Take control of story time. With a few basic tools, a little know how, and some common lumber, you can build your very own children’s wall-mounted bookshelf and rid of yourself of that mountain of books. Not only is a bookshelf a great way to organize but it’s a great opportunity to add an accent color to the room!
By Jamison Rantz
| Rogue Engineer
HDC-MD-19
Bedtime stories are part of the daily routine in our house. But with our recent move, we quickly realized that the space in our daughter’s new bedroom was a bit cramped for her old bookshelf. After a month or so of picking up books piled high on the floor, we knew we needed to come up with a better solution!
We designed this bookshelf with our little one in mind. It's easy to reach, and with the books facing forward, she can pick out exactly what bedtime story she wants. (She's quite picky!) The best part about this book storage, is the slim design allows you to utilize an otherwise empty wall and save on space!
Not only is a bookshelf a great way to organize; it’s a great opportunity to add an accent color to a room.
To build this bookshelf, we started by cutting all the wood with a miter saw to the dimensions specified in the project plans. The profile at the top can be cut out with a jig saw or band saw using the supplied template. The notch at the bottom will also need to be cut out to allow the bookshelf to fit around the existing trim. I also added a curve to the bottom rail of each shelf for added detail. This can be traced using anything stiff and straight that you can find and flex to create the arc.
Then, the 1x4 frame gets glued and nailed together using 1-1/4” brad nails. Next, the baseboard trim will get cut to size on the miter saw, mitering the corners at 45 degrees. The key to cutting trim is to cut it on the longer side and check the fit. Then you can always trim it back a little more. If you cut it too short, you can’t add back the wood!
After, gluing and nailing the trim and mounting rails in place, the entire frame should get painted along with the remaining rails. When I paint furniture, I like to apply at least 2-3 thin coats, making sure to sand with a fine grit sandpaper between each one. This will give you a great even color when you are done. Make sure to allow ample time for each coat to dry before sanding and remove any dust with a tack cloth before the next application of paint. Finally, hammer the rails in place and fill the holes with wood filler. Once dry, sand the wood filler smooth and touch up with paint as required.
Make sure to cut it on the longer side then check the fit. You can always trim it back a little more but if you cut it too short, you can't add back the wood!
A great way to add color to a room is through a small piece of furniture.
It doesn't have to be ugly or hidden. Use it as an opportunity to add some color to a room.
If you have children, then you know that organization needs to be a priority. But it doesn’t have to be ugly or hidden. In fact, you can use it as an opportunity to add some color to a room. This bookshelf has been great for storing books but even better for our little one to pick out her favorites!
Find your color, pick your paint, and be inspired.
When you're ready, buy your paint online.
Author
Jamison Rantz is a husband, father of two, and former aerospace engineer. Nowadays he is putting his design expertise to use in the DIY furniture world where he publishes extremely clear and concise furniture and décor plans on his hit new site RogueEngineer.com.
6 Gallons
OLD SUBTOTAL5 Gallon Bucket + 1 Gallon Can
NEW SUBTOTAL* Important Disclaimer: Coverage calculator results are to be used only as estimates. Behr Process LLC cannot guarantee that you will achieve proper results without verifying your measurements and assumptions.
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A flat sheen has a non-reflective finish that touches up well and hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls and ceilings
Ceilings
Medium-Low
A matte sheen has a low-luster, reflective finish that is durable, easy to clean, touches up well and also hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls
Family rooms, living rooms, kids' rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, ceilings
Medium
An eggshell enamel sheen has a soft, velvety appearance that resists dirt and grime, as well as mildew.
Moderate-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, dining rooms
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A satin enamel sheen has a pearl-like finish that's easy to clean.
All interior surfaces; moderate- to high-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant resisting mildew, moisture and wear.
Cabinets and trim; high-traffic, high-moisture areas
Kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheens provide have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
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A flat sheen is non-reflective, and easy to apply and touch up. It will minimize the appearance of minor surface imperfections.
Wood and vinyl walls and siding; brick and other masonry; fences
Medium-Low
A satin enamel sheen creates a pearl-like finish that's durable and dirt-resistant. It will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Virtually all exterior surfaces
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Hi-Gloss enamel sheen have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
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