DIY Floating Box Shelves With Hidden Storage

So here’s how we made them:

We used some of the old weathered pine

we’ve had since 1988 when we lived in Northern California (you can read the story about that HERE)

But don’t worry — if you don’t have authentic old weathered wood — there’s a stain you can use that will weather it.

Basically, you’re going to make a box that’s 24" long, 7 1/2" deep, and 4" high

Cut a front and a back piece that’s 24 long by 4 high

Cut a top and bottom that are 24 x 7/12 minus 2 thicknesses of your wood all the way around (the tops, bottoms and sides will be nailed inside these pieces)

This is how it will fit together.

Next cut 2 sides 7 1/2 x 4 minus 2 thicknesses of your wood all the way around.

Nail the front of the box to the bottom and sides.

Then nail the back on.

Cut 2 pieces of wood to go inside the ends that are just shorter than the thickness of the top and nail them to the sides.

This is what will support the top of the shelf.

If you used weathered wood, you’re going to want to stain the raw edges with ‘weathered wood accelerator’ stain so it blends with the rest of the shelf.

If you didn’t use weathered wood but you want that look, stain the whole piece with accelerator stain. Let it dry overnight.

Apply a coat of clear finishing wax for a subtle low luster finish

Screw the back of the box to studs in your wall making sure it’s level.

NOTE: Our box shelves were very light because we used old dried wood and I don’t put anything heavy in or on top of them. But if your box shelves are made with heavier wood, you should mount them to the wall using a floating shelf bracket system that will give them more support and keep them from falling off of the wall.

Place the lid on your box shelf and you’re done.

Just remove the top for access to storage inside.

Who couldn’t use a little more storage in the bath right??

Click HERE to see the before and after of this Guest Bath DIY makeover