Corner Shutter Shelf Unit Project

Learn how to make an upcycled shutter shelf unit with this quick and easy tutorial, that can be completed in a weekend.

You say you’ve got some old shutters and don’t know what to do with them? Consider making DIY shutter shelves like this corner shelf unit project that can easily be completed in a weekend.

While visiting family a few years back, I spied this lovely repurposed corner shutter shelf unit that my father had made for their outdoor porch. It was truly an inspiring piece of furniture and one that I wanted to share with you.

But first a little bit of background…

My father was what you call a “jack of all trades, master of all.” He always enjoyed working with his hands and was a master craftsman.

I say “was” because not long after I took these photos, he passed away from leukemia. But happily prior to this, he shared with me these instructions to make this truly inspired corner shelf unit.

My father explained to me that he took two shutters that he had salvaged and was storing for just such a “perfect” project.

Once he came up with the design, he stripped the shutters down to the bare wood.

After making the shelve inserts, he assembled the unit, finished it with a coat or two of drab olive paint and then sealed it.

He said that the the total time it took for him to build this unit, from start to finish, was one weekend.

As you can see, it’s a beautiful shabby chic piece that you could easily incorporate it into your own home decor.

What you’ll love the most about this shutter corner shelves project is that it is so easy to make–even if you have limited carpentry skills. And, the fact this uses reclaimed wooden shutters–Sweet!

How to Make an Upcycled Corner Shutter Shelf Unit

Level of expertise to make this Corner Shutter Shelf project is BEGINNER to INTERMEDIATE.

Supplies you will need:

Sandpaper (to strip old paint and smooth shutters)

Paint or Stain

2 1″x2″ pine strip

1 2’x4′ clear pine board

1 1/4″ – 1 1/2″ Staples, Brad Nails, Pin Nails, or Finishing Nails

Figure 1

(Note: Above Figure not drawn to scale.)

Instructions

1. Take a look at Figure 1 above.

2. Assemble your corner unit by cutting the first 1″x2″ strip to the length of the shutters. (A)

3. Attach one shutter to short end of board and the other to the long side, per drawing. (B)

4. To determine the measurements for each shelf, measure from the inside corner out to the edge of each shutter. (C) and (see Below).

5. Next cut the 1″x2″ supports so that they overlap one another in the corner.

6. Using a Stanley Staple Gun, attach shelf to each support from above and then to each shutter on the inside of the unit, making sure each side of the shelf is level.

7. If you want to get a bit fancy, you also can trim the ends of the 1″x2″ strips on an angle and sand them smooth. Do this before you attach them to the underside of the shelves. (see Below)

8. Finish your shutter corner shelf unit as you like with paint or stain. You can also opt not to refinish it. But if you want to leave your unit outdoors, be sure to use a good sealer.

If you love this project, I share more on my Pinterest Boards DIY and Crafts Ideas and Recycle Upcycle Reuse from Wisconsin Homemaker.