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How to make a photo ledge

Wall-mounted shelf with a book, plate, vase and photo frame

Overview

Shelves are a great way to display your favourite framed photos and create an instant at-home gallery. They're simple to install and make a fabulous feature on your wall. Because you can constantly change what's on them, photo shelves are a great way to update the décor in your home on a regular basis. Here's how to make one yourself:

Steps

1Mark up your wall

The first thing you need to do is to mark the wall where you want your shelf – and your screws – to go. Use a spirit level to make sure your lines and marks are straight – you don't want a wonky shelf. Handy hint: when the bubble is in the middle of your level it means it's straight and you're good to go.

Person using a level to make marks on a wall

2Find the studs in your wall

Use a nifty little stud finder to find your wall studs and drill straight into them. Even if there's no stud, they're still useful for ensuring there are no electrical wires running through the area. If you can't find a wall stud and you're drilling straight into plaster, use a Wall Mate to secure your screws – drill these flush to the wall. They will act as your hooks, so leave them hanging out just a bit – this is where your picture shelf will hang from. 

Person using a stud finder on a plaster wall

3Attach your shelf

Align your shelf to the screws and slot into place – push down to ‘lock' in. Easy! For an extra stylish look, install two shelves offset from one another. 

Person fitting a shelf onto mounts in a wall

4Style up a storm

Last step is to fill your shelves with things you love – the possibilities are endless. And the best bit is, if you get bored, you can easily swap things over. Simple!  Picture ledges look great with different sized vessels clustered together, family photos, framed inspo quotes, or you could use them to display cascading green plants – just make sure your pots aren't too heavy for the shelf (check the specifications on the pack if you're using a kit). 

Wall-mounted shelf with a book, plate, vase and photo frame

5Liked this project?

Watch the full episode and more D.I.Y. projects from Make It Yours Episode 1: Kitchen Makeover by Haus of Cruze.

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.