How to build a hidden shelf

Before purchasing materials, measure the width of your couch and the gap between the back of the couch and the wall. Think about what you'd like to store on the couch shelf, as this will help determine how deep it needs to be. A shelf that's too deep can make the room feel crowded, while one that's too narrow may not be practical.

For this project, we used a 285mm-wide timber board straight off the shelf, which creates enough room for books, plants, drinks and decorative items without taking up too much space, making it ideal as a bookshelf behind a couch.  You'll also need to measure the height of your couch to determine the length of the side pieces. The shelf should sit slightly above the back of the couch so it's easy to access and display items without them disappearing from view.

Choose timber that suits your space and shelf design. For this project, a length of DAR pine was used for the shelf top, with additional pieces cut into shorter sections to create the sides and middle supports. If you don't have a saw at home, many Bunnings stores can cut timber to size for you. Having your timber cut before you leave the store can make assembly, and transport, much easier.

If necessary, lightly sand all timber surfaces and edges to remove any rough spots or splinters. Pay particular attention to cut ends, as these can be the roughest areas. Wipe away any dust once you're finished. If you plan to paint, stain or seal the timber, now is a good time to do it before assembly.

Before assembling the shelf, decide where the support pieces will sit underneath. For this project, we used two end pieces and two centre supports to help prevent the shelf from bowing over time.

Lay the shelf top on a flat surface and measure the distance between the side pieces. Mark the positions of the centre supports so they are evenly spaced across the length of the shelf. Taking the time to measure and mark everything first will help keep the shelf square and ensure the supports are positioned consistently before attaching the angle brackets.

If you're building a longer shelf, you may need additional supports to provide extra strength, especially if you plan to display heavier items such as heavy books, lamps or large plants.

Next, position the side pieces and centre supports according to the marks you made in the previous step. Place an angle bracket at each join and use screws to secure the supports to the underside of the shelf.

If you're screwing close to the end of a timber piece, consider drilling a small pilot hole first. This can make it easier to drive the screw in and help prevent the timber from splitting. Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter and drill just deep enough for the screw to follow.

Before fully tightening the screws, double-check that each support is sitting straight and flush against the timber. If a support shifts during installation, loosen the screws slightly, reposition it and try again. Taking your time here will help ensure the finished shelf sits level and feels sturdy once in place.

Before loading the shelf up, give it a gentle wobble test to make sure everything feels sturdy. If you have children or pets, keep heavier items towards the centre of the shelf and avoid placing anything fragile where it could be knocked off. Periodically check that screws and brackets remain tight over time.

Carefully move the shelf into position behind your couch. Depending on the size of your space, it may be easier to place the shelf first, then slide the couch back into position. Check that the shelf sits level and that you can comfortably access anything placed on top.

Check out some of our other storage projects that will help keep your home tidy and organised.