Home Office Transformation: DIY Built-In Storage Bench and Flanking Shelves

Our longest DIY is finally complete and we are so excited to finally reveal! Thanks for sticking with us through bad weather and delays. Onto the good stuff! If you’re new to this project, here is a little introduction:

When we moved in, we noticed this blank wall with hvac hidden pillars and how it was going to waste. Sure, you could throw a sofa or sleeper sofa and give it some character, but there was such an opportunity. I’ll get into the befores next, but if you find yourself in a similar spot, this post will guide you through the process of creating a custom-built storage bench and flanking shelves to maximize space and enhance the aesthetic of your home office. I’ll share the exact details of the drawers and shelves, featuring affordable brass pulls and elegant trim details.

 

The Before

This is when we moved in! As you may have seen over time, we put in new floors, painted and revamped the fireplace. All posts you can catch up on here:

1. Wood Floors
2. Fireplace Revamp
3. Paint Colors of my Home

 

 

The Plan

With this doubling as my office and an extra dining space for larger gatherings, (and a weekend cozy hang) the idea was to build a built-in bench with storage that can be flexible over time. To hide the wifi equipment, store camera equipment, toys – you name it. To serve as a place to meet with clients, have additional seating as we gather after dinner for dessert and good music, and to cuddle up and color or read a book with the kids. I love that this space can adapt over time and it is a versatile investment!

 

The shelves are deep for additional future storage boxes or decorative pieces, too. We wanted to add details such as inset drawers, shelf moulding and trim, and brass rails for an elevated look. Everything is linked at the end of the post!

 

Steps to Achieve this Project Outcome

Gather Materials:

For the storage bench, you’ll need plywood, 2x4s, drawer slides, and, of course, your choice of hardware pulls or knobs. The flanking shelves will require sturdy wood, trim pieces, and an optional brass rail to add that touch of sophistication.

 

Building the Bench:

You will need a circular saw to cut the plywood to your dimensions, assemble the frame using 2x4s, and seamlessly integrate the inset drawers with the pulls. We followed the tutorial from the lovely:  Ana White

Materials and Tools:

1. Plywood
2. 2×4 lumber
3. Drawer slides
4. 1×2 and 1×3 pine boards
5. Wood screws
6. Wood glue
7. Circular saw or table saw – we like this one from Lowe’s
8. Power drill
9. Wood filler
10. Sandpaper
11. Paint or stain
12. Drawer pulls or handles

 

Step 1: Planning and Measuring

1. Measure the space where the storage bench will be placed. Consider the desired height, width, and depth of the bench.
2. Plan the number and size of drawers based on your storage needs.

Step 2: Building the Frame

1. Cut the 2×4 lumber to create the frame of the storage bench. This frame will provide support and structure.
2. Assemble the frame using wood screws and wood glue. Ensure it is square and level.

Step 3: Adding Plywood Panels

1. Cut the plywood to create panels for the sides, back, and top of the storage bench.
2. Attach the plywood panels to the frame using wood screws and wood glue.

Step 4: Creating Inset Drawers

1. Measure and cut plywood pieces to form the sides, fronts, and backs of the drawers.
2. Attach the drawer pieces together using wood glue and screws to create the drawer boxes.
3. Install drawer slides inside the storage bench and on the sides of the drawer boxes.
4. Attach the drawer boxes to the slides, ensuring they slide in and out smoothly.

Step 5: Adding Trim

1. Cut 1×2 and 1×3 pine boards to create a trim for the front and sides of the storage bench.
2. Attach the trim using wood glue and finish nails to give the bench a polished appearance.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

1. Fill any visible screw holes or gaps with wood filler.
2. Sand the surfaces to create a smooth finish.
3. Paint or stain the storage bench to match your decor.

Step 7: Installing Drawer Pulls

1. Measure and mark the placement for the drawer pulls.
2. Drill holes and attach the drawer pulls or handles to the drawers.

Step 8: Placement and Enjoyment

1. Install the built-in storage bench in its designated space.
2. Organize your items in the drawers and on top of the bench for a neat and functional storage solution.

Remember to prioritize safety throughout the construction process, and customize the dimensions and design to suit your specific needs and space requirements.

 

 

Building the Shelves:

Greg followed his process from our Nursery project, which you can read about here.  Here are instructions below:

 

Materials and Tools:

1. Plywood or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
2. 1×2 and 1×3 pine boards
3. Wood screws
4. Wood glue
5. Level
6. Stud finder
7. Circular saw or table saw – we like this one from Lowe’s!
8. Power drill
9. Paint or stain
10. Sandpaper

 

Step 1: Planning and Design

1. Measure the space where you want to install the built-in shelves. Consider the height, width, and depth of the shelves.
2. Create a design or sketch to visualize the layout and dimensions of your shelves.

Step 2: Locating Wall Studs

1. Use a stud finder to locate and mark the position of wall studs. This ensures that your shelves are securely anchored to the wall.

Step 3: Cutting the Shelves

1. Use a circular saw or table saw to cut the plywood or MDF into the desired shelf dimensions. You may want to have these cut at your local home improvement store for convenience.

Step 4: Building the Shelf Frames

1. Cut the boards to create the frame for each shelf.
2. Assemble the frame by attaching the pieces with wood glue and screws. This frame will serve as the front and sides of the shelves.

Step 5: Attaching Shelf Frames to Wall

1. Securely attach the shelf frames to the wall studs using wood screws. Ensure the shelves are level during installation.

Step 6: Installing Shelf Surfaces

1. Place the cut plywood or MDF on top of the frames and secure them with screws from underneath.
2. For added stability, you can also apply wood glue along the edges before attaching the surfaces.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

1. Fill any visible screw holes or gaps with wood filler.
2. Sand the surfaces to create a smooth finish.
3. Paint or stain the shelves to match your desired color scheme.

Step 8: Optional Enhancements

1. Consider adding trim or molding for a decorative touch.
2. Install lighting underneath the shelves or a picture light above, or sconce to the side for added ambiance.

 

 

The After

 

Shop the Post

You can shop the cushion here, at 10% off with code MEGSPECIAL thanks to our partners at ZIP Cushions! Here are the exact details of ours: