DIY Kids Bookshelf: Encourage Reading with a Custom Shelf
Create a colorful, accessible bookshelf that will spark your child's interest in reading while keeping their books organized and visible. This beginner-friendly woodworking project can be completed in just a few hours using basic tools and affordable materials. Perfectly sized for children at 24 inches tall, this bookshelf makes books easily accessible and encourages independent reading habits. Customize with colors and themes that match your child's interests and involve them in the decoration process for a fun family project.
What You'll Learn
Basic woodworking skills including measuring, cutting, and assembly
How to create a child-safe, accessible furniture piece
Techniques for finishing wood with non-toxic materials
Design principles for creating spaces that encourage reading
Creates a dedicated space for books that encourages regular reading
Teaches children to value and organize their books
Provides an opportunity for family bonding during the building and decorating process
Saves money compared to purchasing commercially made children's bookshelves
Materials and Tools Needed
Everything you need to get started with this project
Tools
Materials
Safety First
Wear gloves when sanding to protect your hands from splinters.
Use safety glasses when drilling or cutting to protect your eyes from debris.
Always secure the bookshelf to the wall with L-brackets to prevent tipping accidents.
Sand all edges and corners to remove any sharp points that could harm children.
Use only non-toxic, child-safe paints and finishes for furniture that will be used by children.
Keep small hardware like screws away from young children during the building process.
Video Tutorial for DIY Kids Bookshelf
How to Build a Simple DIY Kids Bookshelf
Watch this step-by-step tutorial on creating a custom bookshelf that will encourage your children to read more.
Project Steps for DIY Kids Bookshelf
Step by Step Guide
Measure and Cut the Wood
Measure and mark your 2x4 boards for cutting: four pieces at 24 inches for legs, two pieces at 36 inches for top supports, and two pieces at 24 inches for bottom supports. Cut the plywood sheet into three equal pieces measuring 12x36 inches for the shelves. Use a handsaw or miter saw for straight, clean cuts.
Sand All Wood Pieces
Sand all wooden pieces with 150 grit sandpaper, paying special attention to the cut edges and any rough spots. Round the corners and edges slightly to prevent splinters and make the bookshelf child-friendly. Wipe all pieces with a damp cloth to remove sawdust before assembly.
Build the Basic Frame
Start by creating the sides of the bookshelf. Attach the top 36-inch supports to the 24-inch legs using wood glue and screws. Make sure the corners are square using a square tool. Add the bottom 24-inch supports in the same manner. You should now have a rectangular frame that will be the main structure of your bookshelf.
Add the Shelves
Position the three plywood shelves at equal intervals (approximately 12 inches apart) within the frame. Apply wood glue to the supports where the shelves will rest, then place each shelf. Secure with screws, drilling through the supports into the shelves. Check that each shelf is level before moving to the next one.
Paint and Decorate
Apply non-toxic paint to the entire bookshelf. Consider bright colors that will appeal to children or themes that encourage reading, such as painting each shelf a different color of the rainbow or adding simple designs like stars or animals. This is a great step to involve children in the project. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats.
Apply Finish and Secure
Once the paint is completely dry, apply a clear protective finish like Minwax Polycrylic to protect the surface from wear and make it easier to clean. After the finish has dried according to the manufacturer's instructions, secure the bookshelf to the wall using L-brackets to prevent tipping. Locate wall studs using a stud finder for maximum security.
Tips and Tricks
Creativity Tips:
Paint book spine designs on the front edges of shelves to inspire reading
Add small labels with categories like 'Adventures' or 'Animals' to help with organization
Use stencils to add favorite book characters or educational elements like letters and numbers
Consider adding small wooden dividers to create sections for different types of books
Relaxation Tips:
Make this a mindful project by focusing fully on each step of the process
Play soft music or audiobooks while working to enhance the connection to reading
Take breaks between steps to read a story with your child
Involve children in age-appropriate tasks like helping choose colors or painting simple areas
How to Use
Daily Reading Routines:
Organize books with covers facing outward to make selection easier for young readers
Rotate featured books weekly on the top shelf to encourage exploration of different stories
Create a reading chart nearby to track books read, offering small rewards for milestones
Establish a daily reading time when books are selected from the shelf for family reading sessions
Maintaining Your Bookshelf:
Dust the shelves weekly to keep books clean and allergen-free
Check periodically that the bookshelf remains securely attached to the wall
Involve children in regular book organization as a habit-building activity
Touch up paint as needed, particularly on high-use areas like shelf edges
Activity Idea: Themed Reading Corner
Create a complete reading nook around your new bookshelf. Add a small rug, cushions, and perhaps a canopy or tent-like structure to make a cozy space dedicated to reading adventures. This designated area signals to children that reading is a special, enjoyable activity worth having its own space in the home.
Educational Benefits
A custom kids bookshelf offers numerous benefits beyond just storing books:
Literacy development - Easy access to books increases daily reading time, building vocabulary and comprehension skills
Independence - Low-height shelves allow children to select and return books without adult assistance
Organization skills - Children learn to categorize and care for their books properly
Value of reading - A dedicated space for books communicates that reading is important in your family
Visual cues - Books with covers facing forward act as visual reminders to read, unlike spine-out traditional shelves
Cost savings - This $30-50 project replaces commercial children's bookshelves that typically cost $100+
Personalization - Custom themes and colors create a more engaging reading environment than store-bought options
Pride of ownership - Children take special care of furniture they helped create
Project Variations
Toddler Reading Cart (Ages 2-5)
Create a mobile book cart with wheels and lower height (18 inches) for toddlers. Use thicker plywood for durability and add rounded wooden dowels as side rails to prevent books from falling out. Paint with alphabet letters or simple shapes to reinforce early learning concepts. Estimated cost: $40-60 with the addition of caster wheels.
Reading Nook Bookshelf (Ages 6-10)
Expand the basic design to include a small bench area between two bookshelf towers. Add cushions for seating and a small overhead shelf for a reading light. This creates a dedicated reading space that encourages longer reading sessions. Paint with favorite book themes or characters. Estimated cost: $75-100 for the expanded materials.
Study Bookshelf with Desk (Ages 11-12)
Modify the design to include a fold-down desk section that converts from a bookshelf to a homework station. Add cork board or magnetic sections for notes and school reminders. Include divided sections for textbooks versus recreational reading materials. Use more sophisticated colors and finishes. Estimated cost: $60-90 depending on additional materials.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Making Math Learning Blocks
Common Problems & Solutions
Check that all corners are square and that screws are fully tightened. Add additional support braces between shelves if needed. Always secure the bookshelf to the wall with L-brackets, ideally into wall studs, to prevent tipping.
Surface preparation is key for paint adhesion. Make sure to sand thoroughly and wipe clean before painting. Consider using a primer before applying colored paint, and always finish with a clear protective coat like Minwax Polycrylic for durability.
For longer shelves, add a middle support to prevent sagging. Alternatively, use thicker plywood (3/4 inch instead of 1/2 inch) for shelves that will hold heavy books. Distribute heavier books across multiple shelves rather than concentrating them on one shelf.
Regularly rotate books to keep the selection fresh and interesting. Create themed displays on the shelves that relate to seasons, holidays, or current interests. Involve children in reorganizing their books periodically to maintain engagement.
Add visual cues like color-coded dots or picture labels to help children learn where different types of books belong. Create a simple system appropriate for your child's age, such as organizing by size for toddlers or by topic for older children.
Use a guide when cutting to ensure straight lines. If you don't have a miter saw, clamp a straight board to your work piece to guide your handsaw. For already-cut pieces, sand or trim as needed to create flat, level surfaces before assembly.
Recommended Tools for DIY Kids Bookshelf
DEWALT Brushless 20V Jig Saw
A powerful compact cordless jig saw with easy grip and maximum control, for cuts on lumber and plywood for the bookshelf frame.
DeWalt Brushless Impact Driver
A pro-level control and precision impact driver for assembling bookshelf components with screws.
Stanley 25ft PowerLock Tape Measure
A reliable tape measure for measuring wood pieces to ensure a snug bookshelf fit.
DeWalt Hearing Protection
Rechargeable Bluetooth Hearing Protection Headband to protect years during sawing and drilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wood is best for a children's bookshelf?
Pine is an excellent choice for beginners as it's affordable, lightweight, and easy to work with. For a more durable bookshelf, oak or maple provide greater strength but cost more and require sharper tools. For maximum economy, you can also use good-quality plywood for the entire project, not just the shelves.
How do I ensure my bookshelf is safe for children?
Safety starts with design—keep the height reasonable (24-30 inches) to prevent tipping hazards. Always secure the bookshelf to the wall using L-brackets or furniture straps. Sand all edges smooth, use non-toxic finishes, and check periodically for any loose screws or splinters that might develop with use.
Can my children help with building this project?
Absolutely! Children can participate in age-appropriate ways. Younger children (3-6) can help with design decisions, choosing colors, and supervised painting. Older children (7+) can assist with measuring, sanding, and even some drilling under close supervision. Involving children builds their ownership of the project and teaches valuable skills.
How can I make this bookshelf more engaging for reluctant readers?
Design is key for encouraging reading. Display books with covers facing forward so children can see the engaging illustrations. Add themed decorations related to favorite stories, incorporate reading-time props like puppets on nearby hooks, or add LED string lights to make the area special. Rotate featured books weekly to maintain interest.