Space-Saving Bookcases
Utilise space under the stairs with a customised book storage system. By Ed Frendo
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Utilise space under the stairs with a customised book storage system.
This simple bookcase system
was customised to make
better use of an area under
the stairs. Since the
existing free-standing cubed unit was
deeper than most books require, it
didn’t utilise the height and created
even more shadows. The space was
untidy and appeared neglected.
Usually the highest shelves are at
the base for sturdiness but, because
the big books are sometimes the best
looking and most-often used, these
shelves alternate between 240mm and
330mm and are fixed for strength.
The tallest unit is 2144mm, the
middle is 1538mm, then 932mm. To
keep the cost down, the units are
made from 18mm MDF (supplied by
Gunnersons, www.gunnersens.com.au),
but if we’d used a thicker timber, they
could have been slightly wider.
Make it easy on the eye by
designing the shelves of each unit
to line up. Finish them in a bright,
reflective colour to lighten the area.
Easy construction
As far as shelving goes, it doesn’t
get simpler than this. Alter the
dimensions to suit your space.
storage
As for any project that requires
identical sizes, have pieces cut by
a cabinet-maker or sheet material
supplier. Since there are only
two different shelf spacings
(see Diagram 1) use spacer blocks
to save on repetitious measuring.
BEFORE
Books were packed in and overflowing while all the available space wasn’t being utilised.
STEP 1
Attach the top to one side
Round over all edges using a
router with a 5mm rounding over bit.
Screw and glue the top piece to one
side with 50 x 8g screws, ensuring the
top is flush with the top edge of the
end. Use the 240mm spacer to attach
the first shelf.
STEP 2
Position the shelves
Screw and glue the next shelf
in position, using the 330mm spacer
between the two, ensuring the shelf
is firmly set against the spacer block.
Repeat using the 240mm spacer for
the bottom shelf.
STEP 3
Attach the remaining side
Rotate the cabinet on the
workbench and attach the other
side, gluing and screwing shelves
into place. For accurate positioning
use the corresponding spacer blocks,
beginning from the top shelf and
working down.
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