This project was built and designed by Sam Macy. It’s a compact triangular bathroom shelf that fits neatly into tight corners, especially above a toilet, where space is often limited.
The design is simple and modern, with angled sides that create a clean, geometric appearance. It’s built to hold small items like face towels, candles, or decorative pieces.
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Choosing Materials
Sam starts the project by selecting leftover pine boards, a lightweight and easy-to-work material for this kind of build. Using scrap wood adds a cost-effective element without compromising the look or function of the final piece.
The wood is first flattened and trimmed to size before cutting begins. Taking the time to properly prepare the boards ensures tighter joints and a better overall fit.
Cutting Angles for the Frame
The defining feature of this shelf is its triangular shape, which requires angled cuts for all connecting pieces. Sam cuts the lower shelves at a 65-degree angle and the top shelf at 50 degrees to achieve the desired geometry.
Setting up the table saw to handle these angles takes some patience. Accurate measurements are essential to make sure all three sides line up properly when assembled.
Assembling the Shelf
To join the angled pieces, Sam uses a method involving painter’s tape instead of clamps. This taping technique makes it easier to hold everything in position while the glue sets.
Once the taped-up frame is aligned and stable, Sam applies epoxy to fill any gaps and smooth out the seams. The epoxy not only strengthens the joints but also helps create a clean, finished look.
Sanding and Finishing
After the glue and epoxy have dried, the shelf is sanded thoroughly. This removes any rough edges and preps the surface for a finish.
Sam finishes the wood with a protective coat that enhances the natural color of the pine. Whether using stain, oil, or clear finish, the goal is to preserve the wood and give it a polished, durable surface.
Final Result
The completed shelf is sleek and highly functional, offering just enough storage without taking up extra floor or counter space. It’s mounted securely in the bathroom, where it serves both decorative and practical purposes.
Sam built it in response to a request from Alley, who needed a stylish storage option for their space. The result is a project that adds value while keeping the design clean and simple.
Want to See the Full Build?
Please support Sam by visiting his website here: https://sammacydesigns.com/
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
Angled cuts like these can be tricky to nail down, especially when you need three pieces to come together perfectly. A small error in one angle gets magnified when you’re forming a closed triangle. I always recommend making test cuts on scrap pieces first to dial in your settings before cutting your final boards.
That painter’s tape assembly method is clever for odd-shaped pieces where traditional clamps won’t reach or apply pressure evenly. It’s essentially creating a flexible clamp system that conforms to your geometry. Just make sure your glue-up time allows for the extra steps of taping and positioning everything properly.
Using scrap pine keeps costs down, but pine can be finicky with gap-filling. It’s a soft wood that tends to dent and compress, so take your time with sanding grits and don’t rush the finish prep. The epoxy gap-fill approach works well here since it creates a harder surface than wood filler and bonds better with the surrounding wood.
Corner shelves like this are great beginner projects because they’re small enough to manage easily but still teach important skills like precise angle cutting and creative clamping solutions. Plus, bathrooms are forgiving spaces where a handmade look actually adds character.