When we moved into the cottage apartment, I had envisioned the “perfect” spot for my vintage shelves. I KNEW how good they would look. Little did I realize how big the shelves actually were. Dang it. After taking measurements, more than three times! I can now share with you How To Adjust Shelves To Fit a Narrow Wall.

It’s just a few easy steps and anyone can do it.

Below you will see how amazing the vintage shelves looked in the cottage condo before moving into the cottage apartment.

The shelves are solid oak. So, great quality. I painted them white and sanded them for a chippy look.

But, like I said, they were too long to fit this narrow wall in the new kitchen

My solution to be able to fit the shelves on the narrow kitchen wall was to cut the ends off. I measured the width of the wall over and over and over. I did NOT want to mess them up. Do I sound obsessive, or what?

The wall was 35 inches wide and the shelves were 36 inches wide.

I want them to fit proportionately. But not too short.

The solution was to cut off 3 inches off of each side. That would be 6 inches, total.

I know it is simple math, but I want to make sure everyone understands. This helps with centering them as you hang them, as well.

The other concern was not to get to close to the bracket. It might look off balance, if that was the case. (Wow! I really DO sound OCD!)

After I cut each shelf with a circular saw, I sanded the end edges with a fine sandpaper. This way there were not raw, rough edges or splinters.

Also, before hanging the newly cut shelves, I gave each one a fresh coat of paint with Valspar Carolina Coast-satin finish.

When you look at the corners after sanding and fresh paint, you would never guess that I didn’t get them this way.

How To Adjust Shelves To Fit a Narrow Wall:

1-measure your wall

2-measure your shelf

3-cut ends off of each side of the shelf, for a well-balanced and centered hung shelf

4- Avoid Cutting brackets

5-hang your shelf with anchors and screws for a secure hold

Styling the shelf was definitely the best part. As always!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope in some small way I have helped or inspired you.

Have a wonderful day.

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