DIY Open Shelf Room Divider

Open shelving units make attractive room dividers.

Room dividers are a great way to divide up a space for multiple functions. They are especially beneficial in rooms that are shared by two or more people because they divide up the space for privacy. Open shelving units break up a room by acting as a false wall, and they are open on either side to avoid blocking light. This keeps the room airy while still making a distinction in the space. These shelving units are relatively simple and affordable to make at home and can be customized to fit your needs.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Plywood
• 2"x2" wood
• Circular saw
• Nail gun
• Wood nails
• Wood filler
• Sandpaper
• Paint or stain
• Veneer (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the area for your room divider. Make exact measurements with a measuring tape---don't rely on estimations. Sketch out the design of your bookshelf and note which pieces you need to cut.

2. Measure parallel pieces for both sides of your shelf, the top and bottom, and each of your shelves. Cut 2"x2" pieces of wood to the depth of your room divider to support the weight of each of your shelves. Because this is an open bookcase, a piece for the back isn't needed.

3. Cut the plywood to size according to your measurements. For extra stability when cutting, nail two sheets of plywood together and cut with a circular saw for your sides and bottom pieces.

4. Imagine a box without a bottom. Lay the top, bottom and side pieces on a flat surface. Prop them up to take the shape of your bookcase. Attach the bottom piece to one of the side pieces using a nail gun. Nail the opposite side piece to the base as well. Follow by nailing the top piece to both sides, completing the box.

5. Stand the case upright. Draw pencil lines on the inside of each of the side boards, indicating the shelf positions. Nail the 2"x2" pieces in place under the pencil lines to act as shelf supports. Lay the shelf pieces over your support pieces and nail in place, directly to the supports. For extra stability, also nail to the sides of the shelf.

6. Finish the edges of the open shelf. Fill in any nail holes with wood filler and let dry fully before smoothing with a fine-grit sandpaper. The bookcase will be seen from both sides. Sand down all of your edges. Paint or stain if desired to coordinate with your room's decor. Optionally, use a roll-on veneer to add a decorative, clean look to your shelf.

References

• Middlebury University: Bookshelves in a New Design
• HGTV: How to Divide a Shared Kids' Room