Learn how to easily build a shallow shelf for art or books or candles, in just a few steps.
I started with measuring and cutting up the wood for the shelves on my table saw and miter saw. I used a 1x6 that I ripped down to 3 1/2 inches for my top shelf, and the underneath bracket I ripped to 1 1/2 inches. I cut them both to 43 inches on the miter saw. However at the home improvement store you can find 1x3 and 1x2 whitewood boards which would be perfect here, and then you wouldn't need to rip any wood at all, and you could use a simple hand saw to cut the wood to length, or you could have them do it for you at the store.
I made the shelves 43 inches long to fit the wall, however you could make them any size you wanted. These kinds of shelves are really nice because you don't any brackets because they're so shallow.
To assemble, I glued one piece on top of the other and used my brad-nailer to secure it in place. However you could use just 1 1/4 inch drywall screws or glue and handfinished nails. I also decided to use a thin strip of wood on the edge of the shelf for a lip, however this is a completely optional part that you don't really need to do, because most things are going to stay on the shelf just fine without it. After some painting, these guys were ready to be put up on the wall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfWCtIjXlCg
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