How do I make bookshelves for paperbacks?

Cecilia Cabanag
by Cecilia Cabanag
  6 answers
  • Do you want to build or buy?

  • Within the Grove Within the Grove on Dec 13, 2018

    Do you have a lot? You can scatter them throughout your home to use as home decor. Here's an image of my media console where I've done that but turned the books around so you see the pages instead of the spine. You can do that in so many spaces in your home!


    https://www.instagram.com/p/BpSJ22llcF-/

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Dec 13, 2018

    Excellent tutorial:

    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/furniture/the-turning-point-diy-corner-shelves-14586490

  • Cindy Cindy on Dec 13, 2018

    Hi Cecilia. I'm Cindy. If you are trying to decide which kind of bookcase you would like to have, I recommend that you take a look on Pinterest. You will get to see different kinds of bookcases, different sizes, different materials, and different depths. Good luck Cecilia and Happy Holidays.

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Dec 13, 2018

    I filled many bookshelves with paperback books when I taught high school history and English. If I had to pay for the shelving (and books) myself, I would go to junk stores and furniture stores first. I would buy bookcases that had scratches, small chunks missing, even a shelf missing, getting the tallest or widest cases I could. Then I would paint them all white, including shelves. The white helped reflect light from the inside of the cases which helped when I was able to use lamps for reading, instead of the glaring overhead lights. Usually, there would be a built-in bottom shelf, top shelf, and a middle shelf or brace. The other shelves sat on little pegs or brackets. I would measure the height of most of the paperbacks, (6-10” most often) and double that. I placed each extra shelf as close to that number as possible. If a shelf ended up taller than needed, that was a good place for my Shakespeare statue. Then I placed a 2x6” board on the back of each shelf to raise the level. One stack of books went on each higher part, then another shelf full on the lower part of each shelf. Paperback are not only shorter than other books, they are not as deep (ha!) as most other books. So two rows on a shelf is for teachers and other paperback fanatics. We can’t get rid of our collections! I finally did a few years after retiring, but it was painful. But the shelves are now for crafts and small tools. I need every inch. Best wishes ☺️