How to Build a LEGO Display Shelf, That Looks Like LEGO!

The Perfect Way to Display Your LEGO Creations

After completely renovating my son’s room, I thought I was done. But if you’ve ever decorated for a kid, you know the ideas never really stop. I was planning to install a few standard bookshelves in his reading corner, until he came to me with a very specific request: “Mom, can you make shelves for my LEGO builds?”

And when my son asks, I deliver.

So, here I am, showing you how to build a LEGO display shelf that looks just like LEGO bricks, complete with the signature circular studs on top. It’s simple, sturdy, and guaranteed to make any little builder’s room look incredible.

This project is beginner-friendly and can easily be done in an afternoon using just a few tools and materials. Ready to build? Let’s get started.

What You’ll Need

Materials

• One 1×6 board (length will depend on how wide you want your shelf)
• One 1×8 board (same length as your 1×6)
• 1.5-inch wooden circles (you’ll need 4-6 per shelf)
• Wood glue
• 1.25-inch wood screws
• Paint or spray paint (LEGO-inspired colors; red, blue, or yellow look amazing)

Tools

For this project, I used three tools from the new Dremel Blueprint line:

• Dremel Blueprint Multi Drill (includes a drill, stud finder, and laser level in one)
• Dremel Portable Saw Station
• Dremel Multi-Tool

I’ll share more about these tools below,  they made this whole project faster, cleaner, and more fun.

Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Boards

Decide how wide you want each shelf to be. For my son’s room, I built three shelves about 24 inches wide, which gave enough space for a few LEGO sets without overpowering the wall.

Using the Dremel Portable Saw Station, cut your 1×6 and 1×8 boards to the same length.

• The 1×6 will become the bottom of your shelf.
• The 1×8 will serve as the back.

I love that this saw station folds up neatly and still gives you all the functions of a true saw table. It even has a laser guide built in, so your cuts are straight every time, no more guessing where the line is!

If you’re new to cutting boards, here’s a quick tip:

Pro tip: Always clamp your wood before cutting. It keeps your hands safe and prevents shifting that can lead to uneven edges.

Step 2: Sand Everything Smooth

Boards straight from the home improvement store can be rough, so don’t skip this part! I used the Dremel Multi-Tool with a sanding bit to smooth every surface and edge.

Sanding is the secret to that polished, professional look. It removes rough spots, splinters, and helps the paint go on beautifully later.

If you don’t have a multi-tool, you can use sandpaper or an orbital sander, but honestly, this little Dremel made it so much easier, especially on corners and small details.

Step 3: Assemble the Shelf

Now it’s time to bring your LEGO shelf to life!

1. Lay the 1×8 board vertically, this will be the back of your shelf.
2. Attach the 1×6 board horizontally along the bottom edge, using wood glue and 1.25″ screws.
3. Use a drill or the Dremel Multi Drill to pre-drill holes before inserting screws (this helps prevent the wood from splitting).

Make sure your shelf is perfectly square by checking both corners with a carpenter’s square or the integrated laser level feature on the Dremel Multi Drill.

The built-in level and stud finder combo honestly makes this drill such a game changer. You never have to hunt for your tools, it’s all in one compact, lightweight design.

Step 4: Create the LEGO “Studs”

This is the fun part that gives your shelf that unmistakable LEGO look.

You’ll need 1.5-inch wooden circles for this step. They mimic the circular studs you see on top of LEGO bricks.

Here’s how to make them perfectly even:

• Use a paint stir stick or scrap piece of wood to create a simple spacer jig. This keeps each circle the same distance apart.
• Glue each circle along the top edge of your 1×8 board using wood glue.

Once they’re dry, go back over the edges with your multi-tool to smooth any glue residue or rough edges.

Pro tip: I spaced mine evenly about 1 inch apart and used four circles per shelf. The result looked exactly like a row of giant LEGO studs.

Step 5: Paint Your Shelf

Now that your shelf is built, it’s time to add some color!

Choose a classic LEGO shade; red, blue, yellow, or white all work great depending on your room’s theme. I went with a mix of green, yellow, and orange to complement the tones of the blue striped ceiling and tie in beautifully with the rest of the room’s colors.

Painting tips:

• If you want a sleek finish, use spray paint in a gloss sheen.
• If you prefer a more matte look, go with a brush-on acrylic paint and seal it with a clear topcoat.
• Paint the wooden circles separately first, then touch up once everything is dry.

Once dry, your shelf will look just like a LEGO brick, and your kids will absolutely love it.

Step 6: Mount the Shelf on the Wall

Now it’s time to install!

I used the Dremel Blueprint Multi Drill again here because it has a built-in stud finder and laser level, two features that make wall installation practically foolproof.

1. Use the stud finder mode to locate the studs in your wall. (You’ll see the color indicator turn red when you hit one, so satisfying!)
2. Mark your holes with a pencil.
3. Pre-drill with the multi drill, then screw directly into the studs for maximum strength.

Double-check that everything is level before tightening the screws fully.

If you’re working solo, a small piece of painter’s tape under each corner can help hold the shelf in place while you drill.

Once it’s secure, paint over the screw heads to blend everything in.

Step 7: Style and Display

The best part: filling your shelf with your child’s favorite LEGO builds!

You can organize by color, by set, or just let them pick their favorites to show off. The bright shelf color instantly draws attention, and the circular “studs” make it clear that this shelf was made for LEGO lovers.

I love that this project turned out fun and functional, it’s decor that celebrates creativity.

Featured Tools: The Dremel Blueprint Line

This project was powered entirely by the Dremel Blueprint collection, and I’m genuinely impressed by how compact, smart, and versatile these tools are. Here’s a closer look at what I used and why I loved them:

Dremel Blueprint Multi Drill

A 3-in-1 tool that combines a drill, stud finder, and laser level.

It’s lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for anyone who doesn’t have a full workshop setup. The built-in light feature is a lifesaver for working in corners or low-light areas.

I especially loved the torque guide on the top, it visually shows you which setting to use depending on your screw length and project type. Perfect for beginners.

Dremel Portable Saw Station

This little station folds up neatly but functions like a mini miter saw table. It can handle straight cuts, miter cuts, bevels, and rip cuts, all from a compact, portable design.

It even has a laser cutting guide, so every line is accurate.

It’s ideal for small-to-medium sized projects, especially if you don’t have space for a full miter saw in your garage.

Dremel Multi-Tool

The classic multi-tool, reimagined with a cordless, interchangeable battery system that works across the entire Blueprint line. It’s my go-to for sanding, polishing, and smoothing out rough wood edges.

The battery lasts a surprisingly long time and charges quickly, which is perfect for multi-step projects like this.

Each of these tools made this project not only possible but enjoyable. You don’t need a full workshop to build something beautiful, just the right tools and a little creativity.

Tips for Customizing Your LEGO Shelf

One of the best things about this project is how customizable it is. Once you’ve mastered the basic build, you can try a few fun variations:

• Make a double-decker version with two shelves stacked together.
• Use different LEGO colors for each shelf; red, blue, yellow, and green look awesome in a playroom.
• Add wall decals or vinyl lettering underneath (“Krystal’s LEGO City,” anyone?).
• Add LED strip lights under the shelf for a glowing display effect.

The Final Reveal

Once everything was painted, mounted, and styled, I couldn’t stop smiling. The shelves looked exactly like LEGO bricks, bright, bold, and full of personality. More importantly, my son loved them.

Now his creations have a home that matches his imagination, and it adds such a playful touch to his room.

This was one of those projects that perfectly combines form and function, it’s useful, fun to make, and looks amazing when it’s done. And the best part? It only took a few hours.

Final Thoughts

Building your own LEGO display shelf is such a rewarding project. It’s simple enough for beginners but creative enough to make a big design statement.

With the Dremel Blueprint tools, you can take on projects like this even if you don’t have a traditional workshop setup. They’re compact, portable, and powerful, exactly what every DIYer needs.

So grab your boards, pick your color, and start building your own LEGO shelf. I promise your kids (and your inner child) will love it just as much as mine did.

Lego display shelf FAQ’s