Decorating for the holidays is truly a special time. Creating those decorations by hand makes it even more special knowing you made them especially to fit your home. Today I’m sharing this DIY tree shaped wood shelf. The perfect addition to your holiday decor.
A DIY tutorial to build a tree shelf perfect for holiday decor. Free plans from Ana White make this an easy DIY project for that special someone.
Ana White and I are back with another gift plan for the Handbuilt Holiday series and today it’s a beautiful tree shelf. Ana and I have the most fun deciding which project to build each week.  We are like kids in a candy store and sometimes it’s so hard to choose! But we tend to focus on gifts for kids however this week our build is more geared towards the adults.
This decorative tree shelf is sure to be a wonderful addition to anyone’s Christmas decor.
Features:
- substantial size for lots of small holiday decor
- use as an advent calendar
- fun tree shape
- 4 open shelves
- space for hooks below
We were inspired by Pottery Barn Kids tree shelf (which is no longer available).
Their version was on sale for $79 plus shipping but it’s not available anymore so you’ll have to make your own!
Don’t be intimidated by all the angled cuts. Â Ana has it all figured out in the plans and for the most part all the angles are the same.
I use this tree shelf every year in a different spot with different decor to mix things up. Last year I went with bottle brush trees and wood gifts.
Supplies:
Follow Ana’s plans here to build the tree shelf.  I used countersunk 1 1/4″ wood screws at every shelf to side connection. Also use wood glue and clamps to keep it all tight while the glue dries.  If your tree shelf has a lot of wobble consider adding a full backing.
My shelf is stained with Minwax Early American and then I attached three basic black hooks across the bottom.
Thanks for joining me for this tree shelf project. Please leave any questions in the comments below and be sure to follow me on social media for sneak peeks, tools and project inspiration:
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SHOP THIS PROJECT:
So fun! You never cease to amaze.
This is so adorable, and a much better budget option than the original. It's amazing all the items you can DIY for a small fraction of the cost to purchase in a store. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much! Can't wait to make one….
Love, love, LOVE this project, Jaime!
Where can I find the actual plans (sizes) for making this tree?
I have always wanted to get my hands on a DIY project that is not too hard to take on but still look fabulous and serves a really important purpose. This tree shelf fits all of the above criteria and having an additional storage space in the form of a shelf is never too much to have around the house.
where is the actual sizes of the boards?
I’m curious, why such a big piece of plywood is needed just to use such a small piece.
Hi Jen, the plans call for a small scrap piece of plywood (1/2″ plywood 6″ x 15″ or larger). If you wanted to cover the entire backing you would need a larger piece.
Hi Jaime,. My wife showed me this tree shelf and we both love it!
I’m gonna try to make one! I have a question though, why is the second from the top shelf the only one that has a back on it? Are you just showing what it looks like either way? And, I think in answer to the people who asked for measurements…. you might make it the size that works for you, proportionately. 🙂
Thanks Paul. To answer your question re: backing we were just going off the inspiration but yes you could back the entire tree (I actually think that might be a better idea.) Good luck with your project.
Sorry where are the actual plans? I keep clicking and it takes me to other sites….
Hi Jenn, the plans are on Ana White’s site. The link should take you here: http://www.ana-white.com/2015/11/free_plans/tree-wall-shelf
How do you recommend hanging this?
Hi Amber, I used a sawtooth hanger on the back. You could also use D rings and wire. It’s not too heavy so no need for a cleat.
Good luck!
I love this and am hoping to make a couple for family. What kind of wood did you use?
Hi Jen, the boards are #2 common pine boards. You could use select if you want less knots / better quality. Good luck!
Thank you so much Jaime!