Have old belts at home? Turn them into chic shelf brackets with this easy decor idea
Measure everything out before drilling
Before you throw away those old belts sitting unused in your wardrobe, take a second look at them. With a little effort, they can be transformed into a truly unique set of brackets that will support a floating shelf and add style to any plain wall. This appeals to anyone who likes giving old items a new lease of life, while also saving money. Instead of buying brackets for the shelves, the belts can be repurposed and turned into a design feature all on their own. The aim of this project is to think creatively and not to use the belts as belt buckles but as a design feature instead Now is also a good time to decide on the kind of wall anchors and screws that should be used. If there is any doubt over the kind of structure the wall has or how much weight it can bear, it is best to go with something stronger instead of just the belt as support. The process of turning the belts into brackets is actually very simple. Just slide the belt over the end of the board and make a mark where it should be attached to the wall. Repeat the same process again on the other end and make sure that the two loops are on the same level. The buckles can be left on display if you want the belts to be a design feature, so make sure to go with something that looks nice. Alternatively, it may be best to attach them in a less noticeable place if the buckle does not look good. There are a number of different places where the finished shelf can be used. In a bedroom, it can be used to hold small plants, photographs, perfumes and other personal items. In the living room, it can be made into a display shelf for books, candles and souvenirs. It can also be used to hold lightweight office supplies and stationery in a home office. For entryways, it can also be used to hold displays but make sure that heavier items have alternative brackets or hooks. Even if there is only a small amount of space that is completely wasted, a narrow shelf can be made to fill it. One of the best things about this project is that it enables the user to get a lot out of a little. An old belt that was barely getting any use can now be a prominent design feature while the simple piece of wood can now be a useful storage space. This is a great way to save money while still getting the chance to express creativity. It can also be a lesson to everyone that sometimes older items can be given new life in more ways than one.
It is not enough to simply use any belt, so go through your collection of old ones to find some that can be used for this project. Leather belts are a good option as they can add warmth and character, while good quality fake leather belts can be useful too. Avoid belts that are worn and stretched out, as well as those that are too thin or damaged. It is important to remember that the belt will support the shelf, so it is best to focus on strength rather than the aesthetic appeal. Two belts are needed for this project but it is also possible to go with contrasting colors if you want the bracket to be something of a statement piece.