Step-by-step guide and photo examples for how to make a book nook for kids
A great way to encourage reading is to dedicate an area of your home to reading by creating a book nook. I put together a fun, cozy DIY idea for how to make a book nook for kids. This is a simple project so that the kids can help you to create their special area. If you are a seasoned DIY’er please feel free to used more advanced techniques, perhaps chalk paint, stain, stencils, or decoupage. I chose just to use very simple solid colors of paint so that even the newest DIY’er can accept this challenge!
This article is written by Catherine Arent
For more on this topic, check out the full Summer Learning collection
How to Make a Book Nook for Kids
STEP 1 – Collect Your Supplies for this Cozy DIY Idea
- 4 photo ledge shelves (at Target for $12.99 each and I used a coupon too)
- Wooden letters R-E-A-D (at A.C. Moore for $1.99 each)
- Wooden crate (at A.C. Moore for $14.99)
- 1 can of spray paint (let your kids pick their favorite color)
- 1 bottle of craft paint in a complementing color
- Sponge brushes
- Drop cloth
- Hot glue gun
- Drill and level
- Comfy chair or pillows
- Reading lamp
- GOOD BOOKS!
STEP 2 – Spray Paint Shelves for Book Storage
Lay a drop cloth down and spray paint the shelves. Allow to dry for 24 hours. Repeat with a second coat. I prefer to do this step outside for good ventilation.
STEP 3 – Paint the Letters and Crate to Customize for Your Kid
Use a sponge brush and craft paint to paint the wooden letters and the wooden crate. Allow to dry 24 hours. Repeat with a second coat.
STEP 4 – Hot Glue Letters to the Book Shelves
Using a hot glue gun, glue one painted wooden letter to each painted shelf. You can choose any alignment, but I prefer to place them to the left side.
STEP 5 – Hang the Book Shelves
Using your drill and included hardware, hang the shelves on the wall. A second set of hands and eyes is helpful to ensure the shelves are evenly spaced and level.
STEP 6 – Personalize the Book Nook for Kids
Add a comfy chair or pillows and a reading lamp. Personalize the space in any other way you see fit. I added a small chalkboard painted in matching colors. I think we will have fun wiping it clean and writing fun new things on it from time to time. You could also get some fun artwork or a monogram… whatever your kids like.
STEP 7 – Add Your Kid’s Favorite Books to this Cozy Corner
Fill the shelves with books! I tend to put the books that require supervision for reading on the top shelves out of reach of little hands. On the lowest shelves and in the crate, I placed our more resilient board books and others that can withstand the wear and tear of a loving 18 month old!
[Read: Importance of a Home Library]
STEP 8 – Relax & Escape into a Good Book!
Summer break is just around the corner and daily reading is so important to maintain the hard work and progress your student has achieved in reading this year.
One of the best ways you can encourage reading is to advertise your books. Gutter style bookshelves show off the cover of a book and not just the side of the spine. Therefore, you are drawing attention to the book and little hands won’t be able to resist picking it off the shelf!
I hope you accept this challenge to hang some personalized gutter bookshelves in your own home. This will make a phenomenal family summer project and then you can have fun picking out new books to fill the shelves!
[Check out: 5 Free Printables to Encourage Reading at Home]
For more on this topic, check out the full Summer Learning collection
Featured Contributor: Catherine Arent
Catherine lives in Wilmington, DE with her husband, John, and 18 month old son, LJ. She is an Independent Consultant for Usborne Books & More. She is passionate about getting children engaged in purposeful reading and positively impacting children’s literacy.
- Email: MyFavoriteUsborneBookLady@gmail.com
- Facebook: Catherine’s Usborne Bookworms
- YouTube: Catherine’s Usborne Bookworms
