Easy Over the Door Storage Shelf DIY

My teens never seem to have enough storage in their bathroom. So I decided to use the space on the back of the door to give them more!

This simple over the door shelf holds so much more than I though it would. And the lower shelf is tall enough for big bottles.

You can use it in the bathroom like we are, or use it anywhere you have a door and need storage.

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But the best part, it was made from scraps of wood! Time to go check your scrap wood pile and add some easy storage to your home.

Wood storage shelf hanging on the back of a door.

Hanging Storage Shelf

I love that this easy to build shelf fits on the back of any door in the house.

It will obviously add lots of function to my teens bathroom (they have so many bottles of product).

Over the door storage shelf made from scrap wood on a black door.

But don’t limit yourself to just using it in a bathroom.

You can use this shelf on the back of any door! The storage possibilities are endless.

On a pantry door for holding snacks
Over an office door for sorting mail
On a closet door for small accessories
Over a door in a family room to hold games
On a bathroom door for bottles and makeup
And much more!

Wood shelf unit with 2 shelves hanging on hooks on a door.

How to Build a Back of Door Shelf

Tools & Materials

Recommended Tools:

Miter saw
- I recently upgraded to this sliding miter saw (watch for it to go on sale), but previously used this inexpensive miter saw that I love.
Table saw or circular saw with guide
Pocket hole jig
- I use the Kreg 720 since I do a lot of builds, but their less expensive 520 jig or 320 jig are great jigs for beginners or small spaces (and I use them in my shop too).
Drill
Impact driver (optional, but I love not having to switch bits with the drill)
Speed square
Brad nailer
Sander

Supplies:

Wood products
- (1) 1×2 board, 2’ long
- (1) 1×4 board, 7’ long
- (1) 1/4”x1 board, 6’ long
1 1/4” pocket hole screws
3/4” brad nails
Wood glue
(2) narrow over the door hooks

Overall Dimensions

The finished shelf is 24″ tall by 17 1/2″ wide and 3 1/2″ deep. It easily fits behind an open door with a standard door casing.

3D sketch of over the door shelf with dimensions noted

Cut List

Cut out the pieces according to the easy-to-read table in the PDF plans.

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PDF plans for an over the door storage shelf.

On the side pieces, measure the angle on the front. Cut away this corner on the miter saw set to 45 degrees.

STEP 1- Prep the boards

Measure the width of your over the door hooks. Drill two holes, large enough to fit the hooks, 2” in from each end of the top board.

My hooks were 3/8” wide so I drilled 1/2” big holes.

Drill 2 pocket holes set for 3/4” thick material in the back of the top piece and both shelf boards.

Adding pocket holes to boards with a Kreg pocket hole jig.

STEP 2- Build the frame

Using wood glue and 1 1/4” pocket hole screws, attach the shelves to one of the side boards.

Then attach the top so it is flush with the top and back of the sides.

EXPERT TIP:
Placing the pocket holes on the upper side of the shelf will make them less noticeable when the shelf is hanging on a door. The items on the shelf will also help hide them.