This project was built and designed by Tyler from DIYTyler. It’s a clean, modern floating shelf made from walnut plywood, complete with a concealed storage compartment tucked inside.
The design combines style and practicality—perfect for anyone who wants to add a sleek touch to their wall while creating a hidden space for valuables or everyday items. It’s an advanced-looking build with straightforward steps that make it approachable for intermediate woodworkers.
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Smart Design with Stylish Materials
Tyler starts with walnut veneer plywood, sourced from PureBond, for its rich color and environmentally responsible production. The consistent grain and warm tone of walnut give the shelf a high-end look, while the plywood keeps it lightweight and manageable.
For a smooth appearance, the grain is planned to flow across all visible surfaces. That attention to grain direction and detail is what gives the final product a professional, unified look on the wall.
Breaking Down and Prepping the Panels
The build begins with cutting all plywood pieces to size using a stop block to keep cuts consistent. To avoid veneer tear-out, blue painter’s tape is applied over the cut lines—a simple trick that results in cleaner edges.
Each piece is carefully measured to make sure the grain pattern aligns across the top, sides, and front face. With thin veneer plywood, precision at this stage is key, especially since any mistakes would be hard to hide later.
Clean and Strong Assembly
After cutting, Tyler glues up the shelf box, clamping the panels tightly to form strong, flush joints. Excess glue is wiped away during this stage to keep the surfaces clean for finishing.
The back panel serves a dual role—it’s structural and also acts as a hidden mounting system. Internal arms are added to stop the shelf from tilting down too far when opened, keeping the motion smooth and controlled while preserving its look on the wall.
Hinges and Functionality
The front panel folds down to reveal the hidden compartment using Euro-style hinges. These are a great choice for small cabinetry and shelves, offering adjustability and smooth operation.
Drilling for these hinges requires care. With veneer plywood, a steady hand and accurate measurements make all the difference to avoid splitting or drilling through too far. After a bit of experimentation, Tyler dials in the correct spacing so that the hinges function smoothly.
Trimming and Edge Banding
To give the shelf the appearance of solid walnut, edge banding is applied to all visible plywood edges. Tyler takes his time aligning and pressing the banding for a tight, seamless finish.
Trim pieces are also added to help conceal any glue seams or inconsistencies from the build. These are custom-cut and sanded flush to match the walnut grain, making the shelf look refined and complete.
Adding Hidden Safety Features
A standout detail in this project is the inclusion of child-proof magnetic safety locks. These locks are installed on the inside of the compartment, making the shelf a great option for storing items you want out of reach or sight.
The magnetic keys are strong but discreet, and the mechanism is hidden from the outside. This keeps the overall design clean while adding a functional layer of security.
Installing the Shelf
Once the shelf is assembled and finished, Tyler mounts it securely to the wall using deck screws. A level is used to align everything before tightening it down, ensuring the shelf sits perfectly horizontal and tight to the surface.
Because the back panel is reinforced, the shelf has no trouble supporting standard items like books, décor, or even heavier tools. Once mounted, the hardware is completely hidden, leaving only the floating shelf visible.
A Beautiful and Functional Result
The final result is a modern, polished floating shelf that blends into any room—and secretly offers extra storage. It’s a great example of form meeting function, and a strong reminder that woodworking projects can solve practical problems without sacrificing looks.
This shelf works well in bedrooms, offices, or entryways—anywhere a bit of hidden storage could come in handy. Whether you’re storing keys, important documents, or just clearing clutter, the hidden compartment is easy to access while staying out of sight.
Please support Tyler by visiting his website here: diytyler.com