DIY Rustic Farmhouse Shelf Tutorial

An easy, budget friendly DIY to turn regular boards into farmhouse style shelves

Open shelving has grown in popularity with the farmhouse decor trend. Not only are these shelves beautiful and functional, but they make my farmhouse loving heart happy every morning when I wait for my coffee to brew! Here is an easy, budget friendly farmhouse shelf tutorial that will help you turn regular boards into rustic farmhouse shelves for any space in your home.

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You might say I am coffee obsessed. I don’t rise and shine . . . I rise and caffeinate! My coffee bar is actually a workbench – but I love the industrial farmhouse vibe and the drawers are perfect for storing towels and coffee pods.

Enough about the coffee bar itself and back to the shelves! They are made from common pine boards. And since I wanted a rustic look, I was not too particular on the quality of the wood. Look for pieces that are straight and not warped and with as much natural distressing as you like – you can always add more.

Materials List:

Common Pine Boards 1″ x 12″ x 8′ (Shelves as pictured are 46″ long)
Farmhouse Industrial Shelf Brackets (Source: Amazon)
Placed 6.25″ in from each end (this may vary depending on the length of your shelf)
Stain
Circular saw or table saw
Screws and wall anchors
Optional:
Fintorp Rail (with hooks)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut the Boards to Length

These shelves are 46″ long so that they were proportional over the coffee bar. You can cut your boards to any length you choose – 4 ft long would work well with this style of brackets. If you don’t have access to a saw, most home improvement stores will cut the boards to length for you. Give them a light sanding with a fine grit sand paper.

Step 2: Stain the Boards

I wanted the look of rustic, weathered shelves in this space so I stained these boards with Varathane Aged Wood Accelerator to create a rustic, aged brown. Use an old rag to wipe the stain on the boards and let them dry completely.

Step 3: Hang the Shelf Brackets

It is preferable to screw these brackets into wall studs since they will be holding weight. If there are no studs where you will hang the shelves, you can use wall anchors to ensure the brackets are secure. Measure the height that you want you shelf to be and secure bracket with a screw. Use a level to make sure the bracket is straight up and down and then finish securing with the remaining screws. Place the shelf on top of the first bracket and make sure the board is level before securing the second bracket to the wall.

Step 4: Secure the Boards to the Brackets

Secure the shelf to the bracket with screws on the underside of the board. Use the same process to hang the second shelf. Simply measure from the first shelf up to your desired height and secure the brackets as before.

Optional Step: Hang Bar and Hooks

I also mounted this Ikea Fintorp bar and hooks to the underside of the bottom shelf. There is a newer version of this same bar and hooks that has a slightly more modern look. I love being able to hang mugs and a small wreath here. You could also hang a towel for added texture. It’s your home – make the space work for your needs.

Step 5: Shelf Styling!

Now that the shelves are hung it is time for the fun part – shelf styling! I wanted to keep the decor simple, neutral and functional. A vase with some faux tulips add height to the space. Additionally, some bowls and mugs can be functional and pretty. That’s the beauty of open shelves – use them in whatever way works best for you and your space.

Now you have budget friendly and functional rustic farmhouse shelving! The most difficult part of this diy project is deciding what you want on the shelves.

If you decide to take on this diy, I’d love to know how it turned out! Drop me a note in the comments and tell me how you use your shelves in your home.