Learn how to create a stylish, multifunctional office shelf using shutters and a bulletin board – an easy and attractive budget-friendly project perfect for renters or beginner builders!
I think I’m mildly addicted to DIY shelving! If there’s a way to gain some space, I always like to try and incorporate some kind of vertical storage by means of shelving units the vision works.
I’ve made PLENTY of DIY shelves using reclaimed wood you can see HERE
However this round, I desired to create a DIY shelf that was more of a no-build, which also ended up being super rent- friendly too!
Not everyone has access to tools or building know-how, so this version is one that any beginner can most certainly accomplish! Plus, it has a helpful component that holds it together by means of a bulletin board!
Which could label this project an office shelf for a home office, or perhaps a writing station in an entry… which is the way I’m staging it today!
Regardless, if you could use a handy little shelf that’s easy to put together without major building, grab some old shutters to try this!
Multifunctional Easy-Build Office Shelf Made With Shutters (Rent-Friendly Too!)
Office shelf supplies:
Two double shutters or 4 single shutters of equal size
Planks of wood that fit in between shutter slats
Bulletin board (the height of your shutters x the width you desire)
Staple Gun with short staples
Cordless Drill with drill bits for pre drilling holes
Fusion Mineral Paint (10% off) for shutters if needed
Selecting the right kind of shutters
1. Select two side-by-side attached shutters of equal size.
This is the key to the no-build theory! However if you can land 4 shutters of equal size, simply attach two sets of two together using hinges and you’re good to go!
Since my white shutters were in pretty good condition, I left the colour as-is. However they can also be painted to any colour of choice.
I recommend Fusion Mineral Paint which is a very durable DIY paint that doesn’t require a top coat nor primer in most cases.
Covering a bulletin board with burlap
2. Cut a piece of bulletin board to the height of the shutters x the width desired, then staple burlap to it from the back.
I placed the bulletin board facing beige cork side down onto the burlap since that would blend best with the burlap. The burlap was cut around the bulletin board leaving a little overlap. Then the fabric was flipped around the cork edges and stapled to the back to secure the burlap.
Attaching the bulletin board to the shutters
3. Position both shutters on your desired surface in an L shape on both sides, then position the bulletin board against the backs of both shutters.
4. Attach the bulletin board to the shutters from the backs of the shutters by pre drilling holes then attaching with screws.
This is the best part! The shutters are doing all the structural work in this case, bracing this total little mini office space all together, plus making it totally free-standing!
Adding planks to create each office shelf
5. Cut planks to the length of the left and right shutters.
These planks will need to fit within the dimension of your shutter slats once you open the louvers. Then simply position the planks where you desire! I positioned my shelves closer to the top so I’d have an open bulletin board area below.
6. Cut one more plank for the very top that measures a little longer and deeper than the shelves, so it creates a finished look. Attach to shutters with screws if desired.
7. Screw in some black cup hooks along the fronts of both shutters so you have the ability to hang keys, office supplies, or whatever you desire. Pre-drilling holes may help.
View Ceiling fan blades turned rustic coat hooks HERE
Stenciling the burlap
Something else that would look really nice is to stencil the burlap with some designs! Here’s a few I personally would use:
See how some of these rustic stencils on burlap look like in these fan blades turned coat hooks project!
Completed office shelf bulletin board writing station!
And my friends, that’s how I created this entry writing station with office shelves, using shutters, a bulletin board and an old dresser for the base!
Easy access bulletin board with key hooks
It’s the perfect little office shelf writing station for an entry! I’ve hung some office supplies on the left, and keys on the right. Then loaded up the shelves with a few office essentials and decor, and it’s ready to go!
Adjustable office shelf system using wood planks
I think what I love most about each office shelf is how easily adjustable they are! You can arrange this in any configuration you desire.
Each office shelf also allow you to see everything needed at a glance since they are the perfect depth to hold just the right amount of office storage to get the job done.
And the bulletin board has ample storage to hang grocery lists, notes, or receipts. I think this shelf would be really helpful on a desk as well!
The burlap hides bulletin board holes very well, since the fabric is so loosely woven. It’s a nice clean look that meshes well with basically any colour scheme or decor style. However you could also substitute the burlap for other desirable fabric as well.
Shop this office shelf decor along with helpful office supplies:
- paper clips
- push pins
- painters tape
- paper scissors
- stapler
- mini lamp
- smaller faux plants
- small plant baskets
- wood pen holder
- sticky notes
- I personally LOVE these neutral sticky notes!
Team up office shelf with a dresser for plenty of storage
As for the rest of the dresser, there’s loads of room for gloves, gardening gear, shopping bags or whatever you need right by the front door!
Other ways to use this shelving unit
- craft room with hanging brushes
- workshop with hanging tools
- on a dresser to hang jewelry
- placed on a desk for the ultimate office helper
- bookcases (with deeper shutters and planks)
Fun, right?! Wall-mounted shelves are great! However if your workspace could use a rent-friendly free standing shelf, I hope this inspires you to collect a few shutters to give this idea a go!
Check out other unique office bulletin boards you can make HERE
Visit many other DIY shelving ideas HERE
See many other unique office projects HERE
Multifunctional easy-build office shelf made with shutters (rent-friendly too!)
Tools:
- Staple gun
Supplies:
- 2 or 4 shutters of equal size
- planks of wood that fit inside shutter slats
- bulletin board
- burlap
- black cup hooks
- Fusion Mineral Paint in colour of choice (get 10% off)
Instructions:
- Cut a bulletin board to the same height as your shutters, and the width you'd like your shelving to be.
- Cover the bulletin board with burlap fabric by wrapping the sides, and stapling it to the back.
- Position two sets of joined shutters in an L shape for each side.
- Place the bulletin board between the shutters supported with the backs of two shutters, then screw together from the back.
- Cut planks to the length of the combined shutters and bulletin board, then open the slats to slip the boards in place.
- Add one larger board to the very top.
- Add cup hooks to the fronts of the shutters to hang office supplies, keys, etc.
Great idea, and it turned out so cute! It reminds me of when my mom and I used to participate in craft shows waaay back in the day. We used closet-size shutter doors to create temporary display shelving in the same way.
Very clever, Donna. I love the burlap and the use of cup hooks. You’ve got me thinking!