Gallery Ledge Shelves

Screw one 1x3 to the edge of the other in an L, a 2" trim screw about every 12". Then attach the 1x2 lip to the front — screws, or brads and glue if you have the nailer (fewer holes to fill).

Finishing shortcut worth adopting: filling holes only matters on the front lip; the shelf top hides under frames and the back hides against the wall. Fill the lip, sand, paint or stain, done.

Mark the studs, hold the ledge at height, level it, and screw through the back 1x3 into every stud it crosses — two screws minimum, and if only one stud is available, both screws go into it.

Lean the frames, layer the little ones in front of the big ones, and rearrange them monthly forever, which is the entire reason ledges beat nails.