DIY Floating Box Shelves With Hidden Storage
These rustic shelves look so good in my guest bath! They were so easy to make and the added bonus is: the tops open up for extra storage inside!
So here’s how we made them:
We used some of the old weathered pine
we’ve had since 1988 when we lived in Northern California (you can read the story about that HERE)
But don’t worry — if you don’t have authentic old weathered wood — there’s a stain you can use that will weather it.
Basically, you’re going to make a box that’s 24" long, 7 1/2" deep, and 4" high
Cut a front and a back piece that’s 24 long by 4 high
Cut a top and bottom that are 24 x 7/12 minus 2 thicknesses of your wood all the way around (the tops, bottoms and sides will be nailed inside these pieces)
This is how it will fit together.
Next cut 2 sides 7 1/2 x 4 minus 2 thicknesses of your wood all the way around.
Nail the front of the box to the bottom and sides.
Then nail the back on.
Cut 2 pieces of wood to go inside the ends that are just shorter than the thickness of the top and nail them to the sides.
This is what will support the top of the shelf.
If you used weathered wood, you’re going to want to stain the raw edges with ‘weathered wood accelerator’ stain so it blends with the rest of the shelf.
If you didn’t use weathered wood but you want that look, stain the whole piece with accelerator stain. Let it dry overnight.
Apply a coat of clear finishing wax for a subtle low luster finish
Screw the back of the box to studs in your wall making sure it’s level.
NOTE: Our box shelves were very light because we used old dried wood and I don’t put anything heavy in or on top of them. But if your box shelves are made with heavier wood, you should mount them to the wall using a floating shelf bracket system that will give them more support and keep them from falling off of the wall.
Place the lid on your box shelf and you’re done.
Just remove the top for access to storage inside.
Who couldn’t use a little more storage in the bath right??
Click HERE to see the before and after of this Guest Bath DIY makeover
Resources for this project:
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Comments
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I love love love this idea. I would put jewelry extra cash anything that I don’t want in view of visitors. It’s like a hidden safe that has easy access when needed.
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What a great idea!!!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
I don’t quite get it. The items hidden in the box are items you use every day that clutter up your vanity or top of sink. You would have to remove those towels, jars, or plants you displayed…every time you need to get to your everyday items right?
How do you open them without having to remove the towels every time? That seems inconvenient.
Your shelves look awesome! Great idea.