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Black timber shelving with potted plants against a pale blue wall

Overview

You can freshen up a home and add life to any space with indoor plants. These indoor garden shelves are a great way to display them and are so easy to make.

Steps

1Cut the timber

To make this job even easier, we had our timber pre-cut at Bunnings. You can have as many shelves as you want at any length you like. We're making three out of DAR pine, 240mm x 19mm x 1200mm in length.
Two wide pine boards on a table

2Paint the shelves

You can paint, stain or leave your shelves raw. We chose to spray ours black. When spray painting, do it in a well-ventilated area and wear a ventilator mask.
A person spray painting a pine board black

3Find the studs

Find the studs and mark where they are. Use tape to mark the positions of both studs that the shelves will sit between. If it's difficult to find the studs, you can use hollow wall anchors into the plaster.
A person using a stud finder to mark the positions of studs onto masking tape on a wall

4Measure and mark for the height of the shelves

You can position your shelves wherever you like. We've started our three shelves 850mm up from the floor, then spaced them at 1350mm and 1700mm. But remember to allow enough room for the height of your plants.
A person with a measuring tape pencilling a mark onto masking tape on a wall

5Transfer the marks for the shelves

Mark the heights for your shelves, then use the spirit level to transfer the measurements over to the other stud.
A person using a spirit level to place masking tape on a wall

6Mark the holes for the screws

Put the bracket against the wall and mark the holes for the screws. Use a spirit level to make sure the bracket is plum.
A person marking the hole position for an angle bracket on a wall

7Attach the brackets

Use the 4mm drill bit to pre-drill the holes for the screws. Then screw the brackets to the wall. Once again, use the spirit level to make sure the brackets are square and plum. Use a permanent black marker to colour the heads of the screws.
A person attaching a wall bracket to a wall using a cordless driver

8Attach the shelves

Place the shelves where you want them on the brackets. You can have them in a line or a little off centre. Once you have positioned them, clamp the shelf to the bracket. Pre-drill, then screw it into place from the underside of the shelf with the 20mm screws. Repeat this for all of the shelves.
A person clamping a shelf to a wall bracket

9Put your plants in place

Now that your shelves are built, all you have to do is decorate them with your favourite plants and enjoy.
Black timber shelving with potted plants and wooden ducks against a pale blue wall

Suggested products

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.