How to Build Wall Shelves for Books and Storage – A Complete DIY Guide

Wall shelves are one of the best ways to maximize your home’s vertical space while adding both style and storage. Whether you need extra room for books, want to display decorative pieces, or organize household items, wall-mounted shelves are a functional and affordable solution.

In this comprehensive DIY guide, we’ll walk you through how to build wall shelves for books and storage—step-by-step. This project is beginner-friendly and can be customized to fit any space or style, from modern minimalist to rustic farmhouse.

Benefits of Wall Shelves for Books and Storage

Before we dive into the building process, here are a few reasons to consider wall shelves:

Save floor space in small rooms
Increase storage in bedrooms, offices, kitchens, or living rooms
A stylish way to display books, baskets, plants, and decor
Easy to customize size, material, and finish to fit your space
Budget-friendly compared to buying furniture or built-ins

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Tools:

Tape measure
Level
Stud finder
Drill/driver with bits
Circular saw or miter saw
Screwdriver
Pencil
Sandpaper or power sander

Materials:

Wood boards (for shelves) – typically 1″x10″ or 1″x12″
L-brackets, floating brackets, or cleats (for mounting)
Wood screws
Wall anchors (if not drilling into studs)
Wood stain or paint (optional)
Polyurethane or clear coat (optional)

Planning Your Wall Shelves

Before cutting or drilling, take time to plan out your shelves.

1. Determine Shelf Size

Length: Most shelves range from 24” to 48” depending on wall size
Depth: 10”–12” is ideal for books
Thickness: ¾”–1½” depending on wood strength and load

2. Choose a Mounting Method

There are 3 common ways to mount wall shelves:

L-brackets: Visible, easy to install, great for heavy loads
Floating brackets: Hidden for a sleek, modern look
French cleats or wooden supports: Strong, ideal for rustic or heavy-duty designs

3. Locate Studs

Use a stud finder to identify where the studs are in the wall. Drilling into studs ensures the shelves can support the weight of books and storage items.

Read More: How to redo kitchen cabinets?

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build Wall Shelves for Books and Storage

Step 1: Measure and Mark the Wall

Decide how many shelves you want and how far apart they’ll be
Use a level and pencil to draw light lines for shelf placement
Mark where brackets will be installed (either on studs or with anchors)

Tip: Leave 12–15 inches of vertical space between shelves to accommodate tall books or baskets.

Step 2: Cut the Shelves to Size

Use a circular or miter saw to cut your wood boards to the desired length
For example: 3 shelves at 36” long x 10” deep

Optional: Round or bevel the front edges for a smoother finish.

Step 3: Sand and Finish the Wood

Sand all surfaces and edges using 120- and 220-grit sandpaper
Apply wood stain, paint, or a clear polyurethane coat depending on your style

Popular Finishes:

Dark walnut or espresso for a rustic or industrial look
White or black paint for modern, minimal design
Natural wood tones for Scandinavian or boho styles

Step 4: Install the Brackets or Cleats

A. Using L-Brackets

Attach brackets to the wall first using 2″ screws into wall studs
Use a level to make sure each set is even
Place the shelf on top of brackets, then screw upwards from the bracket into the shelf

B. Using Floating Shelf Brackets

Install floating brackets according to manufacturer instructions
Drill holes in the back of the shelf to slide over the bracket arms
Secure the shelf to the brackets with screws or glue if needed

C. Using Cleats or Wood Supports

Screw a cleat (2×2 or 1×2 wood) horizontally into the studs
Place shelf board on top and screw down into cleat
Optionally, use side supports for a framed, built-in look

Step 5: Add Reinforcements for Heavy Loads

If you plan to store a lot of books or storage bins, consider:

Using 2 or more brackets per shelf
Adding metal corner braces underneath for stability
Using thicker wood (1½” boards or plywood with support framing)

Step 6: Style and Organize Your Shelves

Once your wall shelves are installed, it’s time to add the finishing touch—what you put on them!

For Books:

Stack vertically with some laid horizontally for contrast
Use bookends or small bins for extra organization

For Storage:

Add labeled baskets or bins
Place commonly used items at eye level
Use decorative boxes to hide clutter

For Style:

Mix in plants, candles, frames, or artwork
Leave some space for a clean look
Keep colors cohesive for visual harmony

Wall Shelf Build Summary

StepActionTools Needed

1 Plan & measure wall Tape measure, level, pencil

2 Cut shelves Saw

3 Sand & finish Sander, brush, or cloth

4 Install brackets or cleats Drill, screws

5 Mount shelves Level, screwdriver

6 Organize & style Baskets, books, décor

Pro Tips for DIY Wall Shelves

Always anchor brackets into studs or use high-quality drywall anchors
Use painter’s tape when cutting wood to avoid splinters on the edges
Double-check your level before drilling—crooked shelves are hard to fix later
For floating shelves, make sure holes in the shelf match bracket spacing perfectly

FAQs

What kind of wood is best for wall shelves?

Pine: Affordable and lightweight
Poplar: Smooth and easy to paint
Oak or maple: Stronger for heavy-duty shelves
Plywood: Budget-friendly with added edge banding

How deep should wall shelves be for books?

10–12 inches is ideal to accommodate most book sizes

Can wall shelves hold heavy books?

Yes, if mounted into studs or with heavy-duty anchors and brackets. Use strong brackets rated for 40–75 lbs or more.

How much space should be between wall shelves?

12–15 inches between shelves is common. Adjust based on what you plan to store.

Final Thoughts

Building your wall shelves for books and storage is one of the most rewarding and practical DIY projects you can tackle. With just a few materials and basic tools, you can turn any empty wall into a functional and beautiful space.

Whether you’re organizing your office, creating a cozy reading nook, or just need more storage, these shelves can be built and installed in a single weekend—customized to fit your style, budget, and needs.

Tagged Build Wall Shelves for Books