Storage makes a big difference in any closet, and it’s especially valuable in small spaces like a laundry closet. That’s why we installed simple DIY closet shelves as soon as we moved in. This is an easy project that almost anyone can tackle: it requires few materials, takes only a few hours, and can be customized to match your closet layout and storage needs.
As a bonus, we’ll also show how we built a removable laundry counter that matches the shelves so you can easily access the washer and dryer when servicing is needed.
These shelves have held up for nearly four years and still look and function as well as the day we installed them.
Steps for Building DIY Closet Shelves
The approach is straightforward: a 3/4″ plywood or MDF top rests on 1×2″ wood support pieces secured to the wall in three places—both sides and the back. We’ve used this system for other projects because it’s simple to build and very strong.
Quick overview of the process:
- Step 1: Measure & mark the closet
- Step 2: Install shelf supports
- Step 3: Add shelf tops
- Step 4: Attach a face piece
- Step 5: Add a cross support (optional)
- Step 6: Seal, stain, or paint
That’s it — a simple, sturdy shelving system you can adapt for any small closet or laundry nook.
Materials & Tools Needed
You’ll need two types of wood (1×2″ for supports and 3/4″ plywood or MDF for the shelf tops) along with common tools and fasteners.
- 1×2″ pine for shelf supports (or pre-primed wood if you plan to paint)
- 3/4″ plywood for shelf tops (or MDF if you plan to paint)
- Miter saw
- Circular saw
- Stud finder
- Long level
- Measuring tape
- Nail gun (optional)
- Electric drill
- Cabinet screws
- Wood glue
- Sealant, stain, or primer/paint
- Brush or rag for application
Complete the measuring and planning steps before you buy materials so you order the right quantities and sizes.
Closet Shelf Ideas
Decide what you want to store and how much space you have before choosing a shelving style. We’ve installed many different shelf solutions over the years—from floating shelves with heavy-duty brackets to upper cabinets with a continuous butcher-block counter. Your layout and needs will guide the design.
Some examples we’ve done: decorative floating shelves in a mudroom using heavy-duty brackets; a single shelf behind the washer that connects visually to a nearby butcher block counter; narrow built-in shelves beside a stacked washer and dryer; and open shelving concealed with bamboo blinds after removing bifold doors.
If you need storage for folded clothes, baskets, boxes, or even a hanging bar, a pantry-style custom shelving unit can be adapted to a closet or laundry nook. In our current home we had a defined closet area with attic access in the ceiling to work around, so we designed shelves that remain shallow enough to allow attic entry.
Step 1: Measure & Mark Your Closet
Measure the closet to determine shelf sizes and how many shelves you can fit. Plan for:
- Enough 3/4″ plywood or MDF for each shelf top without seams
- Enough 1×2″ pine to support all four sides of each shelf plus an additional center support lengthwise
For example, our shelves are roughly 5 ft by 1.5 ft. From one 4′ × 8′ sheet of plywood we got two shelf tops, and three 8′ 1×2s supplied the support pieces. While measuring, mark stud locations with a stud finder so you can anchor the supports securely.
Step 2: Install Shelf Supports
Cut 1×2″ pine pieces to match the shelf perimeter using a miter saw. Install one long support on the back wall and one on each side wall. Use a level to mark placement and remember to allow for the 3/4″ plywood thickness that will sit on top.
Secure the supports into studs with cabinet screws driven by a drill. Countersink screws if you prefer to hide fasteners; otherwise visible screw heads are fine and can add a bit of character. We cut the end pieces at a slight angle so they tuck behind the face trim later.
Step 3: Add Your Shelf Tops
Lay the plywood shelf top onto the supports. Have the sheet ripped or cut to size at the store, or use a circular saw at home to trim it. For removable counters over appliances, leave the top loose so you can access plugs and service panels. For fixed shelves, attach the tops with finish nails, screws, or wood glue.
Step 4: Add a Face Piece to Each Shelf
Cover the exposed plywood edge with a 1×2″ pine face piece nailed and glued across the front. This gives the shelf a chunkier, finished look and hides cut ends of the support pieces. We glued the face and added finish nails for a clean finish.
The angled cuts on the side supports help them hide behind the face trim so you won’t see raw ends of the 1×2 supports.
Step 5: Add Cross Support (Optional)
If you expect heavy loads, add a center cross support under each shelf. Cut another 1×2 and screw it into the side supports with a slightly angled screw; drill pilot holes first to avoid splitting the wood. Brackets under the shelf are another option if you prefer visible reinforcement.
Step 6: Seal, Stain, or Paint Your Shelves
Finish the shelves with a clear water-based sealer, stain, or primer and paint. We sealed our plywood to keep its natural tone, but painted or stained shelves are just as effective. Fill any nail holes before painting and allow finishes to fully dry and cure before loading the shelves.
Over the years the items on our shelves have changed—linens, towels, tools, holiday decorations—so the system’s versatility has been a big advantage. We also added simple hooks to the closet doors for backpacks and coats, plus felt bins and small organizers along the back to keep things tidy.
After nearly four years of daily use, these DIY closet shelves remain a reliable, adaptable storage solution for our small laundry closet.
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