DIY Hanging Macrame Shelves: A Stylish and Functional Boho Decor

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Hanging macrame shelves are the perfect blend of style and functionality, bringing a boho-chic vibe to your home while offering practical storage or display space. These hanging shelves are great for showcasing plants, books, or decorative items, and can be customized to fit any room’s decor. Best of all, they’re simple to make, requiring just a few basic materials and some easy macrame knotting techniques.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own DIY hanging macrame shelves.

Materials:

  • Wooden shelf (cut to your desired size, typically 12” x 18” or larger)
  • Cotton macrame cord (about 50-70 feet, depending on the size of your shelf and the length you want)
  • Scissors
  • Drill with a 1/2″ bit (to make holes in the shelf)
  • Tape measure or ruler
  • Painter’s tape (optional, to mark your knots)
  • Metal ring or wooden dowel (optional, for hanging the shelf)
  • Sandpaper (optional, to smooth the edges of the shelf)
  • Wood stain or paint (optional, for a decorative finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Wooden Shelf

  • Choose the shelf size: Start with a wooden shelf that fits the space you want to hang it in. You can buy a pre-cut wooden board or have one cut to size at your local hardware store. A typical size for a hanging shelf is around 12” x 18” or 10″ x 24″.
  • Sand the edges: If your wooden shelf has rough edges, use sandpaper to smooth them out. This will prevent the macrame cord from snagging and give the shelf a polished look.
  • Drill the holes: Using a drill with a 1/2″ bit, drill four evenly spaced holes in the corners of the wooden shelf. These holes will be used to thread the macrame cord. Make sure the holes are large enough for the cord to pass through but not so large that the knots can slip through.

2. Cut the Macrame Cord

  • Measure and cut the cord: Depending on the height you want for your shelf, cut four equal lengths of macrame cord. A good starting point is to cut each piece to about 8-10 feet long, giving you plenty of cord for knotting and hanging.
  • Fold and double the cords: If you’re using a metal ring or wooden dowel to hang the shelf, fold each cord in half so you have eight strands total. If you’re not using a ring, you can tie the cords directly to a ceiling hook or wall-mounted hook later.

3. Start the Macrame Knots

  • Attach the cords: If using a metal ring or dowel, attach the cords by looping each folded cord through the ring or dowel and pulling the ends through the loop to secure them. If you’re hanging the shelf from a ceiling hook, tie all four cords together at the top with a large knot.
  • Make the knots: Below the attachment point (about 6-8 inches down), begin making basic macrame knots. The Square Knot is one of the easiest and most commonly used for this project. To make a square knot:
    • Divide the eight strands into four groups of two.
    • Take the outer left cord and cross it over the two middle cords.
    • Take the outer right cord, cross it over the left cord, and then thread it under the two middle cords and up through the loop on the left side.
    • Pull the cords tight to complete the first half of the knot.
    • Repeat the process, but this time, reverse the steps (cross the right cord over first, then the left).
    • Tighten the knot.
  • Continue knotting: Depending on the look you want, you can repeat the square knot several times, leaving space between each knot or making them close together. You can also experiment with other macrame knot styles, such as the Half Square Knot or Spiral Knot, to add variety.

4. Thread the Shelf

  • Thread the cords through the holes: Once you’ve knotted the cords to your desired length, thread the ends of each cord through the holes in the wooden shelf. Two cords will go through each hole (one from each side).
  • Adjust the height: Adjust the length of the cords to make sure the shelf is level. This may take some trial and error, so use a ruler or level to check that the shelf is even on all sides.
  • Tie the knots: After threading the cords through the shelf, tie large knots underneath the shelf to hold it in place. Make sure the knots are secure so the shelf doesn’t slip.

5. Finish the Shelf

  • Trim the excess cord: Once the shelf is level and secure, trim the excess cord hanging below the knots. You can leave a small tassel for a decorative touch, or cut the ends clean for a more minimalist look.
  • Optional staining or painting: If you want to give the wooden shelf a custom finish, apply wood stain or paint before attaching the cords. This will add color and protect the wood.

6. Hang the Shelf

  • Attach to a ceiling or wall hook: Finally, hang your macrame shelf from a sturdy ceiling hook, wall-mounted hook, or dowel. Make sure the hook is securely installed to support the weight of the shelf and any items you plan to display.

Design Ideas:

  • Two-tiered shelf: For more storage, repeat the process with a second wooden shelf below the first. This creates a two-tiered hanging shelf that can hold more decor or plants.
  • Beaded accents: Add wooden or metal beads to the macrame cords for a decorative touch. You can thread the beads onto the cords before knotting to give your shelf extra texture and detail.
  • Painted wood shelf: Customize the wooden shelf with a coat of paint in a color that complements your room’s decor, or use a distressed finish for a rustic look.

Where to Use Your DIY Macrame Shelf:

  • Living room: Hang the shelf in your living room to display plants, candles, or books. The natural materials will complement a boho, Scandinavian, or modern decor style.
  • Bedroom: Use the macrame shelf as a nightstand alternative, perfect for holding a small lamp, books, or personal items.
  • Bathroom: Hang the shelf in the bathroom to store toiletries, hand towels, or decorative accents like succulents or sea glass jars.
  • Kitchen: Display small potted herbs or spices in the kitchen, adding a touch of greenery to your cooking space.

Final Thoughts:

Creating a DIY hanging macrame shelf is a fun and easy way to add both style and function to your home. With just a few materials and some simple knotting techniques, you can craft a beautiful boho-inspired piece that elevates any room. Whether you’re looking for extra storage or a decorative statement piece, this project offers a unique way to showcase your creativity and bring a cozy, handmade touch to your space.