How to Build a Ledge Bookshelf
Learn how to build narrow floating shelves that are perfect for a kid’s room or living area, or any small space.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_Lead_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1471007466959.webp)
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/profiles/talent/chip-wade/Headshot-Chip-Wade.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.85.suffix/1493740762467.webp)
Short on space? These narrow shelves don’t take up a lot of room, and they provide display space for books, knickknacks or artwork. These instructions are for one single shelf.
Tools and Materials
- 3/4" thick poplar board 3” x 8’
- 1/2” poplar dowel 48”
- (4) 2" cabinet screws
- paint
- chop saw
- circular saw or table saw
- trim nail gun
- drill
- 1/2" forstener bit
- 1/8" drill bit
Cut List:
- Piece A - bottom base: (1) 35-1/4" x 3"
- Piece B - front face: (1) Cut tapered front poplar board with one mitered end and one straight end.
- Piece C - sides: (1) Cut mitered side poplar board to the dimensions shown.
- Piece D - connecting dowels: (4) Cut poplar dowels to 1" long.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_STEP-0.JPG.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1471007466974.webp)
Step 1: Cut Wood
Cut Piece A, B, C and D according to the cut list. Remember, the front piece is a tapered cut with a dimension of 3/4" on one side and 1-5/8" height on the other.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_STEP-1b.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1471007467941.webp)
Step 2: Sand Wood
Sand all the wood to smooth the edges of all sides. Sand dowels only on the ends to a very slight taper for easy placement into holes.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_STEP-2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1471007480666.webp)
Step 3: Mark Layout
Stand Piece A and Piece B together as shown and mark centerlines for dowel holes according to the layout shown below.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_STEP-3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1471007472500.webp)
Step 4: Drill Base Piece
Using a 1/2" Forstner bit and a drill or ideally a drill press, to drill four matching holes. Drill holes 1/2" deep on Piece B and 1-1/2" deep on Piece A. Try to make these holes as straight as possible.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_STEP-4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1471007471234.webp)
Step 5: Attach Sides to Face Frame
Glue and nail Piece B to Piece C along the miter joint.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_STEP-5.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1471007468925.webp)
Step 6: Adhere Dowels to Face Frame
Glue four dowels (Piece D) into Piece B ensuring they are pressed into the bottom of the 1/2" deep hole.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_STEP-6.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1471007471071.webp)
Step 7: Finish or Paint
Prefinish Piece A and the new assembly of Piece B and C separately on all sides with the finish or paint of your choice.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_STEP-7.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1471007473473.webp)
Step 8: Attach Base to Wall
Use a 1/8" drill bit to pre-drill a pilot hole in all four holes in Piece A. Use 2" screws and wall anchors to attach Piece A to the wall at the desired location.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_STEP-8.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1471007475440.webp)
Step 9: Attach Face Frame to Base
Place the assembly of Piece B and C onto Piece A (that is already mounted to the wall). Do not put glue on the dowels, as this allows for removal of the shelf later, if needed, while still concealing the fasteners.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_STEP-9.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1471007475138.webp)
We built these shelves for a child's bedroom. But they are so versatile they can be used in any room of the home.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/8/12/2/Original_Kids-Ledge-Bookshelf_Leav_02_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1471007475464.webp)