Reclaimed wood shelves add function, charm, and interest to your home or commercial space. With its rustic, weathered appearance, salvaged wood offers an organic look that contrasts with modern designs.
It’s also eco-friendly. You can salvage wood from barns, factories, and other old structures instead of harvesting from growing trees.
Let’s look at six design ideas to inspire your reclaimed wood shelving project.
1. Built-In Niche Reclaimed Wood Shelves
Reclaimed wood is an excellent material choice for built-in shelving niches. Varied textures and natural patina add warmth and character to the storage area. You can build reclaimed shelves from different aged wood boards for contrast.
For a rustic aesthetic, mix reclaimed wood with exposed brick or stone. The organic shelves will beautifully complement the raw masonry. Accent lighting illuminates the materials’ textures for an inviting glow.
Built-in shelves for niches maximize storage in tight spaces. The recessed shelves tuck neatly into an alcove or nook in the wall, creating a unified look and saving floor space because shelves don’t take up wall space in the room.
2. Long-Spanning Reclaimed Wood Shelves
The strength and thickness of reclaimed wood makes building shelves that span longer distances possible. You can line an entire wall with storage using just a few boards.
Long-running reclaimed wood shelves also work well above kitchen counters and work benches. Shelves display cookbooks, utensils, and decor while keeping them within arm’s reach. For workshops or garages, they supply ample space for tools, hardware, and supplies.
Sturdy brackets mount reclaimed boards to the wall. Look for galvanized steel or black iron brackets for an industrial vibe, or select a matching reclaimed wood shelf bracket for a seamless look.
3. Free-Form Reclaimed Wood Bookcases
You can cut and arrange reclaimed wood boards in countless ways to build personalized bookcases and shelving units. Such free-form construction results in storage with character.
Mixing lengths and widths of reclaimed boards also adds visual interest. The varied grains and natural markings give each piece a distinct personality. Mount shelves at different heights to accommodate large and small objects.
For added polish, sand rough patches and finish reclaimed wood with a natural oil or beeswax to protect the wood while letting aged patina come through.
Wrought iron fittings and pipes can join reclaimed boards instead of traditional fasteners for an industrial edge.
4. Rustic Accent Shelving
A single reclaimed wood shelf can provide decorative storage without overpowering a room. Use an accent shelf to highlight your favorite pottery, books, and artwork.
Mounting a thick board high on the wall creates useful ledge space — perfect for displaying framed photos, candles, collected rocks, and other nicknacks.
For a unified look, find salvaged wood and pick a board that matches your flooring. The shared distressed and weathered character ties the two elements together.
Use thin live (unfinished) edge boards to make delicate floating shelves. A naturally shaped edge has an organic, sculptural look. Live edge shelving adds a natural element to bedrooms, baths, and offices. Check out our guide on how to make DIY floating shelves.
5. Built-In Reclaimed Wood Bookcases
Custom built-in cabinetry and shelving help reduce clutter while maximizing every inch of available space. Reclaimed woods are smart for built-ins since they effortlessly fit traditional, modern, or eclectic design aesthetics.
Built-in bookcases with reclaimed wood shelves have a timeless, welcoming feel. The shelves’ varied colors and textures catch the eye while delivering storage. For a unified look, use matching reclaimed wood for the cabinet face frames and door fronts.
Incorporate reclaimed wood details like windowsills, ceiling beams, and wainscoting from old barns or cabins. This adds inherent history and narrative to the new built-ins.
6. Rustic Touches
Reclaimed wood shelves don’t have to be the dominant feature in a room. Use them in smaller doses to add rustic flair as accents. (If you want something a little bolder, check out this article on six designs for reclaimed wood mantles.)
Floating corner shelves made from weathered barn wood can be a chic way to display plants, candles, and framed photos. Organic shelves stand out against crisp white walls.
For easy kitchen storage, mount a short, reclaimed shelf along the backsplash. Use the space for oils, spices, ceramic planters, and decor. The aged wood adds warmth and texture next to the smooth subway tile.
In bathrooms, a reclaimed wood shelf mounted over the toilet supplies space for rolled towels, candles, and greenery. Choose a shelf wide enough to hold a tray with perfumes and beauty products.
So, Is Reclaimed Wood Right for Your Shelving Project?
Reclaimed wood shelves lend unique character to any space. No two boards are exactly alike, giving shelving a one-of-a-kind look. Because boards get reused from older structures, reclaimed wood also has environmental benefits.
Reclaimed wood shelving makes the most sense for feature walls and accent areas. Use it where the wood’s aged details will be noticeable, not hidden away in closets. For shelving units like bookcases, pair reclaimed wood with new lumber to balance the cost.
Overall, reclaimed wood shelves are ideal if you value the look of a weathered patina and want to incorporate reused materials. The shelves infuse spaces with natural warmth and casual elegance. You can learn more about the advantages of reclaimed lumber in our video.
FAQs About Reclaimed Wood Shelves
Where can I find reclaimed wood?
Old wooden structures like barns, houses, and factories being demolished or renovated are great sources of reclaimed wood you can repurpose. You can also find reclaimed wood at home improvement stores, salvage yards, or online retailers specializing in selling reclaimed building materials.
Does reclaimed wood need additional finishing?
Reclaimed wood often has a worn, weathered look that some people like, but if you want a smoother finish, you’ll need to sand the wood and apply sealant or stains. Finishing reclaimed wood can help protect it from future wear, match a desired aesthetic, and make it suitable for different applications like flooring, furniture, or home accents.
How thick should reclaimed shelf boards be?
Reclaimed wood shelf boards should be at least ¾” thick for adequate support, but 1” or thicker boards are ideal for holding heavier items without sagging.
Should I distress new lumber to match reclaimed shelves?
You can distress new lumber by hand or with tools to create a worn, vintage look that mimics reclaimed wood’s natural weathering over time. Common distressing techniques include hitting boards with chains, chiseling, sanding, applying stains, or using chemicals to create cracked, peeling paint effects.
