12 Free Bookcase Plans
Building a bookcase is a simple woodworking project, great for beginner and advanced-level DIYers. There are many bookcase variations, ranging from tall and skinny to grand built-in bookshelves. We’ve found the best bookcase plans that meet many needs.
1. Modern Bookshelf DIY
Customize a simple bookcase like this with paint, stain, or molding to fit your style. Left unfinished, it has a modern, uncluttered look.
Shara from Woodshop Diaries provides this bookcase plan that requires minimal lumber. You will need a few tools to complete this project, including a miter saw, circular saw, Kreg Rip Cut, Kreg AccuCut, and a router.
2. Free Built-In Bookcase Plans
Built-in bookcases give a room a high-end feel but can be intimidating to build. The DIY Playbook shares how they tackled an entire wall of built-ins with easy step-by-step instructions.
The built-in bookcase plan is in two parts – one for the base cabinets and the other for the shelving units. Use this plan as a guide and customize it to fit the dimensions of your room.
3. Restoration Hardware Inspired Bookcase DIY
If you’ve been eyeing a store-bought bookcase, but it’s out of your price range, build it yourself. The Infarrantly Creative will walk you through assembling a Restoration Hardware-inspired bookcase for only $60.
The bookcase DIY plan includes a material list, assembly, and finishing instructions.
4. DIY Kids’ Wall Mounted Bookshelves
Children’s IKEA bookshelves are mounted on the wall as a decorative solution for displaying books. If you can’t find any near you, build your own with this plan from Our First Homestead.
These mounted DIY shelves require only a few materials and are a good project for novices. You can complete this build in one afternoon.
5. Geometric DIY Bookshelf
Geometric bookshelves give a modern spin to standard bookcases, providing a place to store books and home decor. The Created Home built these using reclaimed wood, but you can also use 2×2 boards.
The wood you use will change the look of the bookcase, and you can also stain or paint the lumber if desired.
6. Easy to Build Book Ledges
Book ledges are the easiest type of bookcase to build and customize. They feature only three pieces – a backer board, shelf, and ledge.
Refresh Living provides a tutorial for assembling wood book ledges. Feel free to change the dimensions and type of wood to suit your space.
7. Cheap and Easy Bookcase Plan
Build this bookcase for only $60 and in less than an hour. The shelf measures 8′ x 3′ and is lightweight, so it’s easy to move around.
Aeray shares this cheap and easy bookcase plan on Instructables with a material list, tool list, and assembly instructions.
8. DIY Stacked Bookcase
Intermediate to advanced woodworkers can tackle this stacked bookcase from Kreg Tool. It features three open shelves separated by spacers for a “stacked” illusion.
The plan includes written instructions and a downloadable PDF. The design is fit for modern and mid-century modern style rooms.
9. Sweet and Small Bookcase
Use this small bookcase to fill an awkward niche or as a bedside table. You can stain it or paint it to fit with all types of decor, and its two shelves will hold books and accessories.
Saws on Skates provides written assembly instructions on their blog and offers a free PDF plan if you sign up for their email list.
10. DIY Rotating Bookshelves
If you need to save space, try a rotating bookshelf. You can fit books on all four sides, allowing lots of storage.
Anikas DIY Life designed the plan for this homemade bookshelf that utilizes plywood. She shares a YouTube video and detailed instructions.
11. Homemade Bookshelf from Scraps
Turn your leftover lumber scraps into a small bookcase with this tutorial from Addicted 2 Decorating. Even if you don’t have any scraps, the required material is inexpensive.
After you complete this quick project, you can paint or stain the wood to your liking and use these shelves as a side table or an asset to your home office.
12. Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Plan
The tapered legs at the bottom of this simple bookcase give it a mid-century modern feel, ideal for retro-inspired rooms. The bookcase is easy to build and only requires a circular saw, jig saw, and drill.
Modern Builds shares a free PDF download of this plan that outlines materials and assembly instructions.