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Culture

How to make a floating shelf

Daniela Schulz
November 2, 2017

This time Euromaxx DIY shows you how to build a floating shelf. It looks good; is very sturdy, and goes well in any room. You can use it for books or decorations as well as bathroom and kitchen utensils. Here you go.

https://p.dw.com/p/2lHML
DW euromaxx DIY-Regal-1
Image: Sari Hansen

You’ll need

  • a glued wood board
  • a pencil
  • a ruler
  • jute rope, 1.5 to 2 meters for each side
  • a power drill
  • a spade bit, which you can get at any hardware store. But make sure it’s about the same diameter as the jute rope.
  • a brush
  • a rubber band if possible
  • your choice of paint and
  • two circle hooks with wall plugs, to attach the shelf to the wall

 

Instructions 

DW euromaxx DIY-Regal-3
Image: Sari Hansen

First, measure out the positions of the drill holes. 

They should be located 5 centimeters from both outside edges. 

Mark the positions with a pencil - e.g. 5 centimeters from each of the two outside edges. 

DW euromaxx DIY-Regal-4
Image: Sari Hansen

 

Next, put two pieces of wood under your board and drill all four holes through the wood with the spade bit. 

Use sandpaper to smooth down any ragged drill holes. 

DW euromaxx DIY-Regal-5
Image: Sari Hansen

Now, you can paint the board with your choice of paint. 

You should also paint inside the drill holes with a smaller brush. 

Once the first side is thoroughly dry, you can paint the rear, as well. 

To protect the surface and make it scratch-resistant for daily use, apply some cream wax to it with a cloth. 

DW euromaxx DIY-Regal-6
Image: Sari Hansen

Finally, pull the ends oft he jute ropes through the holes and knot the ends on every side. 

DW euromaxx DIY-Regal-8
Image: Sari Hansen

Tie a knot halfway up each rope with a loop.

It should be big enough for a finger to pass through, so later on, you can hang the shelves on the circle hooks. 

 

Post-its are incredibly good at catching the dust from drilling.  Just stick one on the wall under the hole and crease it.

Then drill the holes, using an 8-mm rock drill bit. Push in the wall plugs and screw in the circle hooks. Now, you can hang your shelf.  Just make sure it hangs in level. 

 

Good to know

You can also knot several shelves one under the other, but remember to adjust the length of the jute ropes accordingly.