Building my Bookshelf!

Here's how my husband made me a new bookshelf from scratch:

1. measure the space and draw up ideas

2. shop for supplies (wood, trim, backing, lights, stain, anchoring brackets, wood filler, etc.)

3. build structure of the shelves, according to measurements (bookshelf 92hx72w, individual shelves are 10" deep and 12" tall)

4. add trim pieces to shelf edges, molding to top, and baseboards (using brad nailer)

5. wood filler to all brad and nail/screw holes

6. sand (orbital sander, hand sanding)

7. Gel Stain (we messed this part up by waiting too long to wipe clean)

8. sand off excess stain

9. re-stain (wiping quickly)

10. add LED lighting and install dimmer, wiring between shelves is located in grooves built into the side of the verticals

11. install outlet/plug holes in alternating shelves (so electronics cords can be run through the backboard)

12. move into the space (had about 1 inch clearance through doors)

13. install power strip and make sure the lighting is working properly

14. anchor to the wall (so it doesn't tip forward)

15. load full of books and decor

16. take lots of pictures and videos 😁

#bookshelf #book #books #booktok #BookReview #bookwormsoflemon8 #bookrecommendations #bookaesthetic #reading #readingaesthetic

2024/9/30 Edited to

... Read moreBuilding a bookshelf from scratch is not only a rewarding project but also adds a personal touch to your home. To start, ensuring accurate measurements is vital; this will guide the size of your bookshelf, which should consider the room's dimensions. Using quality materials, like solid wood, is recommended for durability. As you shop for supplies, consider looking into reclaimed wood for a rustic charm or engineered wood for a budget-friendly option. Don't forget essential tools such as a brad nailer and a drill. When constructing the shelves, think about incorporating additional features such as lighting or built-in charging ports to enhance functionality. After assembly, finishing touches like sanding and staining can bring out the wood's natural beauty. Remember, the gel stain application requires quick action to achieve an even finish. If a mistake occurs, the key lies in patience and careful prepping for a second application. Lastly, proper anchoring to the wall will ensure safety and stability, especially in homes with children or pets. Filling your new bookshelf with your favorite books and decor not only showcases your style but also creates a cozy reading nook. Share your bookshelf journey on social media to inspire others in the DIY community!

Related posts

The book "Old Style Conjure" by Starr Casas, featuring a rooster, branches, and bones on its cover, discusses Hoodoo, Rootwork, and Folk Magic.
The book "365 Days of Hoodoo" by Stephanie Rose Bird, with symbols like a wishbone, elixir, candle, chili, mojo bag, and horseshoe on its dark cover, offers daily rootwork.
The book "Who's Who in Egyptian Mythology" by Anthony S. Mercatante, featuring an ancient Egyptian pharaoh's profile on its cover, with a yellow price sticker.
✨My African American Spiritual BookShelf
Over the years, I’ve built a personal library of powerful spiritual books that have guided, grounded, and grown with me. My Hoodoo may not look like yours—even if we’re from the same place. That’s the beauty of ancestral paths: they’re personal. 💫 Here are some of my favorite soul-shifting reads
xoxoAneesa 🌹

xoxoAneesa 🌹

697 likes

spicy 🌶️ books on my bookshelf🔥📚
I don’t read a lot of spice but it’s inevitable when you read a lot of romance! These are the spiciest books I think I own (although I have quite a few I haven’t read on my shelves yet). Have you read any of these? 🥵🔥📖 #lemon8bookclub #lemon8challenge #bookwormsoflemon8 #booksoflemon8 #
bri ⸆⸉

bri ⸆⸉

1024 likes

Building my bookshelf 📚✨🥰
A kindle girl starts a bookshelf (featuring husband and fellow bookish bestie) #books #bookshelf #bookish #bookhaul
Speed Read Brielle 📚✨

Speed Read Brielle 📚✨

11 likes

building my dream bookcase! 📖
Weekend project: building, painting & organising my dream bookshelf 🛠️🎨📖 #books #bookish #bookshelf #DIY #bookshelfgoals
Learebecca4

Learebecca4

23 likes

A three-tier white and clear fluted acrylic spinning bookshelf, filled with books and a plant on top, and illuminated candles on the bottom tier, next to a bed and a wooden desk. The image has text overlay "Aesthetic Decor SPINNING BOOKSHELF".
An empty three-tier white and clear fluted acrylic spinning bookshelf, highlighting its features with text overlays: "Clear dividers to see the books & decor", "Spinning bookshelf", and "Wheels in bottom".
A three-tier white and clear fluted acrylic spinning bookshelf, with books on the top tier and decorative items like a mushroom and a candle on the middle tier. Text overlays indicate "Place books" and "Place Decor".
Aesthetic Decor spinning bookshelf
Let me share with you guys, this aesthetic pleasing, spinning bookshelf that I found on shein. I like how it has the clear dividers so you can see the books that you put in there and I also like that you could put books in the court items. I also like that it spins and it has wheels so I can mov
Yesenia

Yesenia

2050 likes

aesthetic bookshelf ideas for your room 🤍
💐

💐

1697 likes

Building My Dream Bookshelf One Favorite at a Time
Books have always been my cozy escape. ✨ I love reading on Kindle or listening on Audible, but there’s just something magical about holding a physical book in my hands. I’ve been slowly collecting copies of my favorite reads to build the bookshelf of my dreams. What’s a book you loved so much you j
Kat

Kat

9 likes

Reorganize my bookshelf with me 🫶🏽
One of my favorite things about owning so many books is decorating my shelves in them 📚 #reorganizemybookshelf #lemon8bookclub #booksoflemon8 #homelibrary
Kayla 🩷📚

Kayla 🩷📚

1348 likes

Vintage Board Games - Bookshelf
🎲✨ Elevate your game nights with Super Nice Quality and timeless charm! 🌟 Introducing the Vintage Bookshelf Edition, a delightful collection of board game classics that's not just fun but also a Beautiful addition to any home decor. 🏡 Grab Yours Here: https://amzn.to/3RSw352 Dive into the w
Hanginwithhaley

Hanginwithhaley

769 likes

A cozy room featuring a tall white bookshelf filled with color-coded books and decorative items, alongside floating shelves with more books and framed pictures. A white sheer curtain hangs by a window, and a textured blanket is draped over a chair, creating a warm reading nook.
A white bookshelf styled with books, various trinkets like a mushroom lamp and cow print, and decorative candles. The shelves are next to a bed with pink bedding, and framed cherry artwork hangs on the wall, creating a 'Look 1' aesthetic.
A white three-tiered rolling book cart, labeled 'Book Cart' and 'Look 2,' filled with color-coded books. The top shelf has pink flowers, and a small pink stuffed flower in a pot sits on the floor next to the cart.
Bookshelf Ideas!! ✨📖
Bookshelf styling is an art—so why not make it a masterpiece? 📚✨ Stack your books in playful arrangements, mix in cozy candles, lush plants, or sentimental trinkets, and let your shelves tell a story that’s uniquely YOU. Whether you go for color-coded perfection or a whimsically stacked mix, your s
☆ Trinity ☆

☆ Trinity ☆

1835 likes

Parts of a new black and brown bookshelf are laid out on a carpeted floor, ready for assembly, with the text 'Build a new book Shelf with me'.
A black bookshelf filled with books stands next to a dark couch and a tapestry featuring a tree of life design, with the text 'She gave out on me'.
A wooden shelf piece with black metal legs attached is shown on a carpeted floor during the assembly process, with the text 'New shelf arrived, time to build'.
New Bookshelf- Who dis? 📚
What started as just me building a new bookshelf turned into me rearranging my house 😆😮‍💨 My last bookshelf was not really that sturdy and eventually gave out. 😭 I got this new one that had pretty good reviews- I didn’t want anything too big for my small space. I think it works. Until it doe
Reneè Nicole 💫🧿

Reneè Nicole 💫🧿

10 likes

A hand holds a stack of five children's bedtime books, including 'Goodnight Moon,' 'I Love You with All My Heart,' 'Love You Forever,' 'Tiger Tales,' and 'The Goodnight Train,' against a patterned wall. The image is captioned 'Our current BEDTIME BOOKS'.
A hand holds a blue children's book titled 'I Love You to the Moon and Back,' featuring a bear and cub under a full moon. The image is labeled '#1' and states 'Been reading this since day 1'.
A hand holds a blue children's book titled 'The Goodnight Train,' illustrated with a train carrying animals. The image is labeled '#2' and includes the text 'We love a cute train story'.
4 books to add to your toddler’s bookshelf
Bedtime reads are very special📕💤 Reading to your child at bedtime is an invaluable tradition that fosters more than just a routine. It is a nurturing activity that has significant impacts on their cognitive, social, and emotional development❤️ With bedtime stories, kids are exposed to a ri
Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

43 likes

Building our Bookshelf!
For about a year I have been asking my husband if we could build bookshelves rather than having a small bookcase. It would save us on floor space since the shelves don’t go to the floor, and give us more shelf space than a normal bookcase would. A couple months ago my husband made my dreams and i
kylie 📚🐉🏡

kylie 📚🐉🏡

42 likes

Building A Book Nook 📚
Got this super cute book nook kit at Michael’s and decided to spend a whole afternoon (and part of the evening) building it! I think this took my about 6-7 hours to build plus the help of my dad cause I couldn’t figure out the electrical part of it 😂 This was way more time consuming and tedious tha
Allison

Allison

148 likes

A person in a white sweater and striped pants holds a stack of books, including 'Better Than The Movies' and 'Exes & O's'. The image has a 'Bookshelf Inspo' text overlay and a white car in the background.
A wooden bookshelf is neatly organized with various books, including titles like 'The Love Hypothesis' and 'Happy Place'. Decorative items such as small plants, candles, and bookends are interspersed among the books.
A white metal bookshelf with three shelves is filled with books, including titles by Sarah J. Maas and Elsie Silver. Dried flowers hang from the top right, and the text 'Love this one!' is overlaid.
Bookshelf Inspo🎀
Finding new ideas to decorate your bookshelf can be hard but it doesn’t have to be perfect! I decorated mine by finding inspiration on Pinterest and putting all my favorite things from each picture and putting it on my bookshelf!! Here are a few I used!💕 happy decorating #bookshelfideas #
Olivia Withers

Olivia Withers

223 likes

Toy Storage Bookshelf Week 2
Come build a toy storage book shelf with me week 2 I built the frame last week so now I am building in the shelves for the containers to sit. Figuring out the spacing was a little harder than I thought. Making the back legs even with the front took me a couple tries but I eventually got it.
AmandasCozyCasa

AmandasCozyCasa

33 likes

Building my dream cozy corner 📚✨
The first step to building my cozy corner 🤎 I’ve had my eye on this bookshelf from Wayfair Canada for a while, and the timing couldn’t be better!! WayDay 2.0 is live! 🍂 Limited-time deals across every style + budget 🤎 Oct 26–29 only ✨ Wayfair’s biggest sale of the year Find the 🔗 in my b
Shawna Cooper

Shawna Cooper

6 likes

TODDLER SEASONAL BOOKSHELF INSPO 🎃❄️💌🍀🐰🌸🌞
one of my favorite corners in my daughters room… her seasonal book shelf! I love changing out the books for each season / holiday. the only ones i’m missing is christmas + 4th of July. i didn’t take a pictures. what’s your favorite holiday?! MINE?! 4th of July 🇺🇸🎆 #Bookshelf #Seasona
coralynn

coralynn

632 likes

📚My Witchy Bookshelf
These are the books that live on my altar-adjacent shelf. Whether I’m lighting a candle or deciding my next Tarot pull, I always return to these books. ♥️ Lighting the Wick - Candle Magic, actual spells. One of my favorites. ♥️ My Witchy Book of Correspondences - A small author I found. Can t
toriemmott

toriemmott

63 likes

Bookshelf Organization🥰
Can you blame a girl for wanting new shelves?😇 These shelves are absolutely beautiful I cannot get over how perfect they are! Also! I started a Bookstagram if anyone is interested in following! @bookishcharmcreation 🛒They are the Billy Bookcases from IKEA - we bought 3 of the skinnier s
hkonieczny03

hkonieczny03

2539 likes

A collection of clear adhesive hooks with metal hangers are laid out on a pink and white cherry-patterned blanket, ready for organizing purses.
Various purses, including a pink backpack, red shoulder bag, and other small bags, are piled on a wooden floor next to a white drawer and shelf unit.
A white bookshelf unit displays several purses on its shelves, with one brown bag hanging from a hook. Colorful string lights adorn the adjacent wall.
Bookshelf Purse Rack ✨
I found this inspo on TikTok. I definitely need to organize a little more. Please let me know any suggestions to make it look neater. #purse #Lemon8 #lemon8challenge #lemon #embracevulnerability
Neys🍒💋🐆

Neys🍒💋🐆

1179 likes

Viral bookshelf closet
Closet revamp with Walmart/ target bookshelf’s 🥰 #targetfinds #walmarthaul #closetmakeover #fyp
Khalea

Khalea

2425 likes

New To My Bookshelf 💕💚
I made a trip to @barnesandnoble yesterday and picked up “Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband” by @lizziedamiblackburn I’ve heard so many good things about it. My friends and I are doing our first buddy read! 🫶🏾💕 The next book I grabbed was “Tender Beast” by @lisellesambury and hello, do you see this c
rickeashonte

rickeashonte

403 likes

“My TBR Bookshelf Setup + Festive Wallpapers”
I’ve been using the TBR Bookshelf app to track my audiobooks and books — rating each one, building custom shelves, and watching my reading journey grow. They even gifted me these adorable holiday-themed wallpapers — perfect for cozy vibes and bookish inspiration. From “Merry Bookmas” bingo ca
vanessamarie31

vanessamarie31

0 likes

A Maximalist x Minimalist Bookshelf Tour 📚🐛
“You look happier”… Thanks, I am building my dream reading nook!!! ✨🥹 I am so so excited to finally have my first ever book shelf, but let me tell you I went through soooo much just to receive this one. Which is not even the original one I wanted 😭. I originally ordered the 4 tier Kallax book
taylorhanzy

taylorhanzy

27 likes

she ah baddie… her BOOKSHELF a 10 💅🏽📚
she ah baddie… her BOOKSHELF a 10 💅🏽📚 you don’t need more time… you need a new mind. 🧠✨ we’re reprogramming our lives with God at the center. #bookbaddies 💅🏽📚 because she not just pretty… she disciplined. she focused. she changing her life. the information and perspectives in th
AunjahnéGODivaa

AunjahnéGODivaa

0 likes

A white bookshelf filled with various books and decorative items. A large text overlay reads "BOOK SHELF TOUR UPDATED VERSION" with light blue flower graphics. The bookshelf is positioned against a white wall with doors on either side.
A white bookshelf organized into 'Read' (blue highlight) and 'TBR' (yellow highlight) sections. The top shelves contain read books, while the lower shelves are designated for 'To Be Read' books. Decorative items are on top and within the shelves.
A white bookshelf labeled "Library pt 2 Read shelf," showcasing books categorized as "Fantasy," "Romance," and "Fantasy/misc." Decorative items like a cactus, a heart-shaped bookend, and a 'GRAD' sign are on top.
An updated bookshelf tour🥰
Ummm I know it’s been nearly 4 months since I posted… I’ve been busy😭. Also I did hit a MASSIVE reading slump in September. However… I’ve been making moves. I upgraded rooms and bought a very nice bed frame with built in shelves and some cute matching nightstands. I’ve spent some time obsessing
Angelina🫶🏻

Angelina🫶🏻

456 likes

Bookshelf ideas
I need new ideas for my bookshelves #bookshelfideas #cutebookshelf #booklemon8 #cutebookshelf #bookaesthetic
Paige

Paige

1628 likes

Bookshelf appreciation pt.3 ❤️🌷
Beautiful bookshelves inspo and ideas photos I absolutely adore. All photos from Pinterest. #bookshelfideas #bookshelves #booktok #books #bookshelfinspo
Human8492

Human8492

298 likes

bookshelf reorganizing 📚🫶
#reorganizemybookshelf #bookshelforganization
morgansreading 💌

morgansreading 💌

891 likes

A person with braided blonde hair sits on the floor, holding a glass of red wine, looking out a window. Books are stacked nearby. The image features text 'help build my 2025 TBR' and 'lemon8 @authorhannahhamrick'.
Need help building my 2025 TBR 📖
building my 2025 and i need YOUR help! what’s a book that i have to add? my book recs: 📖 summertime friends - hannah hamrick (out now) - second chance - strangers to friends to lovers - forced proximity - american fmc x british mmc - he falls first - mental health rep 📖 we can’t be fri
hannah hamrick

hannah hamrick

15 likes

A white bookshelf filled with various books and decorative items, including a large red teddy bear on a small wooden chair, against a light gray wall.
An empty white bookshelf with three shelves, positioned against a light gray wall and wooden floor, labeled 'before:'.
A collage showing detailed views of a white bookshelf filled with books and decorations, including a red teddy bear, labeled 'after:'.
my new bookshelf 📖🍓
i haven’t been able to have a bookshelf in sooo long because my boyfriend and i didn’t have room in the small bedroom we used to be in. i had to keep most of my books in a building or at my mom’s house and it sucked not being able to display them! now that we have our own apartment, i finally have
morgan 🤍

morgan 🤍

14 likes

A bookshelf altar displaying various items including candles, crystals, statues, a mortar and pestle, and books, with the text 'Neat Things On my bookshelf altar'.
A black cat figurine wearing a witch hat and reading a book titled 'Spells', with text 'Witchy cat Bought in Scotland'.
A collection of wolf figurines, including a blue and white howling wolf and realistic wolves, displayed on an altar, with the text 'My art wolves'.
Neat things on my bookshelf alter
All of these things were gifts the cat from my British grandmother, the wolves and eggs from my fiancé, and my medicine pouch from my Native grandmother. I’ve seen a ton of instructions on how to make an altar, but my setup is my own and I change it every holiday to make me happy. What’s something
Rayne

Rayne

290 likes

Bookshelf Ideas🌸
#cutebookshelf #shelfideas
PreppyGirly13

PreppyGirly13

402 likes

my bookshelf
this shelf is my pride and joy, bf is currently building me a new one so i can expand my collection 🤗🤗 until then enjoy my books and knick nacks #bookshelfideas #books #reading #lemon8bookclub #booktok #readingaesthetic #thrillerbooks #mysterybooks #romancebooks
Ave:)

Ave:)

9 likes

She looks good on my bookshelf 🤩
My next read: Zodiac Academy ♎️ After my husband hearing me talk about this series nonstop, I was gifted the #zodiacacademy for Christmas! 📖 When I tell you how shocked I was to receive the complete series… GIRL! I can’t wait to start this series in 2025 but, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t
K.

K.

326 likes

Updated bookshelf tour! (part 1) 📚
Hi book friends! I hope you’re all doing well today. To kick off the new year, even though we’re well into January, an updated tour of my bookshelves that I have! This’ll be split into four parts, so you can see everything! I’ll start off by sharing the books that I have displayed in th
Lemon8er

Lemon8er

175 likes

KIDS STORAGE BOOKSHELF 📚
Let’s put together my kids bookshelf I got for only $30 from Target 😊 #targetbookshelves #bookshelf #roomdecor
Trice

Trice

8 likes

My bookshelf? More like my FBI watchlist.
If it doesn’t involve morally questionable men, questionable life choices, and at least one death threat disguised as a love confession… I’m not interested. #bookrecommendations #books #read #lustandchaos
✨Literary📚Hangover✨

✨Literary📚Hangover✨

371 likes

bookshelf organization??✨📚
Lmk! Mine are by color, series, and authors mainly. I did start by genre but I like authors together better like at a library lol Candle link in my bio #l8r2023 #Lemon8Diary #bookaesthetic #bookwormsoflemon8 #booksoflemon8 #bookshelf #reading #readersoflemon8 #colorfulaesthe
Jules ✿

Jules ✿

150 likes

The book "Drama Free" by Nedra Glover Tawwab, a New York Times bestselling author, is shown. Its subtitle is "a guide to managing unhealthy family relationships."
The book "Sisterhood Heals" by Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D., is displayed. The cover features smiling Black women and highlights "THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF HEALING IN COMMUNITY."
The book "Influencer" by Brittany Hennessy is shown, featuring a colorful hashtag on the cover. Its subtitle is "BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA."
Hey y’all! Must Add To Your Bookshelf🥰
Outside of writing & reading fictional books, I plan to read 12 non-fiction books this year. One book not pictured is 12 Week Year. It arrives today. I’m being more intentional with what I intake this year & look forward to more recommendations.
Boss Lady Nell💕

Boss Lady Nell💕

113 likes

See more