Angled view of a wooden shelf featuring a brass rail, holding two glass jars and a vase with flowers. The gold brackets stand out against the deep green paneled wall, creating a luxurious, modern aesthetic.

How To Build a Brass Rail Shelf (high-end dupe)

While completely renovating my guest bathroom, I found myself on the hunt for the perfect shelf to go over the toilet. I imagined a combination of wood and brass—something sleek yet functional. When I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted, I decided to roll up my sleeves and make my own brass rail shelf. Let me tell you, it was a surprisingly simple project that used just a few tools and came together quickly. Bonus: it looks so high-end and gorgeous in the space! Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through how I made it.

A close-up of a wooden shelf with a brass rail, styled with two glass jars containing cotton swabs and bath salts. A ceramic vase with white flowers and greenery adds a touch of elegance. The shelf is mounted on a deep green paneled wall with gold brackets.

Associated Blog Posts
– Upgrading Our Guest Bath with DIY Picture Frame Molding
– DIY Curved Molding Around an Arch
– How I Installed a Beautiful Tile Tub Surround (And You Can Too!)
– How To Build an Arched Bathtub Alcove

What You’ll Need

Trimming the Brass Rods

The rods I ordered for my brass rail shelf were a little too long, but that was an easy fix. I grabbed my trusty angle grinder and trimmed them down to the perfect length. Pro tip: use a pair of pliers to hold the rod steady while trimming. Next, I trimmed the back of the shelf down with my circular saw, and we were in business.

Staining the Shelf

After cutting the shelf down to size and giving the board a good sanding, it was time to stain. I chose Minwax Gel Stain in Walnut, a warm, classic color that pairs beautifully with the brass. To apply the stain, I used a cheap paintbrush (nothing fancy needed!) and wiped off the excess with a paper towel. Simple, right?

Since this brass rail shelf was going in a bathroom, I wanted to give it extra protection. Enter Polycrylic: my go-to for a clear, durable finish. Using my favorite paintbrush, I applied a thin coat. Don’t be alarmed by its milky appearance in the can—it dries crystal clear with a subtle satin sheen

A hand applying a clear polycrylic protective coat to a stained wooden shelf using a paintbrush, with the can of polycrylic on the table.

Adding the Brass Rail System

Once the finish was dry, it was time to add the brass rails. I assembled the rail system and used the included screws to attach it to the shelf. So simple! Here’s a pro tip: use a drill extension to make reaching those tight spots easier.

Installing the Brass Rail Shelf

With the rails securely in place, I attached the brackets to the underside of the shelf. Finally, it was time to hang my brass rail shelf. If you can’t hit a wall stud during installation, make sure to use drywall anchors for a secure fit.

Woman in a cream sweater using a red cordless drill to install a decorative wooden shelf with brass brackets on a dark green bathroom wall, with a framed floral painting visible in the background.

My Finished Shelf

And that’s it! My new brass rail shelf is up, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. It’s the perfect mix of form and function, adding both style and storage to the bathroom. Love it!

A wooden shelf with a decorative brass rail, styled with two ribbed glass jars and a ceramic vase filled with white flowers. The shelf is secured by gold brackets, complementing the rich green wall paneling in a bathroom setting.
A cozy dark green bathroom with sage green paneled walls and a dark wood vanity with brass handles. The room includes a white toilet, a small gold-framed landscape painting, and three brass hooks holding a patterned gray towel. A wooden floating shelf adds a touch of warmth, styled with jars and fresh greenery.

Want to learn more about the other projects I did in my small bathroom overhaul? I’ve got all the details posted here!

Where can I find brass rods and rail systems?

I found mine on ETSY!

How do I protect a wood shelf from bathroom moisture?

Use a clear finish like Polycrylic for added protection. It dries clear with a satin sheen and provides durable coverage.

What do I do if I can’t find wall studs to mount a shelf?

Use heavy-duty drywall anchors to securely mount the brass rail shelf.

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