DIY Bookshelf Ideas You Can Make This Weekend (Plus, a Few Magazine Racks)

No need to spend big bucks on bookshelves and magazine racks. Try one of these budget-friendly projects and clever upcycles so you can store and display your favorite books and periodicals in style.

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September 17, 2021

By: Jacquelyn McGilvray

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Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Jen Woodhouse

Photo By: Emily Fazio

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©Susan Sease

Photo By: Marian Parsons, Mustard Seed Interiors

Industrial Modern Bookshelf

Reclaimed wood is combined with galvanized metal pipes to create this easy-to-build bookshelf. To make it easy on yourself, have the wood precut at the lumberyard and use standard-size pipes and flanges. This way, all you’ll have to do is stain or paint the wood, attach the flanges and then assemble.

Get the How-To: Industrial Rustic Bookshelf

Upcycled 6-Foot Ladder

For low-budget book storage and display space, upcycle an old wooden ladder. We added ½” plywood across the ladder rungs then refinished the entire piece in pretty blue chalk paint.

Get the How-To: Step-by-Step Shelving: DIY Ladder Shelf

A Bookshelf for Bedtime Stories

A standard bookcase is given some celestial customization with cloud-shaped nameplates placed on the front of each shelf.

Get the How-To: Build a Whimsical Cloud Bookshelf for a Kids' Bedroom

Interlocking X-Shaped Magazine Rack

Easy and inexpensive, this modern open shelf is made using a single 12 inch x 48 inch board. Make it today and use it as your couch-side catch-all to keep books and magazines organized and within reach.

Get the How-To: How to Make an X-Shaped Wood Magazine Rack

From: Emily Fazio

Revamped Hutch

If building a new bookcase is not in your budget or skill set, consider repurposing an old piece of furniture. We refinished this antique bookcase then added some pretty peel-and-stick wallpaper to the inside to give it a large dose of style.

Get the How-To: How to Refinish an Antique Bookcase

From: Camille Styles

Ledge Bookshelf

Short on space? These narrow shelves don’t take up a lot of room, and they provide display space for books, knickknacks or artwork.

Get the How-To: How to Build a Ledge Bookshelf

Leather Strap Shelf

Shelves hung from leather straps are still on-trend, which is great because they’re easy to make. A single shelf looks nice, but you could stack several to create an interesting yet practical focal point.

Get the How-To: Leather + Wood Mashup: DIY Leather Strap Shelf

Vertical Book Tower

When wall space is at a minimum and your needs for storage are at an all-time high, consider making a vertical bookshelf. And the best part? It cost less than $20 in materials to build.

Get the How-To: How to Build a Vertical Book Tower

Fabric Book Sling

No carpentry skills are required to create this children’s book storage sling; you only need to know how to use a drill and have some basic sewing skills.

Free Library Box

When it comes time to clear out your bookshelves, build a library box so you can share your books with your neighbors. Sharing your favorite books is a great way to connect with your neighbors and encourage kids to read. Our library box has a living roof so it’ll also add a little extra greenery to your curb appeal.

Get the How-To: How to Build a Free Library Box With a Living Roof

Window Shutter Magazine Rack

No tools required for this one. Simply lean an old slatted shutter against the wall and then insert your favorite periodicals.

Wood Crates

Never underestimate the usefulness of a good crate. Not only are they handy for carrying stuff, but you can also hang them on a wall to create display space or simply stack them to create a piece of furniture as we did here. We left the wood natural for a shabby chic vibe, but they could easily be painted for a more refined look.

Get the How-to: Upcycle Wood Crates Into a Rustic Bookshelf

From: Marian Parsons

Library Ladder

Here’s another version of a ladder upcycled into a bookcase. This one is simply secured to the wall then filled with your favorite volumes.

Get More Ideas: 12 Ways to Decorate Your Bookshelves With Yard Sale Finds

From: Landing Design

DIY Bookshelf Ideas You Can Make This Weekend (Plus, a Few Magazine Racks)

Related To:

Shop This Look

Industrial Modern Bookshelf

Upcycled 6-Foot Ladder

A Bookshelf for Bedtime Stories

Interlocking X-Shaped Magazine Rack

Revamped Hutch

Ledge Bookshelf

Leather Strap Shelf

Vertical Book Tower

Fabric Book Sling

Free Library Box

Window Shutter Magazine Rack

Wood Crates

Library Ladder

How to Build a Vertical Book Tower

How to Make a Decorative Pegboard Shelf

DIY Kitchen Storage Shelf and Pot Rack

How to Make a No-Sew Fabric Magazine Rack

How to Make a Barrister Kitchen Organizer

25 Creative DIY Shelving and Cabinet Ideas 25 Photos

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