DIY Boho Shelf with Pegs – A Budget-Friendly Wall Decor Project
This simple DIY boho shelf is the perfect way to add both function and style to your home—whether it’s for hats in the entryway, mugs in the kitchen, or hanging up tomorrow’s outfit in the bedroom.
We made this one to solve a decorating dilemma in our small master bedroom—right above an antique dresser. The wall felt bare, and this project filled it with texture, height, and that relaxed boho feel we love.
Here’s what it looked like before:
The antique dresser fit just right and functioned well, but we wanted to add more style and interest to the space.
Why You’ll Love This Boho Shelf
- Brings height and interest to empty walls. It’s the perfect perch for DIY boho art and plants.
- Easy DIY with a big visual payoff
- Pegs add extra function—perfect for decor, baskets, hats, or mugs
- Ideal for small spaces where furniture won’t fit
- Budget-friendly using scrap wood or inexpensive supplies
How to make a simple boho shelf for the wall
You’ll need some basic woodworking supplies and tools for this simple DIY project. It should only take a few hours to complete from start to finish.
Supplies You’ll Need
- 2 – 1×4 boards, cut to desired lengths
- 3-inch wood pegs (or shaker-style pegs)
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Drill + drill bits (sized for your screws and pegs)
- Sander or sandpaper
- Wood filler (optional)
- Paint or stain of your choice
- Wall anchors or screws for stud mounting
- Level
- Wooden plugs (to cover screw holes for a polished look)
Step by Step Instructions for a Boho Shelf with Pegs
Step 1: Cut and Prepare Your Boards
- Cut one 1×4 board to the desired length for your back piece.
- Cut a second 1×4 to the same length for the shelf piece.
- Sand all sides and edges to remove any rough spots.
Step 2: Attach the Shelf to the Backboard
- Position the shelf piece perpendicular to the backboard.
- Pre-drill pilot holes from the top of the shelf into the backboard.
- Attach using wood screws and wood glue to keep everything sturdy and flat.
Step 3: Drill Holes for Pegs
- Mark evenly spaced points on the front of the backboard where you’d like to place the pegs (we used 5).
- Use the appropriate sized drill bit to create holes deep enough to securely fit the pegs.
Step 4: Paint or Stain
- Once assembled, paint or stain your shelf. Let it dry fully.
- Tip: Painting before adding the pegs helps get clean coverage in tight spaces.
Step 5: Insert Pegs
- Apply wood glue to the ends of each peg and insert them into the pre-drilled holes.
- Press firmly and allow the glue to cure.
Step 6: Mount the Shelf
- Use a level to make sure your shelf is straight.
- Pre-drill holes into wall studs and attach the shelf using long wood screws.
- Cover screw holes with wooden plugs for a finished look.
Assemble and paint the shelf before hanging on the wall. Predrill holes to make attaching to the wall easier. Use a level to ensure proper placement on the wall
Ideas for Where to Use This Shelf
- Master Bedroom – Hang tomorrow’s outfit, scarves, or a cozy robe
- Entryway – Add hooks for coats, bags, and seasonal decor
- Kitchen – Hang mugs, towels, or small baskets
- Bathroom – Use for hand towels and pretty jars
It gives interest and height and doesn’t make the already small room feel smaller.
The pegs offer a whole bunch of decorating possibilities, but for now I’ve hung a basket with faux greenery and a scarf with tassels. It seems to fit the Modern Farmhouse Boho style we were going for.
For more simple DIY shelf ideas, check out these:
- Fixer Upper Style Farmhouse Shelves
- Floating Shelves with boards and dowels
- How to make turnbuckle shelves
- Other easy DIY Wall Shelf Ideas
For more budget friendly DIYs, recipes, and ideas for your home:
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Hello! This looks great! I am making a leg rail shelf for our bedroom. How high did you hang this? Thank you so much!
Great question! The bottom of the peg rail board is about 61 inches above the floor. (Our ceiling is 8 feet high.)
So clever, Rita! This shelf is perfect for your space!