We finally hung our postcard ledges in the new spot after waiting more than two years. These slim shelves were originally made for our first house office and we’ve been eager to give them a fresh role. Here’s how we adapted them for this bedroom dresser and how the simple project turned into a playful and functional display.
First, we reviewed the dimensions and visual balance. The dresser beneath the shelves informed how wide we wanted each ledge to be. Initially the shelves were too long and looked top-heavy, so we trimmed them down so each would sit two inches narrower than the dresser. That small adjustment made the arrangement feel intentional and proportional.
- Measure the width of the furniture beneath the shelves and imagine the visual weight—shelves that extend past the dresser often feel unbalanced.
- Shorten the ledges as needed so they are slightly narrower than the piece below. A miter saw or similar trim tool makes quick work of this.
The hanging process was straightforward and methodical. We decided the lowest shelf looked best 16 inches above the dresser after testing several heights. Using a level was essential to ensure everything stayed straight and even.
- Start by marking the placement for the lowest shelf—16 inches above the dresser worked best for us after a few trials.
- Use a level when holding the shelf in place so your marks are accurate and the shelf sits perfectly horizontal.
For stability, we used 2.5-inch screws through the predrilled holes in the shelves. For light items like postcards or flash cards, screws were sufficient; however, anchors should be used for shelves that will carry heavier objects. Our shelves already had predrilled holes, so the screws went through easily and secured the ledges.
- Use sufficiently long screws to penetrate studs when possible, or employ wall anchors when studs aren’t available and you plan to store heavier items.
- Predrilled holes simplify installation—measure twice, screw once, and re-check levels as you go.
To ensure consistent spacing and perfect alignment down the row, we used a simple guide. A yardstick taped to the wall, leveled vertically, gave us a reliable reference for the left edge of each shelf. That made it quick to align every ledge without re-measuring for each one.
- Tape a straight guide to the wall and confirm it is plumb with a level to align the left edge of each shelf consistently.
- We set 9 inches between each shelf—this spacing visually connected the group while leaving enough room for display items.
After hanging all the ledges with 9 inches of space between them, we took a step back to enjoy the view. The arrangement felt clean and purposeful, and the shorter width relative to the dresser made the vignette feel balanced rather than top-heavy.
Then I introduced two boxes of flash cards I had been saving for a special place. Clara adores these cards, so we repurposed the postcard ledges as flash card shelves. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to add color, interest, and a touch of learning to the room.
Using flash cards on ledges creates a fun, tactile display. The images and letters turn the shelves into a subtle learning zone. Clara enjoys counting the animals on each shelf, finding the ones we call out, and practicing letters—she recently woke up proudly announcing, “F is for Flamingo!”
One more photo felt necessary—I can’t resist how charming the flash card display looks on the ledges. It’s a small change that brings a lot of personality to the space while being practical and child-friendly.
Have you been trimming, leveling, or repurposing shelves and ledges lately? Reworking items from a previous home into a new room is a rewarding way to refresh decor without buying new pieces. It’s fun to rethink how something previously used can serve a new function and make a room feel more personal and purposeful.