Decorating Storage Solutions Shelves How to Build a DIY Recessed Wall Shelf Use our guide to build a storage shelf between the studs in your wall and add function to small spaces, like a narrow hallway or bathroom wall. By Hannah Bruneman Hannah Bruneman Hannah is a former editorial associate at BHG.com. In her 5 years at DotDash Meredith, her contributions focused on home renovation and decor trends. Her work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies Home Journal, Southern Living, and more.Hannah began specializing in home decor and renovation trends while working under multiple Better Homes and Gardens special-interest publications, including magazines like Storage, Do It Yourself, Refresh, and Secrets of Getting Organized.Hannah received her BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University. She graduated in 2016 with a focus on Magazine Journalism. During her time at BHG.com, Hannah worked on photoshoots, where she created DIY crafts and completed beginner- to intermediate-level home improvement projects. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on December 23, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Stacey Brandford Project Overview Working Time: 2 hours Total Time: 3 hours Skill Level: Intermediate Small spaces are especially prone to clutter, and there's not always enough room to utilize freestanding storage solutions. Declutter a narrow hallway or messy bathroom with this DIY recessed shelf. Perfect for holding hair products or displaying favorite decor items, this shelf sits right in the wall so it doesn't protrude into limited space. While this project might seem like a job for a professional, it's completely doable with the right tips and tools. Follow along with our instructions to learn how to build a recessed wall shelf and check this weekend project off your to-do list. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools 1 Stud finder 1 Measuring tape 1 Drywall saw 1 Small mirror 1 Flashlight 1 Power drill or driver 1 Hammer 1 Putty knife 1 Paintbrush Materials 1 15-1/2 X 14-1/2-inch sheet board 1 13 x 15-1/2 inches craft board 1 Screws 1 Wood glue 1 Finishing nails 1 Wood putty 1 Sandpaper 1 Stain or paint Instructions Make an Inspection Hole Jay Wilde Locate studs with a stud finder. Make an inspection hole to ensure your placement is not interfering with electrical, HVAC, or plumbing. To do this, choose a small section (3 x 3 inches) of wall between studs where you want your shelf to go. Use a drywall saw to cut out a square while holding the saw at a 45-degree angle. (This will prevent the piece from falling into the wall.) Place a pocket-size mirror into the hole and use a flashlight to look for any obstructions in the way of where you want your recessed shelf to sit. Cut Drywall Jay Wilde Measure how tall you'd like to make your shelf (we made ours 16 x 16 inches) and how high up you'd like it to be installed. Use the drywall saw to cut out drywall between studs, using a stud finder to be exact. Remove drywall and set aside. Build Box Sides Jay Wilde Cut small sheet board and craft board to the dimensions of the interior shelf. This should include a back to the shelf, 4-inch-deep sides, and a 1- to 2-inch lip to go around the shelf. The lip frames should be cut at a 45-degree angle. Begin by building the sides of the shelf. Position the side boards to form a square, and use two clamps to hold the structure together. With a pencil, make marks for two screws at each corner. Use a power drill to make pilot holes, followed by the screws. Attach Shelf Back PHOTO: Jay Wilde PHOTO: Jay Wilde Line the sides of the shelf with wood glue as shown above. Place the cut craft board directly on top of the box structure and press down. Let dry.Once glue is dry, drill one screw in the middle of each side. First, measure and mark 3/8 inch from the edge. Drill pilot holes followed by screws. Set aside. Build Shelf Lip PHOTO: Jay Wilde PHOTO: Jay Wilde Use wood glue to press the corners of the shelf lip together. Let dry. Line the shelf structure with wood glue, and place the shelf lip directly on top. Press down and let dry. Use a hammer and finishing nails to secure the lip to the shelf as shown above. Use two nails per side. Apply Putty Jay Wilde Apply wood putty to all seams in the shelf using a flat putty knife. Let dry. Sand away excess putty until smooth and wipe with a clean cloth. The wood putty will dry to match the color of the wood and will help conceal the seams and holes made by the finishing nails. Stain and paint shelf, if desired. Insert Shelf and Attach to Wall Jay Wilde Carefully place shelf into drywall hole. Attach shelf to wall studs by drilling pilot holes and screws into the sides of the shelf. There should be two screws on each stud-facing side.