How to Build These Geometric Shelves with Minimal Tools—and Budget
My shape shelves are up, and I love how they turned out! I’ve seen quite a few tutorials online, but I wanted to create a simple version that minimized the amount of power tools needed. They’re still strong enough to hold a few potted plants and my DIY lightbulb light.
After a trip to the hardware store with my bro-in-law, I had him cut down all the wood to 8-inch pieces with a 30-degree angle on each end—then the rest of the assembly was easy-peasy. Added bonus: We were able to create five hexagons for under $20! Score! Steps and supplies, below.
What you need:
1-inch x 4-inch or 6-inch x 6-foot wood
Miter saw (you can also get the wood cut for you at the hardware store)
Sandpaper
Wood glue
Staple gun
Minwax Wood Finish in Natural
Sponge brush
Yellow acrylic paint
What to do:
Step 1: First, if you are cutting the wood yourself, set your miter saw to 30 degrees, and cut six 8-inch pieces of wood, making sure that the cuts on both sizes are angled inward (see image above).
Step 2: Next create the hexagon, and glue all the joints together with the wood glue. Let dry for an hour.
Step 3: Flip over the hexagon, and on the back side staple each joint together with two staples. Let dry for 24 hours.
Step 4: After it’s dry, sand any uneven corners.
Step 5: Now is your chance to customize. I stained the outside with a natural-finish stain and painted the inside yellow. Let dry.
Step 6: Hammer nails into the wall that will be disguised in the corner of each hexagon, or use a bracket to hang each shelf.
Growing up in Wisconsin, Jenni Radosevich was always creating her own style. If she saw something in a magazine that she couldn’t find in her local department store, she would make it herself. After moving to New York City, Jenni started a career at InStyle magazine, working as a graphic designer and DIY columnist. The column evolved into a website, ISpyDIY.com, and a book, I Spy DIY Style. I Spy DIY has moved into a warehouse studio space, where Jenni and her team teach classes, host DIY events, and continue to create crafty content for the website. Follow along on Instagram at @ispydiy.
