Quick DIY Steps to Build Storage Shelves in Small Spaces

Description: Knowing how to build storage shelves in small spaces to utilize unused spots at home, with simple boards and wire racks.

Smart storage shelves will make the difference between a cramped and comfortable house. Knowing how to build storage shelves in small spaces help to maximize your living area.

Storage shelves in small spaces often use awkward or hidden spots, such as behind the door and on the wall.

Some shelf designs are so simple they become favorites among DIY enthusiasts. Here are several simple steps to build a storage shelf for a small space at home.

Wall Shelf behind the Door

The space behind your door is ideal for a slim shelf. Use it to store cleaning supplies or hang shoes and hats (with hooks attached).

1. Measure the space between the wall hinge and the door (when it is closed). Subtract 1 inch from the measurement to find the ideal depth of the shelves.
2. Install 1×4 planks for the top, sides, and shelves by starting with top screws and side shelf nails.
3. Nail 1×2 planks on the sides of the shelves for the trims.
4. Screw shelves to studs using a drill and wood screws (ideally 2 inches of size).

You can attach a bumper or cushion on the frames where the door panel hits. The cushion protects the shelves and the door from damages.

Rubber piece lasts long and doesn’t look too conspicuous.

Door Organizer Rack

What if you have more limited space behind the door? Install an organizer rack on the door instead.

Simple metal racks with hooks are useful to hang tools, bags, shoes, and other countless objects.

1. Buy a piece of 3×4 plywood at the back of the door. It serves as the mounting surface for the rack.
2. Measure the size of the door and trim the plywood. Give the door extra space, so the plywood doesn’t interfere with the door’s components.
3. Use construction glue to attach the plywood to the door.
4. Screw or nail simple metal racks onto the plywood.

By attaching plywood, you don’t need to hesitate about screwing or nailing racks on the door.

The construction glue is useful, especially for a door that has bumps on its design (which create “hollowed” spaces between the door and the plywood).

Secret Closet Nook Shelves

If you have a deep closet, the nooks (the recessed parts near the corners) are often wasted. Attach simple shelves to create organized storage space.

1. Measure the width and depth of the closet nook.
2. Cut planks to match the nook size.
3. Mount the planks using metal mounting brackets.

You can also use standard wire racks and plastic clips. Ask the store salesperson to cut the wire rack into your closet measurements if possible.

Floating Shelf with Ropes

Hanging a simple shelf with two ropes creating a unique twist of standard storage space. The steps are easy and perfect for a weekend DIY project.

1. Buy or cut a board. The minimum size is 40 inches long.
2. Drill two 10mm holes at the corners of each board end.
3. Paint the board if you want to match it with the room interior. Let it dry.
4. Drill to large hooks onto the wall. Make sure their distance from each other matches the board.
5. Cut an 8mm rope into two twines. Each must have a 148×40 inches of lengths.
6. Insert the ropes between the holes and make strong knots.
7. Adjust the ropes until your shelf is hung nicely on the hooks.

Make sure you choose large metal hooks to hold the weight properly. You must also test the knots by placing heavy yet sturdy objects on the shelf.

Leave them for several hours until you are satisfied with the shelf’s strength.

Floating Shelves with Metal Pipes

Simple floating shelves look better with metal pipe supports. They add an industrial look to a room.

1. Choose sturdy boards as your shelves. Adjust the size with your needs.
2. Cut metal pipes with a pipe cutter. Match their lengths with the width of your boards.
3. Measure the sizes of the wall to attach pipe flanges. Mark with dots.
4. Drill the flanges onto the dots. Insert the pipe adapters.
5. Insert pipes into the adapters. Place your boards on top of the pipe supports.

You can use pipes from colored metal to add a unique touch, such as brass or copper.

Having a small house should not hold you from organizing its content. Knowing how to build storage shelves will give you surprising extra spaces.