|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Curtained Bookcase |
Here is an easy set of shelves to put together for that extra bit of storage space.
|
|
|
|
|
We make a simple bookcase that doubles as a storage unit. Perfect for towels and linen, this storage bookcase would look great in a laundry, bathroom or hallway where you don't really want everything on display. As it will only be 290mm wide, it will fit in most narrow spaces.
It would also be useful in a kids' room where you might want to conceal toys and games, keeping them out of sight for safety reasons. We will also cover it with roll-up curtains. This way you can chose whether to have the contents or roll down the curtains to hide everything away.
1
The wood is already pre-cut to the measurements given (see materials list). Start by marking out the shelf positions on each of the four 40 x 40 x 1500mm posts. (See Diagram 1.) Mark the first shelf 41mm up from the bottom of each post and then another 19mm (width of shelf going in) above that. This is where the first shelf will be going in.
2
Measure 361mm up from that point and another 19mm above that. This is to insert the second shelf. Mark another point 360mm and 19mm above that. This is for the third shelf. The fourth shelf is marked out in the same way by measuring 322mm above the previous point and 19mm above that. Lastly, mark the last shelf point 321mm above the previous mark and it should leave 19mm to the top of the post.
3
From the marks on the posts, draw a line around the post to use as a guide when chiseling out the wood. Hold each post diagonally and saw halfway through the posts using the lines as a guide. Next, using the 18mm chisel and hammer, carve out a 19mm wide gap so that it goes exactly half way through the post from one edge to another. (See Diagram 2.)
4
Next come the shelves (900 x 290 x 19mm). Mark a point 40mm in from the corners of every shelf and then saw off the diagonals. (See Diagram 3.) Now all the shelves should be able to fit snugly into the chiseled gaps in the posts.
5
Now it is time to put it all together. Resting one post up against a wall, put some glue in the bottom gap and then push a shelf in. Grab another post, put some glue in the gap, and push the opposite corner of the shelf into the space. Do the same for the other two corners. Once the shelf is in, drill screw holes from the back side of the diagonal cut on the post and then screw into the post through to the shelf. Do the same on the next four shelves above. The bookcase is then finished with Danish oil.
6
To make a simple slip cover out of calico, you will need to cut out six pieces of the material, slightly larger than needed. Do this by adding 40mm to the outside measurements of the bookcase (i.e. the back, two sides, top and two half-width pieces for the front curtains).
7
The curtains are going to be held in place with some cord, so you'll need to insert eyelets. To make sure the eyelets don't tear the fabric, the edges should be strengthened by turning them over a couple of times before you sew them, to leave a pocket of about 10mm around the edges.
8
The dowels (as cut to the dimensions on the materials list) can then be inserted in the pockets along the bottom edge of the curtains, to help them hang neatly.
9
Mark the positions of the eyelets with a pencil. You will need two each at the top of your curtains, plus four more evenly spaced down the outer side of each curtain. You will also need four eyelets along the front of the top piece, where your curtains will be attached. Use a leather punch to make holes for all the eyelets and then use a hammer and the eyelet tool (usually supplied with eyelets) to attach them in place.
10
Now you can sew together and hem the bottom edge of the top, back and sides to form the bookcase cover. At this stage the cover is going to be decorated with some brightly coloured felt, as the bookcase will end up in a kids' room. Here we use the numerals 1, 2, 3 and the letters A, B, C. These can be drawn using the template below or freehand using tailor's chalk. (See Diagram 4.)
11
Cut out the letters and numbers from the coloured felt. Use a contrasting colour to cut out a smaller version of each letter and number. Cut smaller circle shapes from the colourful scraps.
12
Arrange the felt shapes on the curtains and attach with spray adhesive. Press the cover before slipping it over the bookcase. This also helps to set the adhesive. Hang your curtains with coloured cord through the top eyelets. You can leave the curtains hanging free or secure them closed with the ties at the sides. Simply roll the curtain up to open and secure open with the cords at the top.
|
Materials
For the bookcase:
4 @ 1500mm x 40mm x 40mm radiata pine
5 @ 900mm x 290mm x 19mm radiata pine
PVA glue
3mm screws
Danish oil
For the curtain cover:
5m of calico @ 122cm wide
Thread
Coloured felt craft squares in yellow, orange, blue, lime green and purple
Coloured cord in orange, blue and lime green (3m of each colour)
24 eyelets (plus eyelet tool, usually supplied with eyelets)
Spray adhesive
Dowel: 2 @ 6mm diameter x 420mm
Tools:
For the bookcase:
Hand saw
18mm chisel
Hammer
Drill and 3mm bit
For the curtain:
Sewing machine
Scissors
Pins
Hammer
Eyelet tool
|
Cost
Radiata pine: $35.00
Screws: $2.50
PVA glue: $10.00
Danish oil: $10.00
Calico (5m @ $2.00 per metre): $10.00
Felt (two sheets of each colour): $5.50
Dowel: $2.60
Cord (3m of each colour @ 60c per metre): $5.40
Thread: $1.00
Spray adhesive: $7.95
Eyelets (including eyelet tool): $10.00
Total: $99.95
|
More Info
Calico, thread, felt, cord and spray adhesive are all available from craft stores.
Dowel for the curtain and pine for the bookcase available from hardware stores.
All other materials available from hardware stores.
|
Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
|
|
|
|
|
