In small rooms, floor space is at a premium. So when you've got to have storage, don't add furniture. Instead, build recessed shelving between the studs. You'll get the extra space you need without sacrificing square footage. This episode of 'On The Fly...DIY' is sponsored in part by Rust-Oleum.
You'll need (Affiliate links below for your shopping convenience!): * Mallet or small sledgehammer
* Pencil
* Caulk
* Trim
* Four rosettes * Piece of quarter round or shoe molding
* Thin 1/8 inch thick plywood * Contact paper, wall paper, or sticky shelf paper - I used THIS
* Scissors * Spray paint and a drop cloth
* A miter saw
* Nail gun
* Shelving - I'm using recycled jalousie window panes for a more open look but you can use wood as well.
* You might also need some shims, spackle, and a putty knife
***NOTE: I donate a portion of all proceeds from affiliate links to no kill animal shelters. Click the links, buy the supplies, save the doggies (and cats) while you are making something cool!
First, use the stud finder to locate the studs and mark them on the wall with your pencil. You'll want to pick a place on the wall where you don't believe there will be any electrical, plumbing, or ductwork. Check both sides of the wall for outlets or vents. Mark the studs as well as the upper and lower parameters of your storage space.
Time to demo! Make sure everyone involved is wearing safety glasses and I recommend a good, closed-toe shoe. Use the mallet or small sledgehammer to break through the drywall and create an opening for your storage space. Keep your bashing within your marked parameter and use the serrated knife to cut right up to the edges.
Measure the width between the studs for the 2x4s. Then, measure the height and depth of all four sides inside the space for the plywood. Use the depth measurement for the quarter round pieces, which will be used as shelf brackets.
If you wait until this step to purchase the wood, you can usually get your local home improvement store cut the pieces to size for you. Otherwise, cut the wood with your miter saw. Make sure you cut two quarter round pieces for each shelf you'll be installing. Since I'm putting in four shelves, I'm cutting a total of eight quarter rounds.
Squeeze the 2x4 in between the studs at the very top and very bottom of your space. Use the mallet to lightly tap on either end until the 2x4 is in and level. Shoot a couple nails through the wall into the 2x4 to help anchor it in place.
Cut your contact paper, wall paper, or shelf paper to size so it covers the entire back of the storage space. Apply and smooth out until no bubbles remain.
Spray paint one side of the plywood, the rosettes, quarter rounds, and trim. Rust-Oleum's 2X Paint and Primer in gloss white covers the dark shade of this reclaimed trim with only two coats.
Use a nail gun to secure each piece of plywood up against the studs and the 2x4s.
Place a rosette into each outer corner of your storage space and nail in place.
Measure the space between each rosette and use your miter saw to cut the trim to size. Secure each piece of trim with a few nails.
If you had to remove drywall from an existing stud, use shims to add some bulk before nailing your trim on top.
Older homes are full of surprises, like this unexpected stud running down the middle of the wall. I'll cover this up with another piece of trim.
On to the shelving! Once you've figured out where you want your shelves to sit, nail in each quarter round piece on one side as a shelf bracket. Make sure the paired piece on the other side is at exactly the same height so your shelf sits level.
Remove the shelves and add a little wood filler to each and every nail hole - in the plywood, rosettes, trim, and quarter rounds. Use a damp paper towel to wipe away the excess and allow to dry.
I refuse to spray paint inside so here's my trick for covering little nail hole spots. Using a piece of cardboard or a paper plate as a palette, spray a little paint into the middle - enough so it starts to pool. Then use your finger or a small brush to dab the paint onto the nail holes and blend gently. This ensures the exact same paint is used without the overspray and fumes lingering inside the house.
Caulk the lines in the plywood corners, between the rosettes and trim, around the quarter rounds, and between the trim and wall for a seamless finish.
Place the shelves onto each secured set of quarter rounds and your recessed wall storage is ready to be filled!
Watch the entire step-by-step tutorial here: