How to Make a Simple, DIY Rope Shelf

Measure, Mark, and Drill Your Holes

Having equal-sized pieces of wood is key to making this shelf balanced. Using a tape measure, pencil, and drill, place two holes on either end of each slab of wood. Depending on the thickness of your rope, you may have to make your holes larger, so keep that in mind when measuring how far apart you want them to be. For more stability, drill your holes closer to the edges of the wood rather than the center to prevent wobbling when you place heavier items on it.

Paint or Stain Your Wood (Optional)

Here's a fully customizable part of this DIY project. Not enjoying the color of your wood? Want to add a little bit more brightness and flair? Change your wood's appearance by staining it with an indoor wood stain or painting it with matte-finish paint. If this look isn't enough for you, try using sandpaper to weather the wood for a more rustic look.

Thread the Rope

Nylon rope is recommended for this project because it is stronger than manila and polypropylene. Cut your rope to your desired length—make sure to leave extra length for knots underneath each shelf. Now that your wood is fully prepared, it's time to thread the rope. Thread the rope upwards through the frontmost holes on the right side, and downwards through the frontmost holes on the left side (or vice versa).

Repeat this step for the holes in the back of your wood as well. The goal here is even weight distribution and security. Threading the rope this way ensures that the top of your rope shelf, where the rope will hang from the hook, will be a stable portion of the rope and not a knot. However, knots in the rope will be at the bottom of your creation, supporting the weight of your bottommost shelf.

Tie It Off and Add Dowels

Once you're satisfied with the slack and distance between shelves, tie a knot in the rope under each shelf. The knot doesn't need to be fancy—you could add a bit of flair with a bowline knot if that suits you. However, it does need to be sturdy, so make sure your knots are strong enough for not only supporting the shelf but all the items you plan on putting on it.

If you plan on placing a plant on a shelf, don't be afraid to double-knot it. Once you're satisfied with your knots, level it off and add wooden dowels for extra support. Don't forget to cut off the excess rope at the ends.

Hang and Style Your Shelf

It's time for the fun part! Hang your newly constructed rope shelf on a wall hook and start decorating. Grab photos, plants, statues, or anything your heart desires to make this DIY project come to life!