How to Build an Invisible Bookshelf

An invisible bookshelf is an easy and creative way to display books. It even makes a for a conversation piece when company is over. The bookshelf is made from easy-to-find materials and is a snap to assemble. Once assembled, the invisible part of the bookshelf will have your friends and family trying to figure out how you did it. Read on to learn how to build an invisible bookshelf.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2-inch thick, hardback book
• Medium to large "L" bracket
• Tape measure
• Box cutter
• Flathead wood screws
• Screwdriver
• Glue
• Stack of books or heavy object

1. Find a 2-inch thick book you don't mind parting with. If there aren't any laying around your house, find one for cheap at thrift stores, garage sales and library book sales.

2. Measure the length of the book. Lay the "L" bracket at the center of the back of the book. The book's binding eventually becomes the front of the shelf. Draw the outline of the "L" bracket on the book.

3. Cut into the book so the "L" bracket lays into the section you cut out. It needs to be flush with the first page of the book. Make a notch in the cover of the book so the "L" bracket and the book fit flush against the wall.

4. Use wood screws to secure the "L" bracket inside the book. Weigh down the pages of the book to keep them from wrinkling when you screw the book together.

5. Spread glue over the pages of the book. Place a heavy stack of books or something heavy on top of the book to apply pressure while the glue dries.

6. Allow the glue to set overnight. The glue must dry for the invisible shelf to work.

7. Find a stud in the wall and screw the other side of the "L" bracket into the wall.

8. Place books on the shelf. Stand back and admire your handy work.

Resources

• Bookshelf Ideas and Tips