Farmhouse decor is always cozy and timeless, making it a popular style choice. A key feature of this look is open shelving, which combines rustic charm with practical use. These shelves can showcase kitchenware, framed photos, or meaningful keepsakes, adding personality to your space. While you can easily buy ready-made shelves, building your own custom shelves is a fun and rewarding project. By making them yourself, you can choose the materials, sizes, and finishes that perfectly match your needs and style. Even if you are new to woodworking, the process can be straightforward with a clear plan. From gathering supplies and cutting boards to staining and installing, you can create farmhouse-style shelves confidently and with pride.

Planning Your Farmhouse Shelves

A little preparation makes this type of build straightforward. Assessing your project ahead of time by measuring, selecting materials, gathering tools saves time and helps you avoid unexpected issues.

Measuring Your Space

Think about the purpose of your shelves and where they’ll hang. Take careful measurements using a tape measure. For the kitchen, aim for shelf depths of about 10 to 12 inches. This size holds most plates and serving dishes. In other areas, such as bedrooms or living rooms, 8 to 10 inches is enough for books, plants, or decorative objects.

Spacing matters, too. Measure your tallest intended item and make sure each shelf has an inch or two of clearance above. Painter’s tape lets you experiment with shelf placement before drilling any holes.

Choosing Wood and Brackets

Choosing the right boards brings warmth and a classic look. Pine is popular as it’s wallet-friendly and has a characterful grain, but you could also consider poplar, alder, or oak for a tidier or sturdier result. Salvaged wood adds unique history and texture if you like a more weathered effect. Just make sure your boards are straight and solid because warped or knotted pieces can cause shelves to sag or split.

For support, classic metal brackets with an industrial or simple look work well. L-shapes, pipes, and more ornate brackets can all suit this aesthetic. Check that your chosen style will support the full shelf width and can hold the items you plan to display.

Tools and Supplies Checklist

You won’t need fancy power tools, just standard essentials:

  • Circular saw or miter saw for cutting boards
  • Drill and Phillips bits
  • Tape measure and pencil for layout
  • Level for checking alignment
  • Stud finder to locate wall studs
  • Sandpaper or orbital sander (120-grit works well)

Materials include:

  • Boards, such as 2x10, 2x12, or reclaimed lumber
  • Brackets—usually two per shelf (or more for extra-long boards)
  • Screws (around 2–2.5" for studs; ½–¾" for securing the shelf to the bracket)
  • Wood finish: stain or paint, as well as brushes or rags
  • Sealer such as polyurethane or paste wax

Building and Finishing the Shelves

After you’ve picked up supplies, it’s time to saw, sand, and add the finishing details.

Cutting and Sanding the Boards

Mark your desired lengths clearly on the boards. If you’re not comfortable with power saws, most home improvement stores will make straight cuts for a small fee. Sand all faces, edges, and corners thoroughly so nothing splinters. Softening sharp corners is key to the farmhouse look.

Wipe away sawdust after sanding. The smoother your boards, the neater the stain or paint will appear.

Staining or Painting the Boards

Personalize your shelving with a finish that compliments your space. Classic stains like walnut, aged pine, or smoky gray bring out grain and deepen color. Apply stain along the grain with a foam brush or rag, then wait a few minutes and wipe off any excess to control the tint.

If you’re using pine or another softwood, a pre-stain conditioner can help prevent blotching. Let each board dry completely, following the manufacturer's guidelines on timing.

Prefer a painted look? Start with a primer, then paint on two thin coats of your favorite white or subtle color. This gives a crisp, finished appearance that fits modern farmhouse style.

Sealing to Protect the Surface

A topcoat isn’t just for looks. It shields your shelves from moisture or scratches. Water-based polyurethane dries fast and doesn’t yellow, though matte wax is an option for a softer sheen. Apply two or three light coats, sanding very lightly between them for a smooth, durable finish.

Mounting Your Shelves Safely

Correct installation is as important as good construction. Anchoring shelves into wall studs keeps them sturdy and prevents mishaps.

Finding Studs and Installing Brackets

Locate wall studs using a stud finder. They run vertically and are typically spaced 16 inches apart. Mark centers for bracket placement. Hold the first bracket up to your wall at the desired height, ensuring it sits over the stud. Use a level to confirm it’s perfectly upright, then mark screw hole positions.

Drill pilot holes at your marks. Secure the bracket with screws long enough to grip the stud at least 1½ inches deep. Brackets not lining up with a stud? Drywall anchors are a backup, but always secure at least one bracket to a stud for heavy shelves.

Install the second bracket, checking alignment both with a level and by measuring upward from the floor or another reference point. For longer shelves, consider a third bracket for extra support.

Attaching the Shelf Boards

Once your brackets are mounted, set the finished shelf board in place. Center it and push it firmly against the wall. Short screws driven up through the bracket into the underside of the board will stabilize the shelf and keep it from tipping or sliding.

Install each shelf one at a time, measuring to keep consistent gaps between them. 12 to 15 inches typically works for most uses. Double-check the level before you fasten each shelf.

With everything secure, you’re ready to arrange objects or collectibles. You’ll appreciate the tailored fit and charm your work adds to your home.