How to add shelves to this nook?

Kimbo_8

Hi all, long time lurker first time poster!

We have this useless study nook off our kitchen. The previous owner added a cupboard under the nook shelf, so we use the space as a coffee/tea area.

We'd like to add fixed shelves (edge to edge not floating) above but do now know what we need to do to get this done. Am thinking two timber (painted) shelves and a metal rail for the coffee mugs to hang, under neath.

Suggestions greatly appreciated!

JacobZ

Hi @Kimbo_8,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's great to see you make your first post!

The typical method for installing shelving in a scenario like this, is to first locate the studs in the back and side walls using a stud finder. There should be studs in the corners as plasterboard needs something to attach to, and there will be studs at the front edges of the opening. There should also be studs in between these points that can be used, but using a stud finder will help to confirm this.

Once you've located your studs, you can attach timber cleats to the side walls and the back of the nook for the shelves to sit on. A variety of different timber profiles can be used as cleats, however something like this https://www.bunnings.com.au/42-x-18mm-5-4m-white-moulding-pine-fj-primed-dar_p0020749 would be a good option. You will then screw your cleats to each available stud using 75mm timber screws to create a nice solid platform for your shelves to sit on.

You can then decide on a https://www.bunnings.com.au/products/building-hardware/timber/timber-boards/timber-panels to use. Over that span, anything over 18mm should be fine.

For your cup hanging rail, you can use a curtain rod, attached to the underside of the shelf with fittings such as these https://www.bunnings.com.au/sandleford-25mm-black-rod-fitting-pillar-end-2-pack_p0011381 . You can then use some S hooks to hang your mugs from the rail.

Let me know what you think and if you have questions or concerns, please let me know so I can assist further.

Jacob