How I Dressed up My Wood Wall Shelf With Mod Podge and Gift Wrap.

Stacy Davis
by Stacy Davis
6 Materials
$10
1 Hour
Easy

No Room for an Entry Table? How about an entry shelf instead? At my front door, there isn't an abundance of room or space for an entry table. I really like to have a small surface right at the front door. I do have enough space for a very small table but I have a floor vent that interferes with every table or chair that I have tried to place there. I decided to put a shelf there and see how it works out. So far, so good. It is 37 inches from the floor. I did some research on the height of an average entry table and found it to be around 33 inches. When I held it in place, I felt it was lower than what I would like. We are a taller family so adjust according to your family. Also, there is a slightly wicked corner so it could be hazardous to some children and people. You know your family and if it would be problematic or not, for the people who live in and frequent your house. And just to make it extra pretty, I ordered some gift wrap from Spoonflower and used Mod Podge to put it on.

I used scrap wood that had already been stained. It measured 12 by 24 inches. That seemed an appropriate size for my area. My Spoonflower gift wrap and Mod Podge. Originally, I was going to have two shelves here so every thing you see is doubled. I decided not to add the second shelf.

I cut my gift wrap so it would be slightly smaller than the shelf. I kind of wanted it to look like a stair runner. (Since my cutting guide wasn't long enough, I used it combined with another cutting mat to get my straight cut.

I played around with positioning the pattern. If I had known that I was only going to use one shelf I would have cut it differently. I wouldn't have sliced the design in half.

I applied the Mod Podge a few inches at a time. I was worried in the hot sun, the area where I first put on the Mod Podge might dry before I positioned my paper.

I added my paper on top, lifted it up and continued applying Mod Podge.

I had enough to wrap around the front edge of the shelf. I was worried that the little bit that wraps to the underside might be a problem but it worked out fine.

Then I Mod Podged the top of the paper smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles that appeared.

I bought the shelf supports from Home Depot online and they were only $3.30 a piece. I did spray paint them gold but when I looked in the local stores they were a LOT more than that a piece. So, it wasn't much more than $12 for four supports and they shipped it to the store for FREE. Love that.

I used wall anchors so that it would be secure. I placed it 37 inches off the floor.

I love it when a plan comes together. It works perfectly for our home.

Here is the second shelf held in place... no, right?

Another view... And I have more of this lovely gift wrap that I am going to use on an Ikea hack.

I love my little “Boho” corner. I don't think that it photographs accurately. I absolutely love this space and every time I pass by, I am so happy that someone who comes to my door sees this first. This small space is probably more "me" than any other area of my house. I love it! icon The basket is perfect to throw shoes and umbrellas in.

UPDATE: So, posted this project last year and if you wonder how it looks today... I snapped a quick picture. Sometimes I make a project and I end up getting rid of it after a few months sometimes after a few weeks. But this little shelf has been awesome. It gives me a place to set my coffee when I run out the door to fetch my dogs because they are barking at the neighbors. A daily occurrence around here. Or I set my coffee there when the cat makes a get away out the door and I have to go chase him. It has become my coffee shelf I guess. I wondered if it would jut out and be in the way but it hasn’t been a problem at all. Thanks for reading!

Suggested materials:
  • Gift wrap   (Spoonflower)
  • Wood   (I had it)
  • Mod Podge   (I had it)
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  • Sherry Davis Sherry Davis on Mar 26, 2019

    I love it....if you dont want the 2nd shelf directly below your first one....have you thought about placing it on the other wall in that corner ??? It would be at a different height , giving you a L shape BUT you add more dimension and storage for keys, gloves, mail to go out etc....

  • Vanniecia Vanniecia on Mar 27, 2019

    Really cute, question why did you leave the wood showing on the sides?

  • Julie Julie on Apr 04, 2019

    Love how this turned out! Definitely will be trying this.


    Where did you find the beautiful rug with the braided fringe?? Please share your source. Thanks!

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