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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

malissa (not verified)

Fri, 10/08/2010 - 11:23

can you make the ledge part wider? i was looking at shelved just like this that you could either lay wine bottles on or store wine glass in but i think you'd have to use more than a 1x4. any thoughts?

Tsu Dho Nimh

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 07:20

Malissa -
   You can make the ledge wider, BUT ... All of the weight you place on the ledge is held by the screws through the back into the ledge. The ledge will tend to pull down and away from its backboard. And eventually fall off. And there goes the wine, all over the floor.  :(

1 - Use MORE nails or screws, and glue too, to attach the bottom of the ledge.

2 - Add a small angle brace (those "L-shaped steel things) at each end and the middle, attached BELOW the ledge to reinforce the wood.
OR:
Use a taller backboard, and add a triangular brace under the ledge to support the weight.

Melissa (not verified)

Fri, 10/08/2010 - 11:38

Sheela, I'm definitely not an expert, but for paint on wood I like to use a brush, then go over it with a mini roller immediately, while the paint is still wet (I don't like brush strokes, but there are people who do). You will still be able to see the grain, though, if you use this method. I personally don't use spray because it's so messy (especially if sprayed in a breeze! ;)). But plenty of people love it. A lot of times the professionally made furniture where you see "nothing" is because it's made using MDF, which doesn't have a grain to it like wood. Good luck on your project! Eventually you'll find the finishing process that works best for you. :)

Helen Rickertsen (not verified)

Fri, 10/08/2010 - 11:42

We were a few days to early to use your design, but just hung our gallery ledges last night. Every time I walk into the room I smile. My husband and I love your site and are so grateful for the fabulous and simple designs. One project at a time we are slowly putting our first home together. THANK YOU!

Sheela (not verified)

Fri, 10/08/2010 - 12:09

Thanks for the finishing tips ladies. Spray paint is definitely wonderful, but it's hard to find the exact shade you want sometimes, so I use latex in those cases. I'll keep trying different techniques until I get it just right (or at least close enough!) :)

sumi (not verified)

Sat, 10/09/2010 - 15:32

I am glad that I found your website. that is exactly what I have been looking for. I love to do wood working and i love pottery barn style. I found your website is very useful. I have to try to find my time to start one project at a time for my daughter.

Thank you for wonderful website. :-) I will share mine when I have done.

Lani (not verified)

Sat, 10/09/2010 - 16:13

My husband and I just made two of these ledges. It was so cheap- $10 for two 8 foot ledges- wonderful! Thank you so much!

TNSLB (not verified)

Sat, 10/09/2010 - 18:12

Do you think you could do keyhole hangers with this? With the screws in the studs, of course. I need to start keeping an eye on freecycle for picture frames :)

Thanks Ana!

Vicki (not verified)

Sun, 10/10/2010 - 05:24

I love this site! Just found it yesterday and you inspired me to start decorating my new home. I had been afraid to hang anything, didn't know what I wanted to do with the walls. My 12 year old son made the shelves for his first project, one of many! He loves doing this and had help with advice and tools from his uncle. He plans on making the Spa bench next weekend. I wish I knew how to add the image so I could show the photo of the shelves and frames he painted, I love them!

Sha~ (not verified)

Sun, 10/10/2010 - 07:28

You can adjust the size all you want, but keep weight in mind when you attach it to the wall. Do some research on fasteners for different wall types and I am sure it will be great!

Tsu Dho Nimh (not verified)

Tue, 10/12/2010 - 02:32

Malissa - I just measured my wine bottle and they are less than 4 inches across the bottom. You should be able to stand them up on the ledges. Test with some scraps before you build.

PB shows their ledges over a bar holding liquor.

Just be absolutely sure you have the back strip screwed into the studs with 3-inch wood screws, and fasten the shelf part to the back part with a screw every 4 to 6 inches.

Lea (not verified)

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 03:30

Ten dollar ledges? Not hardly. More like five dollar ledges. That's how much I had to invest yesterday at Orange to pick up the wood I needed to build one of these. Of course, I already have the screws, nails, glue, primer, and paint, so those are all purchases I didn't have to make. Today I'll be sanding and priming and painting, and tomorrow I'll install this ledge to display my kids artwork. I can't wait to see the pride on their faces when they see their work shown so prominently, and I'm really looking forward to clearing the front of the fridge.

Jay (not verified)

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 07:22

You should be able to make wider shelves to hold wine bottles like in the link you posted. I would make sure to use screws to contect the 2 parts of the shelves - much stronger than nails. Also if you put sides on the shelves it should help hold the shelf together.

When you attach to the wall make sure you go into studs in the wall or use heavy duty anchors.

sarahhiggs (not verified)

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 16:08

oh the joys of living in the north... we are in northern BC and it's going to snow any day..I feel your pain Ana!

Shelly (not verified)

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 18:10

I was just thinking today that these, made from reclaimed pallets, would solve my lack of storage issue in the kitchen. In 2 years we plan to completely redo the kitchen (you'll have the cabinet plans up by then, right) but for now I am in desperate need of space in my TINY kitchen(less than 5ft of counter, 2 lower cabinets, 2 half deep lower cabinets, 2 half deep/half width drawers), 2 upper cabinets, 1 over fridge/over stove cabinet). I have 25 sq foot of floor space. Anyhow, there are many narrow wall spaces between windows, doorways, etc that 18-29" shelves will fit. I am thinking canned goods, cereal, pasta, spices. I am so desperate for space. If I can get the food on the walls, I can get the pots and pans out of the coat closet.

Meg (not verified)

Thu, 10/14/2010 - 15:05

I built mine for $20 AND I had to buy a new bottle of wood glue!
Thanks Ana. I love these! It is just what I needed to fill a wall in my basement. My hubs was happy two- less holes in the wall than the picture collage I had planned!!!
I will post pics once I paint and hang them!

Shannon King (not verified)

Fri, 10/15/2010 - 18:41

How high did you hang the first shelf? And how many inches between shelves? I am almost ready to stain my New bed, thanks for all you do.

Shannon King (not verified)

Sat, 10/16/2010 - 13:10

Don't forget to "break" the edges by sanding to make them less fragile. I just finished 3 shelves in less than 35 min! And all from scraps from my farm house bed! Thanks for the in-between measurements. There is an awesome sanding block at the Lowe's in Canada, that you can change the sandpaper, but the spongy ones in the states work well too.

Christine (not verified)

Mon, 10/18/2010 - 03:33

My father and I made four shelves yesterday with help from my 8 and 11 year old sons. Ours are 5'2" to fit exactly between two walls. We spent a lot of time measuring (twice) and cutting the wood by hand with a mitre box. We also spent extra time counter sinking the screws. It took us about four hours to build four shelves. Now I need to fill in the holes where we nailed the front and then prime and paint. I spent extra to get good quality wood - very straight, smooth and no knots. The wood, primer, and paint cost around 80 dollars. We never could have gotten the custom fit from a catalog. I think I spent about a quarter of the price and I have some great pictures of my sons spending time with their grandfather. We also have enough wood left over to make 2 shelves about 1'8" long. I'm so glad I found this website.

Krista @ The D… (not verified)

Wed, 10/20/2010 - 22:00

Carol. I was wondering the same thing.

I was going to buy some floating shelves for my baby's room but now I'm thinking I'm going to do this instead! Not only will I be able to put up some picture frames, but can you imagine an entire gallery of children books?!? It will look so cool....now I have to get the hubbs to show me about to work his power tools.

i_am_joey (not verified)

Tue, 10/26/2010 - 05:19

@krista
@carol

ana mentioned to screw the back 1 x 4 to the wall with screws. for strength, locate the studs.

Natalie (not verified)

Tue, 10/26/2010 - 18:09

I have three young kids who love books. We get over 100 books every three weeks when we hit the library. Needless to say, book storage has always been a bit of an issue. I had all sorts of ideas for storage, and decided on something almost exactly like this. Now each kid has a shelf like this running the length of their bed and there are (almost) no more books on the floor :)

Janea (not verified)

Wed, 10/27/2010 - 06:21

Love this. I can't wait to see the finished product. Will you paint the frames and shelves all the same color?

Victoria (not verified)

Thu, 10/28/2010 - 14:46

I just built these shelves and payed about $20 for super fine pine (not sure that's what it's called but it was that or some fairly rough boards and since i was in a hurry that's what i got) plus the spray paint and wall anchors. I substituted 1x3s for the 1x4s because my sister's dining room is narrow and i assembled them just a bit narrower but we clamped all 3 8' boards together and with two cuts we had everything cut down to 4' pieces and assembled both shelves in about 5 minutes, now we're just hoping for it to be warm enough to spray paint tomorrow. Part of the reason they came together so quickly is that we used my husband's super cool finishing nail gun (it has a fuel cell instead of needing an air compressor, very very cool) and shot enough nails in for it to be secure but no predrilling needed! Thanks so much Ana, as soon as they're painted and up i'll post pictures of them in my sister's dining room. This was the perfect $20 solution for her super small dining room!

Heidi (not verified)

Wed, 11/24/2010 - 07:53

I just did these for my dining room and I LOVE them! so easy to do! They look like I bought them from a store and because I made them, I was able to get exactly the stain to match the room! thanks so much for sharing these! Can't wait to try more projects!!

Stephanie (not verified)

Wed, 12/08/2010 - 16:29

Just built two 8 foot shelves for the living room. LOVE them. Gave the room some interest on a long wall without large artwork. The hardest part (as always) is finding the studs. I drilled into the studs with 3" wood screws at two foot intervals. Make sure your wood is not bowed when purchasing - ours is and it hung fine but is not snug against the wall in the middle - you can't tell by looking though! Thanks Ana, these are lovely and easy and I will be making more!

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hd6VNdngmykq_izuV-vjng?feat=direct…

Larissa (not verified)

Thu, 12/23/2010 - 09:25

Ana, I just found you and dare I say love at first sight? I LOVE to build things but have never used a plan. Most things look like I don't use a plan. I CANNOT wait to get started. All I can say at this time is HUGE Thank You for your time and effort to share all of this wonderful information with the world! You are a blessing I am certain I will cherish for as long as all the wonderful furniture I can now make for my home will last! Mahalo Ana
-LJ

Crystal (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 18:05

Does anyone have pics of the ledges stained? I'm debating on stain or black paint. My hubby just built 3 8 footers for me today. I can't wait to get them up!

Chelle (not verified)

Sun, 01/02/2011 - 10:43

I think I am going to run these along an entire wall of my daughter's room to display her pretty things and framed photos. I'd been wanting to put crown moulding up in her room but I'm thinking edging out the room with these shelves about 8" down from the ceiling could be just as good.

Angie (not verified)

Thu, 01/13/2011 - 04:22

These would be perfect to display my ever growing collection of pint glasses. I was looking for a low profile shelf but a ledge to keep them in place. I think I'll try to make a few this weekend. Keep up the great work!

SandyPants (not verified)

Tue, 01/18/2011 - 06:20

I just made this over the weekend! So easy and it looks so good! Thanks for the great idea. I love this website!

Laura (not verified)

Tue, 01/18/2011 - 17:21

Just finished these and love them! We wanted a 6 ft length to fit on our wall, so bought a 12 ft long board and cut it in half. I couldn't believe the price a certain barn store is asking for $10 worth of wood! Used English Chestnut stain and they look great.

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!