You know, a lot of people tend to think about their patio and backyard when it comes to plants, but what about those lovely indoor plants? If you have houseplants that you’re caring for in your little homely jungle, then you know that they all deserve to have a throne, right?
Yes, seriously, just think about it; they brighten up rooms, purify the air, and add an undeniable charm to any space. While yes, they’re basically a great addition to any home, too much of a good thing can be bad.
But let’s face some facts here: leaving them scattered across mismatched surfaces isn’t doing them justice. Sure, that makes the space look quirky, but that’s usually about it. Honestly, your best bet is to have them on furniture so your pets can’t touch them, and they’ll get plenty of sun.
Now, usually, a shelf is going to be your best bet. So, a DIY shelf for your houseplants not only gives them a dedicated spot to thrive but also ups your interior design game (and everyone always benefits from this). But isn’t it better to hire a contractor or get a carpenter to help out? Nah, you don’t need to be a professional carpenter to build one. You don’t even need to go to IKEA if you don’t want to. Even if you’ve never held a hammer before in your entire life, don’t fret.
Believe it or not, it’s pretty simple that even a beginner can pull something off like this. So, with all of that said, here’s the guide that you definitely need when it comes to creating a simple, stylish shelf that’ll showcase your greenery like the stars they are.
Start Off By Gathering Your Materials and Tools
Alright, so before diving into the fun stuff (if you want to call it fun), you’ll need to collect your materials and tools. Don’t worry—nothing on this list is intimidating. These are fairly basic, and most of these can be found online, in shelving kits (depending on the brand), or at your local hardware store. So, here’s exactly what you’ll need:
• Wood: A sturdy plank will do the trick. Pine, birch, or reclaimed wood are all great options. So, ideally, you should look for a length that suits your space and the number of plants you’re housing. You can always ask for help at your local hardware store.
• Brackets: These hold your shelf up, so choose ones strong enough to carry the weight of the plants, pots, and soil. Decorative brackets can also add a touch of flair.
• Screws: Just grab a set that matches your brackets and is suitable for the type of wall you’re working with. Again, you can get help at your local hardware store.
• Wall Plugs: These ensure the screws stay secure in the wall and are usually sold in the same aisle as screws and nails.
• Measuring Tape: For precision—because no one wants a wonky shelf. Most homes already have these, even if they don’t DIY.
• Level: So, this is to keep your shelf straight (because gravity isn’t forgiving).
• Drill: Ideally, you should look into something like a cordless drill that has plenty of charge. But seriously, this is far more needed than an old-school screwdriver.
You’ll Need to Decide on Placement
Okay, so choosing the perfect spot for your shelf is crucial. It’s number one again; it’s about the houseplants thriving more than just aesthetics. Not only does it need to fit aesthetically, but it also has to meet the needs of your plants. So, ideally, you might want to consider these factors:
• Light: You have to keep in mind that most houseplants thrive in natural light, so position the shelf near a window. If your space doesn’t get much light, you might want to invest in some grow lights. Seriously, this can’t be stressed enough!
• Height: You’ll need to think about how high up the shelf will go. Ideally, it should be accessible for watering but high enough to keep curious pets or kids from munching on your greenery.
• Space: You should also ensure there’s enough room for your plants to spread out and grow. But why? Well, crowding them together might look cute initially but can lead to some grumpy plants later.
Afterward, just mark the spot with a pencil and take a step back to visualise it. Once you’re happy, it’s time to move on.
Measure and Mark
So, this step is all about preparation. You’re going to want to use your measuring tape to mark where the brackets will go. So, spacing them evenly is key, so not too far apart, or else your shelf will sag too close, and it might not support the weight properly. Just be sure to double-check your measurements. Basically, this is the foundation for your shelf’s stability and alignment.
Drill the Bracket Holes
Okay, so this is where your drill comes into play. It’s pretty easy, so just go ahead and start by drilling holes into the wall at the points you’ve marked for the brackets. If you’re attaching them to drywall, insert wall plugs to keep everything secure. For brick or concrete walls, you’ll need a masonry bit, most drills can handle it.
Attach the Brackets
Now, with the holes drilled, it’s time to fix the brackets to the wall. Align each bracket with the holes and use screws to secure them tightly. You’re going to want to check with your level as you go to ensure they’re straight. Seriosuly, there’s nothing worse than realising your shelf tilts like a see-saw after you’ve mounted it. Once the brackets are firmly in place, attach the plank to the brackets using screws.
Sand and Finish the Wood
Depending on whether you bought a plank of wood or a DIY shelf kit (like IKEA), you may or may not need to sand it and apply Finish to it. But if you bought a plank of wood, you’ll need to smooth it with sandpaper to avoid any splinters and then either stain it or paint it.
Arrange Your Plants
Alright, so now for the fun part—decorating! So, you’re going to want to place your plants on the shelf, starting with larger ones at the back and smaller ones at the front. This creates a layered effect that’s pleasing to the eye and ensures each plant gets its fair share of light.
Just make sure you leave a bit of space between pots to prevent overcrowding and to make watering easier, and be careful that the shelf isn’t too heavy either.
Photo: Pexels.com