How to Add Trim to Recessed Wall Shelves

Recessed wall shelves can be a real focal point in your room's decor. If you want to dress up the look of your recessed shelves, one way is to add trim to the front lip of the shelves. The trim can be simple or elaborate, depending on your preferences, but its addition will add architectural interest and detail to the shelves. With some careful cutting and installation, you can pull this project off without a hitch.

Tape measure
Wooden trim
Miter box
Miter saw
Sandpaper
Wood glue
3d finishing nails
Hammer
Nail set
Wood filler
Paint
Paint brush

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of the shelf or shelves you'll be applying the trim to.
- 2
  Place a length of wooden trim into a miter box. Cut the trim to match the width of the shelf, using the guides in the miter box to make a 45-degree angle from the back to the front of each piece, sloping inwards towards the center of the piece of trim. Sand the cut edges of the trim until they are smooth.
- 3
  Apply a bead of wood glue across the back side of the trim. Place the trim against the front of the shelf and nail it to the shelf front with 3d finishing nails.
- 4
  Place a nail set on the head of each nail and tap on the nail set with a hammer until the head of the nail is below the surface of the trim. Apply a small dap of wood filler in each of the holes above the recessed nail heads.
- 5
  Sand the wood filler smooth when it's dry. Paint or stain the trim to match the shelves.

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