Hack alert: DIY mudroom shelves using IKEA bookcases
Are you looking for highly-functional mudroom shelves that won’t break the bank? Well, today is your lucky day. Here’s a simple and inexpensive way to make mudroom shelves using IKEA bookcases. Check it out!
I originally got this idea from another blog called Polkadot Chair. So I can’t take credit but thanks for the brilliant idea! We recently remodeled our home and I needed some shelves to for our mudroom that wouldn’t take up too much space but also provide plenty of storage for my kids to put all of their junk. After browsing the Internet for what seemed like forever, I just couldn’t find any shelves that were functional for this space. That’s when I discovered the idea to use IKEA Billy Bookcases and it was perfect. Here’s how you can do it yourself.
Assemble your IKEA bookcases
Apparently, these IKEA Billy bookcases are super popular because they were sold out when I went to IKEA. However, I was able to find four used ones on the local classifieds! So, I only spent $100 total for all four! Now that’s a steal. But even if you by them brand new, they’re not too expensive. Make sure the dimensions are 15 3/4″ x 11″ x79 1/2″. These are the perfect size for an individual locker in a mudroom.
If you need instructions on how to assemble these bookcases, check out my video below. The instructions however are very easy to follow. The middle shelf of these bookcases cannot be removed, so you’ll want to arrange the remaining shelves above the middle shelf. That way you’ll leave room for coat hangers.
Attach bookcases together
Now that you have your mudroom shelves placed in your mudroom, you’ll want to attach each of the bookcases together. This will ensure that they are more secure and tight together and allow for more space in your mudroom. You’ll need the following materials to do this:
Clamp together the first set of two bookcases at the top and the bottom. Then drill a pilot hole a couple inches deep on the side of the bookcase. Make sure you drill slowly. We accidently damaged the wood a little bit when the drill bit came through the other side. Then simply place the barrel screw into the hole and screw together with an allen wrench. Repeat this step six times on the top and bottom of the shelves until they are all firmly attached together.
Secure shelves to the wall
This might be the most important part. You don’t want these mudroom shelves falling forward and landing on one of your kids. The solution is super easy. Just buy some wall brackets that screw into the wall and the shelves. That way if one of your kids tries to climb these shelves, they won’t fall over. Just make sure you drill the screw into a stud or else it will come right out.
Attach hooks for coats and jackets
I left the bottom section of these shelves open so that we could attach two coat hooks on each shelf. My kids love this and I love it because now we have a place to put all of our stuff! Just buy some heavy duty coat hooks and screw them into both sides of the bottom section of each bookcase.
Add baskets for storage
The best part is that I bought some plastic baskets that fit perfect in the shelf space of these bookcases. My kids love putting all of these own stuff in them and I love it because I have a place to put all of their toys and miscellaneous items that I find scattered throughout the house.
Check out this video below that explains how we put together these mudroom shelves. I hope this blog post helps you with your next project. I would love to see how your mudroom turns out. Leave your comments and pictures below.
Related link: How to build beautiful pantry shelves in one day
