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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.)

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.

They 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.*