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DIY Wall Shelf with Corbels

August 12, 2015 By Erin Spain 8 Comments

Last week, I showed you our bathroom makeover which included an easy little DIY Wall Shelf that I made.

How to build a DIY Wall Shelf with corbels.

Here’s what I used for this project:

  • Corbels from Osborne Wood (received in Haven Conference swag bag)
  • 1×6 board cut to 24″ long
  • Saw
  • Sanding block
  • Brad nailer and 1-1/2″ Brad nails
  • Minwax Stain and Sealer (I used Special Walnut for the corbels and Dark Walnut on the shelf)
  • White & Gray Chalk Finish Paint (not to be confused with chalkboard paint)
  • Paintbrush
  • Staining Cloths

First, I cut my 1×6 board to 24″ long. I used my miter saw, but this is a straight cut so any saw will do. I gave the board a quick sanding to get rid of jagged edges.

I stained the board with Minwax Dark Walnut stain, and let it fully dry. Then I gave it a coat of white Annie Sloan chalk paint in Pure White, followed by a coat of Americana Chalk Finish paint in “Yesteryear” — a light gray color. I had sample pots of these on hand which I’ve received at various events or conferences, but any white and/or gray chalk finish paint would work fine.

DIY Wall Shelf with Corbels

How to build a DIY wall shelf with corbels.

Then, I slightly distressed it with fine grit sandpaper so the coat of stain and the first coat of paint could peek through in spots, particularly along the edges.

I received these beautiful corbels from Osborne Wood in my swag bag when I attended the Haven Conference. They have a huge selection on their site.

How to build a DIY wall shelf with corbels.

I stained them with Minwax Special Walnut Stain.

How to build a DIY wall shelf with corbels.

I attached my board to the corbels with my brad nailer and 1 1/2″ brad nails, then I anchored it to the wall.

Here’s a closer look at the paint job. I wanted it to look slightly distressed.

How to build a DIY Wall Shelf with corbels.

 

I think the corbels add the perfect decorative touch, and this shelf was super easy to make. It was a quick project — a few minutes here and there and the longest part was just letting the stain and paint dry between coats.

How to build a DIY wall shelf with corbels.

Now the shelf is hanging in our newly made-over downstairs half bathroom.

How to build a DIY wall shelf with corbels.

I love quick and easy projects! What about you?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

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Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

Filed Under: Bathroom, Decorating, DIY, Home & DIY Blog, Tutorials, Wall Decor, Woodworking

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Comments

  1. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    August 12, 2015 at 9:15 am

    I love it, what a great idea

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 12, 2015 at 10:16 pm

      Thank you Marty! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Emily says

    August 12, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with mine! The bathroom looks awesome. I’m thinking about making a shelf for the nursery.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 12, 2015 at 10:17 pm

      Thank you Emily! I loved the corbels and I knew I wanted to do something fun with them! A nursery shelf is a great idea.

      Reply
  3. Jordan says

    August 13, 2015 at 10:35 am

    I am absolutely loving the way the corbels turned out! The finish just looks beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 19, 2015 at 10:17 pm

      Thank you Jordan!

      Reply
  4. Victoria spain says

    January 18, 2016 at 7:59 am

    Hi Erin,

    Just wanted you to know I don’t see the last name Spain very often. Great site from what I’ve seen.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      January 19, 2016 at 8:47 pm

      Thank you, Victoria! Nice to hear from another “Spain.” Have a great day!

      Reply

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