it is one of my most cherished projects! It’s so simple. You can easily get “shelf brackets” from any of the large box stores. Available at hardware stores are brackets measuring 4 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches, and all the way up to 16 inches.

There is also the option of purchasing a “rail system,” which will allow you to make an infinite number of alterations to your shelves.

Make sure that you always screw them into the studs, which are located behind the drywall. If you fail to do so, you will be in for a bump in the road, potentially in the middle of the night, as the screws will tear themselves away from the gypsum.

A cordless drill/driver for screws, a stud finder, a straightedge, a marker, and finally a level are some of the tools that I tend to find useful. Nothing is more unattractive than a bookshelf that is not level. Use anything you think looks decent to you, whether it be old lumber that you salvaged or shelving that you purchased from a store. All the best!

How To Build A Wall Bookshelf


Step Description Tools & Materials

Step 1: Plan Your Bookshelf Design



  • Take careful measurements of your space.

  • Create a rough sketch of your design.

  • Gather inspiration from various sources.




  • Tape measure

  • Pencil and paper

  • Inspiration sources (Pinterest, blogs)



Step 2: Build-In Your Bases



  • Install stock cabinets as bases for storage.

  • Add blocking for desired shelf depth.

  • Attach baseboard around the cabinets.




  • Stock upper cabinets

  • 2x4s for blocking

  • Baseboard materials

  • Nail gun

  • Wood screws



Step 3: Prime & Paint



  • Prime and paint all shelving materials while flat.

  • Use a semi-gloss finish for durability.




  • Primer

  • Paint (Simply White by Benjamin Moore)

  • Painting supplies (rollers, brushes)



Step 4: Construct Your Side Shelves



  • Build shelves using 1/2″ MDF panels.

  • Screw the side panels into place and add shelf supports.

  • Add face pieces to all exposed edges.




  • 1/2″ MDF panels

  • 1×4″ bracing pieces

  • 1×1″ pine or similar for shelf supports

  • Wood glue



Step 5: Add The Shelf Across The Doorway



  • Construct a shelf that spans the doorway for an open feel.

  • Secure with headers and additional supports.




  • 1×4″ header boards

  • Wood screws

  • Additional scrap wood for support



Step 6: Nail In Your Face Pieces



  • Add 1×2″ face pieces to cover raw edges for a finished look.




  • 1×2″ pine pieces

  • Nail gun



Step 7: Caulk & Touch-Up Paint



  • Fill seams and nail holes with paintable caulk and wood filler.

  • Touch up paint as needed after caulking dries.




  • Paintable caulk

  • Wood filler

  • Touch-up paint



Step 8: Let Cure & Decorate!



  • Allow paint to cure before adding books and decor.

  • Mix books and decorative items for an inviting display.




  • Books

  • Decorative objects

  • Cabinet knobs or pulls


Is building your own shelving less expensive?


It may differ. Building shelves from scratch is frequently not a cheap do-it-yourself activity, but buying prefabricated shelving and mounting it yourself can often be far more cost-effective than hiring a professional to create bespoke shelves. If you do it right and have the necessary skills, building your own shelves can be less expensive. It’s crucial to do your homework by reading up on do-it-yourself project instructions in order to prevent any damage to your walls during the shelf mounting process, as mistakes can lead to expensive drywall repairs.

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