This low-profile industrial-chic floating shelf literally fits any space
As perfect for your kid's room as yours!
The industrial look is everywhere right now and it's easy to see why — incorporating rugged accents is the ideal way to add an element of rustic grit to an otherwise clean and crisp room. This DIY floating shelf with a built-in light does just that, adding a dash of edge while acting as a charming tribute to your prized keepsakes! The best part? We're showing you how to assemble everything yourself, including the electrical work. How's that for bragging rights?
Here's what you need:
- 2 boards: 35" x 13", 1.5 cm thick
- 1 identical board (optional)
- 38 mm hole saw
- 2 5cm screws
- Drill
- Paint, in colours of your choice
- Paintbrush
- Sundial wire
- Wire strippers
- Wire cutters
- Electrical tape
- Light socket
- Plug
- Screwdriver
- 2 picture hooks
- Edison light bulb (can be found at hardware stores)
Here's how to do it:
Use your hole saw to drill a hole into the centre of one of the boards, about 2.5 cm from the edge.
Prop your three boards up into a "house". If you don't have the third board, use a box or some books to prop the other two boards together. Screw the two main boards together.
Paint your boards! We chose a classic white. Add some whimsical decorations, or paint an inspiring quotation!
While that's drying, we're going to assemble the wire. Take your sundial wire and wire strippers. At the end of the wire, about 8 centimetres in, cut off the outer casing and remove the insulation. Tape the edge of the casing with electrical tape to keep it from fraying.
Take your wire strippers and remove the insulation from the ground wires, and only leave the black and white wires for this assembly. The wires inside should be fully exposed. IMPORTANT: Leave a little bit of the original insulation so as to differentiate which wire is which.
Remove the bottom of the socket and insert the exposed wires. The neutral wire will have white insulation – wrap this wire under the silver terminal screw in the socket. Use your screwdriver to tighten it.
The hot wire will have black insulation. Wrap this wire under the gold terminal screw. Tighten using your screwdriver.
Using your wire cutters, cut off any extra wire. Reattach the socket and close firmly.
Use your screwdriver to open up your plug. We're going to repeat the process on this side: first remove the outer casing and insulation.
Then, like before, cut the insulation off the individual wires, keeping a little bit of it on at the base to as to denote which wire is which.
Wrap the neutral wire (white insulation) under the silver terminal screw in the plug, and wrap the hot wire (black insulation) under the gold terminal screw. Remember: neutral to silver, hot to gold. Don't forget to tighten the screws with your screwdriver!
Cut off any extra wire and reassemble the plug securely.
Attach your picture hooks to the back of your new shelf.
Insert your socket into the hole in the shelf. Screw the top back on to make sure it's secure.
Attach your light bulb, hang on your wall, and plug in!
Et voilà! A perfect place to showcase your mementos, knickknacks, books, or photos.