How To Make Intertwining Box Shelves

Have you been searching for wall shelves but everything you find is just dull and boring? If so, don’t miss this step by step guide to making a unique set of box floating shelves comprised of interlocked squares. You’ll be amazed how useful they are.

The main advantage of shelves or wall shelving is that it takes up hardly any room. However, it tends to all look very similar. We wanted to give you a tutorial on how to create a unique take on the box floating shelf, so let’s get started!

Tools and materials

To do this DIY project you’ll need the following tools:

• Telescopic mitre saw
• Hand saw
• Nail gun
• Screw driver
• Angled screw-clamps and vices
• Scissors
• Self-adhesive tape for edging
• Screws or coach screws
• Spray Spray glue
• Double-sided sticky tape for mounting

In addition, these materials will be needed:

• MDF panel measuring 600 x 600 x 3mm
• Melamine panel measuring 1200 x 600 x 16mm
• Patterned paper (such as wall paper)
• Strips for wall hanging

Cost, time and difficulty

The approximate price of the materials used is around £40, as long as you already have some patterned paper to use. In this link you can access the shopping basket with some of the tools and materials required.

This is a project of medium difficulty to complete, making it perfect for handy men and women who already have some experience when it comes to DIY. You will need about 6 hours to cut and assemble the various pieces, although timing will vary.

Measurements and plan

This shelving unit is made of 3 interlocked squares:

• Each one is 16cm deep.
• The two lower squares are the same size (30 × 30cm), while the upper one is smaller (16 × 16cm).
• Remember that the measurements noted in the plan are based on using a melamine panel measuring 16mm wide.

Step by step entwined box floating shelf

This quirky shelf stands out thanks to its interlocking squares or cubes making up the unit. This is both a highly decorative and practical feature. It allows you to place items on the shelves at different heights, making the most of the space. If you’re a fan of this type of storage solution, follow this link to see 15 creative storage ideas for small flats.

Step 1- Cut the parts

Firstly, cut the melamine panel following the measurements noted in the plan above. To do so, you can use either the mitre saw, or a circular or table saw. The most important thing is to make straight cuts.

Step 2- Assemble the central unit

Next, you will assemble the central unit or square. To do so, join the two pieces measuring 26.8cm to form a right angle with the two 30cm pieces. Fasten each plank with angle clamps and screw with coach screws.

Step 3- Conceal the edges

Once the first unit has been assembled, you should conceal the edges. To do this, use self-adhesive edging tape and follow these steps:

1. Remove the plastic or paper backing and press down firmly on the tape to stick.
2. Cut the remainder with a sharp knife.
3. Repeat these steps with each edge except for those on the back.

Step 4- Assemble the remaining units

Next, assemble the rest of the units and screw them together to make a sturdy structure:

1. A lower unit of the same size will be screwed to the central unit.
2. The smaller square will be attached to the top.
3. Next, you will conceal all the edges except for those on the back.

Step 5- Create the interlocking squares

The next step sees you creating the interlocking squares. To do this, attach double-sided mounting tape and join the two parts that complete the upper and lower squares.

Step 6- Attach the back

Lastly, you will attach the back. To do this, you need to cut it to the same shape as the shelving unit, using a small saw or hand saw. Then, spray it with spray glue and line the interior of the back panel with the patterned paper. Ideally you can use a scrap of wallpaper left over from another DIY project, or even wrapping paper will work.

Finally, attach the back using the nail gun.

Once the shelf is finished, you can either screw it to the wall, or use adhesive mounting strips if you don’t plan to put too much weight on it, as in our example.

This type of shelf is perfect for storing small collections, such as perfume bottles.

What do you think of this shelf with entwined squares? It will definitely attract the attention of your guests, as well as serving as storage solution for small items –  and we have a soft spot for multi functional furniture!

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This article was written by: Bricoydeco and translated. Mari Luz authors the blog ‘Bricoydeco’, she is a DIY fanatic, lover of recycling and customising furniture. Her passion is giving a second chance to turn once forgotten things into unique pieces!