DIY Home Organization: Crafting a Homemade CD Shelf to Get Organized

Creating a CD shelf from scratch is not only an affordable alternative, but also a rewarding one at that. With some basic materials and a bit of patience, you can craft an eye-catching, long lasting shelf that’ll keep your CD collection organized and easily accessible. Here is an easy step-by-step guide on how to make a homemade CD shelf.

Gather the materials you need. To make the shelf, you’ll need two to three full-size CD cases, and two to three Slimline CD cases. A pair of pliers and a pair of scissors along with epoxy glue, a standard wooden bracket and a few screws are also essential.

Start with the full-sized CD cases. Separate the interior piece from the bottom of the CD case, then cut a half-circle out of the side of the CD case’s hub. Make sure the cut is as centered as possible. For the Slimline CD cases, remove the plastic frames that structure each CD compartment.

Secure the bracket into a vice so that the “T” section is held firmly. Use the vice to level the bracket then grab the protruding piece of metal with pliers and bend it down until it is flush against the vice. This will make the bracket come to a 90-degree angle.

Spread epoxy glue along the bottom of the bent piece of the bracket and line it up with the half-circle cut in the CD case. Then, fit the base of the CD shelf with the bent corner against the edge of the CD case.

Now, close the lid of the CD case and make marks where the case lid makes contact with the metal. Use pliers to cut the plastic away between the marks and make sure the lid fits properly.

Stack the Slimline CD cases on top of the CD shelf’s base. Take the same measuring steps as you did for the first CD case and do the same for the Slimline cases. Once you’re done, apply epoxy glue to the top of two of the Slimline cases and stack them to make one thicker case.

Using a level, decide the spot where you want to place the CD shelf. Then, attach the CD shelf’s base to the wall with the provided screws. Put the three glued Slimline cases on top of the base to make the shelf sturdier.

Now your homemade CD shelf is ready to fill with your music, films and more! When choosing where to place the rectangle shelf, keep in mind that the shelf should be placed away from moisture and high temperatures that can tamper with the discs.

Not only can you create a stable shelf to store your CD collection, but you can add your own unique touch by opting for modern brackets or decorating the existing one with spray or acrylic paint. Wherever you decide to hang the shelf, its load-bearing capacity will make sure all your treasures remain in order and well-organized.
Making a homemade CD shelf is a great way to save time, money and provide a sense of accomplishment. Apart from being economical, this project is also quite easy to make and requires only basic tools. This step-by-step guide will show you how to make your own stunning CD shelf and it will appear to be floating on your wall.

Prior to building the shelf, make sure to have all the required materials and tools ready which include a standard CD case, slimline CD cases, a vice, a pair of pliers, epoxy glue, screws, a level and a marker. Separate the interior piece from the bottom of the CD case and cut a half circle at the end of the flat side of the hub, making it as centered as you can and then snap it back in place. Take the slimline cases apart and set aside.

Place the bracket inside the vice making sure that the “T” section is hidden and firmly gripped. Take the pliers and line up the bracket as best you can. Once the bracket is levelled, adjust the bottom of the “T”So it is just visible along the edge of the vice. Grip the protruding piece of metal with the pliers and bend it down until it is flush against the vice. This will make the angle 90 degrees. Next, glue a line of epoxy along the bottom of the bent piece of the bracket and line it up with the half-circle you cut in the CD case, making sure that the bent corner sits on the edge of the case.

Close the lid of the CD case and make sure it doesn’t fit. Take the marker and mark where the case lid makes contact with the metal. Use the pliers to break away the plastic in the lid between the marks you made. Close the lid of the CD case to make sure it fits properly now. Stack the three slimline cases on the top of the CD shelf base. Follow the same procedure – line up the case, cut the case and apply epoxy glue – for the slimline cases as done for the standard case. To make the shelf stronger, apply glue to the top two slimline cases and stack them to make one thicker case.

Now it’s time to hang your CD shelf. To do that, decide where you want to place it and use a level to make sure it is even. Drill some screws into the wall to attach the CD case base and then rest the slimline cases on top to make the shelf hold more weight. Now you have built a floating CD shelf to store your favorite discs. Enjoy the great feeling of accomplishment!