DIY livingroom window shelf

Reiner MacPhail
by Reiner MacPhail
As my addiction to plants grows, I have begun to run out of spaces to put them. I have a beautiful livingroom window, that I would love to build a shelf acros...however I just don’t know how to support it in the middle? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
So there is wood on either side of the windo, but the middle has nothing to screw into?
  8 answers
  • You could try an angle iron that attaches to the wall and the top of the shelf. If there is no wall stud behind there, try using screw in wall anchors as they're quite strong.

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Jul 03, 2018

    The only thing I can think of is using some kind of supports to hang it from the ceiling. Maybe cables connected to the ceiling and shelf. Then attach the shelf to the studs that frame the window to keep it where you want it.

  • Dysko7710 Dysko7710 on Jul 03, 2018

    Could you support the middle with some decorative rope tied to the rod above the window and attached around the shelf?

  • Lynn Goins Lynn Goins on Jul 03, 2018

    I would buy some decorative corbels. Home Depot has them. Buy 3, put one near each end and the third in the middle. I would cut a board the same length as your shelf and attach it flat (1" x 4") to the wall. Attach the corbels to the board matching it flush with the top of your board and then lay your shelf on top and attach it to the corbels. You can make it as plain or as fancy as you want but I think it looks more finished if you add a little trim. Paint the whole think to match your window trim and you're done. Good Luck!!

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Jul 03, 2018

    Reiner (nice name!), one out of the box idea is to measure the window, then go looking for a new or old bookcase or shelving unit that will fit inside the window frame. If the case is too tall, you can remove the top shelf. Paint it white to blend in or another color for contrast. Attach it to the frame with nails, screws, or braces, but not glue in case you want to change it later. Then you will have several shelves to grow plants on, and a window that still lets in the light. ☺️

  • Judy Judy on Jul 27, 2018

    A shelf may close in the room or less light. Just an observation.

    Because if the weight how about a shelf on the floor? Corner shelf or long shelf under the window.


  • Reiner MacPhail Reiner MacPhail on Jul 27, 2018

    I have two young children, and they get into everything. lol that’s why I have all my plants up high. Also some are posion.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Oct 31, 2021

    The only thing I can think of is using some kind of supports to hang it from the ceiling. Maybe cables connected to the ceiling and shelf. Then attach the shelf to the studs that frame the window to keep it where you want it.