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Easy DIY Accent Wall with Repurposed Shelf and Trim

If you are looking to add an accent wall, check out this upcycled, repurposed shelf idea. I’m sharing how to add an inexpensive, easy wood accent wall to your home using a repurposed thrift store shelf.

We have been remodeling our beach cottage, and once the remodel was coming together, there was one problem area.

This side wall didn’t have room for furniture because of the sofa, and I decided the space would benefit from an accent wall. I found a hardwood pegboard shelf while thrifting. It was the perfect size for this space, and with a little creative repurposing, it made the perfect topper for the accent wall.

This is an easy and inexpensive way to make a huge impact on a problem area in your home.

Moving previous cabinet from corner that accent wall wall will be installed.how to add an inexpensive, easy wood accent wall to your home

This corner piece that held the TV was previously on the opposite wall. The cabinet was moved to another spot in the room, leaving this corner empty.

Corner before the accent wall was installed in tiny house remodel and beach cottage update.

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Repurposed Shelf – Wood Accent Wall

This project began with a repurposed solid wood thrift store shelf for only $7.50. Fortunately, it was almost exactly the size needed for the accent wall.

The Peg Board Wall Shelf before it was transformed. Used for accent wall in 1940s beach cottage

Although the dated heart cutout needed to go, I knew it would be an easy fix.

In addition, I planned to paint the shelf so mixing the materials wouldn’t be a problem.

Peg Board before it was transformed for a Accent wall.  Tiny house remodel ideas.

How To Repurpose The Wood Shelf

First, we need to get rid of the heart peg rack.

Brad loosened the rack from the brackets with a flathead screwdriver and a hammer.

Transform the thrift store shelf to work on the accent wall in the beach cottage.

Next, he cut the nails using a Saw All with a metal cutting blade.

Transform the shelf to work for the accent wall.

This allowed the support brackets to remain in place and easily removed the rail.

Transform the shelf to work with the accent wall

How To Make The Shelf Fit The Accent Wall

Since the bracket placement was perfect for the wood accent wall, Brad cut the excess wood from the ends using a Ryobi jig saw.

Transform the shelf to work with the accent wall for the beach  cottage.

I still wanted a peg rack on the shelf, so we cut another piece of wood to fit where the previous peg rack had been and attached it with nails.

Transform the shelf to make a accent wall for the tiny house beach cottage.

After carefully measuring the shaker peg placement, we used a Ryobi Cordless Drill to drill seven holes for the pegs.

The shaker pegs were attached to the repurposed shelf with wood glue. Now, the top of the accent wall is complete, and we are ready to add additional wood and create our accent wall.

Building Wood Accent Wall

First, we purchased 5- 1 x 3 x 6 pine boards to use as trim pieces, and I had some trim paint mixed to match the French Linen Shade of Chalk Paint I had used on some of the furniture in the cottage.

In addition, to avoid getting trim paint on the newly painted walls, I painted the edges of the boards that meet the walls before attaching them.

Paint the wood trim to add accent waLL.how to add an inexpensive, easy wood accent wall to your home

Measure for the accent wall trim boards

Next, using a tape measure and a level, measure and mark the placement of the trim pieces. We added one trim piece at the top of the wall horizontally, and the remaining four pieces were installed straight up and down vertically.

how to add an inexpensive, easy wood accent wall to your home. Measure placement of wood strips.

Also, the wooden shelf was previously painted to speed up the installation. Using wood screws, the shelf was screwed to the wall just below the top trim board.

how to add an inexpensive, easy wood accent wall to your home by adding a thrift store peg board shelf.

Next, the vertical trim boards were cut to attach under the shelve and down to the baseboard. They were easily attached using finishing nails.

how to add an inexpensive, easy wood accent wall to your home.  ADD A DIY PEG BOARD and wooden strips to wall

The entire wall, within the accent area, was painted with the accent color paint that was a custom mix.

PAINT THE TRIM TO ADD ACCENT WALL.how to add an inexpensive, easy wood accent wall to your home

Added Depth To Room With Accent Wall

Initially, I was concerned that the darker accent wall would make the room feel smaller. However, the opposite was true.

The accent wall actually adds so much depth to the room.

Now it’s time to decorate and add the bench to the accent wall.

how to add an inexpensive, easy wood accent wall to your home which includes a thrift store peg board shelf.

Adding a Storage Bench

This Shoe Bench Storage Cabinet from Vasagle Furniture was added to complete the wall and add much-needed storage.

The storage bench holds extra books, magazines, games, and photos and provides seating if needed.

It’s the perfect petite size for the limited space in the beach cottage.

how to add an inexpensive, easy wood accent wall to your home.  Tiny House Remodel with storage shoe bench

Decorate the Wood Accent Wall

The DIY Nautical Mirror I shared earlier this week is perfect for the accent wall.

how to add an inexpensive, easy wood accent wall to your home with shoe storage bench filled with coastal decor.

The wall shelf, shaker pegs, and storage bench all combine to hold a combination of paintings, vintage pieces, and thrifted finds.

Several DIY accessory pieces have been added to decorate the wall seasonally. The DIY Oyster Shell and Cork Garland looks good year-round, while the Upcycled Can Star Garland is perfect for our patriotic holidays.

The previously difficult-to-decorate wall now holds many treasured pieces, adding depth to the tiny room.

how to add an inexpensive, easy wood accent wall to your home.  Tiny house beach cottage remodel decorated for EAster

I hope you enjoyed seeing how easy it is to add a Wood Accent Wall. It’s amazing how this wall changes the feel within the tiny cottage.

More Budget-Friendly Remodel Ideas

See additional projects for the Tiny House Beach Cottage Remodel.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Pin It To Remember It

Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.

How To Ad A Wood accent wall to tiny house beach cottage remodel.  Shelf filled with coastal farmhouse decor.

Angie

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

Good ideas. It looks so nice.

Rachel

Thursday 7th of March 2024

Angie, Thanks!

Marilyn Foster

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

Looks good! I think you need to do a feature on your husband because of all his handiwork we see. You both hare talented.

Rachel

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

Marilyn, Awe. Thank you! I'm mention this to him.

Renae

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

I love this! It looks beautiful. Such a great idea.

Rachel

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

Renae, Thanks!

Heather Krout

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

Looks SO good Rachel!!! Love how you up-cycled the heart peg shelf!!!

Rachel

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

Heather, Thank you so much. It turned out great and saved us money on materials.

Cindy

Friday 3rd of March 2023

I missed this the first go around. Those shelves with heart were everywhere at that time.

You made it look brand new.

Darker colors can make a small area look grand.

Rachel

Friday 3rd of March 2023

Cindy, Thanks for your comments. Yes, the shelf was a steal because of the heart.