanging the shelves
  • A stud finder is recommended for locating the studs in the wall to hang the shelves on

If you want to customize the overall length of the shelves, you'll also need a tape measure and any saw that can cut wood (this includes a handsaw).

 

But I'm Not Handy

These picture ledge shelves have been built thousands of times, by beginners everywhere.  In fact, we recommend this project as your first project because it is SO easy and SO affordable!  Our step by step tutorial makes it easy. 

YOU can do this!

 

Reader Submitted Photos from Our Picture Ledge Tutorial

Here's a few different versions of our picture ledge, submitted by readers, and used in different ways.

Book ledges by Crisaphi

Reading nook by karahart

Rustic Stain by a.stauff

Easy Picture Ledge Tutorial

 

 

Pin For Later!

Picture or Book Ledge

Dimensions
picture ledge
You can customize to any length that you want.
Avoid going to short (less than 24") because it may be hard to find a stud in the wall)
You can also make the shelf deeper by simply replacing the bottom 1x3 board with a 1x4, 1x6 or 1x8 board

Preparation

Shopping List

For (1) 8 foot long gallery ledge

  • 2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
  • For every foot of shelving, you'll need about (3) 2" wood trim screws (like these that also include the drill bit)

What Type of Wood?

  • The least expensive is pine furring strips (about $2 for a 1x3 and $1 for a 1x2) and will paint just fine and stain to that rustic look everyone is after these days
  • You can use a select pine or hardwood board as well if you are trying to match other woodwork in your home or are looking for a more refined look
  • I don't recommend MDF as it doesn't have much structural integrity
Cut List

For 8 foot long shelving, NO cuts are necessary.

For shorter shelves, simply cut 

  • 2 - 1x3 @ desired length of shelving
  • 1 - 1x2 @ desired length of shelving

EXAMPLE: For 36" long shelves, you would cut two 1x3 @ 36" and 1 - 1x2 @ 36"

Tools
Tape Measure
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Level

Instructions

Step 1

picture ledge diy

Attach the two 1x3 boards together with 2" trim screws, about every 12".  

Step 2

picture ledge diy

Attach the 1x2 to the front, with the 2" trim screws.

If you have a brad nailer, 1-1/4" brad nails and glue can also be used and will be easier to finish than screws.

  • For a painted finish, fill the screw or nail holes in the front 1x2 only with wood filler.  Let the wood filler dry and then lightly sand any excess off.  Then paint as desired.
  • For a stained finish, lightly sand the project.  Then apply wood stain of your choice.  Then use a stain matched wood filler to fill any holes.

Step 3

Locate studs in the wall with a stud finder.

Mark with a pencil.

Place the picture ledge up on the wall at the desired location and screw through the back 1x3 into the studs in the wall.

  • At least two screws are needed to hang the picture ledge.
  • One screw per stud in the wall
  • If only one stud behind the picture ledge, than use two screws to attach to the one stud
Project Type
shelves
Room
Bathroom
Bedroom
dining room
Entryway and Mudroom
Kids and Toys
living room
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans
Cottage Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Kelly (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 17:51

Ahhh! This is exactly what we need! I was literally at Lowes today trying to find a solution for my homeschool room- this will be perfect, thanks :)

Jayme (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 17:52

I wish you could come to my Mops group! I love these, going to try them hopefully this weekend!

sarahj77 (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 18:11

Wow. Wish I'd seen that a few weeks ago. I bought knockoff PB shelves for my son's room and when his brother slams the door, everything falls off. That lip on the shelf would solve my problem!

Lisa Forrette (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 18:14

Ana, you are my hero! This is just beautiful and oh so simple.

Until I found your site, I was afraid I'd never be able to afford decorating/furnishing my home it the way I dreamed it could be. No I have hope! Keep up the great work and thanks, thanks, thanks!

Leslie (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 18:57

Wow! Wow! Did I say WOW? THAT has to be the easiest build on record. Even with three cut fingers (had a run in with a table saw - the saw won!), I think I could still manage this. Yup! Looks like I need to head to my favorite lumber yard tomorrow. Thanks!

Lisa (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 18:59

Dear Ana, I have been following your blog for months now and never left a comment. However....EVERY plan you post is amazing...inspiring and creative! And I could leave a "wow" comment for each one. I can't express how much I look fwd. to opening your blog every day....and how grateful I am for your generosity in sharing....and encouraging!! I Thank you thank you...!

p.s. Do you have a P.O. box to send donations??

sarahhiggs (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 19:02

what did you do to finish the shelves?? they look awesome!

love this entire look.. I have been wanting to do something like this in my office.
thanks so much!

Faith (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 19:02

Love.Love.Love these! I know what I'm going to do with my big, empty, boring family room wall! I can mix framed pics with my toddlers art they love to have on display! LOVE THESE! Thanks so much!

Kelli (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 19:56

Would these work using a 1x2 instead of a 1x4 for the "bottom" of the shelf? I need something for my hallway and I'm not sure if by using 1x4's it would stick out too far. I love them though! So easy and look great!

Ana White (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 21:18

Hi Kelli, it would "work" but the problem with going narrow is your books might fall forward (or picture frames). I did a demo with a 1x3 as the bottom, and it was too narrow for taller items. It would definitely work for shorter items. The 1x4 was much better though for layering photos frames and holding other collectibles.

Silky (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 21:24

Just last week I mounted similar ledges that I bought at IKEA. They aren't as pricey as the PB ledges but you could still save a bit when building your own.
I combined them with a clip art rail and it's the perfect combination.
I still need to take pics.

jojabis (not verified)

Wed, 10/06/2010 - 21:55

okay so at our place of business we have about 30 brag photos of our work but the only place I could put them was in the back and when we want to show them off we have to get them down. stupid $1 frames only have stands so I can't hang them on the wall. Just today I was trying to figure out a shallow shelf to put along the narrow hall that is our lobby. This is perfect thank you so very much.

Jan (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 02:09

Hi Lisa,
There's a "donate" button on the right side on the website. ;-)
I agree with everything you said.
Jan

maryanne (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 02:57

You can donate through Paypal on her site. Look on the righthand side of the page (scroll up from here) and you'll see a link where you can make a donation. I've done it - it's easy!

maryanne (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 03:01

I think this may be your best plan yet. It is sooo simple, no cutting required, and can be used in so many different ways: frames, narrow figurines, children's artwork or A+ schoolwork, books, magazines. This can be used as an alternative to the bunk bed shelf. You can hang it in the dining room and display plates. Since it's screwed into studs, it's super strong... how about adding cup hooks to the bottom and hang coffee cups or something from the bottom? Bravo!

darbynwoods (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 03:44

ana nice work. simple and easy.

this is a great project for the popular and pine that you can find at hd. I would also prime and paint the wood before assemblying the shelves. this is much easier to get into the corners and just do some touchup.

if you plan to make a few you may want to look into a taper drill bit for the holes on the front. then you could put in a plug and sand it off and not see the screws.

i would only add to predrill holes on the shelve for the screws to go into the wall . This is after finding and laying out the studs.

david
darbynwoods.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/darbynwoods

Tanjia (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 03:50

Ana - I think I might be able to get this project done before the snow starts flying here! Thanks for empowering me yet again!

sarahhiggs (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 04:55

haha.. sorry, i'm new to all of this! I think this will be my first project! ;)

I recently helped my husband build a shed, gate and shingled the roof! It's the first time I've really ever picked up a tool, and although scary at first, not so bad once you get the hang of it! I have been following your site for a few weeks now and have about 20 projects bookmarked.. thank you so much for all the inspiration. simply amazing.

Tsu Dho Nimh (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 05:22

Lisa - She has a paypal donate button at the bottom of the right-hand column of stuff.

Tsu Dho Nimh (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 05:28

Oh my ... I have a wall these would be perfect on for some cookbooks, and a pile of scrap lumber to play with :)

QUESTION: What is that paint color? I'm looking for a creamy pale yellow and that looks like a nice shade.

ShaRee Hirschi (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 05:56

Ana, (Please respond if you read this)

Can you give measurements of the height you hung the shelves on the wall. What was the distance between shelves, etc?
Thanks so much!
ShaRee
[email protected]

Ana White (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 06:44

Hi ShaRee, I'm in flight right now, so I can't give you the exact measurements - but I can give you an approximation. We hung the bottom shelf at about table height - so about 30" high. Then we left enough room for the frames, about 15" between the shelves. When I get home I can give you better specs. Thanks so much for asking - I'm sure others have the same question.

Annalea (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 06:51

Ana, I just wanted to say (again!), how much I appreciate this blog, and all of the awesome plans on it. We're currently building a house, and I can hardly wait to pretty much fill it with things I build from your site. These ledges, especially, are going to be perfect for the apartment over the garage where we'll be living while we build the house itself. (The garage is coming along nicely, but it's going to be a squeeze with the kids. Think Japanese-style living.) These ledges will allow great use of little bits of wall, while not projecting into the room, or overwhelming the space. Thanks so much!!!

Annalea (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 06:53

The best way to pick a color is to go grab some paint chips that appeal to you, and then tape them to the wall you're wanting to paint. Since color is an abstraction, literally a function of the ambient light in a given area since color is just reflected light, it's really difficult to directly transfer a color from a photograph to your own home. Printing out the photo above and taking it to the paint display is probably your best bet. :o)

Hope this helps!

Annalea (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 06:59

P.S.) Is there a way to download a pdf that I missed? If not, here's a PDF I made in case someone wants an easily-printable version. Ana, if you'd rather not have this here, please feel free to delete this comment, or let me know, and I'll remove access to the document.

Thanks!

Maureen (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 07:35

Love you Ana! Went to Orange and bought wood today (I decided to go with 6 foot long for over my couch). I also picked up some spray paint to make my matching frames. Can't wait to knock this out! Thank you once again!!

suzannah (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 07:54

Have been looking at our bare walls since we moved in this summer - afraid to hang anything permanent since we don't have permanent furniture.... these shelves are perfect for any furniture placement!! no centering needed! Love it! Another thing on my project list!

Laurie (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 08:01

These are GREAT! I've been meaning to ask you, do you use a spray gun? Spray paint gets pretty expensive and there aren't as many options. I found one that attaches to the pancake compressor and uses mason jars. Makes cleanup, paint color changes, and paint storage so much easier! $40 on amazon.com. I think it's called "Critter".

ChrisE (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 08:54

Off topic comment - but I just wanted to tell you I heard you on NPR today. Great job!!!! I don't know why they didn't mention your website by name though!!!

Laurie (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 09:11

I just re-read my post and it sounds like I'm trying to sell something! Sorry, just excited about my find!

Laurie (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 14:54

Ana! I have been following you for a while and have even built a few things! I am addicted! Anyway, I want to build some of these for my daughters room for books and things, but I don't really want to screw them to the wall. I do want them to be able to hold ALOT!! Any suggestions?

Sheela (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 16:42

Ana (or anyone else who is a finishing expert) - what are your tips for getting paint to lay down smoothly on wood surfaces? Do you use a brush, foam brush, roller, etc.? Any tips are very appreciated!

Lyndsay (not verified)

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 16:56

This is my 2nd project that I have made of yours. And this one was so easy and simple. I love it. I just need to wait for the paint to dry to hang it up. I am putting it in my craft room. It is going to hold all my paints. Thank you so much.

Nichole (not verified)

Fri, 10/08/2010 - 03:34

Hi Ana. I have been loving your blog for quite a while now. I originally found you through a reference on Woot! and have been checking it daily ever since. I am in the process of buying my first house. In fact, I just had the inspection yesterday. I am so excited about getting in there and fixing it up and making it mine. I have dreams of filling it with furniture I made myself from your plans. My dad has always done woodworking in his spare time and I always admired that and wanted to try it myself, but was too intimidated until I found your site. Maybe these shelves will be my first project for the new house.
Thanks so much for all you're doing to help us make our homes beautiful while keeping some money in our pockets. More importantly, though, for giving us the confidence to try.
Also, I wanted to let you know I happened to catch your interview on NPR last night during a late-night burger run. You did great. Please consider this positive comment #10,001.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!