how to make book ledges shelves for kids’ rooms

We needed book solutions for the boys’ room! I adore children’s books and they are really hard for me to get rid of, maybe because they bring so many happy, comforting memories of my parents and teachers reading to me and also reading at night with my own kids.




We put the series books (berenstein bears, mercery mayer, arthur, etc.) in the milk crates on the bottom of the shelf

For the rest of the books, I used Ana’s plans as a guide to make these super easy book ledges. I wanted them it be in full view and have easy access. And I don’t have little toddlers anymore that delight in yanking them out which is convenient but I really do miss it! We do have little nieces and nephews that let us know what they think of our nicely arranged books when they come. :)
I used primed mdf because I didn’t want to paint! And, keep in mind that they will mostly be covered up with books, so they don’t need to be perfect.
My receipt from Home Depot:

Here are the boards I used for the back and bottom.
And here is the piece I used for the front. I had quite a bit left over, but I detest running back to the store so I always buy extra for mistakes. Remember, if you bring the sizes you want, they will cut them in store for free!
I put them together with my little nail gun and some wood glue, but you could use plain old nails or screws (pre-drill holes first)


My kids said -- it’s like the shelves at the library! I fit 68 books on these shelves, about 5 deep for around $20 and a couple of hours. And they fit in a little corner by the bunk beds in their room. Aren’t books pretty?? I love looking at them.

Happy building!