How to Make a Mirrored Bookcase

The mirrored tiles in this bookcase require little effort to install.

Displaying books, trophies and other knickknacks around your home requires a display shelf or bookcase. Choosing a bookshelf with a mirrored back allows you to see all sides of the object displayed. You can purchase a mirrored bookcase at your local home store or have one built for you by a carpenter. However, these options are expensive. Making your own allows you to create a custom display shelf for less money without needing to have a lot of carpentry know-how.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• 2 pine boards, 12-by-67-by-1 inches
• Miter saw
• Wood glue
• 5 pine boards, 12-by-13-by-1 inches
• Rubber mallet (optional)
• 20 nails, 2 inches
• Hammer
• Pine board, 12-by-14-by-1 inches
• Plywood, 14-by-67-by-1 inches
• 19 nails, 2 inches
• Wood stain
• Paint (optional)
• Paintbrush
• Construction adhesive
• 5 unframed beveled mirrors, 12-by-12 inches
• 5 towels
• 5 books

Instructions

1. Mark one long side of each 12-by-67-by-1-inch board every 12 inches, starting at the top edge. Make each mark 1 inch wide, and begin measuring for the next 12-inch segment at the bottom edge of the 1-inch mark. Once you have marked each board completely, you will have two extra inches at the end of each board, which will be the feet of the bookcase.

2. Cut out the 1-inch marks using a miter saw to a depth of 1/2 inch; cut each mark as a groove across the width of the board. The result should be a series of 1-inch grooves that are 1/2 inch deep.

3. Squeeze a line of wood glue into each of the 1-inch grooves on the first board. Place a 12-by-13-by-1-inch board into each of the 1-inch grooves. If necessary, tap the other end of the smaller boards with a rubber mallet. Secure the smaller boards in place using 2-inch nails. Place one nail on either side of each of the smaller boards.

4. Squeeze a line of wood glue into each of the 1-inch grooves on the second board. Place it on top of the ends of the 12-by-13-by-1-inch boards. Use the rubber mallet to tap the smaller boards into the larger board’s grooves.

5. Set the bookcase upright with the 2-inch legs on the ground. Apply wood glue to the top of the two longer boards. Place a 12-by-14-by-1-inch board on top of the bookcase. Ensure the edges are flush and secure it using 2-inch nails. Hammer two nails through the top of the smaller board into the larger boards.

6. Place a piece of 14-by-67-by-1-inch plywood against the back of the bookcase. Secure it in place using 2-inch nails. Place one nail every nine inches on the long boards. Place one nail in the center of each smaller board.

7. Stain or paint the bookcase the desired color. Let the paint or stain dry overnight. Apply a second coat, if necessary, for complete coverage.

8. Turn the bookcase on its back. Squeeze construction adhesive onto the plywood back. Press a 12-by-12-inch unframed beveled mirror into the construction adhesive, one on each shelf.

9. Place a towel on top of each mirror. Place a heavy book on top of each towel to weigh the mirror down. Let the adhesive dry overnight before setting the bookcase back up.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust the measurements as desired to create a bookshelf to fit your custom needs.

Resources

• Target: Frameless Beveled Mirror Tiles