Add Oomph To Your Blank Walls With A DIY Wooden Shelf For Tasteful Flair

If your bare walls are begging for a bit of character, you could easily hang artwork or a mirror and call it a day. But hanging a wall shelf is an equally stylish way of decorating a large blank wall, and it also happens to offer more versatility in terms of what you can display. From books and candles to vases and houseplants, you can choose from a wide variety of accessories to decorate your shelves — and whenever you're craving a change, you can simply swap them out with different items. While you could certainly buy a store-bought shelf, it's actually really easy to DIY a wooden shelf for tasteful flair.

First, measure how long and deep you want your shelf to be, and then cut a wood board to size. If you want your shelf to be 6 inches deep, use a 1 by 6 board (for 8 inches, use a 1 by 8 board, etc.). Sand any rough edges, apply your desired wood stain color, and let it dry. Attach two shelf brackets to the wall, directly into studs or with drywall anchors, and ensure they are level. Be sure to use brackets that are the appropriate size for the width of your board. Now, attach your board to the brackets. If your shelf is longer than 24 inches, add a third bracket in the center of the shelf to prevent sagging. That's all it takes to DIY a basic shelf! Want a more custom look? Read on to see how you can give your shelf a unique style.

One of the easiest ways to change up the look of your shelf is by swapping out basic brackets for ones that have a bit more flair. Want to add a vintage vibe? Try something like these ornate shelf brackets, which come in a variety of metallic finishes like antique brass and brushed nickel. Want to incorporate farmhouse décor in your home? Use something more rustic like these Ekena Millwork wood brackets — you could even add a few peg hooks underneath the shelf to add a bit of cottage charm. If your style sways more modern or industrial, you could use some that are sleek and minimal like these black metal brackets.

Another easy way to give your shelf a custom look is to paint it. You could paint just the board or the brackets as well. Try a solid color, use painter's tape to create a striped pattern, or use a stencil to create a design. Want to change the shape of your board? Nail scalloped wood trim around three sides of the board like Shayna Alnwick did in her YouTube tutorial. Perhaps you'd like to give your shelf an elegant look? Add a brass gallery rail detail, which is as functional as it is beautiful, since it can protect your items from falling off the shelf. Whichever way your style leans, a custom DIY shelf will definitely bring more personality to your walls.