This project was built and designed by Tim from Casual Builds. It’s a whimsical bookshelf with built-in seating, designed to give kids a magical place to store their favorite stories and enjoy quiet reading time.
The design blends practical storage with imaginative design, making it a fun and rewarding woodworking project for any parent. With durable materials, creative details, and straightforward techniques, this build offers something special for both the maker and the child.
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Planning the Build and Gathering Materials
The project begins with material selection. Tim uses plywood for the primary structure due to its strength and ease of use, making it ideal for a child’s furniture piece that needs to stand up to daily wear.
Basic woodworking tools are used throughout the project, including a track saw or circular saw for breaking down sheets, a table saw for ripping parts to width, and a crosscut sled for repeatable length cuts. Assembly calls for wood glue, a brad nailer, screws, and sanding tools.
Smart Cutting and Layout
To minimize waste and save time, Tim carefully plans all his cuts before diving in. By breaking the plywood into manageable sections early, he avoids unnecessary table saw adjustments later.
Each piece is cut to its final dimensions before assembly, helping ensure accurate joinery and faster assembly. It’s a methodical approach that sets up the rest of the build for success.
Don’t Skip the Sanding
Once the pieces are cut, sanding begins. Tim stresses that while sanding can be tedious, it’s essential for a clean, finished result. Every surface gets a good pass with sandpaper before any assembly begins.
To make the time more enjoyable, Tim listens to audiobooks while sanding—a great way to multitask in the shop. He suggests finding a few titles that keep your mind engaged while your hands do the work.
Building the Side Bookshelves
The project includes two upright vertical bookcases on either side of the reading nook. Tim opts for screws over fancier joinery, since the bookshelf will be painted and screw holes can be filled easily.
Assembly begins by gluing and nailing the panels together, then securing them with countersunk screws. The pieces are clamped and squared as he works, making sure everything stays aligned and solid.
Building the Raised Base
The bookshelf sits on a raised platform designed to clear any baseboards and sit flush against a wall. Tim builds this frame separately and checks for flatness, especially since garage floors can throw off accuracy.
Once the base is square and level, the side shelves are secured to it, forming the basic frame of the unit. The seating nook is framed out next, fitting snugly between the two shelf towers.
Adding the Back and Curved Detail
The backing panel adds strength and gives the piece a clean look. Tim customizes it with a decorative curve that adds personality and charm to the design. A bandsaw is used to shape the curved detail, which is later sanded smooth.
Once shaped, the back panel is installed into the frame and secured with glue and screws. This step adds visual appeal and structural stability all in one.
Making the Face Frame
To clean up the front of the piece, Tim builds a poplar face frame. Poplar is a great choice here—it’s easy to work with and finishes cleanly under paint.
The face frame is cut to size, joined with pocket screws, and then attached to the front of the bookshelf structure. It hides plywood edges and sharp corners, giving the build a refined, finished appearance.
Painting and Finishing
Before painting, the entire structure is wiped down with a tack cloth to remove dust. Tim uses a paint sprayer to apply an even coat, which speeds up the process and gives the surface a smooth, professional look.
He recommends painting in a well-ventilated area and using a paint designed for furniture or cabinetry. Once dry, the piece really starts to come together.
Optional Reading Nook Cushion
To finish off the reading nook portion, Tim cuts a piece of foam to fit the seat area. Fabric is stretched around the foam and secured to a backing board with a staple gun.
This easy upholstery step adds comfort and makes the space inviting for kids. You can customize the fabric pattern to match the room’s theme or your child’s favorite colors.
A Fun and Functional Project
This princess-themed bookshelf blends creativity and function in a way that’s sure to delight any child. With built-in storage and a reading seat, it encourages kids to spend more time with books—and gives them a special space to do it.
Tim’s process is easy to follow and full of helpful tips, making this a great project for woodworkers looking to take on a meaningful, kid-friendly build.
Please support Tim by visiting his website: https://www.casualbuilds.com/.