I have been trying to figure out what I wanted to put behind my washer and dryer in my laundry room redo. Since I needed a catchall shelf for my children’s forgotten items or grandchildren’s forgotten items a shelf seem like the best way to go. While out shopping in the local thrift store I found some brackets but they were wood so I went to work to make a little rustic shelf for my laundry room .
Five Little Items Makes a Wonderful Shelf
7 Materials
$10
30 Minutes
Easy
It was bare behind washer and dryer and items often fell behind.
I had picked up these wooden brackets at the local thrift store sale, I only paid a dollar apiece but I’m sure they are fairly cheap as I read the IKEA sticker on the back up them. I personally did not want wood brackets but I knew I could change them up.
I grabbed my rest oleum gloss silver metal paint.
Once I got my wood brackets spray painted to look metal, I got my stud finder and my little level and started finding the best spot for my brackets to be hung.
I purchased three 1 x 4’s at the local hardware store for like $1.50 apiece. Once I figured out placement of my brackets I cut the length of the boards. And even have some leftovers for another project. I did a light sand and went over with my nutmeg stain that I used on my stairs. I purposely picked rustic boards to give them my rustic look.
Finalizing placement of boards I left the boards the length of cabinets to give it balance. I made sure to raise it up just a touch from the back of the washer and dryer so if I had an off-balance load it would not affect the shelves.
I left a gap in between each board to give it even a different look. The more rustic the better.
I made sure to use the boards that had the imperfections in the front for more of my rustic look.
Here is my completed shelf I love it it’s a great catch all my kids know to go to the shelf to look for what they’ve left my home. This took like next to no time not a lot of skills needed but I gave it a really nice look . This is such an easy project I hope you enjoy it thank you.
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3 of 35 comments
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I have had shelves over my appliances. I use metal L brackets and the full shelves already painted from the Home Stores. Less work and tools needed.
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Having the pre-made smooth shelf probably helps with dusting but the rustic shelf she created looks great.
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I'd love to do something like this. My laundry is in the basement of my 1929 house. I think I have stone walls with a parge coat, which might make it a challenge. I think I'd put a solid board shelf in so small things wouldn't fall between the cracks. Yours looks great and suits your rustic style. Well done. Thanks for sharing your project.
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Off the subject but did you paint your cabinets and if so, what color and paint technique is it? You did a great job on the shelf!