*This is a collaborative post.
Rustic wooden shelves can be a fantastic way of adding a personal touch to your children’s bedroom, and are a straightforward DIY project that can really make a difference. And the good news is that you don’t need advanced tools or to be a carpentry veteran. A few sturdy pieces of timber, a couple of hours, and some imagination can completely transform a plain wall and offer storage for books and toys.
Rustic shelving has recently risen because it combines character and practicality.
Sound good? Read on as we explain how to create rustic wooden shelves for a children’s bedroom.
Choosing the Timber
It’s important that you source reliable timber that looks the part and ensures longevity for the shelves.
For children’s rooms, we suggest choosing wood that is safe, smooth, and durable. Softwoods like pine are light to handle and simple to cut, which will be good for you if you don’t have a wealth of DIY experience.
You may have some experience putting shelves up, and could go for hardwoods like oak, which offer a stronger and more traditional feel.
Whichever type of wood you go for, make sure that it is free from splinters, cracks, or large knots.
Cutting and Preparing the Boards
Preparation makes the installation a much more straightforward process. Start by measuring the wall space carefully so that the shelves fit without crowding the bedroom.
Consider what your child will store on them. If they’re putting heavy books on them, the shelves may need to be thicker, whereas decorative shelves can be slimmer.
You can cut the timber yourself, or ask the store you buy it from to cut it to your measurements. From there, sand the edges thoroughly and wipe the boards with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the finish adhere properly.
Depending on the style, you may want to consider staining the wood to deepen its colour, or keep things light with a clear varnish to highlight its natural grain.
Installing the Brackets Safely
Strong brackets are important, especially if the shelves are holding heavier items. Choose brackets to suit the rustic theme, metal for an industrial touch or simple wooden brackets for a softer look.
Use a spirit level to mark where each bracket should sit so that the shelves will run straight across the wall. Whenever possible, screw the brackets directly into wall studs, as this offers the most secure hold.
If the studs don’t line up where you want your shelves, quality wall anchors will keep everything firmly in place.
Fixing the Shelves in Place
With the brackets installed, you can position the timber boards on top. Here, it is important to check that they sit evenly.
Shifting can be prevented by screwing the boards down from underneath. Step back and observe the height and spacing of each shelf.
Lower shelves make toys and books accessible, while higher shelves are ideal for ornaments or any special keepsakes you want to keep out of reach.
Conclusion
Creating rustic wooden shelves can elevate your children’s bedroom, and it is actually a pretty simple task.
With the right timber, proper preparation, and following the necessary installation steps, you can create fantastic shelves that will last for years to come.
We hope you have found this guide useful.
