straightforward Handmade Shadow Box Frame & Wall Shelf

This builds walkthrough stays in the order the work happens.

Build an straightforward Handmade shadow box frame and wall shelf to hold picture frames and other decor items. This straightforward Handmade shelf features one large shadow box frame and 3 small shelfs.

You’ll also like 10 straightforward Handmade Picture Frames for Photos and Art and 30+ Handmade Wall Shelf Tutorials and options.

Handmade Shadow Box Display & Changing Table Topper Frame straightforward Woodworking Plan Bekob

Multipurpose Handmade Shadow Box Frame

When we showed you our new Handmade entry table with cubbies and shelves, we also gave you a sneak peek of this straightforward Handmade shadow box frame which is also a baby changing table topper.

straightforward Handmade Baby Changing Table Topper Organizer For Cubby Shelf, Bekob

Yes, we really like versatile multipurpose furniture around here!

We built the entry table with the intent to use it as a changing table, with the changing table topper as shown here.

But babies aren’t in diapers forever (thank goodness!) so we wanted to show you how versatile these pieces are to use after you don’t need a baby changing table anymore.

Diy Baby Changing Table With Cubbies And Changing Table Topper Organizer, Bekob

The changing table is right at home as a baby’s dresser, or as an entryway organizer (it replaced our 2×6 bench and rolling buckets for awhile) or a small buffet or TV console or… you get the option.

And after it’s served its purpose, the changing table topper makes the well fitted wall shelf and shadow box frame to display go-to pictures, vacation mementos, decor, etc. (Scroll down for lots of options for how to use it!)

Build A Handmade Entry Table With Cubby Storage And straightforward Wall Shelf, Bekob

It’s sized to fit the entry/changing table perfectly, so it also makes a really nice matching modern shelf display, exactly the right size.

But if you have a different size dresser changing table, or just want to build the shadow box frame itself — it’s really straightforward to customize the size to fit whatever you need.

See the details here for making this specifically as a changing table topper.

How to Build an straightforward Shadow Box Frame & Wall Shelf

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Get the plans to build this changing table topper here as a Bekob newsletter subscriber, or here in the shop.

Materials & Tools

(2) 1×4 Select Pine Boards*
(optional) ¼” x 2’ x 4’ plywood project panel
Miter Saw
Pin Nail Gun
Pin Nails
Wood Glue
Wood Patch Filler

* You may be able to use less expensive 1″ x 4″ x 8′ furring strips, but check that the boards are all straight and square. The more expensive pine boards will typically be straighter and smoother.

Read our Tips for Choosing Good Boards.

Assembly Instructions

1. Cut the 4 sides of the shadow box frame to your desired size, cutting the ends at a 45° miter to create nice looking corners.

The printable plans show the dimensions to fit the entryway table perfectly, but you can make it any size you want to fit your space or the contents of the frame.

Shadow Box Frame from Baby Changing Table Topper Organizer Step 02 Short Sides

2. Attach the sides at the mitered corners, using wood glue and pin nails.

Check the frame for square. You can use a carpenter’s square, or measure the diagonal distances — the distances will be exactly the same when the frame is square.
Clamp the frame as it dries to keep it square. A Corner Clamping Jig is really helpful here.

3. Cut the dividers (shelves). Ours are 10″ to fit the changing pad and table.

Space the dividers evenly along one short side of the shadow box frame, and glue and nail in place. Ours are 5″ between.

Shadow Box Frame from Baby Changing Table Topper Organizer Step 03.1 Short Dividers

4. Cut the long vertical divider to fit. Attach it to the sides and dividers using glue and pin nails, checking for square again.

Shadow Box Frame from Baby Changing Table Topper Organizer Step 04.1 Long Dividers

5. Cut the (optional) backing. We opted to leave our frame open, but if you’d like, you can install a backing in your shadow box to allow you to pin display items — or to add some patterned paper or wallpaper.

Measure and cut the 1/4″ plywood to size. Attach to the back of the shadow box using glue and pin nails.

If you’d like to be able to pin items (like pictures, papers, or baby clothes) to the back of the shadow box frame, replace the backing with foam core, or wrap the backing with thin foam batting (and/or a layer of cardboard underneath) and fabric, secured with short staples or nails at the edges. Wait to nail it to the frame until the frame has been painted/stained and cured.

Now just finish it! Fill any nail holes or imperfections with wood filler, then sand and paint or stain to fit your style.

Hanging an Open Shadow Box Frame

We hung the shadow box on the wall using just 2 screws, painted the same color as our walls, with the frame just resting on top. You could also use L brackets or sawtooth picture hangers.

For a different hanging style, you could also attach eye hooks or handles to the sides or top and hang with rope, like Corey did on this chalkboard organizer.

What to Put In a Shadow Box Frame

Since this shadow box doesn’t have protective glass on the front, I wouldn’t recommend using it for family antiques or anything that needs the extra dust- and UV-protection.

But you can use it for so many things (including many of the options here for using old windows) —

Picture frames, standing on the shelf or hanging with eye bolts and hooks
Photos or printable art pinned to the backing
Plants (real or faux) – wood flowers would look lovely!
A small battery-operated lamp or candles
Small sculptures and decor items (like this cubby display shelf)
Vacation mementos, like a rock collection, travel maps, postcards, or tickets
Baby clothes or booties, or other items

Entryway Organization And Decor Build A Handmade Entry Table With Cubby Storage And Matching Wall Shelf For Decor, Bekob

The shadow box frame could also be used as a wall shelf in other rooms in the house:

As a kitchen spice organizer and cutting board or tray holder (just add a front rail or rod to the large section to hold the larger items, like Betty’s essential oil shelf)
As a bathroom organizer with small bins or buckets to hold hair elastics or hygiene items (or add ribbon to hold hair bows)
As a memo board using pins or a chalkboard backing (like this chalkboard shelf)
As a toy display shelf for small toys or kids’ artwork
As a wall shelf and organizer with hooks for keys or sunglasses (like the hidden ones in this coat rack)

For extra decor and style points, you can also dress up the shadow box backing with wallpaper, fabric, chalkboard panel, or burlap tape (like this straightforward-swap frame), or replace the backing with planks for a farmhouse crate style.