Teresa Casamonti shares two ways to hack an affordable and functional Montessori rotating bookshelf for her kids using IKEA pieces and some wood boards.
A rotating bookshelf is a great way to encourage young children to read and engage with books. A rotating bookcase promotes independence and autonomy by allowing children to easily access and choose their books.
It also helps to keep books organized and within reach, making it easier for children to find and select the books they want to read. Additionally, a rotating bookshelf can be a fun and interactive addition to a child’s playroom or bedroom, adding an element of excitement and playfulness to the space.
A rotating bookshelf is an excellent investment in your child’s education and development and can help foster a lifelong love of reading.
2 ways to make a rotating bookshelf
1. Round Rotating Bookshelf
This DIY project is perfect for book-loving toddlers, allowing them to access and choose their favorite books easily. The bookshelf has two levels, making it ideal for younger children.
She says in her Instagram caption that she’s been looking for a cheap alternative to rotating bookshelves for a long time and finally made her own with this easy IKEA hack.
To create the bookshelf, you’ll need three IKEA SNUDDA lazy susans, but it can also be made with one IKEA SNUDDA lazy susan and 2 round wood boards of the same size.
The process involves cutting the wood pieces to form the center cross pieces, attaching them to the lazy susans, and securing the round tops. Get the wood pieces cut at your local hardware store like Home Depot if you don’t have the right tools for the job.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a rotating bookshelf using IKEA SNUDDA lazy susans.
Materials for a rotating bookshelf:
- 3 x IKEA SNUDDA lazy susan
- 38 cm x 28 cm (15″ x 11″) plywood board x 2
- 18 cm x 28 cm (7″ x 11″) plywood board x 4
- Paint
Step 1:
Cut the wood pieces for the center vertical pieces. For each level, you’ll need one long piece and two short pieces to form a cross.
Step 2:
Stand a long wood piece across the center of the lazy susan and draw a line down the left and right sides to indicate the wood piece’s thickness. Drill two pilot holes where the screws should go. To make it easier, use double-sided tape to fix the vertical pieces to the round top before screwing them to the round top. This will help keep the boards in place.
Step 3:
Screw in the long wood piece to the lazy susan. Repeat the same steps for the two side pieces. Now, you should have a cross on the lazy susan.
Step 4:
Remove the rotating base from the second SNUDDA lazy susan. Lay it on the first cross and mark where the vertical pieces meet the second SNUDDA top. To secure the round top, drill down from the surface of the lazy susan into the vertical piece below.
Step 5:
Now place the remaining vertical pieces on the second SNUDDA top and mark where they should go. Drill pilot holes and repeat the process.
Step 6:
Lastly, add the last SNUDDA lazy susan on top. Again, this should have the base removed.
Step 7:
Cover up the exposed screw heads with wood filler. Sand the entire rotating bookshelf to remove any sharp edges and splinters. Paint the bookcase in the color you want. Teresa’s revolving bookshelf is painted in MissPompadour’s soft green.
Let dry, and fill the cubbies with your kids’ favorite books. It’s a fun and functional addition to any playroom or kids’ bedroom. It will make a fantastic end table in a reading nook or a practical storage unit for remote controls and decorative items.
2. Tall vertical rotating bookshelf
Teresa’s DIY rotating tall bookcase not only looks fantastic but is also incredibly easy to assemble, making it an excellent project for anyone to replicate. This space-saving bookshelf is taller and best suited for older children. Its freestanding slim design allows it to fit into unused corners, such as at the end of a bed.
The front-facing book display lets children browse and select their books quickly.
Its compact size makes it easy to store and move around as needed. The book stand is renter-friendly and useful where you can’t put up wall shelves or built-in bookshelves.
If you’re making this for adults, you can go taller. Or ditch the wheelbase altogether and go for a leaning modern book rack.
Materials for a tall rotating bookshelf:
- 1 x wooden board (120cm x 55cm / 47″ x 21.6″)
- 1 x wooden board (55cm x 26cm / 21.6″ x 10″)
- IKEA MOSSLANDA picture ledge x 6
- Caster wheels x 4
Step 1:
Measure a distance of 40 cm (15.7″) between each picture ledge and install the picture ledges to the wood board.
Step 2:
The picture ledges at the bottom should be installed flush to the edge of the wood board.
Step 3:
Screw in the small wooden board under the bottom picture ledges to stabilize the structure.
Step 4:
Install the caster wheels on the small wood board. With the wheels, you can move the bookshelf anywhere and roll it into any room.
Step 5:
Sand down and paint it as you like.
Step 6:
Display books on the shelves, front-facing.
Which rotating bookshelf do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below.
The post 2 Simple Rotating Bookshelf Hacks To Make Reading Fun appeared first on IKEA Hackers.