We recently shared how we made the wraparound fabric headboard in our son’s room. Today we’re describing the custom bookcase we built at the foot of his bed. This was a simple, satisfying DIY that filled an awkward gap while giving him easy bedside book storage—and even a secret compartment. The build is straightforward, adaptable to different spaces, and something most DIYers can tackle.
Why Create Custom Book Storage?
This is the smallest room in our house, and the bed tucks against the wall with just enough room at the foot for custom storage. Before the bookcase, his books were jammed into baskets that barely fit in the gap. They were hard to reach and didn’t use the space efficiently.
He doesn’t need a tall, bulky bookcase right now, so we avoided a massive piece that would be mostly decorative or inaccessible below the mattress. In a previous room, built-in bookcases ended up decorative except for the lowest shelf that he could reach, so this time we wanted a practical solution that fits the space and his current needs.
To make the most of the area at the foot of the bed without going overboard, we designed a custom low bookshelf that sits at mattress height and complements the headboard.
DIY Bookshelf Build Materials & Tools
We’ve built several custom shelves and built-ins and like using MDF because it’s stable, smooth, and finishes well. For this project we used:
- 1/2″ MDF panels for the shelf boxes
- 1×2″ boards for finishing edges
- Miter saw
- Table or circular saw
- Nail gun
- Measuring tape
- Stud finder
- Wood glue
- Primer
- Paint
Step 1: Cut & Dry Fit Your MDF Panels To Size
We used a circular saw to cut the basic MDF pieces. The design is essentially a single shelf at mattress level with a smaller box on top. The bottom shelf is supported by a 1×2″ fastened to the wall (screw into studs where possible) and a flat MDF panel screwed into the bed’s footboard. That panel prevents books and toys from sliding under the shelf—lost stuffed animals are a real issue in our house.
We dry-fit everything before final assembly so we could make small adjustments before securing pieces together.
Step 2: Prime & Paint Your Pieces
We primed and painted the main pieces before construction because painting in place would have been difficult. Painting parts ahead of time speeds the finish process and gives cleaner edges.
Step 3: Secure Your Bottom Shelf With Glue & Nails
After the paint dried we assembled the shelf using wood glue and nails. The nails hold pieces together quickly while the glue adds long-term strength. Nail holes are filled and touched up later. The bottom shelf was nailed into the two support pieces beneath it for a solid connection.
Step 4: Add Your Top Shelf & Middle Divider
We installed a middle divider to reinforce the structure and keep books organized rather than having one large open box. The top pieces are slightly shallower than the bottom shelf to allow for the 1×2″ face pieces that finish the edges and make the unit look more substantial. These top pieces were nailed from above for a clean look.
Step 5: Add Your 1×2″ Finish Pieces
We used 1×2″ boards to finish raw edges and act as supports on the open side of the shelf. We debated a full MDF end but the open-ended look felt lighter and more appropriate for the small room. The 1×2″ pieces also give the shelf a finished, built-in appearance.
Step 6: Caulk Seams, Fill Nail Holes & Touch Up Paint
With everything secured, we caulked all seams and filled small nail holes. After the caulk dried we gave the unit one last coat of paint on all reachable surfaces. The finish looks clean and cohesive with the room.
BONUS STEP: Add A Secret Compartment
To make use of the space below the bookshelf, we created a removable panel that acts as a secret compartment. Instead of permanently fastening a cover, we cut a piece to fit snugly so it pops out when pressed in the right spot. A couple of scrap 1×2″ stops inside give the removable piece something to rest against. It’s currently home to spare picture frames and can easily hold small items later. We can add a hidden handle later if we want easier access.
For now the compartment stores a few extras because he already has a closet, a dresser, and large drawers under his bed. If his needs change, the space is ready for toys, keepsakes, or anything else.
The Finished DIY Bookshelf
We built the bookcase to match the height of the upholstered headboard so it reads as a cohesive wraparound unit around the bed. We considered painting it to match the blue-gray headboard but ultimately kept it the same as the wall so it blends in and reads as built-in rather than a separate piece.
Having bedtime books right at arm’s reach has been a game changer. The baskets fit neatly, and smaller treasures like trading cards have a home close by—perfect for any middle-of-the-night emergencies involving small collectibles.
How Much Did Our DIY Bookshelf Cost?
The total for both this bookcase and the fabric headboard was under $135. That broke down to about $35 for MDF, $30 for the 1×2″ face pieces, and $70 for fabric and batting. We even had extra fabric left over to finish another small project.
Boy’s Room Update
This photo reflects the room about eight weeks after moving in. Since then we added more built-in storage and a colorful planked wall treatment around the bookshelf to tie the space together and add personality.
P.S. If you’re working on a small room, a low custom bookcase like this is an easy way to add function and make the most of tight spaces while keeping everything accessible for kids.