How To Make a Curtain Rod Shelf Combo

Simple and functional window decor this DIY window shelf curtain rod combo is a timeless piece of decor used in my office.

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full shelf view

We recently undertook the task of moving our entire house around. The kids moved upstairs, and we move downstairs, reclaiming the master bedroom and taking up separate office spaces.

For the last two years, hubs and I have shared an office.

And while it worked, I found myself craving to have my own space.

A space filled with feminine energy where I could create some bit of order and even find creative inspiration.

One of the things I love most about my new office is having a great amount of natural light that spills in. Because there is a big beautiful window.

As I was sitting there the other day staring out the window, my focus changed to the window itself.

It needed drapes. And I was able to dig some up that made me excited from my stash in the attic. They’re a basketweave texture that will infuse some of that boho energy I’m feeling lately.

But I realized that wasn’t enough. I decided that I wanted to frame the window with a shelf that I could use to incorporate some cute decor and some greenery. Perfect for my goal to infuse more green into the house collectively.

That is how I came to the conclusion that I would create a DIY shelf and window bracket combo.

I went to Home Depot and grabbed some of the brackets intended for closets. I grabbed some anchors for hanging them, and a few 2*4’s to build the shelf.

Materials Needed For Window Curtain Rod Shelf

faq icon

FAQs about The Materials

You can buy steel shelf brackets at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes, as well as Amazon.

I used 12 inch brackets for my shelf. But you can adjust the size of your brackets according to the width of your shelf.

This is a matter of personal preference. I do not see any reason why you can not flip the shelf over so the pocket holes are not seen.

How To Make A DIY Window Shelf Curtain Rod Combo

I started by cutting the three 2×4’s to the desired width. Actually, the old man cut them. The window itself is 60 inches wide so I allowed for the shelf to be 65 inches total.

cutting the 2x4

Using the Kreg jig I combined the pieces of wood to make a single shelf by creating pocket holes. I did holes, 5 inches from each end and directly in the center.

Depending on the width of your shelf, you may need more or less.

From there, I sanded it down with 180-grit sandpaper first to get rid of the stickers, stamps, and other imperfections.

sanding the shelf

I used 220 grit to finish it and make it nice and smooth.

little boy sanding shelf

My little dude wanted to assist so I let him. When he wants to help and he can, I try to let him. It allows us some bonding time and often some teachable moments.

Life’s about balance right?

And truth be told momma don’t mind a little help.

Once all smooth I wiped it down real good to get rid of the sawdust.

And using my favorite stain, the Varathane Early American, I stained it and topped it with some polyurethane, and was ready to install.

Installation of Shelf

To install my shelf, I installed anchors to hang my brackets.

After installing the brackets, I placed the shelf and screwed it into place with the two front holes. I left the back two holes for the bracket hooks that the curtain rod would hang from.

up close of curtain rod shelf
the hooks are in the back holes for the shelf

The hooks only came in gold.  And normally, I would have spray painted them, but for some reason, I felt the need to leave them gold.  I liked the detail it added.

Lastly, I hung the drapes using a curtain rod. And voila!

finished curtain rod shelf combo

Isn’t it perfect?

At Home DIY Challenge

This Window Shelf CurtainRod combo is a part of the At Home DIY project.  Where the topic this month is what can I build with 2×4's Challenge.  You can click here to see all the other awesome Homemade furniture and decor projects from a host of amazing blogger friends.

how to make a curtain rod window shelf
How To Make a Curtain Rod Shelf Combo

How To Make a Curtain Rod Shelf Combo

Yield: 1 Shelf
Active Time: 3 hours
Drying Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 7 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Cost: $75.00

A simple and functional DIY window shelf curtain rod combo. A timeless piece of decor used for any window in any room.

Tools

Instructions

Making The Shelf

    1. Start by cutting the three 2x4’s to the desired width.
    2. Using the Kreg jig combine the pieces of wood to make a single shelf by creating pocket holes.
    3. Once your shelf is formed, sand it down with 180 grit sandpaper first.
    4. Then use 220 grit to finish it and make it nice and smooth.
    5. Once all smooth I blew it with air from the air compressor and wiped it down real good to get rid of the sawdust. Do whatever works for you to get rid of the sawdust as much as possible.
    6. Stain it with your stain color of choice.
    7. Top it with a coat or two of polyurethane, and it is ready to install.

Installation of Shelf

  1. If not hanging directly in a stud I strongly suggest the use of anchors. Install anchors to hang the brackets.
  2. After installing the brackets, place the shelf and screw it into place with the two front holes. Leaving the back two holes free for the curtain rod brackets.
  3. Drill holes for the rod hooks, and screw them directly into the hole.
  4. Hang the curtains/drapes using a curtain rod. And Enjoy!

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