18 Playful DIY Kids Bookshelf Ideas That Will Make Reading Fun

Last updated on January 18, 2021

These DIY bookshelf ideas will make a fun addition to your child’s room and encourage them to read. Read on!

Getting your kid interested in reading may or may not be challenging (it all depends on your child, of course). Some of our kids like reading, other’s less so. But it’s a good habit to get them into. And a fun, attractive kids’ bookshelf in their room is definitely a must. It has to fit into decor too. Better yet if they can help you with this DIY project as well!

How to Build a Kids’ Bookshelf

The only difference from a regular bookshelf is the smaller size and playful design. Here are the steps you can take:

  1. Choose the material – either wood boards, or repurposed materials (crates are awesome for this).
  2. Measure and cut the wood for the shelves.
  3. Measure and cut the wood for the legs.
  4. Assemble using wood glue and screws.
  5. Paint in playful colors. This is the ideal time to engage your kids too!

These are very basic and simple steps, but essentially, that’s all there is to it! You can get any plans for a bookshelf to follow. It gets even easier with the following ideas.

Book Bin

2/19
DIY book bin
Source: thislittlestreet.com

This is an excellent addition to a kid’s bedroom or playroom. Reinforcing the bottom of the book bin with pieces of 2×2 will ensure it holds the right amount of weight. Follow this website to see the entire guidance and instructions.

Dollhouse Bookcase

3/19
Cutest Dollhouse Bookcase
Credit: icanteachmychild.com

A dollhouse bookcase is an excellent addition to a princess nursery or a little girl’s room. It can provide storage for bedtime storybooks and a lot of other useful odds and ends. Check out the tutorial for the complete guidance and instructions.

Dresser Drawer

4/19
Bookshelf From a Dresser Drawer
Credit: addisonmeadowslane.com

Armed with a dresser drawer, a circular saw, a level, tape measure, a screwdriver, adjustable clamps, and few other tools and materials, you can create this DIY kids’ bookshelf. See the link to get the full plans.

Storage Crates

5/19
DIY Book Storage Crates
Credit: readingconfetti.com

These book storage crates are as beautiful as they are functional; they can add freshness and whimsy to just about any space. Grab some wooden crates and get to creating. Read the link to learn how to do it.

Book Crate

6/19
DIY Book Crate
Website: notimeforflashcards.com

For this book crate, you will need a wooden crate, paint, some foam brushes, scissors, drop cloth, a dish, and an old book you would not mind cutting up. Follow the article to find out how it’s done.

Book Rack

7/19
DIY Bookshelf
Source: fixthisbuildthat.com

If you need to tame the books and toys strewn across your kid’s room and do so in grand style, this bookshelf is something you should consider. Check out the link to get the complete guidance.

Rustic Bookcase

8/19
DIY Bookcase
Website: shanty-2-chic.com

These double bookcases are ideal for children who share a room or for a child who loves reading and has a lot of books and toys to store. See the tutorial to see how to do it.

Shelves On Wheels

9/19
Bookcase
Website: thisoldhouse.com

The shelves on this bookcase are deep and wide and can accommodate a variety of craft supplies or books. They roll on wheels, so this makes it easier to rearrange the furniture. Check out the article to find out how to do it.

Wall Shelves

10/19
bookshelf DIY
Site: thefestiveco.com

This artful wall of bookshelves provides a remarkable way of beautifying the room and providing lots of storage space for the little readers in your life. See the link to access the full plans.

Crocodile

11/19
DIY Crocodile
Credit: instructables.com

This crocodile bookshelf for children provides remarkable storage for the little animal lover in your life. The materials used include cardboard, paper, glue, acrylic paint, and a hot glue gun. Read the tutorial for the complete details and instructions.

DIY Baby Bookshelves

12/19
 Baby Bookshelves
Website: abeautifulmess.com

This series of sleek bookshelves are a fantastic way to add a decorative element to space while providing function and well need storage for books. Follow this website to get the full plans and instructions.

Kids’ Wooden Bookshelf

13/19
Wooden Bookshelf
Source: bunnings.co.nz

This easy-to-make wooden bookshelf is a storage unit that allows you to display books or toys belonging to your child. It can be painted to suit their tastes and room decor. See the link to find out how to do it.

Four Sided

14/19
Four Sided Bookshelf
Credit: buildsomething.com

This four-sided bookshelf for children is super fun, quite versatile, and provides lots of storage space. It can be used in just about any room in your house. Follow the link for the complete plans and instructions.

Dollhouse Bookshelf

15/19
Dollhouse Bookshelf
Website: simpleasthatblog.com

Made in dollhouse style, this cute little bookshelf can be painted in different colors to match or complement the décor of the room. It provides spacious storage for toys and books. Check out the tutorial to see how to do it.

Rain Gutter Bookshelves

16/19
Rain Gutter Bookshelves
Source: anikasdiylife.com

At the perfect height for kids, this bookshelf provides the easy access and convenience needed for children to get to the books by themselves. It is also easy to make. Follow the tutorial to find out how it’s done.

Industrial Style

17/19
Industrial Bookshelf
Source: cherishedbliss.com

This is a great DIY project, and even beginners will find the process of creating it to be reasonably easy. A table saw, miter saw, sander, nailer, and drill can get you started. Check out the article to see how to do it.

Cloud Ledges

18/19
Cloud Bookshelf Ledges
Source: howtonestforless.com

These bookshelf ledges, made to resemble floating clouds, are perfect for inspiring children to read and dream big dreams. They are quite easy to create. Read the article to see how to do it.

Children’s Wall Bookshelf

19/19
Children's Wall Bookshelf
Website: rogueengineer.com

This slim bookshelf is designed to save on space, it holds lots of books, and it makes it easy for children to pick out their favorite books. See this website for the complete plans.

Recap