Creating custom bookshelves is a great way to add a fun display space to any room. The task can seem overwhelming, but it is easier than you think to build. Instead of thinking of the WHOLE bookshelf as one big thing. Let's break it down to small steps and build up from there. This is a fun DIY project to tackle.
When we built our new home we left the bonus room unfinished. I have been looking forward to finishing this living space. The focal point of this room will be the built-in shelves. I wanted a space to display my decorative items and add a good storage space.
Supplies Needed to Build a Custom Bookshelf
- 4 2x4's
- 3 sheets of ¾" thick plywood
- Mdf molding
- Brad nailer
- miter saw
- table saw or circular saw
- tape measure
- spackle
- sand paper
- caulk
- primer
- paint
- Level
YouTube Video on Custom Built in Bookshelves
These built-in wood bookshelves would be amazing in a
- family room
- home office
- living room
- as an entertainment center
- Dining room
Any space you can add custom built-ins is a win.
How to Build the Base Cabinets for Custom Built-in Bookshelves
First, I used my 2x4,s and built a base. This base will give the custom bookshelves strength and a good base to start on. I attached the 2x4's to the wall studs. I also anchored it to the floor. When building the bookshelf I wanted the bottom shelves to be bigger than the upper shelves. The bottom cabinet measures 36" wide x 31" tall x 15" deep. I put the shelf right in the middle.
Since my walls are smooth I am not going to add a back panel. If you have textured walls you can easily add back panels. I added vertical shiplap to my mudroom lockers and it turned out great. (blog post here)
Next, rip down the ¾" sheets of plywood into 15" strips. And then cut them down to size. I wanted my shelves and side thicker than ¾" as it creates that custom shelving look and it is a bit stronger. So I used ¾" plywood on the inside and outside and then used stripes of ¾" plywood as a space in the middle. There you have the bottom of the cabinet.
How to Add Shelves
Once your box is built you can add a shelf using shelf hooks. I am not doing adjustable shelves mainly because I didn't want the holes up and down the side.
First step is to figure out where you want shelves. For the bottom cabinet I am putting the shelf right in the middle. Luckily for me right in the middle fit the storage baskets I found. Using baskets is a great way to add closed storage for built-in shelving. The next step is to apply the shelf hook to the back wall.
To do this, find your studs, apply wood glue to the back of your shelf hook. Then place your shelf hook where you want it and use your nail gun to secure the shelf hook to the studs in the wall. The glue and nails combined with create a very strong bond. I built a custom closet this same way. (View it here)
Add the shelf hook to the side panels as well. Using the same method. Next add your shelf and nail it down into the shelf hook.
Tip: pull out your level and block along the wall until your piece is level. You can use shims to get it 100% level. This will easily be covered up with molding and look great.
Adding Molding to the Shelves
Once everything is built it is time to add molding for that custom look. I ripped down MDF to the exact thickness of the box and framed the whole thing up. Look how good having it a little bit thicker looks. It really helps to make custom bookshelves look high end.
Here is the custom bookshelves base all complete. Since I had a window in the middle I built a window seat in the middle out of 2x4's as well and then covered it up with vertical shiplap. I left the middle hollow for added storage in the room.
How to Build the Upper Custom Bookshelves
First attach the spacers to the wall and then attach the side piece to the spacers. Again, making sure that it is level, don't trust the wall.
Once the side piece is up, figure out shelf spacing. My bottom shelf is 15" tall and then the other shelves are 13". I wanted the bottom shelf to be a little taller for bigger items.
TIP: Measure how tall your top shelf is and then decide shelf heights from there. Then they are all evenly spaced.
Then add shelf hook to the back wall. Place wood glue on the back side and then nail it to the wall. Making sure it is level.
Once the shelf hook is up, attach the outside piece of plywood to the shelf hook. Don't worry, iit will get stronger as the bookshelf is built.
Add the bottom spacer and nail it into the bottom bookshelf this will add strength. Then add other spacers all the way up. Attach the outside piece of plywood.
Next add the shelf hook to the sides and begin adding your shelves. Nail the shelves into the shelf hook on both sides and the back. This will give LOTS of strength to the custom bookshelves.
Then add shelf hook to the back wall. Place glue on the back side and then nail it to the wall. Making sure it is level.
Once the shelf hook is up, attach the outside piece of plywood to the shelf hook. Don't worry, it will get stronger as the bookshelf is built.
Add the bottom spacer and nail it into the bottom bookshelf this will add strength. Then add other spacers all the way up. Attach the outside piece of plywood.
Next add the shelf hook to the sides and begin adding your shelves. Nail the shelves into the shelf hook on both sides and the back. This will give LOTS of strength to the custom bookshelves.
Finish Work
Add plywood across the top as well. This will add strength and we will use it to attach the crown molding to.
Finish everything off with molding, and the custom bookshelves are just about here!!
Once everything is built go back and fill in the holes with spackle and sand down all the rough spots and excess spackle. Caulk all of the edges for a nice smooth finish and the custom bookshelves are ready for paint.
Time to Paint
Tape everything you don't want paint on off. Since this is raw wood I primed it first and sanded it down after it was dry, about 4 hours. Now to spray everything with Cameo White by Behr. After I applied the first coat and I used a brush to get in the hard spots to reach with a sprayer. I then gave it one more coat of paint.
Once everything is built go back and fill in the holes with spackle and sand down all the rough spots and excess spackle. Caulk all of the edges for a nice smooth finish and the custom bookshelves are ready for paint.
Tape everything you don't want paint on off. Since this is raw wood I primed it first and sanded it down after it was dry, about 4 hours. Now to spray everything with Cameo White by Behr. After I applied the first coat and I used a brush to get in the hard spots to reach with a sprayer. I then gave it one more coat of paint.
Custom Bookshelves End Results
Here they are all complete. I love how it took this weird wall and made it a statement for this room.
The dark wall color, Graphite Charcoal by Behr, really helps to make the custom bookshelves pop. It also adds fun display areas for decor items.
The baskets and the bench add closed storage for blankets, board games or anything else we might need in our bonus room.
You can see more detail on the bonus room here
These new custom floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are not only a budget-friendly option they also add to the value of your home. Hopefully this will help you go the DIY route on your next custom build.
Happy Building,
Brooke
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