34 DIY Bookshelf Ideas

Published Feb 19, 2019 By Diane

Are you a reader that has run out of room for your every growing book collection? When I moved recently, we left our fabulous built-in bookshelves behind and ended up with 10 or so boxes of books in the garage for months. My boyfriend actually threatened to throw them out, since I was no longer actively reading any of them! Can you imagine? As a lifelong reader, I could not bear the thought of getting rid of some of my most prized possessions just because we did not have adequate storage in our new home. I quickly went looking to find a new home for my favorite books but wanted something stylish for the new house. After perusing most every DIY bookshelf idea on Pinterest, I came up with this list of 34 awesome DIY shelving ideas and thought I would share it with you. From the quick, cheap and easy crate shelf you can make with boxes available at your local craft store to cute ideas for the kids’ rooms to dreamy, vintage-inspired shelves that already look like heirlooms, you are sure to find the perfect DIY bookshelf here. There are also several creatively cool ideas for bookshelf makeovers. I ended up trying the IKEA hack for the Billy bookshelf hack and ended up with two of those in the living room, they are perfect. Whether your need bedroom decor ideas or some DIY living room projects, these inexpensive bookcases you can make yourself will add a creative touch to any room. Plus, you have more space to store your books, and if you’re like me, you can never have enough books in the house. If you’ve seen a bookshelf from Pinterest, we probably have it here, the easy crate shelf, the tree bookcase, DIY book ledges, several IKEA hacks for bookshelves, painted bookcases and wood book storage projects, take your pick. Which DIY book shelving idea will you choose?

DIY Bookshelf Ideas

1. Old Bookcase into Nightstand

makeit-loveit

Give your old, tired pieces of furniture in your home its needed makeover by following along the complete instructions of Make It Love It. I just love the idea that it’s both a bookcase and a nightstand. Very clever, isn’t it? DIY Furniture upcycles are just my absolute favorite Pinterest inspired idea right now. Free and so creative, what more could I ask for?

2. DIY Side Table Small Bookshelf

100things2do

Maximize functionality in a small space with this small bookshelf that doubles as a side table. The cool part about this piece is that it be turned either way so it’s a perfect addition to your bedroom or office space. You can even put it in between two narrow chairs. What a great project, indeed. For a cool DIY room decor idea, we are big fans of this unique DIY bookcase design.

3. Shiplap Bookcase

confessionsofaserialdiyer

Wow, this is a fabulous makeover! I am in love with the washed colors that they used. It just gives this cool and chic vibe. The bookcase turned out to be magnificent, it’s designed to perfection. a pretty DIY for all white decor or farmhouse style home furnishings, this shiplap DIY bookshelf is simple and lovely.

4. Billy Bookcase IKEA Hack

addicted2diy

5. DIY Stenciled Bookcase

polkadotchair

Polka Dot Chair has done such a great job on this stenciled bookcase. I am a stencil novice so I’m not too sure if I can pull this off. However, reading about how easy they made it look gives me the inspiration to try stenciling for sure. Try this DIY stenciling idea to really get creative when it comes to furniture. Cool paint finishes are nice, but when you add a stenciled background, they really may a statement.

DIY Bookshelf for Kids

6. Easy DIY Playroom Stepped Crate Bookshelf

maisondepax

What a wonderful reading nook accentuated by a super practical crate bookshelf! It’s so simple to re-create, all you have to do is stack them together. Glad I stumbled upon this post. Create a reading space that is perfect storage for the kid’s books. These cheap DIY bookshelves are perfect for storing toys and books at kid level, so they can easily reach them to get them out and if you are lucky, put them away. DIY kids room decor is the way to go, and this crate book storage solution is one of my favorite ways to decorate a boys room or baby nursery. For a playroom decorating idea, this is also the way to go, for sure.

Cheap DIY Bookcase

7. Rustic Bookshelf from Crates and Pallet

jenwoodhouse

This cute DIY crate and pallet bookcase from Jen at House of Wood is a pretty easy build, very cheap and gives a lot of rustic appeals. When it comes to building pallet bookcases, Jen definitely wins the award for my top pick. Pinterest has photos of this one, but she actually shows you how to build the infamous crate bookshelf you’ve probably seen on Pinterest more than a few times. Somehow, I imagine this one is sturdier than the shelf in that Pin, anyway. She also has this great tip to never use pallets and crates straight from a dumpster which I think is worth mentioning. Pro tip: Make sure the pallets are heat treated before using them.

8. DIY Scrap Wood House Shelf

sawdustgirl

Jen Woodhouse is back again with a quick and easy DIY project you can make out of that growing pile of scrap wood. Check out her instructions in building this DIY Scrap Wood House Shelf. Painting it pink is such an adorable idea and a perfect addition to a little girl’s room. For an easy woodworking project, this tiny book storage solution is a fun one to begin with. This is a neat DIY idea for teen boys to make and help decorate their rooms, both my 13 and 15 year old sons had no problem making these with Dads help.

9. Bookcase Makeover

confessionsofaserialdiyer

Another thrift store finds that turned out to be a classic gem of a bookcase. I really like the color – it’s so fresh and calming to the eyes. Beautiful bookcase makeover as always from Confessions Of A Serial DIYer. Amazing what good taste and paint will do. A DIY furniture makeover that looks like it came from a designer furniture showroom. For a unique DIY bookshelf with character, make this one.

Easy DIY Bookshelf

10. Paint the Back with a Pattern

centsationalstyle

Jazz up your plain looking bookcase by painting some spots and sputnik at the back. Centsational Girl has a great technique in achieving the look by using a simple sponge. You can also try buying spotted wallpaper if you prefer that. It looks great to put up in an office or a study room. The pop of color adds a lively mood. Indeed, a great idea to renew a bookshelf.

11. Elegant and Classy Idea to Store your Books

redouxinteriors

Want an elegant way to display books in your house or apartment? Whether you live in a dorm room, a rent a condo or own a home, this stylish paper backed bookshelf will certainly add to your decor if you are going for a sophisticated, worldly look that almost always makes a good impression. Far from boring, this patterned back is easy to add to your existing bookcase or you can pick one up at a thrift store or garage sale, too. Add some paint and paper, and voila, style your room away.

Bookshelf Ideas for Girls

12. Girly Bookcase Makeover

mythirdtruelove

When it comes to cute decor ideas for girls rooms, this wallpaper backed bookshelf is a must. Match your shelf to her room with a coordinating piece of paper or even fabric for an adorable idea you and your daughter can both love. You need not have kids, of course, to make this book storage idea. I love this look for any girly room, and really, you can do the same thing with manly prints. Projects made with paper backs like this are trending on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram right now because they are super easy to make and look amazing, in real life and in those photos you just might need to post once you see how cute this homemade bookshelf idea is in person.