Build a Whimsical Cloud Bookshelf for a Kids' Bedroom
Organize and display your kids’ books and toys with style! Learn how to build this adorable cloud bookshelf with just a few supplies from the hardware store.
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf for a Kid's Bedroom Bookshelf With Cloud Details](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Beauty-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1556013346048.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse
Materials
- (1) 1x10 x 8’ board
- (1) 1x10 x 6’ board
- (1) 1x8 x 6’ board
- (1) 2’ x 4’ sheet of 1/4” plywood
- veneer edge banding (optional)
NOTE: This plan assumes the boards are a nominal width, not actual width. Generally, a 1x10 board actually measures 9 1/4” wide, and a 1x8 board measures 7 1/4” wide. You can also use 3/4” plywood if you’d prefer.
Tools
- tape measure
- pencil
- carpenter’s square
- cordless drill/driver
- table saw or circular saw
- jigsaw
- pocket hole jig
- brad nailer or hammer
- stapler
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- dust mask
Cut List
- (2) 1x10 @ 35 1/4” (sides)
- (1) 1x10 @ 24” (top)
- (3) 1x10 @ 22 1/2” (shelves and bottom ripped to 8 1/2” wide)
- (3) 1x8 @ 22 1/2” (cloud fronts)
- (1) 1/4” plywood @ 36” x 24” (back panel)
For specific dimensions and 3D diagrams, download the PDF plans.
Measure and Cut the Pieces
Using the cut list above, measure, mark and cut the boards to length.
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Measure and Cut the Pieces Cutting Wood Pieces](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1556013345779.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse
Drill the Pocket Holes
Pocket hole joinery involves drilling a pilot hole at a slight angle into one board, then joining it to a second board with a self-tapping screw. Pocket hole joinery is a fast and reliable way to join boards and create a strong joint.
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Drill the Pocket Holes Drilling Pocket Holes in Wood](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1556013345442.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse
Using a pocket hole jig, drill 3/4” pocket holes into the two sides of the bookshelf. Attach the sides to the top with 1 1/4” pocket screws and wood glue. Whenever possible, try to drill downward and use gravity to your advantage.
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Pocket Hole Joinery Drilling Pocket Holes in Wood](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1556013345281.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse
Cut the Shelves
Measure, mark and cut the 6' 1x10 board to length for the shelves, then rip the shelves to 8 1/2” wide on a table saw or circular saw.
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Cut the Shelves Cutting Wood Shelves With Table Saw](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1556013345522.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse
Attach the Shelves
Drill 3/4” pocket holes into the ends of the shelves and attach them to the sides with 1 1/4” pocket screws and wood glue. Notice that the shelves are flush to the back, to allow space for the cloud fronts.
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Attach the Shelves Attaching Shelves for Bookshelf](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-5.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1556013345192.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Complete Carcass Bookshelf Carcass](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-6.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.862.85.suffix/1556013344694.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse
Optional: Apply Edge Banding
If you’re using plywood, use iron-on adhesive edge banding to hide the raw plywood edges.
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Add Edge Banding Ironing Edge Banding Onto Bookshelf](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-7.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1556013344951.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse
Draw the Cloud Shape
Using a round pot or bucket as a guide, trace a cloud shape onto the boards. Don’t worry about perfection here – clouds are whimsical and organic!
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Draw the Cloud Shape Tracing Cloud Shapes Onto Wood](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-8.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1556013423638.jpeg)
Cut Out the Cloud Shape
Use a jigsaw to cut the cloud shape out. Switch out a general purpose blade for a scroll blade on the jigsaw for more control, tighter curves and to minimize tear-out.
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Cut Out the Cloud Shape Cutting Cloud Shape Out of Wood With Jigsaw](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-9.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1556013416868.jpeg)
Paint the Clouds
Feel free to personalize these shelves. I used my CNC machine to carve the kids’ names on the fronts. Use paint or stencils and get creative!
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Paint and Personalize the Clouds Spray Painting Cloud-Shaped Bookshelf Fronts](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-10.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1556013345099.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse
Attach the Cloud Fronts
Apply glue to the edges of the shelves and attach the cloud fronts with 1 1/4” brad nails.
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Attach the Cloud Fronts Attaching Cloud Fronts to Bookshelf](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-11.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.440.85.suffix/1556013344211.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse
Attach the Back Panel
Measure, mark and cut 1/4” back panel to size. Attach it to the back of the bookshelf with 1” staples and wood glue.
![DIY Cloud Bookshelf: Attach the Back Panel Attaching Back Panel to Bookshelf](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Step-12.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1556013344060.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse
Decorate It
Fill the finished bookshelf with your kids' favorite books, toys and other treasures.
![DIY Bookshelf With Cloud-Inspired Details DIY Cloud Bookshelf](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/4/23/0/Orig_Jen-Woodhouse_Cloud-Bookshelf-Beauty-2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1556013345855.jpeg)
Jen Woodhouse