Make your own floating shelf... one of my favorite things

Before we leave this house I wanted to share one of my favorite things.

We redecorated the boys room soon after we moved in.

(check out the "before")

I got this idea from a family in Utah who remodeled their home and added crown molding and 1x4 plywood to the top of each of their door frames. I loved how it made a little shelf at the top of each door where they could display little items.

I decided I wanted to use the same idea but make it a floating shelf and use a 1x6 so I could display larger accessories.

This is how we did it:
All you need is

-1x6 plywood

-2x2 plywood

-crown molding (we used 4in but you could do 4-6inch)

Measure how high you want the shelf and mark it. We put the shelf at 74 inches from the floor. I think it is perfect height. It is high enough that the kids can't reach it, you won't hit your head on it, and you can't see the dust... perfect!

I just used painters tape to mark the height on the 2 walls we were putting the shelves on.

If you are using the 4 inch crown molding you will need to shave off one corner of the 2x2 so the molding will touch the wall and the 1x6 as seen in the picture above

(if you use a larger molding you may be able to skip that step).

Hold the 3 pieces against the wall and make sure they fit before you screw anything in. We had to keep shaving more off the 2x2 before it would fit just right.

Now, find the studs and screw the 2x2 plywood into the studs so you know the shelf will hold.

(Sorry, no pictures. I did this before nannygoat.)

.

We trimmed off the corners of the 1x6 where it came to the window so it wasn't this big corner sticking out.

Now, attach the 1x6 by screwing it down from the top into the 2x2.

Finally, attach the crown molding with finishing nails into the wall at the base and the 2x2 piece at the top.

Caulk the corners and edges and you're done!

Beautiful isn't it!

What a difference this little shelf makes.
I love how I can have the cutesy stuff in the room but the kids can't get at it and it doesn't take up any needed space (you can only put so many things on top of a dresser my friends).

I especially love that it draws the eyes up (away from the mess on the floor) and you can't see the dust! Does it get better than that?!

WARNING: This shelf is made for lightweight items. I don't think it would hold anything too heavy. In other words don't blame me if you try to display your bowling balls on it and it comes toppling down... it is not my fault. ;)lol

You will be seeing this again in my next house (btw we are going next month to pick one out... don't you love house hunting!!) but I think I'm going to add a little something to change it up a little. I'm getting my inspiration from my friend Traci this time. Can't wait to do it and show you... you (and me) will have to be patient though... we don't even have a new house yet sillies. ;0


PS I got my Downeast shorts and I LUUUUVVV them. Seriously, I'm going to need a few more to make it through the summer (especially since my fav capris don't fit anymore. I blame it on the baby...er 15-month-old)
PPS or is it PSS I won ANOTHER giveaway here. WAHOO! I haven't gotten it yet but I am excited.