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    Home » DIY » Farmhouse Floating Shelf for Under T.V.

    Farmhouse Floating Shelf for Under T.V.

    Published by Gail | Published January 27, 2020 | Updated January 16, 2023
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Solving the cord issue when hanging a t.v. on the wall can be quite challenging. I didn't have room for a media center, so I built a floating shelf. All directions included in this tutorial. Bonus: Fishing the wires #MyRepurposedLife #organization #letsgetorganized #bloggerchallenge via @repurposedlife

    Are you looking for a floating shelf? For this month’s DIY “Let’s Get Organized Challenge” I made a rustic floating shelf to go below my new bedroom t.v. I had no idea that hanging a t.v. on the wall could bring on so many problems! The t.v. in the living room rests on a repurposed buffet tv stand.

    Farmhouse Floating Shelf

    white rustic floating shelf for under tv MyRepurpsoedLife

    Now that the tv is hanging on the wall, I will need to deal with wires, a mini cable box and more. Let’s see how it all came together, shall we?

    I would love for you to PIN THIS!

    Hang T.V. Hide the Wires

    tv cord mess

    Can you see it? The mess of cords? The nearest outlet is about 6 feet away. I bought my t.v. wall mount kit on Amazon.

    fish tv wires through the wall

    After searching online for a solution, I settled on this very inexpensive bracket set up. NOTE: The light switch was changed out for a receptacle. Because I use smart light bulbs controlled with an app, I was able to give up the light switch.

    bracket behind low voltage wiring solution

    Because the cable cord actually comes up through the basement, so it was fished from the floor in between the walls. But, the bracket was pointing in the wrong direction, I removed it, grabbed the cable cord and then inserted it downward. Finally, I replaced the plate screwing it onto the orange bracket. The orange bracket was purchased at Home Depot.

    hide the media wires in the wall (1)

    Now that the setup is complete, it’s time to make it more organized and tidy. So, I took some measurements and got to work.

    How to Build a Floating Shelf Below the T.V.

    wood for floating tv shelf

    I purchased some 1x12 boards and rummaged through my stash for the 2x6.

    rip 1x12 on table saw

    Using the 1x12 in it’s original width was slightly more than I needed. Initially taking the measurements, you might just measure the cable box. However—you will need to take into consideration how close the box will sit up against the wall. I ripped about an inch off the boards.

    *this post contains affiliate links, read more here*

    cut 2x6 on miter saw

    Using my 10” measurement, I cut the 2x6 scrap on my miter saw.

    Dry Fit of Shelf Boards

    designing floating tv shelf

    In order to hang the floating shelf on the wall, I would need a support to attach to the wall stud.

    Sand Boards Smooth

    sand all boards

    I sanded all the boards smooth.

    Construct Floating Shelf with Wood Glue and Nail Gun

    wood glue and nail gun secure boards

    Because there won’t be anything really heavy placed on it, I opted to use Gorilla Wood Glue and my Nail Gun to construct my rustic floating shelf.

    Wet Wipes Help Remove Wood Glue

    use wet wipes to wipe away wood glue

    Wet wipes are handy to wipe away any glue that oozes out.

    floating shelf for under tv

    After completing the construction, I gave everything another quick sanding. For a more rustic look, I prefer rounding over the edges of the boards to give them an older looks. An orbital sander is perfect for this task.

    Staining Floating Farmhouse Shelf

    rustic shelf with jacobean stain

    To get the rustic look I’m looking for, I used the same technique I did for these Farmhouse Shelves. First, I stained the rustic floating shelf with Jacobean stain by Minwax.

    use vaseline as paint resist

    The following day after the stain was completely dry, I used Vaseline as a paint resist for the off white paint.

    Using Vaseline as a Paint Resist

    vaseline resists paint

    I applied the vaseline in a random pattern all over the shelf.

    painted rustic floating shelf

    Using a gentle stroke with a chip brush will allow the vaseline to resist. Yes, you could stop here, if you like this look. I wanted a little more coverage.

    apply a second coat of paint over vaseline treated shelf

    Can you see the vaseline treated areas peeking through? I chose to do another light coat with a dampened chip brush so I wouldn’t get too much coverage.

    Allow the paint to dry for a couple of hours.

    How to: Farmhouse Distress

    reveal vaseline treated areas

    So, I know this look isn’t for everyone, but I have a heavily distressed nightstand in the bedroom that I love. A damp rag was used to reveal the vaseline resisted paint areas.

    how to install rustic floating shelf

    Holes were pre-drilled and screws were started in order to make installing the shelf easier to do by myself. A level was used to insure proper installation.

    Related Content: Easy Farmhouse Ladder

    Floating Farmhouse Shelf for Under T.V.

    rustic floating shelf MyRepurposedLife

    Don't forget to save & share this project on Pinterest!

    Finally, no more messy cords! I love easy organization ideas, don’t you? Don't forget to check out the great “Let’s get Organized Projects” below!

    • Addicted 2 Diy How to Add a T.V. Riser
    • The Inspired Workshop Essential Oil Storage Cabinet
    • House Becoming Home DIY Coat Closet Organization
    • Ugly Ducking House DIY U Shelves
    • The Awesome Orange Simple Router Bit Organization
    • At Charlotte's House DIY Doll Clothes Storage
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    Reader Interactions

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    1. girlfromwva

      January 09, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      that is such a wonderful shelf. changes the whole look of that wall. ❤

      Reply
    2. Sarah @ Ugly Duckling House

      January 30, 2020 at 11:02 am

      So useful, Gail! It's a huge improvement to all those cords!

      Reply
    3. acraftymix

      January 29, 2020 at 6:03 am

      How I wish our homes here in South Africa weren't all solid bricks. What a great way to hide all those unsightly cords and your little farmhouse floating shelf finishes it off perfectly too. Brilliant idea Gail

      Reply
    4. Angie @ House Becoming Home

      January 27, 2020 at 11:23 am

      Awesome job hiding all those cords and cables! I love how such a simple piece can make such a big difference!

      Reply
    5. Jennie Wallick

      January 27, 2020 at 9:38 am

      I love this. When we down sized, I had a choice of what we could find space for and what was going to have to be rehomed. So I chose 3 pieces. A large armoire that is now my hutch, my grandfathers oak desk (I’m still debating about this piece), and a Queen Ann cedar chest that for years I had used as a buffet table. The chest now has all of our boxes and wires that run the TV that’s on the wall. We suspended them underneath with wire baskets screwed to the underside. Oh and of course there is a baby fence around it

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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