Rummaging through this pile of old organ pipes, I was able to find many character-filled pieces or old wood. I’ve already repurposed an old board that had been labeled with organ stops into a DIY Craft Jar Herbs Kitchen Planter.
Another board that I salvaged would make the perfect shelf in my remodeled laundry/mud room. My husband suggested that wooden corbels would make excellent shelf brackets aesthetically and functionally. I was disappointed with the selection at the home improvement store and my online searches didn’t yield any promising results either.
I contemplated making our own corbels when I came across a really neat photo of a rustic wooden corbel shelf on pinterest. I instantly fell in love with this corbel! Using this as I guide, I decided to create my own easy DIY Shelf Brackets using some old, reclaimed wood that we have on hand.
First, I sketched two shapes to use as patterns for my corbel pieces. For my corbels, I decided to use 3 boards for each–two of a slightly smaller shape and one larger shape to sit in between. I traced 4 small and 2 large shapes onto my boards.
You’ll need a jigsaw to cut out the shapes.
I arranged the pieces to my easy DIY shelf brackets. I love the rustic wood corbels already!
To hold the pieces together, wood glue is applied to all 3 corbel pieces.
For a tight bond, press the pieces together then pull apart a few times–this will help distribute the glue.
Line up all 3 wood corbel sections and press together!
Clamp the pieces together and let the glue dry overnight. A scrap piece of wood was used to protect the corbel.
Use a rag to wipe away excess glue.
After the glue dried, I used a propane torch to age the front cut edges.
Much better!
To soften the look, the front edges received a light sanding.
The old piece of wood that will form the shelf has a lip on the back edge. We’ll need to cut a notch in the corbels so that they will sit flush against the wall.
The notch is cut using both a table saw & jigsaw.
Nice tight fit!
The corbels are going to be screwed into the wall. We drilled two holes into the front of the corbels that will allow the screws to be recessed inside of the corbel.
Before hanging our shelf, I opted to add a touch of color. I dry-brushed some acrylic paint onto the corbel then wiped with a rag for a light, rustic look.
To install the shelf, the corbels were attached to the wall directly into the studs. Before attaching the second corbel, the shelf was placed on top and checked for level.
A few screws were used to attach the shelf to the top of the corbels.
I wanted to be able to hang a few cleaning tools below the shelf. We happened to have an old closet rod in the shed that will fit perfectly between the wood corbels. A quick coat of spray paint cleans it up nicely.
After attaching the rod to the insides of the corbels, I used a few metal hooks to hang the dustpan and broom. Not only do the easy DIY shelf brackets & wood shelf add character to the space, but they provide a great place to keep cleaning supplies.
The best part of this project? It was FREE! All the wood used was reclaimed, the closet rod was repurposed, and all other supplies were already on hand.
Would you like to try this project? Download my FREE printable easy DIY shelf bracket wood corbel pattern!
I am a Freelance Graphic Designer full of creative interests! In my spare time, I love to create something new from something old, embark on home decorating and renovation projects, try out new recipes, and attempt to garden. Beyond the artistic pursuits, I have a love for music and enjoy playing the piano and handbells.
