How to Add a Bookshelf on the End of the Banquette

Shelving can be added to a banquette in any location.

Adding a bookshelf to an open wood surface of a current piece of furniture is a straightforward task that allows you to install a shelf without requiring brackets or additional supplies. The only necessary material is the shelving board, a support board and wood screws. This shelf can be repeated as desired along the height of the banquette, forming a bookcase of sorts, and can be copied to both ends of the banquette if you want a matched and even appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Shelving board
• Shelving support board
• Saw
• Sandpaper
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Wood screws, 2-inch
• Stain of paint
• Brush
• Sealant

Instructions

1. Measure the depth of the banquette to which the shelf will be installed. Transfer that measurement to the intended shelf board and a smaller shelving support board with the same width and length but a quarter of the depth. Cut the shelf board and shelving support board to fit the banquette using a saw. Sand the rough edges and other edges until all the edges of the shelf board are evenly smoothed.

2. Set the shelf board upside down and place the shelving support board on top of it and parallel to it. Choose a shelving support board that's identical to the shelf board except will only stick out one-fourth as far from the banquette. Slide one of the long sides of the support board over so that it is flush with the side of the shelf board that will touch the banquette.

3. Drill four evenly space holes down through the support board and into the shelf board. Attach them together with wood screws to make a completed shelf.

4. Sand the entire surface of the shelf. Wipe it clean with a dry cloth. Apply a coat of paint or stain to match the banquette. Brush the paint or stain on with smooth, even strokes. Allow four hours for the paint to dry, then apply a second coat. Repeat the process until the dried finish looks like the shade of the banquette.

5. Apply a thin coat of sealant to the shelf in the same manner. Allow four hours for the sealant to dry. Repeat with additional coats until the sealant is on the shelf at the same level as the banquette.

6. Position the shelf up against the wall of the banquette with the help of an assistant. Drill through the inside of the banquette and into the shelf board and shelf support board using a drill bit with a diameter that is visibly smaller than the diameter of the wood screws to make four holes into the back of the shelf.

7. Set 2-inch wood screws into washers and into each of the holes in the banquette and tighten the screws until the heads of the screws are even with the washer and the washer is pushing slighting into the wood.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not put too much weight on the shelf, as its load capacity is based on the stability of the banquette side board, which may be not be able to carry the burden, particularly if the banquette is an antique.

• Do not stand on the shelf since this may tip the banquette.