How to Make a Corner Christmas Tree Shelf

4 Materials
$50
5 Hours
Medium

I try and make something new for my home every Christmas. This year I wanted to make a shelf that would fit into the corner of my room and still pass as a Christmas tree. And after Christmas it could stay where it was I could just decorate it in another way. It can become a thanks giving, fall or even a Halloween shelf you just change the decor to suit the occasion. I made this Christmas tree shelf last year that can hang on a wall or sit on a table, which is a great idea for people with limited space at home.

Corner Christmas tree shelf

I can not build projects according to a plan, so I make mine up as I go along so if a step seems strange to you that is why. Please don't feel this project is to hard to try, it is really straight forward for someone with basic woodworking skills.

To start you will need a large piece of wood or plywood. The size on the wood will depend on the height and width of the shelf you want. If you want to duplicate this shelf all the dimensions are available on my website listed below. Add painters tape diagonally across the wood, this serves as the cut line and prevents the wood from splintering.

Corner Christmas tree shelf

Lay the 2 halves side by side and draw a pencil line where you would like the shelves to be.

Corner Christmas tree shelf

Using scraps of plywood cut stripes of wood, these will be your shelf supports. I left a gap at the front so the support is not so obvious once assembled.

Corner Christmas tree shelf

Next, glue the supports to the sides using the pencil line as a guide. I used a nail gun to secure the glued supports so I did not have to wait for the glue to dry. It is not required for this project.

Corner Christmas tree shelf

Cut a hole in the gap below the first shelf at the bottom, this is to add Christmas lights. If you don't have a hole saw, use a jig saw to cut out a small square.

Corner Christmas tree shelf

Square the two sides up together and drill holes for the brackets just under the shelf supports to hide the bolts. Put your bolts through from the front and secure them to the brackets with nuts.

Corner Christmas tree shelf

To make the shelves, I cut squares from plywood. Test the squares for a good fitting by putting them on the shelf supports. Because the shelf is 90 degrees and so are the squares they should fit.

Corner Christmas tree shelf

Using a handy wooden compass that I made, state of the art I knowicon . Draw a pencil line to round off the shelves.

Corner Christmas tree shelf

To cut along the line I used a jig saw.

Corner Christmas tree shelf

Test the shelves again for a good fit before gluing them in place. Please ignore the mess in my workshop, it is really organised chaos.icon

Corner Christmas tree shelf

It will be a lot quicker to paint the shelf before assembly. Using a paint roller I added one coat of primer and 2 coats of white acrylic paint.

Corner Christmas tree shelf

Once dry the shelf was glue together using wood glue. More detailed step by step instructions and tips for this project are available on my website.

Then the fun part, decorating the shelf to resemble a Christmas tree. I used double sided tape to add Christmas lights to the outside of the shelf, and decorated the shelves. The tutorial for the flashing Christmas shadow boxes and other Christmas decor can be found on my website if you want more inspiration.

Resources for this project:
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Unique Creations By Anita
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  • Faith Faith on Dec 03, 2020

    This is lovely!! I imagine you can secure it to the wall (like you do with tall dressers) to help keep curious and rambunctious toddlers and pets safe? I know several kids and cats that would see that as a great climbing opportunity!! It really is beautiful, and I love the idea of being able to decorate it year round! Thank you for sharing!!

  • Lynn Lynn on Dec 03, 2023

    Website?

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