Create A Stylish Hanging Shelf With This Simple Dollar Tree DIY

Hanging shelves are a great way to display extra decor in an easy, unexpected way. It helps fill empty walls with fun vignettes and special knick-knacks, giving you a focal point that isn't just another side table or bookcase. However, if you're on a tight budget but still want to experiment with the look yourself, you can easily DIY a miniature version using Dollar Tree products. This is a great way to dip your toe into the trend, allowing you to display smaller bric-a-brac with a similar effect. The best part is that it's beginner-friendly and will cost you under $5 to achieve. 

You don't need any fancy power tools to accomplish this particular DIY, unlike other more involved tutorials. That's because rather than cutting your own wood, you'll just source it from the dollar store. This makes it a more accessible project, allowing you to experiment with the look without investing too many resources or experiencing frustration. If you have an empty bedroom wall that can use some sprucing up, here is how to DIY hanging wall storage to fill it.

To create this hanging shelf, you just need three items: rope, a wooden tray, and hot glue. To begin, go to the arts and crafts aisle of Dollar Tree and pick up a set of Crafter's square wood trays with handles, which retail for $1.25. Each tray measures a little over 7.5 inches long, about the size of a plastic water bottle. If you would like to create a bigger shelf, you can instead use the large wood tray, which retails for $5 and measures 15 inches long. Whichever option you choose, the important part is picking a tray with handles, because that's where you'll loop your rope. 

For your rope selection, you can choose the Floral Garden cotton nautical rope, which is $1.25. Cut the rope to the length you want, loop it through the handles, and twist the ends around itself. Apply hot glue before each twist so the rope securely adheres to itself, and add an extra layer of glue over the ends to ensure the rope fibers don't unravel. Do this to each side of the tray, then glue down the rope to the tray handle for extra security. This will ensure the tray doesn't tip or sway. To hang it, you can either suspend it from a nail or, if you want it more streamlined, a decorative 3-pound Command Hook such as this matte black version for $12.50 on Amazon.

If you prefer a rustic or minimalist look, it's sufficient to leave the tray as it is, allowing the blonde wood to take center stage. However, if you have a specific style or color palette in mind, you can try staining or painting the tray. For example, if you prefer darker wood, you can stain the tray using a small bottle of Americana gel stain, which costs $1.99 in places like Hobby Lobby. You can also paint it the color of your choice, whether that's a neutral cream, a minimalist black, or a poppy red. 

If you want to get even more creative, thread wooden beads through the rope to give it a bohemian twist. If you want to go that route, try the Bead Landing pack from Michaels for $5. You can also add a splash of pattern to the tray by adding some peel-and-stick wallpaper to the base. Which brand and print you choose will depend on your personal style and price point, but you can save some money by ordering sample sizes. For example, the popular wallpaper brand Yellowpop offers 8x10 samples for only $5. With a few simple tweaks, you can make the hanging shelf fit your aesthetic.