This guide provides a step-by-step process to transform old furniture into stylish and functional shelves. Reusing furniture not only helps reduce waste but also allows for creative and personalized home decor solutions.

Learn how to upcycle old furniture into functional and stylish shelves with our detailed guide.

Make Shelves Using Old Furniture

Select the Old Furniture

Choose a piece of old furniture that is sturdy and has a flat surface. Examples include old bookshelves, dressers, or table tops.

Disassemble the Furniture

Carefully disassemble the selected furniture if necessary. Retain useful parts like shelves or flat boards.

Measure and Cut

Measure the desired length and width of the shelves. Use a saw to cut the wood pieces accordingly.

Sand the Edges

Smooth out the cut edges with sandpaper to remove any roughness.

Apply Paint or Varnish

If desired, paint or stain the wood pieces to match your interior decor. Allow adequate drying time.

Attach Brackets

Fix metal brackets or supports to the wall at appropriate intervals to hold the shelves. Ensure they are level.

Mount the Shelves

Place the cut and finished wood pieces onto the mounted brackets. Secure them in place with screws if necessary.

Consumer Goods

Household Items

Furniture

Choose a piece of old furniture that is sturdy and has a flat surface.

Carefully disassemble the selected furniture if necessary.

Measure the desired length and width of the shelves and use a saw to cut the wood pieces accordingly.

Paint or stain the wood pieces if desired and allow them to dry.

Mount metal brackets or supports to the wall to hold the shelves securely.

Place the wood pieces onto the mounted brackets and secure them in place with screws.

Old furniture	Buy
Brackets or shelf supports	Buy
Screws	Buy
Paint or varnish (optional)	Buy

Saw	Buy
Sandpaper	Buy
Tape measure	Buy
Screwdriver or drill	Buy
Level	Buy

Make Shelves Using Old Furniture

Materials Needed

Tools Needed

Steps

Recycling Categories

Consumer Goods

Electronics

Organic Waste

Industrial Items