How To Build An Arts and Crafts Wall Shelf
Hollow, quartersawn columns and traditional inlay elevate an easy project
Dec 13, 2012
Synopsis: This attractive wall-hung shelf was inspired by a piece in a magazine that reminded furniture-maker Nancy Hiller of classic British Arts and Crafts design. Her version gets rid of the doors to put the contents of the shallow shelves on display – an appealing choice given all the beautiful quartersawn white oak in the piece.
While looking through a book on home design several years ago, I noticed a small cabinet hanging above a claw-foot bathtub. With its inlaid columns and beveled caps, the shelf was wonderfully British in style and was quite distinct from American interpretations of Arts and Crafts design. Although the original cabinet had a pair of doors, its shallowness seemed more suited to open shelves.
The design of this cabinet may be simple, but making it involves using a number of valuable techniques such as mitered joints for the columns, decorative inlay, and a finish for quartersawn oak that makes new work look old (Five Steps to an Arts and Crafts Finish). Although quartersawn oak is the traditional choice for English Arts and Crafts furniture, this piece would look equally good if it were made of cherry or nonfigured maple.
Some finishing touches
Original Arts and Crafts Finish without Fuming
How to Hang a Cabinet on the Wall
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Blum Drawer Front Adjuster Marking Template
Comments
I was looking for plans for a "nail polish" shelf. that hangs on the wall. My grand daughter has asked me to build one.
It has 3 shelves, hangs on a wall. Shelf is 3 inches deep.
Sides are about 20 inches high and 20 inches across. There may be a 1/4 inch plywood dadoed back and each shelf has a front product guard rail so the polish doesn't fall off.
In the area of the top shelf there is a 1 x 2 x 20 inch board
attachded across the back which acts as a strongback.
Do you have any plans for anything similar?
Thank you
Roger
This is a great project. By the way, what program did you use to put together the blueprint? Doesn't look like google sketch up, so I guess it's another program, correct me if I'm wrong.
This is a great project.
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