Welcome back to our creative corner! As another incredible year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the countless projects we’ve shared and the vibrant community we’ve built together. We are immensely grateful for your continued support, enthusiasm, and all the wonderful feedback you’ve provided. This journey of sharing free DIY plans and inspiring home decor transformations has been a true joy, and it wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of you.
Today, we’re thrilled to take a nostalgic look back at 2014 and unveil the absolute favorites – our top 10 most popular DIY projects. This curated list represents the builds that resonated most with you, our amazing audience, driving significant traffic and inspiring countless recreations in homes across the globe. Some of these projects might surprise you, while others are timeless classics that continue to captivate. From practical storage solutions to stunning furniture pieces, these DIY plans offer something for every skill level and every room in your house. Whether you’re looking for bedroom furniture builds, living room decor ideas, or unique storage crafts, this list is a treasure trove of inspiration. Get ready to discover your next woodworking adventure!
Without further ado, let’s count down the year’s best, starting from number 10 and working our way to the ultimate favorite at the bottom of the list. We’ve poured our hearts into creating detailed, easy-to-follow, and free woodworking plans for each of these builds. As you scroll through, consider: how many of these popular projects have you already tackled? Did your personal favorite make it into the top ranks? Click on any of the project titles or images to be taken directly to the detailed build plans, complete with material lists, cut sheets, and step-by-step instructions. Prepare to be inspired for your next home improvement venture!
#10 – DIY Full Length Mirrors
Kicking off our top 10 list at number ten are these fantastic DIY Full Length Mirrors. This project captured the imagination of many because of its incredible potential for personalization and its ability to add significant style to any bedroom, entryway, or dressing area without breaking the bank. Crafting your own mirror allows for complete control over the frame’s design, finish, and dimensions, ensuring it perfectly complements your existing home decor. Our free plans detail how to build a custom frame around an inexpensive mirror, making it look high-end and luxurious. It’s a surprisingly straightforward woodworking project that delivers a huge visual impact, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
These full-length mirrors are not just practical; they also create an illusion of space, making smaller rooms feel more open and brighter. Our readers loved the opportunity to customize finishes, from distressed farmhouse styles to sleek modern looks. Dive into the detailed tutorial to learn how you can create a stunning and affordable custom mirror for your home. This DIY essential is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and utility!
#9 – DIY Frame Shelves
Coming in at number nine are our incredibly versatile DIY Frame Shelves. This project quickly became a favorite for its unique blend of display and storage, offering a stylish solution for organizing and showcasing your cherished items. These frame shelves aren’t just practical; they’re also a statement piece, adding architectural interest and a touch of bespoke charm to any wall. They are perfect for displaying photos, small collectibles, plants, or even creating a minimalist bookshelf. The design allows for a custom look that integrates seamlessly into various decor styles, from modern to rustic.
What made these frame shelves so popular was their ease of construction and the creative freedom they offered. With our free woodworking plans, you can build these beautiful shelves using readily available materials, transforming an empty wall into a dynamic display area. Whether you need extra storage in a bathroom, a focal point in the living room, or a functional display in a home office, these DIY frame shelves are a fantastic and rewarding project. Click through to discover how simple it is to build these charming and functional storage solutions for your home.
#8 – DIY Storage Tower
Securing the eighth spot on our list is the highly practical DIY Storage Tower. This project proved to be incredibly popular for addressing a common household need: efficient vertical storage. Perfect for kids’ rooms, craft areas, or even a mudroom, this storage tower helps to declutter and organize in a stylish manner. Its clever design allows for multiple bins or baskets, making it ideal for toys, books, art supplies, or anything that needs a designated spot. The beauty of this build lies in its customizability, allowing you to choose the perfect size and finish to match your specific needs and aesthetic.
Our free plans made it easy for DIY enthusiasts to construct a sturdy and attractive storage unit that maximizes vertical space. Readers appreciated the simplicity of the design, which can be adapted with various paint colors or stains to blend seamlessly with existing furniture. This project is a fantastic option for anyone looking to create more order in their home, offering a functional and attractive solution for everyday storage challenges. Head over to the detailed tutorial to get started on building your own indispensable storage tower!
#7 – DIY Jewelry Organizer
At number seven, we have the elegant and functional DIY Jewelry Organizer. This project resonated with so many of you because it offers a beautiful and practical way to keep your precious accessories tangle-free and easily accessible. No more rummaging through cluttered drawers! This organizer can be designed to hold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, turning your jewelry collection into a decorative display piece. It’s a thoughtful woodworking project that makes a wonderful gift or a personal indulgence, perfect for a bedroom or dressing area.
The appeal of this jewelry organizer lies in its ability to be customized to specific needs and styles. Whether you prefer a wall-mounted piece or a freestanding box, our free plans guide you through creating a stylish solution for your trinkets. This project is fantastic for utilizing scrap wood and adding hooks, dowels, and small compartments to create the perfect storage system. It’s an ideal DIY craft for beginners looking to create something both pretty and functional. Discover how to build your own bespoke jewelry storage and bring order and charm to your accessories.
#6 – DIY Large Floating Shelves
Landing at number six are our impressive DIY Large Floating Shelves. These shelves are a favorite because they provide an incredibly sleek and modern way to add storage and display space without visible brackets, creating a minimalist aesthetic that elevates any room. Ideal for living rooms, dining areas, or home offices, these large floating shelves offer ample space for books, decor items, and collectibles, making them both highly functional and visually appealing. Their clean lines and seamless integration make them a popular choice for contemporary home design and farmhouse chic alike.
What made this project stand out was the demand for larger, more substantial floating shelves that could hold a significant amount of weight and truly transform a wall. Our free woodworking plans outline a sturdy construction method that ensures these shelves are not only beautiful but also incredibly durable. This DIY project is perfect for those looking to maximize wall space with elegant storage solutions, offering a custom look that’s often expensive to buy retail. Explore the tutorial to learn how to build these stunning large floating shelves and enhance your home with sophisticated, space-saving designs.
#5 – DIY Console Table
Halfway through our countdown at number five, we feature the ever-popular DIY Console Table. This piece of furniture is a true workhorse in any home, offering a stylish landing strip in an entryway, a display surface behind a sofa, or a functional piece in a hallway. The console table project became a hit for its elegant design, which can be easily adapted to suit various decor styles from farmhouse to industrial, and its relatively simple construction. It provides an excellent opportunity to build a custom furniture piece that fits your space perfectly, often at a fraction of the cost of store-bought alternatives.
Our detailed free plans guide you through creating a beautiful and sturdy console table, complete with options for different finishes and distressing techniques. Readers loved the idea of building a high-impact piece that adds both beauty and utility to their living areas. It’s an accessible woodworking project that yields professional-looking results, making it ideal for those looking to expand their furniture-building skills. Enhance your home with this versatile and charming DIY console table, a perfect blend of form and function. Visit the full tutorial to start building this essential piece of custom furniture today!
#4 – DIY Platform Bed
Stepping into the fourth position is our fantastic DIY Platform Bed. This project was a huge success because it offers a modern, minimalist, and incredibly sturdy solution for bedroom furniture. Platform beds eliminate the need for a box spring, making them a more affordable and contemporary choice. Our readers loved the opportunity to build a custom bed frame that perfectly fits their mattress and bedroom aesthetic, providing a solid foundation and a sleek look. It’s an ideal project for those seeking to transform their sleeping space with a handmade touch.
The simplicity of the design, combined with clear, free woodworking plans, made this platform bed accessible to a wide range of DIYers. You can customize the headboard height, add storage drawers underneath, or choose a stain or paint color that perfectly matches your bedroom decor. This DIY platform bed not only saves money but also provides a durable, custom-built piece of furniture that will last for years. If you’re looking for a rewarding bedroom furniture build that combines style and practicality, this project is a must-try. Click to access the plans and create the serene bedroom oasis of your dreams.
#3 – DIY Dining Table
Breaking into the top three, we have our incredibly popular DIY Dining Table! This project truly captured hearts and hands across our community, offering an inspiring solution for creating a high-end, custom dining table at an astonishingly affordable price. Inspired by designer looks, this dining table allows you to bring grand style and robust construction into your home without the hefty price tag. It’s a significant woodworking project that yields a stunning focal point for any dining room, perfect for family meals, entertaining, and creating lasting memories.
The allure of this dining table project lies in its ability to deliver a substantial, beautiful piece of furniture that feels custom-made. Our free plans detail the entire process, from selecting lumber to robust joinery and achieving a professional finish. Many readers were thrilled to build a large, sturdy table that could accommodate their family and friends, all while saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to retail options. This DIY dining table is a rewarding challenge for intermediate woodworkers and a fantastic investment in your home. Discover the detailed guide and start building the dining table of your dreams – a centerpiece of your home for years to come.
#2 – DIY Bathroom Storage Cabinet
Claiming the coveted second spot is our highly practical and much-loved DIY Bathroom Storage Cabinet. Bathrooms often present unique challenges when it comes to storage, and this project provided an elegant and efficient solution for decluttering and organizing essentials. This cabinet is perfect for tucking away toiletries, towels, and other bathroom necessities, creating a serene and orderly space. Its compact yet spacious design makes it suitable for bathrooms of all sizes, offering valuable vertical storage without taking up too much floor space. Readers appreciated its customizable nature, allowing them to match existing bathroom decor.
Our free plans made it accessible for DIYers to build a custom storage cabinet that perfectly fit their needs. The project demonstrated how simple woodworking techniques could result in a polished and incredibly functional piece of furniture. From selecting the right lumber to adding shelves and doors, every step is carefully outlined. This DIY bathroom storage solution is ideal for anyone looking to add functionality and a touch of custom design to their bathroom. It’s a project that truly enhances daily living. Click through to get the full plans and transform your bathroom into a beautifully organized sanctuary.
And the #1 project from Shanty2Chic for 2014 is…
DIY Floating Shelves
Drumroll, please! Taking the crown as the #1 most popular project of 2014 is our incredibly versatile and perpetually chic DIY Floating Shelves! It seems our readers absolutely adore the minimalist elegance and practical functionality of these shelves, and for good reason. Floating shelves are a design staple, offering seamless storage and display space without the visual clutter of bulky brackets. They create a clean, modern aesthetic that effortlessly elevates any room, from living rooms and kitchens to bedrooms and home offices. The demand for these easy-to-build, yet high-impact shelves was undeniable, making them a clear winner for the year!
What makes these DIY floating shelves so universally beloved is their simplicity, affordability, and endless customization possibilities. Our comprehensive free plans walk you through every step of building sturdy, beautiful shelves that appear to float on your wall. This project is a fantastic entry point for beginner woodworkers and a quick, satisfying build for seasoned DIYers. You can customize the length, depth, and finish to perfectly suit your space and style, whether you prefer a sleek painted look or a rustic stained wood finish. They are perfect for showcasing decor, organizing books, or adding functional storage to virtually any wall. This project truly embodies the spirit of DIY home improvement – creating stunning results with accessible techniques. Click the link above or the image below to unlock the secrets to building these timeless and incredibly popular floating shelves for your own home!
As we wrap up this incredible retrospective, we want to extend our deepest gratitude once again. Your engagement, your kind words, your shares, and your willingness to dive into these DIY projects with us have made 2014 an absolutely unforgettable year. We started this little blog with humble dreams, and your incredible support has truly turned it into something beyond our wildest expectations. We are constantly inspired by your creativity and the beautiful transformations you bring to your homes!
Looking ahead, we are bursting with excitement for what 2015 holds! We have so many fresh ideas, innovative designs, and exciting new free woodworking plans just waiting to be shared with you. Get ready for more home decor inspiration, more practical builds, and even more opportunities to create something beautiful with your own hands. We can’t wait to continue this journey together and see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being the best community a DIY duo could ask for. We wish you a safe, joyful, and wonderfully productive 2015, filled with laughter, fun, and plenty of power tools!
~Whitney & Ashley
The Shanty Sisters