Last updated on
Need new unique bookends for your book collection? Make your shelfie count by crafting your own DIY bookends that are functional and personal. These are the best ideas.
Bookends are, of course, the blocks that are placed at both ends of a row of books to prevent them from falling over. But instead of being just heavy blocks, they are designed to add a decorative touch. Needless to say, they are a must in a any shelfie picture.
As a creative project, you can make bookends from many things and materials:
- Wood
- Metal
- Rocks
- Concrete
- Repurposed items (toys, statues, etc.)
The most important aspect of making them (apart from looking good) is to make them heavy enough to hold the weight of books. How heavy? 3.4 lbs should be enough for all purposes, although it really depends on how many books you line up and how big they are.
We should also mention that you don’t even have to treat an object in any special way to be used as a bookend. As an alternative, you can use pretty rocks, toys, even kids’ boots as bookends without any special preparation (except cleaning them). And yet, here are 32 ideas on how to make creative bookends.
How to Make Easy Bookends
How to make easy DIY A-Z bookends. Create your own budget-friendly personalized bookends with some simple craft supplies and wood. Read the article to learn how it’s done.
These bookends were created to add interest to living room built-ins and help support some of the favorite reads. Stacking up plywood is an easy way to build a blocked shape. See the tutorial on Never Skip Brunch to find out how it’s done.
Take a Plain Jane bookcase to the next level with trendy two-toned bookends that you can make using everyday materials. Read the article on HGTV to find out how to do it.
Take a simple shelf and turn it into a bookshelf by making DIY bookends! This is a simple and inexpensive project that works great for kids’ books. Read the article on Upright and Caffeinated to find out how it’s done.
Need an easy gift idea for kids that you can make from one 1x6x6 board? How about a pair of bookends with a rainbow or a pencil? Super cute, simple, and easy to make. Check out Jamie Costiglio’s article to find out how to do it.
These are made from old horse statues by spray painting them. Follow the tutorial on Young House Love to see how it’s done.
Rainbow DIY bookends made with your Cricut can be coordinated to any decor. Use it in your home office, a baby nursery, or just about anywhere. Check out See Lindsay blog to see the full details and instructions.
Learn how to make your own custom fabric covered monogram DIY bookends. It’s so fun to create and self-stick fabric sheets make this project a breeze! Follow the Consumer Crafts tutorial for the full plans.
The items used for this project are cheap and can be found easily. See this Instructable to get the entire details.
This instructable will show you how to make a set of bookends that look like a sword has skewered your book collection. Check out the tutorial to get the complete details.
This 5-minute project will make any bookend sturdy enough to hold a row of books. Check out the tutorial to find out how to do it.
Bookends inspired by the classic arcade hero. Check out the Instructable for the complete guide.
Best and the coolest way to decorate and organize your table. Watch the video for complete guide with instructions.
Invisible Bookends
Bookends are a great way to add a bit of style to your bookshelf, but what about when there’s no room for them? These bookends are actually inserted into the books on each side. Check out the article on A Beautiful Mess to learn how to do it.
Upcycled Kids Boots
There are so many ways that you can make a set of DIY bookends. One of the most creative ideas is using old kids’ boots. Read the link to Reuse Grow Enjoy to learn how it’s done.
Vintage Rolling Pins
You can make DIY bookends out of almost anything, but this vintage rolling pin version is particularly charming. Looks great in a kitchen! See the tutorial on Mod Podge Rocks Blog to learn how to do it.
Brass Bookends
Make them from gilded toy animals. Follow this tutorial on The Kitchy Kitchen to get the complete plans.
Learn how to make these simple, custom pineapple DIY bookends in just a few steps! The supplies are also very budget-friendly. Check out the link to DIY Candy to learn how to do it.
We’re not over the cement trend, and certainly not over the toys-as-decor trend. So put them together in a functional DIY. These are beautiful dinosaur cement bookends. Check out the article on Offbeat Home & Life to see how to do it.
Breathe new life into favorite toys that your kids have outgrown (or that have seen better days) by upcycling them into cool bookends. Check out the link on Canadian Family to find out how to do it.
Make these simple bookends for your mother or friend! Only an hour to make and a total of $10 for materials. Read this Instructable to see the full details and instructions.
DIY Wooden Bookends
TO make these beauties check out the link to Hazel and Gold Designs blog for the entire details and instructions.
These can make a great gift too. See the tutorial on Design Inside the Box to get the full guidance and instructions.
These DIY bunny bookends are perfect for the nursery and kids’ rooms. It’s an easy no-cost project. Follow the article on Just Measuring Up to see the full details and instructions.
This idea is both rustic and personal. It includes a state shape for personalization but you can add anything for your custom touch. Check out the link on Twine and Vines for a complete guide.
Make wooden wildlife bookends. Read this Instructable to find out how it’s done.
These are lamp bookends I made for a baby’s room. They were made with a laser cutter, 3D printer, and a disc sander. See the article to see the entire plans.
Make a modern set of bookends to corral your favorite books in one lovely display in your home. Follow this video to see how it’s done.
Make these wooden bookends from just one plank. Watch the video to find out how it’s done.
DIY Stone Bookends
Make these stylish stones to hold your books. Follow the article to learn how it’s done.
Books won’t ever fall off with these concrete blocks holding them. See the tutorial to see the full guidance and instructions.
DIY Bookends with Organizers
Make bookends that are functional as desk organizers. Check out the article to learn how to do it.
More Like This
20 Cheap Walkway Ideas DIY Benefits
15 Ingenious DIY Pantry Cabinet Ideas
15 Creative DIY Buffet Table Ideas for Your Next Gathering
15 Genius Office Supply Storage Ideas to Boost Your Productivity
15 Garage Organization Ideas to Simplify Your SpaceRecap