DIY Floating Shelves and Bathroom Update

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  There once was a time that my bathroom looked like this.

 Well, truthfully, I did have towels hanging on the rod, so it wasn't that bad :) But the toys and the random other-ness is a down play. In fact, for about a month, we had a huge dresser standing right in front of this tub, so this is an obvious step up haha.

So, of course the first step to take back my bathroom was to actually clean it :) So, let's pretend that this was my actual before picture :) But seriously, what good is a before picture if it still looks pretty? Right? ;)

I decided I was in desperate need of organization and a little decor. So, the first thing to do was to create some cute shelves! To start, I needed to figure out how long I wanted them, how many, and where to put them. So, I started by using painters tape and figuring out exactly what I wanted. I obviously thought I wanted three, and that didn't happen. My idea for the top third shelf was to make it half the size and put it flush on the right. But, once I got the two shelves up, I thought this would just be way to busy.

 To create the actual floating shelves, here's how I did it.
Cut List per shelf:
(2 )1x6 @36"
(1) 1x4 @37.5"
(2) 1x4 @5.5"
(1) 2x2 @36"
(3) 2x2 @3"

Supply List:
Nail gun
1 1/4" nails
Wood Glue
2 1/2 screws
Drill
Stain

 Step one is to put the 5.5" inch pieces on the ends of the 36" 1x6. Glue and nail in place.

 Then add the second 36" 1x6 piece to the opposite edge of the 5.5" pieces. Glue and nail in place.

 It should look like this at this point.

 The next step (not pictured, sorry!) is to place the 37.5" 1x4 on top of this. Glue and nail into place

Now for the supports. I drilled and screwed in the 3" pieces into the 36" 2x2. I placed one on each end and then one in the middle.

 I then measured on the wall where I wanted these positioned with help of my painters tape. I found where the studs were and then marked those measurements on the support. I then drilled all the way into the support with a drill bit one size smaller than my screws. This helps to not split the wood when you send the screw through.

 I then placed them on the wall, making sure they were level and even.

Before staining, I sanded the shelves to smooth out the edges and corners. After staining the shelf with Minwax Dark Walnut, I then just slid them on to the supports. The fit was perfect and snug! I then realized after putting weight on these, I needed to add more support by adding a 1 1/2" screw into the top of the shelf into the support. I drilled this out first, and then sent the screw through.

I love these shelves because they use all wood unlike some of the other tutorials I saw that use plywood for the underside. Plywood is expensive especially when you won't be using the whole sheet. Making them this way, you just need one 1x6 at 6' to make one shelf. :)

 I had so much fun accessorizing these shelves. I kept it neutral of course, and a little bit farmhouse.

 Although baths are meant for relaxation and getting away from things, I am such a time oriented person, so I had to add a clock :) I got this clock from Gordmans and the candle pillar from Hobby Lobby.

 The baskets are also from Gordmans and this cute little plant is from Ikea placed into a different pot I had.

 I just love how this all came together!
These curtains are from Amazon (link). I wanted to brighten the space up a little bit and add a little frill :)

 And of course, there was the problem with towels. I was wanting to put them on the shelves, but I was bad and didn't realize my folded towels measured more than 6" :) So, if you are making these shelves to hold towels, use a 1x10! But, I was pretty happy when I found these baskets that fit all the towels perfectly! I actually like the whole look of the space because of these.

 I'm so glad I didn't put the third short shelf on here. It would have been way to much for the space! I love walking in here now, it just makes me happy :)

 As for the other wall? This was the before of this wall. I painted this square a few years ago and had the knobs to hang lanterns or towels, but it was also just a little boring.

 So, I decided to throw this resin antler bust on it. I seriously wish I had thought to do something like this forever ago! It totally made the space. I was contemplating planking this square with wood and then adding the bust, but I thought that would be just a bit too much wood in this space. So, for now, this is how it is :)

 So, the total cost of each shelf comes down to:
1 1x6 6' board - approx. $3.50
1 1x4 8' board - approx. $2
1 2x2 8' board - approx $1.50

Given that you have the other materials already on hand, you have an awesome 3' shelf for $7.00! Your second shelf would be even cheaper, since you can use the leftover wood from the first shelf, and only have to buy another 1x6 board. So, you can do two of these shelves for about $10. Not bad! :)

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”