An simple method to define an open space.
This job uses a creative method of turning an existing bookshelf into a space divider, providing the shelf two functions. We added appealing upholstered panelling to the back of the shelf, producing a divider that would fit an office, or might even act as a headboard.
To make the unit, we connected two affordable bookcases together, then topped them with crown moulding to provide them a custom-built look. The back side was then “upholstered” with plywood panels covered in linen-look material as well as embellished with brass nailhead trim.
Materials as well as Tools
For 2 bookcases/3 panels:
2 basic bookshelves (with joiner hardware)
1”-thick foam, 22” x 110” slab
2-1/5 lawns foam batting (62” wide)
16 poplar shims (1/4” thick, 2” wide, 48” long)
4’ x 8’ sheet, 1/2”-thick poplar plywood
4’ x 4’ sheet, 1/2”-thick poplar plywood
Fabric (4-1/2 yards)
Brass nailhead trim (track) (5-1/2 lawns per panel)
Brass nailhead tacks (120 for 3 panels)
Screws
Wood glue
Staple gun with 1/2” staples
Scissors
Hammer
Drill
What it Cost
Brass nailhead trim $45Brass nailhead upholstery tacks $10Foam $105Foam batting $13Poplar shims $31Poplar plywood $42Fabric $157TOTAL $403
Step 1: To figure out what size the panels must be, put the bookshelves side-by-side as well as determine the unit’s width as well as height. Subtract 1/2” from the height to enable for clearance along the floor.
Step 2: Divide the width of the bookshelf system into three even measurements.
Step 3: cut three 1/2”-thick plywood panels as well as three 1”-thick foam panels to these measurements.
Step 4: add 2” on each edge to these height as well as width measurements as well as cut pieces of material as well as foam batting to this somewhat larger measurement. The additional 2” enables for additional material to wrap around the plywood.
Step 5: location the material on a flat surface, right-side down. Lay the batting, then foam as well as then plywood on top, keeping the layers centred on each other.
Step 6: wrap the material around onto the back of the plywood as well as essential in place.
Step 7: Lay the track of brass nailhead trim 1/2” in from each edge (for all three panels). To keep the nailhead trim in place, hammer a single brass tack into each hole along the track (see picture above). continue up until you have edged the entire panel. (Nailhead trim is on a constant track that can be cut to your preferred length. There are predrilled holes in every fifth nailhead, where the tacks are inserted.)
Step 8: set up joiner hardware at at least two points between the bookcases to hold them together.
Step 9: To make sure the panels are appropriately supported, you’ll have to apply wood shims, which will produce a track to screw the panels into. utilizing wood glue, adhere a row of shims, cut to the length of a panel, on both sides of the back of the joined bookshelves. strengthen with a essential gun (see picture above). then put two a lot more rows spaced evenly from the centre to ensure that the four shim tracks are evenly spaced, dividing the back of the bookshelves into three. then glue a second set of shims on top of these to ensure that the shim tracks are 1/2” thick.
Step 10: From the inside of the bookcases, begin screwing on the panels, making sure to screw with the shims. location the panels at a height that leaves 1/2” clearance from the floor. The two middle shim tracks will be shared by the outer as well as centre panels, so locate the panels to ensure that there is sufficient space on the shim for you to screw both panels on side-by-side (see picture above). utilize four screws per panel, put at the top as well as bottom corners. utilize screws that are similar in colour to the bookshelf to ensure that they are not as well visible.
For a lot more space dividers as well as methods to delineate open spaces, see the spotlight function in our September 2010 issue.
Crown moulding cap for bookshelf, developed by Michael Simardone; leather club chair, round pedestal table, South hill Home; white vase, white tray, little white bowls (in bookshelf), purple vase (on table), Waterford-Wedgwood; white “raindrop” vase, In Theory; material (for pillow), Waverly; cowhide rug, macFAB; material for throw, Schumacher; butterfly prints, Maison; floor lamp, Stacaro; foam batting, upholstery tacks, tracks, macFAB; material (on panels), Waverly; table lamp, director’s chair, desk, Stacaro; trays (on desk), In Theory; dessert glasses, Maison; mirror, South hill Home.