Crown molding shelves are a stylish and functional way to add storage space to your home. Whether you want to display decorative items or keep everyday items within easy reach, building your own crown molding shelves can be fun and rewarding.
Throughout this article, we will walk you through the steps in constructing decorative molding shelves, from measuring and cutting to sanding and finishing.
Step-by-Step Guide on How Do You Build Crown Molding Shelves
1. Tools and Materials Required
Before you begin building your crown molding shelves, gathering all the necessary tools and materials is important. Here is a list of the tools you will need:
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Miter saw
- Table saw or circular saw
- Jigsaw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Paintbrush
And here is a list of the materials you will need:
- Crown molding
- Shelf board
- Support brackets
- Screws
- Wood glue
- Primer and paint or stain
- Measuring and Cutting
The first step in building your crown molding shelves is to measure the area where you want to install the brackets. Measure the space’s length, width, and height to ensure your shelves or billy bookcase will fit properly.
Once you have your measurements, it’s time to cut the shelf board and crown molding to size. Use a miter saw to cut the crown molding at a 45-degree angle, ensuring the angles are accurate and the corners tightly fit together.
Use a table or circular saw to cut the shelf board to the desired length and width. You can use a jigsaw according to the wall shelf board’s shape if you need curved cuts.
2. Attaching the Crown Molding
Next, it’s time to attach the crown molding to the wall. Start by marking the location of the crown molding on the wall using a pencil. Use a level to ensure that the marks are straight and even.
Apply wood glue to the back of the crown molding and press it firmly against the wall, ensuring it touches the ceiling. Use screws to secure the crown molding in place, taking care to countersink the screws so they can be covered with wood filler later.
Once the crown molding is attached, use caulk to fill in any crown molding gaps or seams between the wall and the molding. Sand the wood filler smooth once it has dried.
3. Installing the Shelf Board
The next step is to install the shelf board onto the support bracket. Start by attaching the support bracket to the crown molding using screws. Make sure that the bracket fits flush with the crown molding.
Once the bracket is attached, place the bookshelf board onto it and secure it using screws. Make sure that the shelf board is level and flush with the wall.
Repeat the process for any additional shelves that you want to install.
4. Sanding and Finishing
Once the shelves are attached, it’s time to sand and finish the crown molding and shelf board. Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections in the wood.
Apply a coat of primer to the wood to prepare it for painting or staining. Once the primer has dried, apply a coat of paint or stain to the wood, following the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time and application method.
Let the finish dry completely before adding any items to the shelves.
5. Decorating the Crown Molding Shelves
Now that your crown molding shelves are complete, it’s time to decorate them. Here are a few tips for decorating your shelves:
- Vary the height of the items you place on the shelves to add visual interest.
- Use a mix of decorative items and functional items to make the most of your storage space.
- Group items by color or theme for a cohesive and attractive display.
- Consider adding lighting to the shelves to showcase your items even more. For a more secure option, you can add a french cleat.
Maintaining Your Crown Molding Shelves
With proper care, your crown molding shelves can last for years. The following are a few tips for maintaining your shelves:
- Dust your shelves regularly to prevent a buildup of dirt and grime.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down the shelves as needed.
- Avoid placing heavy or bulky items on the shelves that could cause them to sag or warp.
- If your shelf’s trim pieces become damaged or stained, sand and refinish them to restore their beauty and functionality.
How Do You Make a Crown Molding Ledge Shelf?
Making a crown molding ledge shelf is a simple and rewarding DIY project that can add style and functionality anywhere. Here are the basic steps to make your own crown molding shelf:
- Measure the length of your desired shelf and cut your crown molding to that length using a miter saw. The angle of the cut should match the angle of the corner where the floating shelf will be installed.
- Cut two additional pieces of crown moulding to the same length as your first piece but with the bottom and top edges cut at a 90-degree angle.
- Sand any rough edges and apply your desired finish to your pieces.
- Apply wood glue to the bottom of your top piece and stick it to the top of your first piece. Then, apply wood glue to the top of your bottom piece and attach it to the bottom of your first piece.
- Use finishing nails to attach your floating wall shelf to the wall stud at the desired height.
By following these simple steps, you can create a beautiful and functional crown molding picture ledge shelf that adds style and storage to any room in your home.
What Type of Wood Is Used for Crown Molding?
Crown molding is a decorative feature commonly used in homes to add an elegant and timeless touch to rooms. The type of wood used for crown molding can vary depending on taste, style, and budget. Here are a few of the most common types of crown molding wood:
Poplar: Poplar is a popular choice for crown molding due to its affordability and versatility. It can be easily painted or stained to match a room’s existing decor.
Pine: Pine is another cost-effective option for crown molding. It has a soft texture and is easy to work with, making it a popular choice for DIYers.
Oak: Oak is a hardwood known for its strength and durability. It is often used for more traditional or formal styles of crown molding.
Maple: Maple has a fine texture and uniform grain pattern. Often, it is used for contemporary or modern styles of crown molding.
Cherry: Cherry hardwood has warm, reddish-brown tones and a smooth texture like plywood. It is often used for more ornate or decorative styles of crown molding.
Ultimately, crown molding wood will depend on personal preference, style, and budget. Choosing a high-quality, durable wood that will stand the test of time is essential.
Should I Use Wood or MDF Crown Molding?
When choosing between wood and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) for crown molding, both options have pros and cons. The decision will somewhat depend on your personal preferences and budget.
Here are a few factors to consider:
Wood Crown Molding
Pros: Wood crown molding is known for its durability, strength, and natural beauty. It can be stained or painted to match any wall decor and is resistant to moisture and warping.
Cons: Wood crown molding is often more expensive than MDF and can be more difficult to install due to its hardness. It may also require more maintenance to keep it looking its best.
MDF Crown Molding
Pros: MDF crown molding is typically less expensive than wood and is easier to work with due to its softer texture. As well as being moisture- and warp-resistant, it can be painted to match various kitchen cabinets decor.
Cons: MDF is not as strong or durable as wood and can be easily dented or scratched. It also does not have the natural beauty of wood and may not be as aesthetically pleasing.
Ultimately, choosing wood or MDF crown molding will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you value durability, strength, and natural beauty, wood may be the best choice. MDF may be a better option when working within a tight budget and valuing ease of use and versatility.
Where Should You Not Put Crown Molding?
Crown molding is a popular design feature that can add elegance and visual interest to a room. But, in some situations, crown molding may not be appropriate or effective. Here are a few places where you may want to avoid installing crown molding:
Low Ceilings: If your ceilings are low, installing crown molding can make them feel even lower. It can create a cluttered or overwhelming look that may not be desirable.
Uneven Walls: If your walls are uneven or have a lot of texture, crown molding may not sit flush against the wall. This can create an unsightly gap between the crown molding and the wall.
Modern Spaces: If you have a modern or minimalist style in your home, crown molding may not fit the aesthetic. It can add a more traditional or ornate element to a space that may not be desirable.
Small Rooms: Beautiful crown molding can take up valuable space in small rooms and make the room feel even smaller. It can also create a busy or cluttered appearance.
But, the decision to install crown molding depends on your individual tastes and the specific characteristics of your space. Consider the height and style of your ceilings, the texture of your walls, and the overall aesthetic of your home before deciding to install crown molding.
Conclusion
Crown molding shelves are a fun and rewarding DIY project that adds both style and functionality to your home. With a few basic tools and some time and effort, you can create custom shelves that perfectly fit your space and meet your storage needs.
Whether you paint or stain your shelves or leave them natural, they will surely add a touch of elegance to any room.