DIY House Shaped Shelves

For a long time I couldn’t figure out how I wanted to decorate the sitting room wall. I went back and forth with a couple ideas, but I knew I wanted to display my plant babies. At first I was leaning towards standard shelves, but we have open shelves coming outer ears here, so I wanted to do something a little more unique. One night when I was scrolling through Pinterest I found these cute octagon shelves filled with plant babies and it was then I had the idea to build the house shaped shelves. Total cost, less than $15 to build three. Inexpensive DIY’s is my love language. 😂

Tools & Supplies

Tape Measure
Pencil
Miter saw
Nails
Hammer
Wood glue
Wood filler
Electric sander
120 grit sand paper
Sponge brush
Stain of your choice (I used Minwax Early American)
Lint free towel

For large house with shelf only

Kreg Jig
Clamp
Electric screwdriver
1” pocket hole screws

Medium House

2 – 3/4” x 6 1/2” x 13 1/4” both ends cut at 45 degree angles. One 45 degree angle inside cut and the other end outside cut
2 – 3/4” x 6 1/2” x 9 3/4” both ends cut at 45 degree angles. One 45 degree angle inside cut and the other end outside cut
1 – 3/4” x 13 1/4” both ends cut at 45 degree angles. Both ends should be an outside cut (base)

Large House with Shelf

2 – 3/4” x 6 1/2” x 16” both ends cut at 45 degree angles. One 45 degree angle inside cut and the other end outside cut
2 – 3/4” x 6 1/2” x 18 3/4” both ends cut at 45 degree angles. One 45 degree angle inside cut and the other end outside cut
1 – 3/4” x 22” both ends cut at 45 degree angles. Both ends should be an outside cut (base)
1 – 3/4” x 6 1/2” x 20 1/2” (shelf)

If you are not sure what I mean by inside and outside cuts, reference the picture below. Thank you, Google!

1. Cut the wood.

2. Lay out the pieces to form the house.

3. Use wood glue to secure all the joints and then let the glue dry. It should be dry after an hour.

4. Using 1 1/2” nails & a hammer secure all the joints together.

Note, If you are doing the large house I recommend using a Kreg Jig to secure the base and shelf. I chose to use a Kreg Jig instead of nails so the shelf could hold a more weight. See pictures below. I added two pocket holes on each end of the base and the shelf. I chose to put the inside shelf 9 1/4” up from the base, but you can place it up higher or lower.

5. Put wood filler over all holes and any gaps.

6. Allow the wood filler to completely dry then sand to a smooth finish with the 120 grit sand paper.

7. Wipe the wood with a damp towel to remove any debris.

8. Stain the wood using a sponge brush. I used Minwax Early American. I like a lighter finish, so I did one stroke with the brush then immediately wiped it off with a lint free cloth.

9. Allow the shelf to completely dry. It takes about two days. Then hang!

That’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed my tutorial. I truly enjoy DIY’ing and hope you leave here feeling inspired. If you decide to make these house shaped shelves I’d love to know what you think. You can DM me on Instagram @acarriedaffairdesigns or tag me in the pic if you post one. You can also comment below.

Until next time friends. Xo

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