Introduction: CORNER BOOK NOOK

About: Retired Shop Teacher, Tool Collector, I like Cars, Guitars, Bikes and Electronics. I'd rather Recycle than buy Materials. Definitely Old-School Methods.

This is a simple, modern- design book shelf which fits perfectly in any corner. It is especially suited to a condo, apartment, dorm room or any small space as it has a very narrow profile. It looks unique and can hold a lot of books. It can easily be expanded to any height by increasing the length of the uprights and adding shelves.


Note: As with any bookcase, it is advisable to attach it to the wall to prevent it tipping over.


Supplies

Materials

1 - 16”x 72" X 5/8” piece of MDF shelving ( I recycled some used material I had on hand)

8 feet of door stop moulding

4 stick on felt floor protectors

Self priming paint, sandpaper, brush.


Tools

Carpenter’s square

Brad nailer and 1, 1/4” brads

Mitre saw

Table saw or portable panel saw with guide

Drill, 1/4” drill bit

Step 1: CUT THE PIECES

Cut two pieces 8” x 39” -Uprights

Cut four pieces 8”x 14”- Shelves

A cutting diagram is provided

Step 2: PREPARE THE SHELVES

Use the mitre saw to cut pieces of door mould to fit one edge and one side of each shelf. Nail them on as you go. This will hide the rough edges of the MDF. The other edges will not be visible. *Also, it is built to fit to the right of a corner. To build it to fit to the left, just construct it with the shelf mouldings on the opposite sides.


Step 3: MARK SHELF LOCATIONS AND ASSEMBLE

Place both uprights side by side. Mark the shelf locations on both pieces. Start at the bottom and use a square to get them equal. Leave 11.5” between each shelf (or, leave different spaces depending on the size of your books.) 

There should be approximately a 1” space above the top shelf.

Choose a spot in the middle of each upright just below the top shelf and drill a 1/4” hole for attachment to a wall.

Flip the uprights over and use a square to mark a nailing line in the middle of each shelf location.


Start with the first, or bottom shelf. Check that it fits flat on the floor. If not, attach a wood shim to level it. 

Nail the inside edge to the upright flush with the upright’s outside edge. Place the other upright flush against the outside edge then nail through.

Continue with the other shelves till all four are attached.

Go over the entire structure and nail liberally. Attach felt floor protectors to the bottom.


Step 4: FINISH

Sand the entire structure and fill any holes. Paint with your choice of colour. Place it in your chosen corner but mark the wall at the hole locations. Drill and install wall anchors then fix to the wall with screws before stacking your books.