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Make This: Plexiglass Shelves

It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a “make this” post – which I pretty much reserve for the fun and quick projects and not so much for the mid or upper level DIYs that roam free around these parts. But, let’s bring it back to fun times when I made quick projects that had some spunk and personality (because don’t tell my other projects – but the make this series is my favorite kind!) While they might look kinda complicated, making shelves with plexiglass is super, duper simple – if you can use a ruler and a hair dryer you can do this project.

make this: plexiglass shelves

plexiglass shelf

First, go to the hardware store and get them to cut you pieces of 3/16 plexiglass (or the thinnest available) that are 20 inches by 10 inches. If you want smaller ones you can go down to 5 inches, but if you go longer than 20 inches your shelves are probably going to get wonky. Sand the edges of the plexiglass with fine grit sand paper until smooth.

Plexiglass shelf tutorial

Just like when I made the iPad Stand (go see that post for more detail) – we’re going to measure down the length to find the center, so measure in 5 inches. Once bent, your shelf will be 5 inches deep with a 5(ish) inch piece on the wall.

how to make a plexiglass shelf

Take two pieces of board – I used two 2×4 scraps – just make sure they are at least 4 inches longer so you can sandwich the plexiglass in between the two and screw it down to create a vise. Line up the edge of the tape with the board and screw them together – then remove the tape but leave the protective plastic on the plexiglass.

how to make a plexiglass shelf

Putting the a nozzle on my HomeRight Digital Temperature Heat Gun  – I set the blower to high and then turn the temperature all the way up.

HomeRight Digital Temperature Heat Gun

It goes all the way up to 1020 degrees – which is super hot so be careful as you are using this!

make this: plexiglass shelving

Run the heat gun back and forth right in the gap to warm up the plexiglass so it becomes bendable. You will know when it’s ready because it will start to droop down and become soft.

make this: plexiglass shelving

I bent the first one by hand, but realized that using a third board to help keep it straight worked even better. Nice crisp folds that way.

make this: plexiglass shelving

Drill a small hole in each corner of the side you want to go on the wall – I marked a board and used it as a template (just by eying where I wanted it.)

make this: plexiglass shelving

Peel off the plastic, then use screws to attach them to your walls. If you are using them on drywall, be sure to put anchors behind them.

make this: plexiglass shelvingThey won’t hold a ton of weight – but they are perfect for small, lightweight pieces. You can make these plexiglass shelves in about 15 minutes – which makes it even better, huh?

*Thanks to my friends at HomeRight for partnering with me on this post. All ideas, words, photos and opinions are 100% my own, yo.*

 

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Filed Under: DIY

About Gina Luker

Gina Luker is a writer, photographer and lover of all things quirky. She's usually found with a drill in one hand and a cocktail in the other while blogging along the way. She's addicted to coffee, polka dots, rock stars, Instagram, and everything aqua.

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Comments

  1. Terri Betz says

    May 5, 2015 at 11:48 pm

    You are awesomely clever! I want to do this! Would’ve never thought of this! Thanks for sharing this !

    Reply
  2. Trish Davenport says

    May 30, 2015 at 10:01 am

    These look fantastic. Thank you for always supplying great tutorials and photos on your “how-to’s”
    I just love these shelves as I collect miniatures and these shelves will hold so many minis.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Summer Home Tour + Guess What Colors I'm Decorating With These Days - Decor Adventures says:
    May 27, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    […] deer head in her living room and a giant ice cream cone in her office.  And I’m in love with her plexiglass shelves so much I think I might make some […]

    Reply

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ARE YOU A FARMHOUSE FAN?
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