It’s the 2nd Wednesday of the month which means Monthly DIY Challenge with my favorite ladies! If you’re new around here, MDIYC is a challenge where myself and 10+ of my blogging friends pick one item to create something with. This month happens to be the lowly 1×2. It might be simple and cheap but it is wildly versatile. You’re going to love what everyone DIY’d this month!!
I was looking to solve a book storage problem in Sophia’s bedroom. She LOVES books but her bedroom is too small for a bookshelf. I decided this little wall at the end of her closet could work much harder in the storage department. She has a little closet here but it’s holding her Dad’s books. We might have a family book problem haha!
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These book ledges are SUPER simple to put together so let’s get started!
You Will Need:
Pine 1×2
Pine 1×3
pencil
1 1/2 inch flat head wood screws
wood stain color of choice
sanding block
rag
How to Build a Book Ledge
First off, you’ll want to measure the space where your book ledge will be located. Our spot is fairly small in width but tall. We decided on 3 shelves at a height that my 7 year old can reach. Each of our shelves are about 23 inches long. I cut all of the wood to the length I needed, sanded each cut edge with my sanding block and then stained each board and left them to dry overnight.
Once the boards were dry put a line of wood glue along the edge of my 1×3 then I attached one 1×3 to the back of the other 1×3 with my nail gun. I repeated this step with all 3 shelves. I decided it would be best to hang them at this point then add the 1×2 ledge to the front. I found the studs in the wall and used my nail gun to attach the book ledge to the wall.
Next I added a line of glue along the front of the book ledge and used the nail gun to attach the 1×2 to the front. Had I put the 1×2 on before attaching the book ledge to the wall it would have been a tight spot to try to get my nail gun in.
Voila! You’re done! Now you can load your book ledge up with books or even pictures! I also added a little floor pouf to this area so my kiddo could sit here and read her books.
Do your kids hoard books? Mine also hoards stuffed animals. Thank you for this Build-A-Bear…
Check out all of the 1×2 Projects from my Friends!!
Want to see ALL the projects from this bedroom makeover?
Pillowcase Stuffed Animal Storage
I love this so much!! Eloise has an excessive amount of books and I’m running out of room for them! Might need to make me some of these 🙂
Definitely!!
This is a PERFECT idea for kids book storage!!!! And keeping them off the floor! We have so many books! They’re always everywhere! Love this 🙂
Feels good to have them off the floor!!
Book ledges are the bomb! 😉 I seriously love them to store the books and make use of space that might otherwise be neglected. Great tutorial.
Thanks friend!
Oh my goodness! I want these for our playroom/teen hangout room Thanks so much for the DIY inspiration!
{BIG hugs}
~ Ashley
These are amazing, Leigh Anne! I love to display books and this is such a fabulous idea!
Love, love, love these! How perfect that you can see everything at a glance and use those books as a bit of decor too!