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Leaning Wall Shelf

leaning wood shelf
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Difficulty
Intermediate
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Large leaning shelves. Featuring five shelves, ranging in size from large to small, this leaning shelf will store and stylize any space.

leaning wood shelf

I'm so happy to give you these plans today.  I know they have been requested many times over, and I just couldn't quite figure out how to build these without tons of leftover wood or having to create panels for the shelf bottoms.  I think I've done it, made it a plan I am proud to put my name on.  But there's no way around it, you are going to need a full sheet of plywood to build one . . . or two.

And while this plan only calls for one leaning wall shelf, you will have enough scrap plywood or MDF leftover to build a second one. Other ways that you can save?  2x4s are cheaper than 1x4s, so try adding strength and saving several dollars by using 2x4s for the legs.  1x3s are about 1/2 the cost of 1x4s, so try using 1x3s for the shelf trim instead of the 1x4 shelf trim.

Dimensions
leaning shelf plans
Warning - this shelf is bigger than it looks! Measure and adjust accordingly.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 6 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - sheet 3/4" Hardwood Playood or MDF 3/4" Thick, cut as shown in cutting layout
  • 60 - 1 1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
  • 35 1-1/4" long self tapping Wood Screws
  • 2 Heavy Duty Picture hanging Kits
  • Wood Glue
  • 120 Grit Sandpaper
  • Wood Filler
Cut List
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 77 4/8" (Shelf Sides, cut and mark in step 1)
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 33" (Shelf Supports)
  • 1 - 3/4" Plywood @ 17 1/4" x 31 1/2" (Bottom Shelf)
  • 1 - 3/4" Plywood @ 14 1/4" x 31 1/2" (2nd Shelf)
  • 1 - 3/4" Plywood @ 12 1/4" x 31 1/2" (3rd Shelf)
  • 1 - 3/4" Plywood @ 10 1/4" x 31 1/2" (4th Shelf)
  • 1 - 3/4" Plywood @ 8 1/4" x 31 1/2" (5th Shelf)
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 17 1/4" (Bottom Shelf Trim)
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 14 1/4" (2nd Shelf Trim)
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 12 1/4" (3rd Shelf Trim)
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 10 1/4" (4th Shelf Trim)
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 8 1/4" (Top Shelf Trim)
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 33" (Shelf Back Trim)
Cutting Instructions

See PDF

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
General Instructions

NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU CUT THE SHELF SUPPORTS @ 33″ and NOT 31 1/2″ (See Comments)

Instructions

Step 1

And just in case one of those diagrams is a little teeny to read, here’s an expandable view. You can click the diagram for a larger view.

PDF

PDF Version
Project Type
Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans
shelves
Room
Storage Solutions
Teens
Bathroom
Bedroom
Craftroom
dining room
living room
Nursery and Baby
office
Style
Cottage Style Furniture Plans
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Miss Amanda (not verified)

Sun, 07/11/2010 - 18:58

This looks great and is going in the list of things to build... you are making my plan to build everything for my new house possible!

Tracie (not verified)

Mon, 07/12/2010 - 03:30

Oh they look so great! I have been contemplating building one to match my current one that I bought on Craigslist.

Leslie (not verified)

Mon, 07/12/2010 - 04:34

Holy Cow! I love it! I'm looking around my house as we speak, trying to figure out where it will go. I'm thinking my bedroom, painted a nice hydrangea blue. Thanks for sharing this very awesome plan. I bet it's gonna be popular!

casicola (not verified)

Mon, 07/12/2010 - 06:17

YaY!!!! I cant wait to try these....and maybe put a wine rack in them..they are yummy plans..Thanks for all you do!!

The Trees (not verified)

Mon, 07/12/2010 - 18:47

I almost bought some similar shelves for much more than double the cost. And these, much prettier... Thanks!

Kara (not verified)

Tue, 07/13/2010 - 02:47

I'm so excited that you posted these!! This is the LAST thing to build to make my living room complete, so now I can put it on my to-do list!! Thank you so much!!

Connie Nobbe (not verified)

Wed, 07/14/2010 - 09:06

I've always admired those pottery barn shelves but could not bring myself to pay the price. Thanks so much for these plans! You are awesome! Also, just wondering, how did you make your plans into such a nice PDF file?

slcortez (not verified)

Wed, 07/21/2010 - 04:59

These are great. I wonder how I would need to reinforce a wider center shelf to hold a 40" flatscreen.

Hollyn (not verified)

Wed, 07/28/2010 - 09:17

Love the leaning shelves! Just built them as my 1st KOW project...just a little sanding and painting left to do and they'll be complete. (I wouldn't say it's truly a beginner's project though.....doable, but more on the intermediate level!!!) Can't wait to post pictures!

Jake (not verified)

Sat, 08/07/2010 - 09:27

There is an error in the cut list for this plan. The shelf supports are too short to accommodate the shelves with the side trim attached. Either increase the shelf supports to 33" or cut the plywood to a width of 30" for a functional build. I got half-way through before realizing the error. Gonna have to make another trip to the store now!

Mike (not verified)

Mon, 08/30/2010 - 12:17

@Jake, good catch it appears that on page 4 of the PDF it has an illustration of the supports measuring 33", but the cut list says 31.5", thanks for the headsup, I was at Lowes today pricing the materials.

Kelly (not verified)

Mon, 08/30/2010 - 19:28

Hi Anna,
I can't wait to build this, but I have a problem. I have 2 little ones that climb anything. Do you have any suggestions for securing this to the wall?

ana (not verified)

Mon, 08/30/2010 - 21:35

My little one would be climbing on this too! If you were to purchase some inexpensive 90 metal brackets, you could secure it well to the wall. Also, securing the feet to the floor would be a good idea :)

Meredith (not verified)

Sun, 10/31/2010 - 07:58

I would absolutely love to make these! But would it be structurally sound to take out the second to highest shelf so that I can put a TV on it? I'd hate to mess up a project that promises to be so awesome.

heather (not verified)

Wed, 11/03/2010 - 08:08

Hiya,
I am in the middle of building this shelf. I decided to try the *economical* route and use 2x4s (for legs), 1x3s (for trim), and 1x4s (for shelf supports). I did catch the shelf support measurement error as I was going along but I am coming up short with my lumber.

I figured that since the original plan called for six 8' pieces of wood then it wouldn't matter if I was changing the width, I should still need 6 8' pieces. So... I bought two 8' 2x4s for the legs, two 8' 1x4s which worked for four (of my five) 33" cuts for the shelf supports and then two 1x3s for my shelf trim (which will only give me my shelf sides and two shelf backs). So I am going to use some scrap wood for my last shelf support (i'm just going to use some 2x4 and use it for my bottom shelf) and I'm going to have to go out and buy two more 6' 1x3s to finish my back trim.

I'm just wondering, how did you get all those cuts out of the wood listed. Would this somehow have worked if I had just bought all 1x4s? I tried adding up the cut list and it seems to work out to 609.25" and six 8' boards is 576". I am many ????? question marks confused.

Sorry for this long post, this is my first project and I'm just worried I am reading the plan wrong and don't want to develop a bad habit of continuing to do so. I want to keep building, it is so much fun!!

Thanks everyone ( Ana especially!),

Heather

Jodie Lynch (not verified)

Wed, 02/02/2011 - 15:46

Love, love, love this. I don't have a lot of experience but I'm going to try it.

K (not verified)

Tue, 02/08/2011 - 06:20

I read the comments a little too late.. Now I have to cut my shelves to fit properly on the supports on both shelves :( Not good..

Please fix this error !
Still love your plans ! :)

_chloeaustin_

Mon, 05/02/2011 - 10:04

LOVE this! I was just looking to buy some of these for my new office & thought they were ridiculously priced. I even love the design of this even better! Off to the store I go! :)

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 11/29/2011 - 19:14

every time I try to open the pdf it just comes up as jibberish! we really want to make this soon and the instructions would be nice :) so any help would be appreciated!

Sarah Kirchner (not verified)

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 21:10

Give the PDF another try... I was having the same problem and tweeted Ana about it last night, and she got it fixed right away! Thanks Ana!

mjgreenwood (not verified)

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 18:50

Built one standard from the plans, great plans thanks!!!!

Built the desk version getting rid of the bottom three shelves and then using the bottom shelf dimensions for the desk at around 31" for the height.
I added a cross brace to the desk/shelf support due the amount of leverage a person is going to put on it. The cross brace also hides the power strip and laptop cables.

I also secured the desk to the frame with screws from the inside for the same reason.

With the desk configuration I found that I needed a stronger attachment to the wall, again because of elbow leverage. So just screwed it through the second shelf with a painted fender washer and screw. We love it.

Sheri

Sun, 04/15/2012 - 16:12

I just finished building two of these shelves with the help of my husband and father-in-law. We suggest making the shelf base (approximately) 1/16" shorter than the plan calls for. We had to do a ton of sanding to get the shelves to fit without being too snug.

We also bought six 8' 1x4 boards per the plan and had to go out and purchase another in order to finish the trim.

Thanks for the plans, Ana! We saved so much money vs. buying them in the store! We couldn't be happier and can't wait to start our next project!

Sheri

Keonsday (not verified)

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 12:18

I honestly like the structure of the shelves; however, I have a question regarding the trim of each shelf. Is it possible to remove the trims without jeopardizing the integrity of the structure. I think that it looks better without the trim.

maineiac

Tue, 10/09/2012 - 12:52

I'm almost done building it, but as others already mentioned, I'm one 1x4 board short. the shopping list should call for 7 of the 8' 1x4 boards.
other than that a great plan and I'm excited to finish it!

Frankh (not verified)

Sun, 12/09/2012 - 09:24

I finished this yesterday. Overall whereas this wasn't a super difficult project, the "Beginner" level is misleading. With the angles, this is AT LEAST an intermediate level project. You can't just throw a square on the side supports and screw in your shelves. This week I also built a "Fancy hall tree," it was easier to build than this (Though it took longer) and it is considered "advanced."

Michelle MO (not verified)

Wed, 12/26/2012 - 17:32

I am thinking of putting this shelf in an awkward spot in my kitchen. It would work best if I could make the deepest shelf 14 1/4 (vs the 17 1/2 shown). Would I be able to make the bottom TWO shelves that depth and the legs are just attaching farther toward the front of the last shelf, or would the angle of the legs prohibit this? Aside from not being sure if this change would take away from the beauty of the piece, I want o make sure the structure would even work! Thanks -this is to be my first Ana White build (with at least 4more on my wish list) -appreciate any help, I can't wait to gt started!

Tony (not verified)

Mon, 01/21/2013 - 18:21

I'm still building my first Ana project. These shelves! Plans are great and easy to follow. I bought the Kreg jig for this project (and because its a tool I did not own LoL) and I like how the PH work. The only thing I think you left off that I added was the font edge of the shelves need some trim to hide the plywood layered look. I bought some 3/4 trim at my local big box store and glued them tot he front edges of all shelves! Very pleased so far!

thompske44

Thu, 11/06/2014 - 09:18

We have finally built our Leaning Shelf, now it is just on to finishing it!!! It turned out great with the instructions you have provided!! Thank you so much. I do agree w/ Tony, I think we might add a front edge as well. Not sure how great it would look stained w/ just the plywood front. 

 

Thanks!!! 

Lmascolo

Thu, 10/08/2015 - 07:54

Hi Ana,

    Do I really need the Heavy Duty Picture hanging kits for this wall shelf ? I'm making it for my basement and since the walls are painted cement walls, there's no possibility of drilling into the walls. 

I wasn't sure if the picture hanging kits were even necessary if it just leans against the wall.

 

Thanks

Linda

Ana White Admin

Thu, 10/08/2015 - 11:51

We do need to recommend using the proper hardware for safety purposes. You will find that these lean fine on their own too. 

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!