Bold Modern Bookshelf
Bold Modern Bookshelves – Build your own Bold Modern Bookshelves with. Designed with a chunky face frame and clean modern lines, these shelves bring a strong, timeless look to any room. The plans include adjustable sizing options, so you can build: • Tall bookshelves for maximum storage • Medium console-height bookshelves for behind a sofa or as a TV stand • Low and wide shelves for entryways or under windows Each version is built using the same simple method, with clear diagrams and step-by-step instructions. The shelves can be customized in height, width, and depth, so you can create the perfect fit for your space. also feature: • Video Tutorial showing all the steps and build details • Easy-to-follow diagrams and cut lists • Custom configurator to help you design in exactly the right size for your space • Build photos and real reader projects for inspiration Strong, modern, and versatile—the Bold Modern Bookshelves are part of our full Bold Modern Collection, with matching nightstands, beds, and consoles, all available. 👉 Download the today and start building your own custom Bold Modern Bookshelves!
Specifications
| Project type | Media and Entertainment Centers |
|---|---|
| Room | Storage Solutions |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- Plywood or 1x12 carcass boards (use the Shelf Help configurator to create this cut list and materials list)
- 2x4 face frame boards (length needed: twice the overall height plus the overall width)
- 1x4 bay support boards (length needed: twice the overall width of your piece)
- 1x2 shelf trim (length needed: number of shelves not including top multiplied by the shelf length)
- 1-1/4" and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws
- 1-1/4" brad nails
- wood glue
- wood filler
- paint or stain
Cut List
Cut list is generated in Ana's Free Furniture Design App
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- kreg-jig
- drill
- compound miter saw
- table saw
- nailer
- sander
- Iron
Step-by-step Instructions
Cutting the Plywood Pieces
Use my free carcass configurator to create your carcass design. • Avoid shelf spans greater than 36-40" as shelves may start sagging • Table height is 30" (often used for consoles, especially media consoles) • Counter height is 36" (often used for taller consoles) • Bookshelves can be taller, 60", 72" and 80" are pretty common • Can be used as a bench or coffee table too, go with a 18" height • For a bath vanity, standard is a 32" height, and the 20-1/4" depth - but you can change this up depending on the sink you are using • 11-1/4" is the width I used in the video for a bookshelf. If you go up to 15-1/4" remember the face frame adds 1-1/2" to the overall depth • IMPORTANT: Leave about 3" extra distance at the top shelf because the face frame will take up about 2-3/4" at the top. Click here to use this tool in a pop-up full page view Rip the plywood first into the desired depth, then cross cut from your ripped pieces to get the lengths. You will not need to finish front edges on the plywood. You can also use 1x12s - especially awesome if you are staining. Lay out the pieces and mark pocket hole locations. Drill 3/4" pocket holes (yes, even for attaching the 2x4 face frame in later steps). Assemble the pieces of the carcass with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Step 2
Bay supports add structure to the carcass and help with side to side wobble. The front bottom bay support is required for the look. The top back one is optional. Drill 3/4" pocket holes on the ends and along the top edges. Attach to the carcass, pocket holes on back, with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Step 3
TIP: If you have a table saw, rip the rounded edges off your 2x4s first, making the 2x4s 3-1/4" overall in width. Measure and cut your 2x4 face frame pieces as shown. Attach together with 1-1/2" pocket holes and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws, very carefully placing so the pocket hole are never visible on the exposed edges. You only need one pocket hole on the mitered corner - once you secure with the carcass pocket holes, it will hold it all together.
Measure and cut the 1x2 trim for all the shelves.
Attach with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/bold-modern-bookshelf-custom-sizes