How to Make a DIY Essential Oil Shelf

Need a spot to store your essential oils? Learn how to make a DIY essential oil shelf – in minutes! This DIY essential oil holder is easy and inexpensive.

I’ve been slowly collecting essential oils to use around the house for bath bombs, linen sprays, and body scrubs. Over time, my little 2-3 bottle collection grew and it was time to invest in a holder for my oils. In less than a half-hour, I whipped up this wooden DIY essential oil shelf. Hanging on the wall, it organizes my essential oil bottles and keeps them out of reach from the kiddos.

Speaking of the kids, their rock collection and LEGO® minifigures collection were actually the inspiration for this quick DIY project. I love the look of their letterpress drawers and I wanted one of my own (yes, I was jealous of my kids’ cool decor *wink*).

Since we have a small laundry room, it didn’t make sense to invest in buying another antique printers tray. Instead, this DIY essential oil holder is inexpensive (less than $15, including supplies!) and provides that same letterpress drawer vibe.

How can I organize essential oils?

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There are many ways to organize and store essential oils. A few of my favorite ideas include:

• wooden hexagon shelves
• magnetic racks
• wooden boxes
• inside-the-cabinet racks
• tiered wood stands
• slanted racks for drawers

If you aren’t sure which option is best for you, ask yourself the following questions:

• In which room, is it most convenient to store my oils?
• Do I want the oils on display or hidden in the room?
• On what surface (or in what furniture) should the oils be stored?

In my case, the laundry room is the most convenient room because I use the oils to scent wool dryer balls. Since I wanted the oils on display and out of reach of the kids, a wooden wall shelf is the best choice.

Similarly, if you want to store essential oils in the kitchen and out of sight, a slanted rack for a kitchen drawer may be the best choice.

How to Make a DIY Essential Oil Shelf

SUPPLIES REQUIRED

• unfinished wood display shelf
• foam paintbrush
• Minwax wood stain in Provincial 211
• paper towels

INSTRUCTIONS

Apply Stain with Brush

First, apply the stain with a foam paintbrush. Foam paintbrushes are great for projects using stain because they are inexpensive. Once you are done, just toss the brush in the trash.

During this step, apply the stain liberally. This is especially important inside the cubbies so that the liquid stain gets into the corners.

Allow the Stain to Penetrate the Wood

For several minutes, let the stain sit on the wood surface. The longer you wait, the more the stain will penetrate into the wood grain.

For reference, I waited 3-5 minutes after applying the stain before moving forward.

Remove Excess Stain

Finally, wipe away the excess stain with a paper towel. Make sure to wipe off the excess stain inside the cubbies, as well.

If you aren’t satisfied with the depth of the stain, simply repeat the process.

DIY Essential Oil Shelf in the Laundry Room

This wooden essential oil holder is at home in our vintage laundry room. The dark wood stain pairs perfectly with the deep green cabinetry and rustic shelf.

The unfinished wood display shelf came with a clear cover. At first, I didn’t think I’d use it as it seemed unnecessary. However, the clear cover has proven quite practical. I don’t have to worry about the essential oil bottles falling, breaking, and spilling.

Atop the essential oil rack, I’ve added several linen spray bottles (just “thinking outside the box”… ha!). The shelf is hung just low enough that the doors from the cabinetry can’t hit the essential oil holder.

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