If you have a window ledge just itching for more plants than it can carry, building some little shelves is an easy way to multiply space. It also gives you a good excuse to go buy more plants!
Supplies:
-wood ripped to 5/8″ x 1 3/8″ (you can modify the dimensions; I had those pieces lying around from another project. Sometimes it’s good to keep wood scraps from other projects; you never know when you can use them for something else!)
-1/2″ dowel rod
-wood glue
Tools:
-miter saw (or hand saw; these small pieces would be easy to cut)
-drill
-paddle bit
-sandpaper
-clamps
-paint or stain
Step One: Cut all of your pieces:
-ten pieces of the 5/8″ x 1 1/2″, 38″ long (shelf pieces)
-eight 1 1/2″ square pieces (spacers)
-four 13″ long pieces (the legs)
-four 5 3/4″ long dowels (I cut them a bit longer than needed so I could sand them down to smooth surface)
Step Two: Measuring and drilling time. This is the most crucial step. If you don’t want any headaches, make sure you measure everything exact so the dowel will go through all the pieces smoothly. Refer to the diagram for hole placement. Go ahead and drill all holes, and sand.
Step Three: Lay out the top pieces upside down. You can refer to the diagram for the order. Don’t glue anything yet; make sure the dowel goes through all the pieces on both sides. Repeat for the other shelf (make sure they’re upside down)! Once you’re good to go, take off the end pieces and put glue in the hole and around the end of the dowel. Put the pieces back on, making sure the shelf is straight and square before the glue dries.
Step Four: Sand everything nice and smooth. I used scrap wood, so all the pieces weren’t uniform, but I think it turned out fine. All you have left now is to paint/stain it your favorite color(s). You can just leave the wood raw too; do whatever you think will result in the best look in your space. Remember that the measurements can be modified to fit your space.
Building this table was fun, but the super fun part is going to your local nursery and picking out cool plants to put on it!
Happy building! -Josh
Credits // Author: Josh Rhodes. Photos: Sarah Rhodes. Photos edited with Stella from the Signature Collection
I have a bay window that is 102 inches wide and would love to have this plant shelf in that window so I could have many more plants than I already have there. I will have my son help me build this shelf as he is a mechanical engineer.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful project for all the winter gardeners!
I only have a 3 to 4 inch window sill. How could I modify this To accommodate my plants. Everything is to wide to go on my narrow window sills.
Great idea!
The diagram is the bomb!
Thanks
Yep. Definitely want this in my future home!
Simple, facil y genial!
Me encanto chicas!
Besos
This is gorgeous! I’ve always wanted a ton of little succulents but could think of nowhere to put them all!
nueyork.blogspot.com
I think this might be one of the best things you can do with a window. Your solution here looks so stylish and flexible! I’ve done a similar thing in my kitchen window (one of the few windows where my cats are not supposed to sit) and it works great as a protection from people looking in through in from the street, while still giving me something nice to look at. Having lots of space for plants in the kitchen is also great since I use this for my growing-experiments, like re-growing kitchen scraps… Have a look if you feel like it, I just did mine mine by screwing some small wooden blocks to the frame and place an oak plank on top!
http://magpiesatsunrise.blogspot.no/2014/05/growing.html
What is with me? I’ve never been a plant person but between this and your recent tutorial with the hanging rope holders I’m dying to go out and buy some plants to put in my apartment. Awesome as always!
Stephanie
http://www.vainandsimple.com/
So so pretty! I love little cacti and succulents in little baby plant pots. So adorable xx
http://sarah-nunn.blogspot.co.uk
This is such a great idea. I already have a two level bay window above my sink in the kitchen. I’ve tossed a few plants in there and we’ve taken to starting seeds there and moving to the garden when they’re bigger, but the uniformity of the pots with the different plants is stunning. I will be picking up some matching pots very soon. Thanks for the inspiration.
Love it , maybe some day 🙂
I’ve been wanting to create an herb garden like that so they get some sun!
http://heyprettything.com
I love the idea! And all the succulents! Well done!
Oh my this looks AWESOME! I will have to get my husband [hehe] to make me one!
Great idea – must see how opped my boyfriend is to getting handy.
www.dancingthroughsunday.typepad.com
I love the diagram your made! It looks like it took a while to make but it is so helpful! Thanks!
http://everydayingrace.blogspot.ca/
This is great! Just wish I had a window ledge and sun so it would be easier to have indoor plants.
Wow..this looks fresh and lovely. Plants are always a great addition to any home, and this is just perfect for the kitchen.
xo, Hems
agoldentulip.blogspot.com
All the DIY carpentry/furniture-making/woodworking posts are my absolute favorite part of your blog. Can’t wait to see more from Josh. Having that accurate and easy-to-read diagram takes this how-to to the next level.
How cute!! xx
http://www.creativityandchocolate.com