Looking for some simple DIY bookshelf projects? Here are 7 creative projects with DIY instructions ranked from easiest to most challenging.
I counted the other day and guess how many bookshelves I had in this house?
Can we still be bookshelf friends if I tell you?
21 bookshelves.
Yikes.
That is a LOT of bookshelves.
One for almost every major holiday in the calendar year.
It’s also a lot of bookshelf decorating and bookshelf projects. That’s why I’m all about a really good bookshelf DIY. Here are 7 different DIY bookshelf projects that I’ve made to my existing bookshelves (some only take about an hour).
Let’s get started with the projects before I decide to shelve this discussion. 🙂
(ps I’m so sorry. Me, myself and I never met a corny joke we didn’t like.)
7 DIY Bookshelf Projects You Can Make
1. Add faux wood paper to the back of the bookcase
I’m going to start with the easiest to the hardest DIY bookshelf projects.
This simple DIY will take you MINUTES.
All you need is this paper that I found at Hobby Lobby.
Here’s a hint—it’s not in the craft section.
See the DIY project and the paper that I used here.
2. Paint the back of the bookshelf
This took less than 30 minutes.
Why not add a bold color to the back of a bookcase?
The key is adding accessories that make the color pop. Here, the color is dark, so I added white milkglass. If I had painted it a lighter color, bright colors would make this bookshelf pop.
See the DIY project and my favorite navy blue here.
3. Paint it a bright color
Why not paint it a brilliant color?
This was one of my DIY bookshelf projects that I painted blue.
One of my favorite painting secrets? I just paint the hardware the same color, too. It makes it look a little more vintage.
See some of my favorite blue grays paint colors here.
And my favorite paint colors for 2020 here.
4. Tile the back of the bookshelf
Sometimes all you need for your bookshelf is a little DIY bookshelf tile project.
Especially if it’s leftover from another bigger project.
See how to tile the back of a bookshelf here.
5. Add wood to the back of the bookshelf
This was so inexpensive.
I used wood shims for this project.
They come in a package of 15 for $1.75.
You can see the entire bookshelf DIY here.
6. Make a spool bookcase
Sometimes the idea for DIY bookshelf project comes when you find a spool in the middle of the home improvement aisle.
This spool was free.
We took it and made a bookshelf from it with metal piping and casters.
See the entire spool bookshelf DIY here.
7. Make a locker out of it
I saved this one for last.
It was the hardest, but don’t tell the others–it’s my favorite.
It started life as a cubby bookshelf.
And now?
It’s a locker ready for school supplies and library books.
See how we transformed a bookcase into a locker here.
Sigh.
So many bookshelves.
So little time.
Next time you see a bookshelf at the thrift store or a yard sale?
Don’t just walk on by.
It’s just waiting for a world full of bookcase possibilities. 🙂
PS Denton just added this comment and I couldn’t resist: “Awww, I was hoping you’d have another joke at the bottom to bookend your post”🙂
Awww, I was hoping you'd have another joke at the bottom to bookend your post :)
Haha!!!
Me too Denton .... I was ready and waiting !!! Jayne
Oh my goodness! Your son! We live in pun land over here too! I wouldn’t have it any other way!! Great projects!
I guess he booked it right over to leave the first comment!😂
Link to transforming a bookcase to a locker goes to a story about stinky socks and flipping hair. Cute but not the right link.
Sorry about that! I just fixed it! Happy day friend! karianne
Now I have a serious case of bookshelf envy... TWENTY ONE?!?! We have 10ish (I admit that most of them are huge). Do you know what would happen if I had 21 bookshelves though? 2,000 more books would enter my home. The whole thing would crash into the basement with the weight thereof. My people think shelves are for holding... books. 😁 All of my bookshelf decor has to fit in front of the books. I'm not giving any of MY books up though either, so... I just need more shelves! ...Back to my bookshelf envy... I have to try some of these! Thanks for all the ideas!
I'm about to add another one to the closet! You can never have enough bookcases. :) Happy day! karianne
Love them all! I love the shim one- ever since I made your flag using shims, I'm hooked!:)
I can't believe you remember that flag! Happy day friend! karianne
So many great ideas! Have tried several and love them all!
Love this - AND the corny jokes. I think the world NEEDS more puns, don’t you? More puns, and more shelf-help posts ....
That was a corny joke .... and it was a real knee slapper too !!!! thanks for the laugh ... keep them comin' oh yes, and thank you for the DIY's and all the amazing information's' that you share with us ... YOU are a riot Alice. Enjoy an amazing day ! Jayne
Bookcases that don’t look like bookcases. My bookcases look very boring with just books. You have made them stand out and become a conversation piece. Added character to your beautiful home. Love all the ideas. How can I get an appointment with for a consultation.
There are some fantastic ideas here, thank you so much for sharing.
I so loved "paging" through this post!! xoxo
Love your ideas, stories and corny jokes😘
The best jokes are all about the eyes..... the cornea, the better!
I would refer to your spool shelf as an end table and I have the perfect place for it if you ever want to become unspooled and enter a new chapter in your life. Ha.
Boys, i have 4 two sons and two grandsons, thank goodness only two of them are like that,lol! Denton can pun all he wants to, thanks for the post, i pinned it. I never know when i might get the urge to change a bookshelf.
Hi, where did you get the stripped chairs in your living room? Thanks!