How to Make a Modern DIY Wall Shelf

I’m always looking for new wall decor. It seems like there are endless blank walls to decorate or to just redecorate for fun, right??

Making my own wall decor allows me to fully customize it to the space, making it the ideal measurements and color. This time I decided to take on a modern DIY wall shelf. It’s a fun, quick project that will add a modern customized look to your home.

Thanks to Minwax for sponsoring this post. I received compensation and free product from Minwax but all opinions stated here are my own. This post contains affiliate links which means I may get a small commission off any purchases made from my links. It’s no extra cost to you.

Time to Complete

This project took me 2 days to complete, given dry times between coats.

Tools & Materials for Modern DIY Wall Shelf

• 6′ 1×4 Oak Board
• 6′ 1×2 Oak Board
• Minwax Oil Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
• Minwax Oil Based Wood Finish Stain in Driftwood & Simply White
• Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane in Satin Finish
• Purdy 2” White Bristle Sprig Paintbrush
• Minwax Wood Filler
• Miter Saw
• Nail Gun
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• 220 Grit Sandpaper
• Tack Cloth
• Corner Clamps
• Wood Glue
• Rags
• 2 D-rings

Click HERE to find a local retailer for Minwax products!

Directions for Modern DIY Wall Shelf

Step 1: Cut wood with a miter saw

Using your miter saw, cut your 1×4 into three boards, each 20″ long. Cut your 1×2 into four boards cut at a 45 degree angle on both ends: two boards at 5″ long and two boards at 24 1/2″.

Step 2: Sand the boards and remove any dust

Sand your boards using 220 grit sandpaper. Remove any dust using a tack cloth.

Step 3: Assemble frame using 1×2 boards

Using corner clamps to hold it together, glue and nail together the four 1×2 boards into a frame. Make sure that this frame is the exact size so that the 1×4 boards will fit very snug inside of it.

Step 4: Fill nail holes with wood filler

Overfill the holes slightly (you will sand them down once dry). Allow ample time for the wood filler to dry.

Sand down the wood filler using 220 grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth.

Step 5: Apply Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner

Pre-stain wood conditioner is really important because it helps your stain go on evenly. I chose to use an oil-based wood conditioner because I’ll be using oil-based stain. If you plan to use water-based stain, just make sure to use a water-based wood conditioner.

You first apply it using a rag or Purdy White Bristle brush. Wait 5-15 minutes and then wipe off any excess using a clean rag.

Step 6: Apply Minwax Wood Finish Stain

Within 2 hours of applying the oil based pre-stain wood conditioner, apply your stain using a rag or Purdy White Bristle paintbrush.

Allow the stain to sit for about 5-15 minutes. I only waited about 5 minutes since I wanted a lighter stain color. The longer the stain sits on the wood, the darker the color will get. After this time is up, wipe off any excess stain with a clean rag.

I chose to use the color Driftwood on the 1×4 shelves and the color Simply White on the 1×2 frame. I applied one coat of stain on each. Minwax stain is incredible – it does such a great job of enhancing the natural wood grain. Every time I use it, I’m amazed at how rich and gorgeous the wood turns out! Check out all the stain colors from Minwax here.

Step 7: Attach the shelves to the frame and add D-rings to the back

Using both glue and screws, attach the shelves to the frame, paying attention to spacing to get the exact design you like best.

Attach D-rings to the back of the frame for hanging purposes.

Step 8: Once the stain is fully dry, apply Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane

It’s always a good idea to add a protective layer to the top of stained wood. Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane is a great option for protecting wood that has been stained with oil-based stain.

Apply a thin layer of it using a natural bristle brush like the Purdy White Bristle brush.

After it has dried, lightly sand it with 220 grit sandpaper and put on a second coat.

The Finished Modern DIY Wall Shelf!

It’s done! This modern DIY wall shelf can be hung in so many places in a home: an office, a living room, a bathroom and more. It is a fun and unique twist on standard shelving options.

Questions? Want more home DIY ideas?

Always feel free to message me with any home DIY questions! I love seeing what everyone else is making these days.

For more home DIY inspiration from Minwax, click here.

Head here to learn how to make a modern console table and another variety of modern wall decor.

Head here for a modern style stool for a child’s room. It has a really fun pop of color in it!

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