If you’re searching for modern interior design tips for small spaces, corner shelves are the perfect solution. Installing corner shelves in your home, no matter the room, can really upgrade your space. It’s a great way to add more storage, show off decor that reflects your personality, or fill unused vertical space. Corner shelves can bring both intention and function to your home.
To measure for a corner floating shelf, you’ll need a tape measure and decide how deep you’d like the shelf to be. Mark off any obstacles, such as trim or outlets. Then, double-check your measurements and location with a level to ensure a precise fit.
Tools You’ll Need for Measuring
You don’t have to be a professional to measure for custom corner shelves. You just need the right tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
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Tape measure: Use this to record the exact length, depth, and width of your corner so your shelves fit perfectly.
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Pencil: Handy for marking measurements and bracket placement without leaving permanent marks on your wall
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Level: A must-have during installation. A level helps make sure your shelves are installed straight on your wall.
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Notepad or smartphone: Keep track of your numbers so you don’t forget or mix them up later.
Corner Shelf Measurements: Step-by-Step
Measuring is only the first step in your quest to add corner shelves to your home. This essential step brings you closer to the fun part of renovating: browsing corner shelf decorating ideas online.
Once you’ve grabbed all the items you need, here are the next steps:
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Decide which corner you’re using and how high you want your shelf (or shelves) to go. Grab a pencil and make a light mark exactly where you’ll be measuring.
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Take a look at your walls. Do you see trim, a backsplash, an outlet, or a vent nearby? Make note of anything that could get in the way of an installation and limit the depth or length of your shelf.
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Put your tape measure in the corner and measure along one wall, then along the other. These are the maximum lengths you have to work with. Jot those numbers down so you don’t forget.
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Not every wall is perfectly square. Measure again a couple of inches above or below your first line. If the numbers don’t match, go with the smaller one. That way, your shelf will actually fit in the space.
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Measure how far out you want your shelf to come from the corner. Smaller depths are great for decor, while deeper shelves are a great solution for organizing larger items, such as dishes, books and large vases.
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Surprisingly, most corners are not ninety degrees. Use a square to check if your walls are square with each other. You may use a contractor's square or even a large book. Place the square in the corner of your wall and ensure all sides of the square edge are touching the wall with no gaps. If there are visible gaps, you can use an angle finder to find the exact angle of your wall. If your walls are not square, that is no problem because custom shelves can be built to fit any odd corner.
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Use a stud finder and mark where the studs are with your pencil. This will be important later when you’re ready to install your brackets, so the shelf is sturdy and won’t fall off the wall.
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Stacking shelves? Measure how much room you want between each. Remember to include the thickness of the shelf itself and leave just a little extra wiggle room. A good starting point is 12 to 15 inches of separation from the top of the first shelf to the bottom of the second. Remember to keep in mind the height of the decor you intend to place on the shelves.
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If you want shelves with built-in lights, check if there’s an outlet or power source nearby. This will help you figure out where the wiring should run. If you’re working with custom shelves, there’s good news. The challenge of building them is already taken care of!
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Finally, go over your numbers one more time. You can never be too sure.
Once you’ve taken all these steps, you’re ready to order your custom shelves!
Why Custom Shelves?
Corners have so much potential with the right shelves. They can become some of the most functional and beautiful areas of your home. Whether you’re styling books in your living room, adding storage in your kitchen, or making a small bathroom a little less cluttered, custom shelves can make all the difference.
That’s what we specialize in at Lyons Crafted. Here’s why our custom shelves are a great addition to any home:
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They fit perfectly to your exact measurements.
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You can choose the type of wood, stain, and finish to match your home.
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They are designed to fit both your space and your style.
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Mounted with hidden brackets, the hardware never distracts from the design.
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Optional integrated LED lighting can make your shelves shine even more.
With custom corner shelves, you can bring those decorating ideas you’ve seen in those fancy showrooms or on your Pinterest boards to life and ensure they are perfectly tailored to your home, style, and needs!
