We really liked the look of a USM Haller shelf for our living room but they are definetely not in our budget. So, I tried my hand at recreating a similar design using chromed pipes, MDF panels and 3d printed brackets.
It uses 16mm aluminium pipes, 4mm MDF panels, and 3mm self tapping screws to secure the printed corner pieces in place. To attach the panels I used M2x4mm screws in order to make them removable, but you could just as easily glue them to the printed brackets.
Most parts need to be printed with supports. I used PETG, printed with 3 walls and 25% infill.
You'll need to print:
- 4x top_corner pieces
- 4x corner pieces (for each shelf)
- 4x shelf_only brackets for each shelf if you just want an open shelf with no side/back panels OR
- 2x top_back_panels (for each shelf)
- 2x top_front_panels (for each shelf)
- 2x bottom_front_panels (for each shelf)
- 2x bottom_back_panels (for each shelf)
The very bottom shelf uses 4x shelf_only brackets regardless of what option you choose.
Assembly is as follows:
- Cut vertical pipes to desired length (these will determine the height of the shelf)
- Drill a small pilot hole at whichever height you want for each shelf on every pipe. They must all sit on the same line! I used the two pipes pressed together method to draw a straight line and then drilled along it
- If you want side/back panels drill an extra hole 3.5 cm above the first hole and one 3.5 cm below it, these will be used to secure the brackets
- Slide the corner parts in and secure them with a self tapping screw
- Cut the horizontal pipes to size (these will determine the width and depth of the shelf)
- Drill two holes, 5 cm from each end of the horizontal pipe, again sitting on the same line
- If you want side/back panels, for each shelf (not the top) draw another line offset by 90° and drill two holes 2.5 cm from each end of the pipes
- Assemble the frame, the shelves are just a press fit
- Measure and cut the MDF panels to size, then paint them whatever colour you like (make sure to use a primer).
- Mount the brackets that support the shelves (top_front+top_back or shelf_only) only and install the MDF panels for the shelves
- Mount the remaining brackets double checking that you use the correct one for each spot on the shelf and install the side + back panels with screws/glue. The bottom brackets (bottom_front + bottom_back) will sandwich the shelf into place
- Slide in the printed feet
The same process goes if you want to join 2 shelves, add extra holes offset by 90° on the horizontal pipes that form the joint.
Precision in cutting and drilling is key, any deviation will be obvious as the panels need to fit quite snugly.
Pictures show an older version of the brackets to secure the panels, the ones I uploaded are easier to print and use less material.
I'm happy to help you out if you need some tips, looking forward to seeing your makes of this!!!
gparavano
