DIY Closet Shelves: Step-by-Step Guide to Sturdy Storage

Storage makes a big difference in any closet, and it’s essential in small spaces like a laundry closet. We built simple DIY closet shelves soon after moving in, and the project proved quick, affordable, and adaptable. With just a few supplies and a handful of hours, you can create sturdy shelving tailored to your closet and storage needs.

As a bonus, we also built a removable laundry counter that matches the shelves. Because it’s removable, you can access the washer and dryer for maintenance without extra effort.

These shelves have held up for nearly four years and still look and perform like new.

Materials and Tools Needed

For these shelves you’ll need two types of wood (1×2″ for supports and 3/4″ plywood for tops) plus basic tools and fasteners.

• 1×2″ pine for shelf supports (or pre-primed if you’ll paint)
• 3/4″ plywood for shelf tops (MDF is an option if painting)
• Miter saw
• Circular saw (if you need to cut panels at home)
• Stud finder
• Long level
• Measuring tape
• Nail gun or hammer and nails
• Electric drill
• Cabinet screws or heavy-duty screws for mounting to studs
• Wood glue
• Sealant, stain, or primer and paint
• Brush or rag for applying finish

Before buying materials, complete the measuring and planning steps below so you know exact sizes.

Closet Shelf Ideas

First assess your needs and the space. Different closet shapes call for different solutions. Below are some options we’ve used to inspire how you might approach your laundry closet:

– Floating shelves with heavy-duty brackets for open storage and display. Ideal when you have wall space and want an airy look.

– Upper cabinets for concealed storage when you want a tidy appearance and to hide items from view.

– Narrow vertical shelves or cubbies beside stacked appliances for tight spaces.

– Simple open shelving above appliances for easy access to baskets, linens, and cleaning supplies.

In one of our projects we paired floating shelves with an Ikea cabinet to hide a water heater and provide both open and closed storage. In another, we installed upper cabinets and a single shelf that tied into a nearby butcher block counter for a cohesive look.

When space is narrow, skinny shelves can make the most of an unused niche and keep frequently used items within reach.

In other cases, unconventional solutions like using blinds to conceal shelves can work well when you want flexibility without full cabinetry.

Consider how you plan to store items: baskets, folded linens, cleaning supplies, or bulkier boxes will influence shelf depth and spacing. Our pantry-style shelving is a versatile system that works well for shoes, folded clothes, boxes, and even hanging space if you add a rod.

Our current laundry closet was a moderate-sized space with an attic access in the ceiling, so we kept shelf depth shallow enough to preserve access while maximizing storage inside the closet.

Step 1: Measure and Mark Your Closet

Measure the closet to determine shelf sizes and quantity of materials. Account for:

• Enough 3/4″ plywood or MDF for each shelf top without seams when possible
• Enough 1×2″ pine to support all sides of each shelf plus a center support for lengthwise strength

For example, our shelves measure roughly 5′ by 1.5′. From one 4’×8′ plywood sheet we could get two shelf tops, and three 8′ lengths of 1×2″ pine provided the side and center supports.

Mark the stud locations with a stud finder before you attach supports — you’ll want to fasten into studs for the strongest installation.

Step 2: Install Shelf Supports

Install one long support along the back wall and one along each side using 1×2″ pine cut to size. Use a level to mark placement and remember to allow for the 3/4″ thickness of the plywood that will sit on top.

Secure the supports to the wall with heavy-duty screws driven into studs. Countersink or choose a screw head you like; either approach works. In some spots we cut the end supports at an angle to later hide the cut ends behind the front face piece.

Step 3: Add Shelf Tops

With supports in place, lay the plywood shelf tops into position. If you didn’t have the plywood cut at the store, trim it with a circular saw at home. For removable counters above appliances, leave the top loose so you can access outlets and hoses when needed.

For the upper shelves we fastened the tops to the supports with finish nails or screws. Wood glue is an option if you want a permanent bond.

Step 4: Add a Face Piece to Each Shelf

To conceal the plywood edge and give the shelves a thicker, finished look, cut a 1×2″ face piece and attach it to the front of each shelf with glue and nails. This trims off the raw edge and creates a cleaner profile.

The angled cuts on the end supports tuck behind the face piece so the support ends aren’t visible, giving it a more polished appearance.

Step 5: Add Cross Support (Optional)

Depending on shelf length and intended load, add a cross support under the middle of each shelf for extra rigidity. We attached a 1×2″ brace to the side supports with a screw driven at an angle, using a pilot hole to prevent splitting. You can also install brackets underneath for added strength if you prefer.

Step 6: Seal, Stain, or Paint Your Shelves

Finish the shelves with a clear water-based sealer, stain, or paint. We sealed ours with a clear sealer to preserve the plywood’s natural tone, but paint or stain are great options depending on your aesthetic. Fill nail holes before painting and allow finishes to fully dry and cure before loading the shelves.

These shelves have rotated through many uses over the years — storing linens, tools, holiday decorations, and more. We also added hooks to the closet doors for backpacks and coats, making the space function like a mini mudroom.

Big felt bins and small organizers along the back helped keep smaller items tidy and accessible.

After nearly four years of daily use, these DIY closet shelves remain a durable, practical, and attractive solution for a small laundry closet.

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