Easy Open Shelving

Meg
by Meg
7 Materials
$20
2 Hours
Easy

You know those cabinets over your fridge? You know, the ones you can't reach so you just store random stuff in there and forget about it. Or you just keep them empty. Yeah, you know the ones. These:

There has been absolutely nothing in these cabinets since we bought this house 2 years ago. SOOOO- Let's take it down, shall we?

Step 1: Remove cabinet doors


Go ahead and take those useless doors off. We wont be needing them.

Step 2: Remove screws


Remove all screws that are attaching the cabinet to the wall and to the other cabinet.

Step 3: Loosen molding


Loosen molding if you have it with a flat head screw driver. Try not to break it as you still need it on the other cabinets.

Step 4: Pull that thing down!


I was shocked at how quickly this came down with a little tug! So glad this shocked/excited face was caught on camera icon . Cut the molding at the edge of the cabinet with a saw.

Step 5: Paint


Paint your newly exposed wall to match the other walls.

Step 6: Prepare for Brackets


Move the fridge out of the way and mark where your brackets will go. Ideally these would go into a stud, however my studs are not placed correctly here so I will use anchors for my screws.

Step 7: Drill


Drill pilot holes for your anchors. Insert the anchors and then attach your brackets!

Step 8: Mount Shelf


Attach your lower shelf to the brackets!

Step 9: Repeat


Repeat the same steps for the upper brackets.

Step 10: Mount Upper shelf


Attach your second 2x12 to the brackets

Step 11: Style!


Style your new open shelves with whatever you'd like! Plants, vintage glasses, books, seasonal decor, whatever! As long as it isn't something you use daily- you can't reach it, remember?

That's it! Step back and enjoy the view and contemplate taking the rest of your cabinets down icon

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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 7 questions
  • Sue Sue on Oct 23, 2020

    Great idea. Forgot what's stored in mine. But what did you do with the cabinet you took down?

  • Patty Simons Patty Simons on Oct 22, 2022

    WHERE DID YOU FIND THAT GREAT WOOD SHELF ON THE WALL WITH THE CURVED TOP AND ALSO WHERE TO FIND THE "HAND" CUTTING BOARD

  • Beth Beth on Oct 22, 2022

    Looks great, but why don't you turn those goblets upside down so they don't fill with dust!


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  • Dee Dee on Oct 23, 2023

    U now have the much needed room for that larger taller frig. Who doesn't want THAT. To take advantage of sales in this inflation rip off era?? Been wanting this push a long x. U got this good. Yes turn goblets just as pretty

  • Noel Noel on Oct 23, 2023

    I fill my hard to reach cabinet with lots of

    paper towel rolls. It’s always a challenge to use a broom stick to get ‘em down. It’s actually kinda fun!


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