Built-in Corner Bookshelves
Use this detailed tutorial to make a built-in corner bookshelf for your home.
And don’t miss the built-in bookshelves around our window and the rest of the living room, including how to build beautiful interior columns.
Come see how to build built-in corner bookshelves. Use our building plans to make your own!
Here is a sketch of the initial thought Cassity had for the built-in corner bookshelves. I love how she draws on top of a photo for a quick idea of how it could look in the space. Genius!
And here is the plan with all the dimensions for our corner bookshelves.
Notes
- Take this tutorial and modify it to the size that you want. Just make all the adjustments according to your space’s needs. I would limit the width to 3′ on either side of the “L”.
- This bookshelf goes floor to ceiling. The space from the top to the bookshelf opening was reserved for crown molding. The space from the floor to the bottom shelf was reserved for the base molding. We personally like tall base moldings and crown. If you plan on using base moldings or crown, add up the height of the molding, plus the face frame width, for your final face frame height.
Materials Used
- (3) MDF Sheets – 4’ x 8’ x 5/8”
- (Approximate 200+) Brad Nails 1”
Tools Used
- Table Saw (optional)
- Circular Saw
- Miter Saw
- Nail Gun
- Air Compressor
- Sanding Block
- Tape Measure
- Framing Square
- Pencil
- Sander Block
- Level
Cut Sheet (length x width x thickness)
- (2) Sides – 96” x 11 3/8” x 5/8′”
- (10) Side Shelf Brackets – 10 3/4” x 1” x 5/8”
- (5) Back Shelf Brackets (short side) – 35 3/8” x 1” x 5/8”
- (5) Back Shelf Brackets (long side) – 45 3/4” x 1” x 5/8”
- (1) Top Shelf Support – see diagram below
- (1) Bottom Shelf – see diagram above
- (3) Middle Shelves – see diagram above
- (2) Top & Bottom Face Frames (short side)– 24 5/8” x 9” x 5/8”
- (2) Top & Bottom Face Frames (long side) – 36” x 9” x 5/8”
- (2) Side Face Frames – 78” x 2 1/2” x 5/8”
- (3) Shelf Face frames (short side) – 22 1/8” x 2 1/2” x 5/8”
- (3) Shelf Face frames (long side) – 33 1/2” x 2 1/2” x 5/8”
Construction Steps
Note To calculate the dimension of “A”
Add the height of the base molding + the width of the face frame. For our bookshelf we needed to add 6 1/2” (base molding) + 2 1/2” (face frame) = 9”.
Note To calculate the dimension of “B”
Measure the opening height from the top of bottom shelf to top of the shelf support (78”). Add up the total face frame widths of the number of shelves within the main opening (3 x 2 1/2”= 7 1/2”. Subtract that number from the total opening of 78”. 78” – 7 1/2” = 70 1/2” Divide that number by the number of shelf openings (4). 70 1/2” / 4 = 17 5/8”. Take 17 5/8” and subtract out the thickness of the one of the shelves of 5/8”. 17 5/8” – 5/8” = 17”. The dimension of B is 17”
This image shows how I butt up all the face frame corners. This way you don’t have to miter any corners. Because we painted it I wasn’t really concerned. If you want, you can miter them, just adjust the dimensions accordingly.
There you have it, built-in corner bookshelf plans just for you. Now it’s your turn to build. Let us know how it turns out!
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Check out all our project plans, including:
diy corner shelf (with storage and matching bench!)
easy and simple wall shelf with pegs
I am the husband of the amazing Cassity of Remodelaholic. I love to problem solve and to design and build things inside and outside the house to make life better. I am a professional Landscape Architect by trade and love the outdoors.
Did you use all mdf for this? Thanks!
Yes! We like using MDF but you could use plywood as well, and you could use regular lumber for face frames, etc if you prefer.
I just finished my take on this project for the wife. Added mortised trim on the front, trimmed around the sides and put on some crown molding that matches the next room over. Looks great! Thanks for the brain food.
Thanks for the comment, Bill! We’d love to see photos if you want to share. You can message us on Facebook or Instagram or email us at hello@remodelaholic.com