DIY Wall Hanging Bookshelf

Inspiration for design ideas are all around us.  Most of the time we don't see them because our brains are trained to eliminate noise and clutter.  An advertising billboard here, a radio ad there and before you know it your ignoring the good with the bad.


Sunrises.  Sunsets.  They all become part of the blur that is everyday life.

My son was playing in my trash heap of scrap wood.  He glued a few pieces of scrap wood together and laid a bigger piece across the top.  He came to me and said, "Look dad, I'm making a table to give to mommy for Christmas."

You know what son?  That's very thoughtful of you.

DIY: Wall Hanging Arts & Crafts Book Shelf - Made with Scrap Lumber

TIPS: The following measurements may be substituted.

1.5" = 1x2's
2.5" = 1x3's
3.5" = 1x4's
5.5" = 1x6's

Use caution working with solid lumber wider than 1x6's.  Especially soft woods such as pine.  I find they show a greater propensity to warp, twist and cup.  Gluing boards side by side, otherwise known as a glue up, will offer greater stability across the project.

Cut List

8 - Shelf Pieces @ 22" x 3.5"
Lots of scrap Lumber pieces @ 1.5" wide

Step 1

Glue scrap pieces of lumber together to create the desired height for each shelf.  Great family project with the children. 

Step 2

Two 1x4's edge glued together make a good shelf depth for children's books.  Glue the stacks of scrap lumber to the top of each shelf.  You can tack from the underside with brads, secure with screws or just wait for the glue to dry.  Then place each subsequent shelf on top of the first.

Final Thoughts

I would not exceed a 24" span if using nominal 1" lumber (3/4" actual) for the shelves if you intend to store books on this.  Just say no to shelf sag.

This arts and crafts book shelf can be hung on a wall by routing a couple key hole slots in the back of the top shelf or the top two shelves.  In the United States, yellow drywall anchors will hold about 40 lbs each.  Consider what you will be storing on the shelf and plan accordingly.

This would make a great family project that you can do with young children.  They love to feel like they are part of the grown up world, if only for the moment.

Find me on Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest.  Also be sure to check out my YouTube channel for lots of great project videos.  If you see any of these project designs that you would like to see a video for, let me know.  If I get enough interest in one I will be sure to build and upload.

Until then,

Happy DIYing!!