This project was built and designed by Stan Sullivan. It’s a thoughtful, space-saving solution that combines book storage with hanging space for backpacks—all mounted behind a door to keep clutter off the floor and encourage kids to stay organized.
Stan’s design is perfect for families with limited space who want a clean and functional way to store library books and school gear. With angled sides, multiple compartments, and added shaker pegs, this book bin offers both form and function.
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A Real-World Inspiration
This project came from a weekly family routine—library day. Every Saturday, Stan’s wife takes the kids to the library, and they come home with a fresh stack of books for the week.
Instead of letting those books pile up on counters or get scattered across the floor, Stan built a custom book bin that mounts to the wall. It also includes hooks for backpacks, making it a two-in-one organization tool that fits perfectly behind a door.
Smart Use of Space
The unit is designed to be slim and tall, fitting in tight areas that typically go unused. Its compact footprint allows it to mount directly to a door or wall, making it ideal for bedrooms, hallways, or mudrooms.
By placing it behind a door, the book bin keeps items visible but tucked away. It’s accessible for kids without taking up valuable floor space, which is especially helpful in smaller homes.
Functional Details That Make a Difference
The book bin includes angled sides that add visual interest and help cradle the books. These angles also make it easier for kids to reach inside without the books spilling over.
A full-length back panel supports the shelves and provides a solid base for attaching keyhole mounting slots. This allows the unit to hang flat and secure against the wall without exposed brackets.
Shaker pegs are added along the lower part of the frame, offering hooks for backpacks, jackets, or tote bags. While coats aren’t always needed in warm climates like Stan’s in Florida, backpacks are a daily necessity—and this setup gives them a consistent home.
How It’s Built
Stan starts with clean, straight boards and cuts the sides to include the top and bottom angles. These give the piece its distinctive shape and allow books to sit neatly without falling forward.
The back panel, shelf, and front rails are cut to the same length for a cohesive look. Dado joints are used to join the front rails to the angled sides, creating strong connections without visible fasteners.
Spray adhesive temporarily holds the components together during layout and assembly. This makes it easier to mark, align, and join parts before final glue-up.
For additional strength, biscuit joinery is added. Biscuit slots are cut into the rails and mating faces, with wooden biscuits inserted and glued in place. These reinforce the joints and ensure a flush, consistent fit across all parts.
Mounting the Book Bin
To make the unit easy to hang and remove, Stan routes keyhole slots into the back panel. These allow screws to catch and support the unit securely, while keeping everything flush to the wall.
This method avoids the need for bulky hardware or exposed brackets. The book bin appears to float on the wall, giving it a clean, built-in look.
Customizing for Your Home
The project is adaptable depending on your needs. You can adjust the depth to fit larger books, add more shaker pegs, or mount it lower on the wall to make it more accessible for younger children.
Finishing options can vary as well. Stan recommends a durable, family-safe finish such as water-based polyurethane or natural oil. These protect the wood while remaining safe for daily contact.
Using high-quality plywood or hardwood improves longevity, especially if the book bin is used daily in a high-traffic area. With the right materials and care, it’s a piece that can last for years.
Teaching Kids to Stay Organized
One of the biggest benefits of this project is the opportunity to teach responsibility. Having a specific place for library books helps kids remember to take care of borrowed items and return them on time.
Involving children in using the bin—or even in building it—can help instill a sense of ownership and pride in their space. It turns a basic storage solution into a small but valuable life lesson.
A Thoughtful Project for Any Family
This project strikes a balance between simplicity and usefulness. It doesn’t require advanced tools or complicated joinery, but it delivers big results in daily family life.
The angled design, clean joinery, and flexible mounting options make this more than just a storage bin—it’s a well-considered addition to a home that values both order and good design.
Get Stan’s plans here: https://www.simplyeasydiy.com/2014/03/my-wife-and-i-home-school-our-children.html.