Having a functional and special purpose, determined by the name of bookshelves, these structures have long become elements of stylish room design.
Designers in the field of furniture manufacturing offer a huge variety of non-standard solutions and original ideas suitable for decorating a room.
By looking at all the different photos of book shelves collected in this article with your own hands, you can choose the best option for making them yourself.
The creative process, which is not complicated and simply implemented, requires some preparation and selection of ideas, selection of the necessary consumables, accessories, and tools.
Advantages of homemade shelves
Shelves for books will help keep the interior tidy and also provide an additional storage area. The advantages of building furniture yourself include:
- The ability of the master to independently choose materials, decor, sizes, shapes.
- A large number of ready-made projects with drawings and diagrams.
- Sufficient ease of construction work and a minimal set of tools.
Beautiful and stylish interior furniture is obtained by self-assembling the structure. Photos of interesting homemade book shelves will allow you to choose the right model for the job.
Floor-standing
Floor-standing or wall-mounted structures should not be confused with open chests of drawers or cabinets, and such shelves are often used in modern design.
Their use is due to the need to distribute a large number of books or printed publications, and the simplicity of the forms only emphasizes the importance of their internal content.
Requirements for homemade furniture
Any shelf, regardless of its model, is important in interior design. Thanks to the sufficient depth of the horizontal panels, you can place not only books on the shelves, but also souvenirs, toys, and other stationery.
Good furniture with sufficient storage space will be appreciated by both students and zealous parents.
Requirements for a homemade design that the master must follow when carrying out work:
Construction material should be carefully inspected before assembly for defects. This criterion is especially relevant for wooden panels, chipboard, MDF, and plywood sheets. A defect should be considered the presence of cracks, chips, insect passages, traces of rotting and deterioration.
Even the highest quality material needs pre-treatment, which includes grinding sharp cuts, removing gaps, knots, and treating with moisture-resistant compounds. Today, impregnation oil is most often used, which penetrates deep into the wood, protecting parts from moisture.
Before starting work, you should decide on the design model, the type of its assembly, the dimensions of the shelf as a whole and the dimensions of the horizontal slats. It is better to prepare a drawing in advance or use ready-made assembly diagrams, which will also show all the fasteners and fittings.
Particular attention is paid to the reliability of fastenings for hanging shelves that are attached to walls. A fallen shelf of books can cause injury, fractures or bruises.
How much do book storage systems cost?
Bookcases can be purchased inexpensively from the manufacturer or you can order the desired piece of furniture from suppliers. In any case, a lot depends on the delivery methods, the material and the brand.
The simplest bookcase from Ikea will cost only 2,000 rubles, while a combined bookcase with glass doors from the same manufacturer will cost about 40,000 rubles.
A modular library from the Veresk factory is sold at an affordable price of 25,000 rubles if the cabinet is an open type. An analogue with glass doors is already more expensive: more than 35,000 rubles.
The more famous the brand, the higher the price. The search for the right library can take a very long time, but there is no need to rush - the book depository will settle in your home for a long time
Let's admire interesting solutions for the book kingdom in the house?
Do not forget about caring for printed publications. If we don’t take care of them, then time will definitely not be kind to them. After all, it warms the soul so much when you can pass on to your descendants a solid library collected over several generations!
Types of shelves by location
There are several main types of book shelves, depending on the location of the structure:
Floor shelving. Such models are used, as a rule, in apartments of sufficient space or in a private home. They consist of supporting structures and horizontal planks placed in several tiers.
DIY hanging shelves for books. Compact and very convenient models. They can be arranged in the form of single hanging structures or in a checkerboard pattern, or in the form of original cubes.
Today you can find the most unusual shapes for shelves. But they are all similar in that they have sufficient depth of horizontal panels and reliable fastenings. A distinctive feature is the ability to free up space by raising the shelves up.
Design of bookcases in the interior
Despite the development of digital technologies, books are still a bright decoration of any interior. Some people collect collections of various publications, others spend hours on end reading their favorite works.
In any case, a home library needs a convenient and beautiful storage system that will highlight the special charm and ambience of the printed collection. There are different models of shelving available for sale.
In city apartments with modern layouts, it is not always possible to integrate a full-length storage system. In this case, it will be installed under the stairs (if there is one) or in the corridor.
Corner book shelf
Modular shelves are a very convenient accessory designed to fit modern interior styles. An excellent solution from modern designers is modular furniture, the size and shape of which can vary dramatically, depending on the situation.
Each individual shelf is presented in the form of one cube without a back wall or front. If necessary, such cubes can be stacked on top of each other, thereby increasing the area for storing books.
Tabletop designs are compact and practical models.
Wall mounted
Such shelves are mounted directly on the wall, and can be supplemented with a rear wall, or do without it, representing a rather elegant design.
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Wall shelves can be of different shapes and sizes, they can be a simple bookcase or embody bright design ideas with complex geometric shapes.
What can shelves be made from?
The most important practical issue for the craftsman is the choice of base material. You can make original shelves or racks for storing books from the following materials:
Mobile mobile shelving
The book rack is made of lighter materials and is equipped with wheels for movement. Such a rack can be used to zone a room (as a partition or screen).
Modern bookshelves can be purchased ready-made. If you want to get an original model, it’s better to work on it yourself. In this case, the result will be both useful and pleasant, making a person’s life brighter and more interesting.
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Wood
This can be either solid timber or wooden pallets. A very unusual shelf can be cut from a log frame. Before starting work, it is important to assess the condition of the consumable material and carry out high-quality pre-treatment with moisture-resistant compounds. Wood is a universal material for construction, delighting with its environmental performance and natural composition.
Types of cabinets for home library
Usually the home library is quite large, but bookcases do not take up much space because they are made tall. The model can be selected for almost any room, be it a small children's library or a serious place for storing documents in the office. The presence of such a closet will make the atmosphere homey and cozy.
However, the place to install it must be chosen wisely. You should not set up a home library in the kitchen, attic or in rooms with high humidity. Poor storage conditions will negatively affect the appearance of books, especially if the cabinet is not glazed.
Every reading lover will be able to choose a bookcase that meets all his requirements. There are a huge variety of them, ranging from large models designed for a separate room, to wall shelves and small racks. Any cabinet can fit into the interior, and it will sparkle with new colors. Even old antique furniture found in the attic can be restored and brought back to life.
If there is not enough space in the room, you have to look for small cabinets or spacious shelves. There are many options for their placement. For example, bookshelves can be hung in the form of a chess set or another interesting composition can be created. This will not only save space, but also add originality to the interior, and you can place memorable decor and other souvenirs on top.
In a small living room you can also install a cabinet with drawers. It is convenient because in the lower cabinets you can store newspapers, magazines and other thin publications that are difficult to put on shelves.
Another solution for rooms of modest size is a corner closet. It is small in size, but holds a large collection of books.
And if you want to zone a room, dividing it into several spaces, this can be done using a shelving unit. Such a partition will not burden the room - it looks light and unnoticeable.
If space allows, purchasing a wardrobe would be an excellent solution. The design looks stylish and relevant, so it will fit into a modern interior. Books stored in such a cabinet are reliably protected from dust, dirt and other influences.
Some cabinets are quite difficult to disassemble and transport to a new location. For those who often move and travel, modular furniture is perfect. It is easy to transport; in addition, if there are not enough shelves, you can purchase individual modules and increase the capacity of the cabinet.
Combined designs consisting of two elements are popular. The main thing is that they are designed in the same style, otherwise an imbalance will arise.
For a large collection of books, it is advisable to allocate a separate room that can be equipped as a real library. If the cabinets are high, ladders are used to access the upper shelves. A wardrobe is perfect for a bedroom or living room, in which you can store not only literature, but also decor and other things. Its distinctive feature is the presence of closed shelves, and some models have a designated area for the TV.
Combined pieces of furniture are also suitable for a children's room. You can order ready-made modules combined with a workplace. This is a very functional and convenient solution that will help you properly organize space in your child’s room.
Plastic panels
Do-it-yourself plastic panels can be found in furniture and accessories stores, such as IKEA. The surface of the plastic is resistant to moisture, detergents, and tolerates temperature changes in the room.
You can easily remove dust and random stains from the surface of the shelf with a damp cloth. And the structure itself is low weight, thanks to the properties of PVC panels.
Fancy book shelves can be made from a combination of metal and tempered glass panels. The surface of the shelves has sufficient strength, and metal supports ensure reliable fastening and stability of the structure.
Hanging
The most elegant and original hanging shelves are used to complement a modern interior design.
By hanging from the ceiling using reliable fasteners, the illusion of a visual installation is created, which looks great in addition to the modern style of room decoration.
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Tool for making a wooden shelf
A classic example of self-building book shelves is the manufacture of a wooden structure (compact desktop shelf). You can install such a shelf on a wide windowsill.
To work you will need:
- Jigsaw.
- Planer and sandpaper.
- Moisture resistant oil and sponge.
- Compositions for decoration (paint, stain, acrylic varnish).
You will also need fasteners (dowels and screws) and drawings of the future design.
Options for modern book shelving that you can assemble yourself
A bookshelf a la Christmas tree, your children will definitely be delighted with this one. A shelf in the form of a tree can be decorated all year round; in addition, it can be easily transported to another place. Let's look at how to make such a bookshelf with your own hands and at the same time bring joy to small household members.
Bookshelf in the shape of a Christmas tree. Approximate diagram
It can be made from plywood, MDF or chipboard. Having a sketch at hand, creating a shelving unit with your own hands is not difficult. The diagram in the figure is a good starting point. It can be modified according to your preferences.
Procedure for assembling the rack
After the diagrams of the product elements are ready, transfer them to the material and cut out the parts with a jigsaw or fine-toothed saw.
Connect the finished elements using glue and nails of a suitable size.
You will need very small nails and work with them carefully so as not to damage the fragile material.
Before assembling the parts, treat the plywood with a special antiseptic solution. This way you can extend the life of a wooden product. Also be sure to sand all cuts. This will protect you and your children from splinters and abrasions. If desired, parts can be painted before assembly.
Step-by-step production of a shelf
It is better to carry out all assembly work in accordance with the prepared drawing, which clearly indicates all the parts with dimensions, fastener locations, and additional accessories (for example, built-in spotlights along the contour of the furniture). Instructions on how to make a book shelf with your own hands:
- Parts for the shelf are cut out using a jigsaw.
- Carefully grind the surfaces, trying to get rid of all gaps, chips, and sharp edges.
- After impregnation with oil, they proceed directly to assembling the structure.
Parts can be fastened according to various patterns: strictly horizontal direction of shelves, shelves at an angle, V-shaped shelves.
Choosing material
A variety of materials are used to make modern bookshelves and shelving:
- tree;
- metal;
- glass;
- plastic;
- drywall;
- MDF;
- laminated chipboard;
- plywood.
The structure can consist of only one type of material or a combination of them.
How is the material for the rack selected?
Bookshelves can be the simplest, and they can be made from traditional wood, but this choice does not always suit the style of the interior. What is the right thing to do so as not to make mistakes with the material?
- evaluate the interior style;
- assess the planned load and dimensions of the structure.
When planning to make a convenient bookcase with your own hands, you should not consider any of these points insignificant. They influence the choice, which is directly related to the characteristics of the material.
Evaluate the interior style
Often designers suggest buying ready-made book shelves, since some original techniques cannot be performed without professional skills. If you want to save money, you'll have to think about it. So, a wooden bookcase will look unnatural in a high-tech room. It should be abandoned if you want to get a harmonious look to the room. Each style has its own basic material, which you need to focus on when starting purchasing.
Assess the planned load and dimensions of the structure
Different material densities and their internal features affect the maximum permissible load. Even if the room would benefit from glass, a bookcase like this could be a mistake. If you don’t want to deal with additional work or the potential danger of collapse, it’s better to calculate everything in advance. Books have a lot of weight, which needs to be taken into account. Accordingly, it is worth doing the calculations, otherwise all the work will be in vain. The shelf will simply fall, creating a lot of problems and requiring repairs.
The concept of maximum load exists for each material. When working with your own hands, you must not forget about this, since the bookcase may break in a place other than where you feared. An excellent example is plastic, often used by designers. It gives them the opportunity to freely choose shade, texture and gloss, but in such cases only factory models are available. What is the reason? If you incorrectly calculate the attachment points, the edges break or a crack appears in the middle.
Tree
Natural wood is a classic material for making bookshelves, cabinets and shelving. Wooden furniture always looks beautiful, presentable and expensive. Shelves of any configuration can be made from wood, and it goes well with metal and glass. Wooden structures for storing books, if properly treated, can last quite a long time and withstand a fairly heavy load. But the wood will require additional processing - sanding, painting or varnishing.
Metal
Bookshelves made entirely of metal are mainly used in archives and libraries and very rarely in private houses and apartments. As a rule, when making bookshelves and racks, metal is used to create a frame, and shelves for arranging books are made of wood, glass, plastic, chipboard, MDF, etc.
Glass and plastic
Glass wall shelves look very beautiful, modern and stylish. Although this material appears fragile, it can actually be quite durable. However, in order to make a glass book shelf yourself, you will need certain skills and tools. Bookshelves made of plastic look good, however, they are more suitable for modern interior styles. This material is durable, quite light, cheap and easy to maintain.
Drywall
Bookshelves made of plasterboard are quite bulky structures due to the width of the profile and the material itself. But this also has its advantages - high strength, any configuration and the possibility of arranging lighting. Plasterboard shelving can fit into almost any interior.
MDF
MDF is now considered the most convenient material - a simple and affordable material. On the one hand, such a bookcase completely preserves the appearance of wood, on the other hand, it has high levels of strength, durability and aesthetic beauty. You can freely work with it with your own hands, without fear of spoiling the surface and abandoning complex calculations and special tools. Large furniture manufacturers also prefer to use MDF, trying to simplify assembly, providing external beauty and grace.
Advantages of MDF
MDF quickly became an indispensable material in the manufacture of cabinet furniture. Modern manufacturers are abandoning solid wood due to its high cost, making furnishings accessible to a wider audience. What advantages were the prerequisites for this?
- ease of processing;
- mechanical strength;
- durability;
- wear resistance;
- low price.
These factors have become prevalent, so now designers are gradually abandoning traditional materials, preferring MDF.
Disadvantages of MDF
This material should not be considered ideal; it also has disadvantages. Manufacturers remind that cabinet furniture should be located inside the house, and for a personal plot it is worth choosing models from a different material. What are the disadvantages that make us talk about it?
- sensitivity to moisture;
- sensitivity to temperature changes.
High humidity and temperature changes destroy MDF. It is better to eliminate the negative impact of these factors in advance, so as not to be upset about damaged shelves in the future.
It's easy to make a rack from MDF
MDF bookshelves are simple designs. They do not require professional skills, so people can handle such projects without much worry. You just need to turn to your own imagination, and then capture it on paper.
The only problem remains the mounting and permissible load. Still, the material is quite heavy, so you shouldn’t make shelves too deep and refuse additional reinforcement.
How are MDF sheets joined?
If individual parts are cut out using a jigsaw according to the prepared project, all that remains is to fasten them together. Complex materials usually require serious thought through the details, but in this case the material leaves freedom to the person. Which options are used most often?
- furniture screws;
- self-tapping screws;
- corners.
These options are well known, but it is worth considering them from different points of view, as well as giving some tips on how to use them.
Furniture screws
Furniture screws are always used by professionals. They are ideal for secure and hidden installation, holding the shelves firmly even under heavy loads. Moreover, they can be freely twisted and unscrewed without worrying too much about the wear of the furniture board. To prepare the holes, take a drill 2 mm thinner than a screw or a special drill (as shown in the figure). It will be a little difficult to tighten it the first time, but this approach guarantees a rigid connection of the individual elements. The drilling depth must match the length of the screw.
Self-tapping screws
Self-tapping screws successfully replaced screws. Let some men continue to pay tribute to traditions, but it’s time to get rid of them. If you need to assemble a static rack that will not be disassembled in the future, there is no better mounting option. These hardware firmly connect the individual parts and require almost no surface preparation. The last nuance is the most attractive, since you only need a screwdriver for quick work.
But screws cannot be viewed so narrowly. Yes, they are well known, but only a few know how to use them correctly. Often a standard mistake is made, which subsequently leads to loosening of the fastenings. When you need to screw a screw evenly and securely into MDF or laminated chipboard, you should pick up a drill and make a small hole. Its diameter should be significantly smaller than the self-tapping screw without compromising the strength of the shelf material.
Corners
The corners are attached with various hardware. Many to this day consider them the best option, excluding complex design solutions. This is a mistake, because they should be used exclusively for hidden installation. So, they are useful if you want to maintain the integrity of the top of the shelf. Otherwise, installing them will only cause you to waste extra time. The corners are outdated. Yes, they are still a necessity, but careful design makes them easy to forget. This mounting option can no longer be considered optimal.
Advice from professionals
If you decide to assemble a large open shelving unit with your own hands, you should take professional advice. They reveal some of the secrets that make factory cabinet furniture reliable and attractive. So a couple of tips need to be presented to future masters.
- When choosing a material, maintain a balance between cost and performance of the materials.
- MDF and laminated chipboard are affordable and reliable materials. Can be ordered as a single sheet or pre-cut into individual pieces for easier assembly.
- A detailed design will help both during assembly and when calculating the load at different points. It is not advisable to refuse it.
- The choice of hardware remains with the master, but their correct use is an important point. Do not miss the nuances that can provide the necessary assistance.
- The fastening points must be covered with special stickers in the pattern of the material or plugs of a suitable color, or a hidden installation must be provided in the design.
Furniture plugs and stickers
laminated chipboard
Laminated chipboard is a material made from natural wood. This is the same chipboard, but sanded and laminated with a durable film, usually matching the color and texture of the wood. That is, their main difference is the coating. When it is pressed into the structure of the slab itself, it makes it more moisture resistant and much stronger. Laminated chipboard has a budget price; the design, thanks to the film and coating, allows you to achieve different color schemes, including those with natural wood patterns.
Plywood and laminated plywood
Plywood is layers of wood veneer pressed together. Initially, plywood can be obtained from birch or coniferous trees. In other words, plywood sheets are of pretty good quality to make book shelves from. But in this case, you should definitely pay attention to some factors:
- The material can be made from not one, but several types of plywood. Their types range from the first to the fourth. The higher the number, the worse the quality of the plywood.
- The sheets also differ in impregnation. Its markings can tell you what kind of glue was used to glue the veneer. And on the basis of this, the properties of the sheets are determined. They can be resistant to fire, not afraid of humidity, or, on the contrary, deteriorate from its action.
- Differences may also lie in the type of processing, for example, there is sanded plywood. In this case, it is polished in production on one or both sides, or left without processing at all. For the manufacture of shelves, of course, the best products are those marked Sh2, which means that grinding was carried out on both sides.
- If you are not very interested in the type of wood, you can use laminated plywood, which has an appearance and properties similar to laminated chipboard.
