In my small home, storage and floor options are pretty much a striking minimal.  I also happen to have large furniture pieces that take up a lot of space (I know, a “small home” no-no) which does not allow me to pick out any new storage furnishings to hold what I have.  But when I look up to the walls, I realize there is opportunity there.  ”Try shelving!” I tell myself.  And I’ve been doing just that.  unfortunately some shelves have too much going on which distracts from the rest of my rooms.  But still there are other shelves that are simply boring slats of wood with no character.  So how do you take those boring pieces and add a little life, color and some of your own style to them?  Again, the ever amazing Martha Stewart has shown me the light.  Just hang the shelves with ribbon! What a master.

What’s great about this idea, is that you can use any color or print of ribbon that you choose.  Pick something to compliments your room well!   So, if you need a weekend project, as well as a way to spruce up your extra storage, try this out.  And if you do, let me know how it goes.

Ribbon Bracket Shelves

1. Bring the ends of a 1-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon together (ours was 36 inches long); fold ends over twice. Attach folded ends to wall with a screw gun.
2. Slip a 1-by-6-inch painted plywood shelf into ribbon loop, so ribbon is at least 3 inches in from shelf end. Have someone hold that end, then slide other end into a second ribbon loop; use a level to ensure shelf is straight, then affix second ribbon to wall. Adjust shelf inside ribbons.
3. Secure ribbons under shelf with a staple gun. Use shelves for lightweight objects.