DIY Hanging Rope Shelves: Save Space in Style

1. Source the Lucite. Start this project by asking a local Lucite supplier, who can normally be found at a hardware store, to cut a plank to your specific dimensions. Ours are 6" x 24.5" to best fit the space. We recommend asking the experts to drill holes into each of the corners for you, since Lucite can crack when drilled by someone who is new to working with it.

2. Cut copper contact paper. Adding a copper accent around the edge of the Lucite is a stylish way to finish your hanging rope shelves. Use the Fiskars®Heavy Duty Easy Change Detail Knifeto cut 4 1/2" wide lengths of the contact paper to fit around the edge of the shelf. If your Lucite is thicker, you will need to cut your contact paper to match the dimension of the plank edge.

3.Apply the copper contact paper. Remove the backing paper and apply the contact paper to the edges of the Lucite shelf using your fingers. Trim any excess contact paper off the shelves using the same detail knife, if needed.

4. Cut rope to length. Cut two lengths of rope, each measuring slightly more than twice your desired hang length, using the Amplify® Mixed Media Shears. For example, if you want your shelves to hang down 10" on the wall, cut two pieces of rope each measuring 22" - 24" to save room for tying a knot in our next step.

5. Thread the rope. First, knot one end of one piece of rope and pass it through one of the holes in the Lucite, from the bottom to the top side so the hole rests on top of the knotted rope. The knot should be snug against the underside of the shelf. Next, pass the other end of the rope through the second hole on the same side, and knot it against the underside of the shelf. Repeat using the second length of rope on the other side of the Lucite.

6. Hang the shelf. Hang the shelf on your wall using hooks that are strong enough to support your shelves and the decorative elements that will rest on top. Cut the rope with scissors to trim the knotted ends on the underside of the shelves, if needed.