How to Make this DIY Kid’s Bookshelf {with Plans}

When I found out my good friend was having a baby, I decided I wanted to give him the perfect way to both decorate the nursery while always having books to read at night. So I decided to build them a Homemade DIY Kid’s Bookshelf and I included the plans so you can build one too! This can either be a unique baby shower gift, or maybe it’s the perfect new bookcase for a bedroom in your own home. If you want to put together a unique baby shower gift that is a little more simple, you can try this DIY gift basket.

Bookshelf Dimensions: 22.25 x 36 inches

wooden bookshelf filled with kids books and a pink banner at the bottom with the words DIY kid's bookshelf with plans

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Why you’ll love this project

Adorable: Both small and customizable, this DIY baby bookshelf is the perfect size for small child.
Easy: The plans for this kid’s bookshelf are simple to follow and quick to make, making it a great beginner project.
Functional: Instead of the books being all over the floor, this DIY bookshelf for kids is the perfect way to store books, adding decor and function to any room.
Customizable: I left mine natural wood because my friend is an artist and I wanted to let him paint it how he wants, but it’s easy to paint and add a name or phrase like Once Upon a Time or Reading Corner, for example.

Why I’m doing this project

While I know parents create a baby registry for a reason, I like to use my creativity to make them something unique and from the heart. That’s why I decided that a DIY kid’s bookshelf was the perfect gift for a new baby/baby shower gift.

Materials Needed

1/2 inch plywood (1/2 sheet)
1 x 10 x 6 piece of wood
1 x 3 x 6 piece of wood
36 inch wood dowel (I used some I already had so not sure of the size)
Trim Molding (optional) I used some I already had
Screws (I use Spax #6 or #8 – 1.5″ long)
Nails
Wood glue
Wood filler

Tools Needed

Nail gun
Drill
Miter saw (if you cut your own wood)

Cut List

*Be sure to doublecheck your measurements before cutting

Back piece (1) – 22.25 inches x 36 inches – 1/2 inch plywood
Front piece of storage box (1) – 22.25 inches long from the 1×10
Sides of storage box (2) – 7 inches long from the 1×10
Bottom of storage box (1) – 7 inches x 20 9/16 (* FYI that’s 1 tick after 20-1/2)
Shelf sides (4) 2-3/4 inches from the 1×3
Shelf bottoms (2) – 18 inches from the 1×3
Dowel (2) – 18 inches each

Variations/ Adaptations

Mount it on the Wall: Skip the base and just build the back. The lighter weight of the bookcase will easily mount on the wall.
Customize it: Add a child’s name using Cricut or add something from your baby nursery’s theme to customize the look.
Paint it: Paint it whatever color goes with your decor!
When you are finished using it for books, just re-purpose it as a toy organizer in the playroom or a plant stand for growing indoor plants and herbs.

How to Make a DIY Kids Bookshelf

Step 1: Grab your two storage box sides, add wood glue and attach them to bottom of your back piece. Use your nail gun to attach from back.

Step 2: Attach bottom piece of storage box in between the storage sides. Don’t forget to add wood glue. Attach with nail gun and screws on back side.

Step 3: Attach front piece of storage box using nail gun & wood glue.

Step 4: Attach two side pieces to outside of each 18 inch piece to create shelves using wood glue and nail gun. Attach dowel in between side pieces using a screw on each side.

Step 5: Use wood glue and attach to the top area of back piece as shown. Use nail gun and screws to secure from the backside.

Step 6: Optional: Add trim on all edges. You can also paint/stain it at this point and add any customization you’d like.

Tips

If you choose to use this as a baby shower gift, I recommend stocking it full of baby books. Here are the ones I used and where to buy them .

Other Great Gift Ideas

If you’re not sure about building a baby shower gift, then here are some other great baby shower gift suggestions that may not be on a registry:

A Nightlight Sound Machine: Perfect for creating a small amount of ambient light while also blocking out noise from around the house or outside.
A Bath Kneeling Pad: Perfect for saving your knees while kneeling beside the bathtub to give baby a bath. This one also comes with a handy mesh section for bath toys.
A Wet/Dry Bag for on the go changes: One day you will be so happy you have this. It is perfect for storing wet clothing or bathing suites and keeping everything else in your diaper bag dry.
Backseat Baby Mirror: With this mirror, you will always know if baby is awake or sleeping.

FAQ

Is it cheaper to build your own bookshelves?

While I haven’t seen this exact style of bookshelf on Etsy, I’ve seen other styles that can range from $60 – over $200. I had enough wood in my workshop to make this but the wood will prob run under $50 (not including molding). Adding molding definitely will increase the cost of materials.

What is the best wood for homemade bookcases?

I used sanded plywood and select wood for the 1×10 and 1×3 for this bookshelf.

What is the best joint for a bookcase?

I did butt joints because they are the most easy and beginner friendly to do. I also often use pocket holes to secure bookcase builds but I didn’t for this one.