How to Build Your Own Built-In Shelves

Create shelf “columns”We built three separate shelf “columns” out of plywood on top of the base cabinets. Secure to studs.

Secure “columns” to both the wall and to each other.

Finish front edge with 1×2’sWe covered the raw edge of the columns with a 1×2.

Trim out the topWe used a 1×5 and crown molding to trim out the top of the shelves.

Prime for paintPrime everything with a coat of Bullseye Zinsser 123 Primer.

Determine how many shelves you wantWe used painter’s tape to determine how many shelves we wanted as well as the distance between them

Cut and paint shelfsWe cut plywood to make the shelves and trimmed out the front with a simple decorative piece of trim.

Prime each shelf for paint with primer.

Paint + CaulkCaulk all seams and then Paint the entire unit with desired paint. We used a Sherwin Williams bright white in a semi-gloss.

Attach shelvesWe used a Kreg Shelf Pin Jig to make the holes for the shelf brackets so that we could adjust them as needed.

After painting is complete, add knobs to the cabinet doors and you are ready to decorate and style your shelves.

See more details from this project on my blog.