How to Make a DIY Picture Ledge

A step-by-step tutorial on how to build a picture shelf.

Are you looking for a creative way to display your photos and create a focal point in the room?

Nothing grabs your attention like a mixed collection of frames casually resting on a rustic picture shelf and a couple of adorable accessories in between.

After completing my gallery wall in our living room, I wanted to change our other picture wall. I love the idea of a shelf that holds pictures and decided that was what this wall needed.

Also, I had one more old wooden window which I turned into a photo frame – what a perfect way to display it!

Here is our wall today:

What do you think? A picture shelf is very versatile – you can easily rearrange your frames, have a specific theme and add a few decor items.

This build was quick and easy and did not cost a lot. Here are the supplies I used (this could give you multiple shelves).

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BUILD A PICTURE SHELF

MATERIALS:

2 – 1″x4″x8ft board
1 – 1″x2″x8ft board
1.25-inch wood screws
2″ screws (to hang on the wall)
#220 grit sandpaper
stain
mineral oil

TOOLS:

drill
Kreg Jig
level (for hanging)
orbital sander
miter saw
wood clamps
stud finder
safety glasses
face mask (for dust)
ear protection

CUTTING AND PREP:

First, I measured the wall and figured out how long the shelf would be. I decided on 6 feet for the bottom one and the extra 2 feet for the top shelf.

I then cut all three boards to 6 feet and made sure the extra was all the same size (about 2 feet).

After, I took one of the 4-inch boards and placed Kreg Jig pockets about 12-16 inches apart, starting at the edges (I placed 4 on the smaller shelf).

Next, I used my orbital sander and sanded all the wood with #220 grit sandpaper. Then, I wiped them clean to remove any dust.

ASSEMBLE THE SHELVES:

Now, it’s time to assemble the shelves.

Taking the one 4 inch board that had the pockets, I placed that on a flat surface (pockets facing up). Then, I placed the 2-inch board alongside the 4-inch board, with the longer side facing up. I adjusted the ends so they were level (if one side happens to be longer, you can cut it to match).

Once the ends were level, I used the clamps to secure the two boards together.

Then, using the 1.25-inch screws, I screwed the boards together through the pockets.

Next, I added the other 4-inch board. I placed this board on the other side of the 4-inch board, the same way as the 2 inches (long side up, horizontal).

Once the ends were level, I clamped the boards together.

To attach them, I drilled screws straight into the boards (it’s easier to turn the shelf so the 2-inch side is flat on the surface). First, I pre-drilled a 1/8 inch hole from the bottom of the horizontal board into the vertical 4-inch board.

Then, I used the 1.25″ wood screws and attached the boards together ( the spacing was about 12-16 inches).

At this point, I adjusted any ends of the shelf that needed to be level by using the miter saw, followed by sanding.

Then, I applied a mix of special walnut and provincial stain to the shelf (I put one layer, let it dry and then applied the other stain).

After the second layer of stain dried, I wiped the shelf with mineral oil to bring out the color even more.

INSTALLING THE SHELF:

To install the shelf, it will be helpful to have a second person (my daughter, who was 6, helped me). I chose where I wanted the shelf to rest on the wall, height and width, marking each with a pencil (DON’T use a pen).

Then, I took my stud finder and found the studs, marking again with a pencil.

I found two studs close to where the ends of the shelf will be. Then, with the help of my daughter, we held the shelf into place.

I pre-drilled a 1/8 inch hole through the shelf to the stud in the wall (only doing one side). Then, I partially drilled the 2-inch screw into the hole but NOT making it completely flush yet.

I then placed the level onto the middle of the shelf and moved it until it was straight. Then, I pre-drilled another hole on the other side of the shelf, making sure it was on a stud.

Again, I used a 2-inch screw to attach it to the wall.

Finally, I tightened both screws to make them flush to the wall.

And now, our shelf was ready to place pictures.

SIDE NOTE: A great way to update picture frames is to spray paint them!