Introduction: Rope Bridge Bookshelf
The rope bridge bookshelf lets books have a relaxed home when they're not being read. It can be rough being opened and left in all sorts of locations during the reading process and the books have earned a nice break.
Step 1: Supplies
- Statlig board from Ikea
- Ekby Bjarnum shelf holder pair from Ikea
- paracord
- steel washers
- Miter saw
- Drill press
- Lighter
Step 2: Chop
- 2x 2.5" pieces
- 11x 2" pieces
Step 3: Drill
Using the drill press I drilled out pairs of holes in all of the pieces. I clamped a couple of pieces of wood to the drill press to make sure that all of the holes would be aligned correctly.
Step 4: Start the Paracord
Cut off two lengths of paracord and singe the ends with your lighter to prevent fraying. Tie a knot in one end and start feeding it through the pieces of wood.
To make the knots extra secure, use the lighter to melt the knot into a gooey mass.
Step 5: Washers
String the cord through all of the pieces of wood, using the steel washers as spacers. I used three for each gap.
Step 6: Add the Bracket
Use the included hardware that came with the Ekby Bjarnum to attach the bracket to the wood.
Step 7: Hang It Up!
Find a nice spot for your bookshelf and install it! I used a few drywall anchors to keep everything nice and secure.
Now find some books that deserve a nice rest and put them down on it.
79 Comments
5 years ago
This is so simple but so awesome.
(ouch, that sounded pretty cringy...)
Reply 5 years ago
Didn't sound "cringy." Thanks for the comment.
6 years ago
Could also double as a cat nap bridge.
Reply 6 years ago
Mine would love it too... if only they could fit... >(^-^);<
6 years ago
Very imaginative design! Very well executed!
I was thinking of a series of shelves arranged as wall art, and the rope bridge would compliment the design wonderfullly!
7 years ago
What is the legnth of the would
Reply 7 years ago
*wood
7 years ago on Introduction
can't wait to make it!!!??
7 years ago
very cool
7 years ago on Introduction
Very nice, love the look of it
8 years ago on Introduction
Hey, I just discovered your shelf and really like it. Very cool!
Have you built a shelf double the length? If so, how well did it work? What did you learn to make it work.
One obvious thing I can think that will be a challenge is the weight. Drywall anchors probably are not strong enough to hold, but maybe locating wall studs so that it can be screwed in security.
8 years ago on Introduction
Ah, Just when I was looking for an aesthetically pleasing shelf to put a few books and computer games on, I find this :D
Thankyou :)
9 years ago on Introduction
how much did the materials cost you?
9 years ago on Introduction
That is so cool, thanks for the share.
10 years ago on Introduction
Here is my Rope Bridge Shelf :)
https://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F2S/5LZQ/H7997RK6/F2S5LZQH7997RK6.THUMB.jpg
I used 5mm steel wire for more strength.
Thank you for this helpful project!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
How long did it take to build one?
Selda@Miami
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I worked inefficiently and it lasted one week. It could had been ended earlier.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Nice! Good call on the wire, too. The paracord has held up, but stronger is better.
12 years ago on Step 7
i LOVE THIS it would make a cool cat bed if you put carpet on the top of it.
Reply 12 years ago on Step 7
That's exactly what I was thinking! It would just have to be a bit bigger.