Bookshelf Plans

When looking for bookshelf plans, the details matter.

Shelf with China

Bookshelves are one of the most versatile and designer friendly pieces of furniture available. From a utility shelf to a complex confection of cutouts and curlicues, the opportunities to define a space, collection or function are limitless. What you do need to keep in mind, though, is integration. Bookshelves can be large, and are almost always boxy. To make them work, you have to pay attention to the rest of the space and choose accordingly.

The following tips will help you choose a bookshelf style that will work best in your room:

• Define your style. Cottage isn't modern, which means that all shelves won't work for all decorative applications.

• Build on what you have. If you have build-ins or other large or distinctive pieces, build a shelf that will complement what you already have in place. If you do want to make a change, like adding a lighter piece of furniture, pull a color, texture or other element that will help your shelf echo something else in the room.

• Pay attention to scale. With potentially large pieces, like bookshelves, scale can be important. It's tempting to make the biggest bookshelf that will fit in the space, but this isn't always the best idea. Existing elements, like windows, fireplaces and wall fixtures help define scale in a room and should all integrate with the shelf you build for the space.

• Consider the future. Build a bookshelf that will either be flexible enough to service another room or area in the same room, or be so utilitarian, or well integrated, that keeping it where it is won't become a problem. If you sell your home, will the shelf be staying or going? If it's a built-in, remember everyone doesn't have a large enough collection of books, or anything else, that a huge bookshelf will necessarily be an asset.

• Invest in Quality. Bookshelves are relatively easy to make, but they can take a lot of punishment over a lifetime, so invest in quality if you can. Inch thick shelves, quality woods and excellent craftsmanship will take a little extra time and money but may spell the difference between an heirloom piece and just another contribution to your community landfill.

All plans aren't created equal. Some sites will have detailed drawings and pictures, while others just offer dimensions and descriptions. To an extent, you get what you pay for. If you fall in love with a free plan or drawing, take the time to look around the comment section of the site to see if anyone has provided feedback on their experience using the plans. It may give you invaluable information about potential problems.

If you're a beginner, a bookshelf or bookcase is a great project, but only if you keep it simple. Leave the special scrollwork for the next project . . . or the one after that. Look for plans that are easy to read. Some diagrams are so crammed with information, with metric conversions and notations, that they can be hard to decipher. Choose something you're comfortable with and that has an easy layout that you can see clearly without a magnifying glass.

The following sites have some great resources for bookshelf plans:

• Floors Shelf for Beginners
• Barrister's Shelves (Lawyer's shelves)
• Lectern Shelves
• Craftsman Bookcase
• Collapsible Bookcase
• Revolving Bookcase
• Simple Bookcase
• Over the Door Bookcase

• Pool Table Pictures
• Rugged Outdoor Wood Dining Table
• Pictures of Wooden Shelves

• Dump Furniture Outlet
• 1950's Retro Furniture
• Free Dining Table Plans
• Wholesale Thomasville Furniture
• Discontinued Thomasville Furniture