How to Build a DIY Over-the-Window Curtain Rod Shelf

worstontheblockMay 18, 2021

Are you in need of more shelving or desiring more places to display your home décor? Do you need a way to hang your curtains above an awkward window? This very simple and inexpensive DIY over-the-window curtain rod shelf has everything you need!

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We have a very long wall of windows in our bedroom that is split by a wood beam. I love this window (and the view beyond it) but it certainly posed a decorating dilemma.

I could not hang a curtain rod at the “right” height above the window because the beam was in the way.

So I just ignored it.

And for five years the windows were naked.

Yes, we’re those people.

UNTIL I came across this post on Pinterest and was struck with inspiration! I loved what she did and knew that I could do something similar to hang a rod right under the beam from a shelf.

I certainly changed quite a few things to make it work for our situation, but the idea was from this amazing woman.

The shelf sits directly above the window molding on L brackets, the curtains hang beautifully beneath, and I am able to display all of my favorite tchotchkes on the shelf.

This easy, simple and inexpensive DIY completely transformed the look and feel of our room and I know it will do the same for yours.

Read on to see how to make yours!

What you’ll need:

Wood to the desired length & width of your shelf
A way to cut your wood
Sand paper
Paint or stain (as desired)
J brackets
Curtain rod
Curtains
Screws
Drill & driver
Curtain rod holder brackets with the capability to hang from the ceiling (this should be noted in the item description)

1. Measure

Like in any other DIY, measuring is the first step. Decide how long and how deep you want your shelf to be.

Remember that your curtains should frame your windows to make them look bigger, so don’t be afraid to raise them up and widen them out (unless you have a beam in the way like I do).

Take into consideration how deep the underside of the shelf will be so you can order the right type of brackets.

For me, I had the window molding directly under the shelf, so even though I had a 1×6 shelf I actually only had about 5 inches to put the curtain rod bracket because the molding was in the way.

I also used a J-bracket for the same reason, which allows you to screw it into the wall from above the shelf instead of below.

Also measure the approximate curtain length you’ll need.

2. Source Your Materials

For wood, you’ll want to use a 1” thick board to the desired depth of your shelf. We used a 1×6 and added 1.5 ft to the width to both sides of the windows, which ended up being 13.5’ on one side and 3’ on the other.

Unfortunately, I can only fit a 10’ board in my car, so I ended up purchasing two 8’ boards and cut them to 6.75.’

Check out our post on the mistakes to avoid when purchasing lumber here.

Yes, I could have purchased a 10ft board and a 4ft board, but I wanted the wood to be equal lengths so that the brackets could be distributed evenly over the window.

Some things to keep in mind:

Your bracket size should reflect your board size. So if you purchase a 1×8” board, be sure to buy 8” brackets.
If you are also building your shelf to sit directly above your window, purchase a J-bracket, which can be screwed into the wall from above the shelf.
Be sure to purchase curtain rod brackets with the ability to hang from the ceiling. It should say this in the item description.

I used IKEA’s Betydlig brackets. We love these and have used them in many other rooms. They come with a wonderful rubber sticker that keeps the curtain rod in place, and for just $1, they can’t be beat.

However, we were unable to use the bracket that came with them as they came out too far from the wood due to the window molding (Be sure to measure properly! 🤣), but I was able to screw the hook straight into the shelf bracket, which actually turned out better and looks cleaner that having all those brackets.

3. Cut the wood to your desired length

Most likely you have a regular window in a regular size without and barriers in the way. In this case, just simply cut the wood to your desired length.

To do this, you will need a way to cut it. If you have a saw at home, great! Be sure to take every safety precaution and cut your board to your desired length.

If you don’t have a saw, you can either ask a friend who does have one to help you, OR you will most likely be able to get your wood cut at the same place you purchased it from.

You can get many projects completed this way. See our tips for working with wood here.

If you do, by some small chance, have a crazy long window with a beam in the middle like mine, you can follow what I did.

I cut my two 8’ boards to 6.75’ to total the 13.5’ I needed so the boards would be evenly distributed between the brackets.

At one end of each board, I did a straight 90 degree cut, and at the other end of both boards I make a 45 degree cut.

The two diagonal pieces will fit together and line up perfectly to diminish the lines that you would see with a “butt” joint. This is called a scarf joint and it works really well to hide the cut.

4. Sand

Now that you have your shelf cut, it’s time to sand it down. You can do this with a palm sander or just a good-old piece of fine sand paper wrapped around a small scrap cut 2×4.

You want to get off any coarse splinters and make the board nice and smooth. Use long, sweeping motions in the direction of the grain.

Always wear a mask and sand your boards outside if possible. You don’t want to breathe in those little particles! Plus, it makes a mess.

And remember not to sand the scarf joint if you made one.

5. Stain or paint

After your boards are sanded, it’s time to either paint or stain your shelf as desired.

Be sure to paint or stain one side first, let it dry and then flip the board over to do the other side. This will avoid any smudging.

When staining, always go with the grain of the wood in long sweeping motions (just like when sanding).

You can paint it on with a brush and wipe off the excess with a rag, but I typically just use a rag. It’s easier (in my opinion) AND it’s one less thing to clean when you’re done.

I went with Varathane’s stain in Early American. I absolutely love this color and have used it throughout our home.

Make sure you allow your paint or stain to dry completely.

6. Secure shelf brackets to the wall

It’s important to screw your brackets into a stud to ensure it won’t go anywhere.

You can find a stud either by the old knock method (look for the deeper, less echo-y “thud”) or get fancy and use a stud finder. Sometimes you can see nail holes where your walls were secured to the studs. This is also a good indication.

You can mark them with painter’s tape so you don’t lose them when you’re ready to drill.

Secure your first bracket with just one screw first by using your driver to make a pilot hole and then your drill to screw it into the stud. Use a level to check that the bracket is level vertically, and then screw in the second screw when you have the right place.

Then for the second bracket, you’ll want to make sure it is level and in the proper place. Do this by placing your wood on top of the already-secured bracket and on the other that isn’t yet into the wall. Hold the second bracket where you think it should be and place your level on top of the wood.

This is easiest with a buddy!

Then level the wood by moving the second bracket up or down as needed. Once it’s level and in the place you want it, use your driver to make a pilot hole and then drill the first screw in.

Then you can remove the shelf and ensure the bracket is level vertically, then secure the second screw.

7. Hang shelf & attach curtain rod bracket

Now that your brackets are up, put your shelf back on the brackets and make sure it’s centered and in the place you want it.

It was at this point that I realized the IKEA brackets won’t work as they come out too far from the shelf. So plan B was to just take the hook and secure it into the shelf bracket, which looks a lot cleaner anyway.

Through the screw holes on the bottom of the shelf bracket, make a pilot hole into your shelf. This will secure both the shelf and the curtain rod hook to the shelf bracket.

And it will all be super sturdy if you went into the stud.

Then hold up your curtain rod bracket to the shelf bracket and screw all three pieces together.

8. Add your curtain rod, finials and curtains

Now slide your curtain rod through the hooks (without damaging your walls! Be careful if you’re clumsy like me.)

Slide your curtains onto the rod through the loops. Note that if you’re screwing the IKEA hooks into the shelf brackets, they don’t move like they would regularly, so you really have to get the right amount of curtain on each side so you can pull it closed (but you can always adjust later as needed).

Then screw on your finials.

9. Decorate and enjoy!

This is always the best part. Decorate your shelf anyway you desire. It always looks good to work in layers on shelving (like artwork in the back, sculpture in the middle, book at the bottom, for example).

But include the items that you love and want to display.

I really love to add plants into my home décor. It brings some life and color while still looking like a neutral accent. I love how this beautiful pathos hangs down at the end to soften the edges.

I also love vintage and heirloom pieces.

The copper plate was my Aunt and Uncles (who owned our house prior to us), and I have a framed business card of Brad’s grandfather’s jazz band. It makes it extra special to have pieces like this on display in our home.

But use what you have and do what you love.

To recap:

This project can be completed in just a few very simple steps.

measure and cut your wood
sand, paint or stain
hang your brackets
Attach shelf and curtain rod brackets to shelf brackets
hang your curtain rod and curtains

I am amazed how much this simple DIY has improved our space.

I LOVE having a place to display my décor (that the cat won’t be able to knock over!) and finally being able to hang curtains in this room has made such a significant difference. It feels so much cozier and well designed with love.