How To Build A Shadow Box Shelf With An Old Frame

Supplies:

• Old Wooden Frame
• Wood For Shelves
• Paint
• Brushes
• Saw
• Drill
• Metal Corner Braces
• Screws
• Wood Glue
• Clamps
• Rags
• Gloves
• Drop Cloth
• Mask

Step 1: Grab A Frame and Clean It Up

I started this project with a shopping trip. I went to the antique mall and picked up a decent sized, old wooden frame. I didn’t worry about the finish, because I knew I was going to paint it, but I did want one big enough to make a shelf to hold my larger decor accessories. Once home, I wiped it off with a damp rag and cleaned it up. 

Step 2: Measure the Wood for Shelves

Now that I had my frame, it was time to measure and cut the wood. I used 1 x 4’s and cut them to the lengths necessary to form a box on the perimeter of the back of the frame. I also measured one long board to make a horizontal shelf and two smaller pieces to make a vertical separator, inside the box. Your lengths will vary based on your frame size. If you don’t want to cut the wood yourself, you can bring your measurements to a box home improvement store or lumber yard and they’ll cut it for you. 

Step 3: Paint the Frame

Next up, I needed to make it all pretty. So I painted it. I started by painting the frame, using a high gloss white. I applied it with a brush and it took about four coats. I made sure to put down a drop cloth to protect my floors and I worked in a well-ventilated area, with a mask. 

Step 4: Paint the Wood Shelves

To unify the piece, I painted the wood shelves, as well. I used the same high gloss white paint and applied it with a brush. The wood only took about two coats and since I like the rustic look, I didn’t prime it first. You could add that step if you want a more polished finish. However keep in mind that most of the box will be hidden behind the frame. 

Step 5: Screw the Box Together

When all the painted pieces were dry, it was time to put my shelf together. I used screws to build my box. I connected the boards at the corners, using a drill and two screws. Then I added the interior horizontal shelf with screws, fastening it to the box I had just made. 

Step 6: Attach the Box to The Frame

Next up, I had to connect my box to the picture frame. I decided the best way to do this would be to use wood glue. I applied the glue to the shelf and then placed the shelf on the backside of the frame. I clamped it into place, to hold it while it set, and then I let it sit overnight to dry. 

Step 7: Secure It with Braces

While I was pretty sure the glue would hold my shelf in place, I decided to add metal corner braces for extra strength. I screwed the braces into each corner, attaching one end to the box and the other to the back of the picture frame. I used the same braces to connect the two small vertical separators to the interior horizontal shelf. 

And there you have it, a beautiful shadow box shelf made from an old antique picture frame. It was a makeover and a small building project all in one. It was easy to do and, while I made a large shelf, this DIY can be customized to work with any size frame. Whip up a smaller version to display your tiny collectibles and a larger one for books or bottles. The options are endless and totally up to you!

Take a look at these 17 shadow box ideas and you will soon be making your own fun, stylish shadow boxes.