Rope Bridge Bookshelf: 7 Steps (with Pictures)

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

Materials

Statlig board from Ikea
Ekby Bjarnum shelf holder pair from Ikea
paracord
steel washers

Tools

Miter saw
Drill press
Lighter

Step 2: Chop

Using the miter saw, cut the wood into several pieces. With the board I had I got:

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.

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81 Discussions

This is so simple but so awesome.

(ouch, that sounded pretty cringy...)

1 reply

Could also double as a cat nap bridge.

1 reply

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!

What is the legnth of the would

1 reply

can't wait to make it!!!??

very cool

Very nice, love the look of it

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.

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 :)

how much did the materials cost you?

That is so cool, thanks for the share.

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!