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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » Shutters Repurposed into Bookshelf

    Shutters Repurposed into Bookshelf

    Published by Gail | Published February 5, 2019 | Updated August 3, 2020
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    How to use four shutters to make a repurposed bookshelf. Step by step directions included to make your own project. Lots of tips and tidbits to Do It Yourself! #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #shutter #bookshelf #upcycle #diy #project via @repurposedlife

    Vintage shutters repurposed into an awesome bookshelf or bookcase. Who doesn't love a great shutter upcycle?

     

    How to make a bookshelf out of shutters, step by step tutorial #MyRepurposedLife



    This awesome repurposed shutters project was custom made for a friend. Jan picked up these awesome shutters at our local Habitat for Humanity ReStore for $5.00 a PAIR. That is not typical of our ReStore.

    vintage shutters upcycled into a bookshelf

    These are very nice, large, sturdy shutters.

    Designing the repurposed shutters shelf

    using shutters to make a bookshelf

    In order to get them to fit together, I did have to rip a “ridge” off of each shutter on the table saw.

    *this post contains affiliate links,  read more here*

    Connecting shutters using pocket hole joinery

    how to connect shuttersI removed the black hinges and latches from the shutters. I used my Kreg Jig® R3   to make pocket holes to butt these two together in the back. Those pocket holes really give a great (tight) joint. In case you don’t know what the Kreg Jig Jr looks like:

    how to attach shutter bookshelf using pocket hole joinery

    I also used the pocket holes to attach the sides to the back using pocket hole screws.

     

    how to construct a bookshelf made of shutters

    Kreg Jig held by a clamp to make a pocket hole joint

    When I build, I rarely  have a plan. I just sort of jump in. After I got the four shutters together, I realized I need pocket holes to attach the top. That’s where the portability of this jig comes in handy.

    Even a warped top is no match for pocket hole screws

    pocket holes hold top on bookshelf

    The rough sawn lumber was a little uneven. Do you see the pocket holes? and the gap in the wood?

     

    pocket holes draw board in place

    This is how it looked in the back.

    the board is drawn down using pocket hole screws

    Voila! Screws are in, and they pulled the top right down.

    A quick clamp comes in handy when you work alone

    how to use a quick clamp to support a shelf during installation

    The shutter shelf is made up of 3 1x6’s butted together with pocket holes in order to make 3 boards into one shelf. I found a new way to use my quick clamps. It can be quite challenging building alone. I could use an extra pair of hands sometimes.

    how to install shelves on a shutter bookshelf

    I made sure the shelf was level. The clamps were really handy to help hold the shelf in place. While the clamps held the shelf in place, I screwed the shelves to the shutters using pocket holes I drilled into the ends of each shelf. (if you don’t have a Kreg Jig, you can use cleats to hold your shelves)

    How to attach shelves to repurposed shutters bookcase

    attaching a shutter shelf to bookcase with pocket hole screws

    In this picture you can see the pocket hole that put the boards together, and in the back left corner you can see that I used a double hole to attach the shelf to the back of the shutter.

    using a combination square while building a bookshelf

    In this picture I am getting ready to install the bottom shelf. I used this Combination Square  to make sure the shelf was the same measurement all the way around. This is one of the handiest tools I have.

    Fill visible pocket holes before painting

    patch visible pocket holes

    I filled all the (pocket) holes with spackling. The shelves are attached on the left front/back, middle, right back/front. The middle shelf is attached all the way around due to the fact that the shutter is solid in the middle.

    Add trim molding to top of bookcase

    side view of bookcase made from shutters

    Here you can see what I mean. Without the pocket holes, I would have had to make “cleats” to run all the way around the bottom of all the shelves to “rest” on. I installed crown molding on the top.

     

    back view of repurposed shutter bookcase

    Then, I sanded all of the patching, and prepared the bookshelf for painting. I used a paint sprayer. You will love using a Finish Max paint sprayer.

    Blue Bookcase made from Repurposed Shutters

    bookcase made from repurposed shuttersAfter many coats of paint.

    blue bookcase made from repurposed shutters

     

    how to make a shutter bookshelf

    Jan chose a blue from Behr, I believe it’s called Velvet Evening. I still have this shutter shelf and the door nightstand/bookshelf. I have one more project I’m working on for Jan, then I will deliver them all to her. She has promised to take pictures for us.

    gail
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    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Bonita Antczak

      October 12, 2021 at 10:15 am

      absolutely a great idea!!! I want to try it and see how it goes. Never enough storage=
      great color you chose for your Shutter Shelving!!!!
      thanks for sharing,
      Bonni

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        October 12, 2021 at 9:16 pm

        Thanks Bonni! Good luck, have fun!

        gail

    2. Pedro Polena

      February 08, 2019 at 7:24 pm

      Lovely book shelf !...and whith my favourite colour!!
      Congratulations

      Reply
    3. Terri Hughes

      February 06, 2019 at 5:29 pm

      wow...beautiful and I love the blue, very nice!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        February 06, 2019 at 6:16 pm

        Thank you Terri! I appreciate you kind comment.

        Hope you're having a productive week.

        gail

    4. Sharon

      January 15, 2016 at 4:05 pm

      I am wanting to make this but I would like the back to be open. Do you think it would be sturdy enough without the back two shutters? I could build a 1x4 "box" for the top and bottom. BTW my Kreg jig and Harbour Freight and air compressor and sprayer are two of my favorite tools. I told my husband it sounded like I could have written this post. Ha lol.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        January 15, 2016 at 4:34 pm

        Sharon,

        I would think you would need to connect the shutters in the back, maybe at the top and bottom, and possibly below each shelf using some 1x4's? If it will actually be used for books, I would say that would be necessary to keep it squared. It may not be a problem if you're just going to use it for decor.

        I'm happy you found My Repurposed Life, thanks for reaching out!

        gail

    5. Patty

      June 20, 2014 at 9:46 am

      Hi, would you mind telling me the hight of your finished bookcase? It is totally awesome and very professional looking. I have used a similar color blue on a drop-leaf table and loved the finished product.

      Great job!

      Reply
    6. Marie

      February 26, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      I love your website! You are very talented and love your work! You do make it look easy and you're very inspiring.
      Look forward to seeing more great project and beautiful pieces!

      Reply
    7. girlfromwva

      February 26, 2014 at 12:10 pm

      love the bookshelf! you did such a great job!

      Reply
    8. J K Reynolds

      February 26, 2014 at 10:13 am

      LOVE shutters, I have shutters in different ways all over my house. I can't seem to pass up; shutters, old doors or old windowsat any sale. Great job on the book case : )

      Reply
    9. Shelley

      February 26, 2014 at 8:57 am

      That looks awesome and with the shutter openings pointed upwards magazines could be hung there as well 🙂 Very nice job!!

      Reply
    10. Hope

      January 26, 2014 at 3:54 am

      These are super! A few questions... Do I have to use shutters for the back or could I use paintable thin plywood and just use the shutters for the sides? Will these be strong enough for books?

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        January 26, 2014 at 9:45 pm

        Hi, happy you stopped by and took the time to leave a comment.

        These shutters were very sturdy, and I feel they are fine for making a book shelf. If you find some sturdy shutters, I think 1/2 inch plywood would be sufficient to support books.

        good luck, have fun with your project
        gail

    11. Anonymous

      October 16, 2012 at 1:27 am

      That was a great idea it came out beutiful

      Reply
    12. Cariann

      January 06, 2012 at 3:04 am

      what a beautiful bookshelf... I'm saving the idea so when I move into my smaller office I can be inspired.

      Reply
    13. Jamie @ Sew Rockin'

      November 05, 2011 at 3:58 pm

      Just wanted to let you know that I featured your project yesterday on "You Sew Rock Me Fridays!" Awesome job, I can't wait to see what you come up with next! 🙂

      Here's the Link

      Jamie @ sewrockin.com

      Reply
    14. Vivienne @ the V Spot

      August 22, 2011 at 4:17 pm

      This is pure genius. I love it!!

      Reply
    15. emily @morefromthemoorefamily

      July 23, 2011 at 4:01 pm

      OMG!! I am looking for a bookshelf for my bedroom and I can't find anything unique and lovely, this is BOTH! Thanks for the great idea!

      Reply
    16. Dorothy

      July 19, 2011 at 7:49 pm

      Oh I love this. I've been eyeing the shutters at the resale shop, but never dreamed of doing something like this with them. I love it!

      Reply
    17. Pam

      May 11, 2011 at 11:51 pm

      I love it! That is to neat.

      Reply
    18. Design-House.com

      May 11, 2011 at 4:40 pm

      OK... this is just TOOO cute! I love it!!!!

      Debra
      DesignHouse Inc
      http://www.design-house.com

      Reply
    19. Holly

      April 24, 2011 at 7:04 am

      I love this project - I have 2 sets of shutter sitting outside...I would love to do something like this. I love a lady who can work her tools!

      Reply
    20. Fundraising 4 Our Kids !!!

      April 17, 2011 at 9:39 pm

      Please help, never did this before and have the items to do it with. My question is how you attached the shelf to the "cabinet" you made??? did you screw, hammer, or glue them into place. You stated "The shelf is made up of 3 1x6’s butted together with pocket holes in order to make 3 boards into one shelf. I found a new way to use my Quick Grip Clamps" but I don't understand... I see the holes you mention but I have not a clew how and what you mean... sorry... trying to recycle items I've found into treasures like you've made... 😀 Thanks for the encouragement. You do fantastic work!
      Linda
      Orting,WA.

      please respond to: myfamilykbr@yahoo.com

      Reply
    21. Deborah

      April 16, 2011 at 9:46 pm

      Love your shutter shelves!
      My hubby and I made a shutter-shelving unit in the summer and I love it.
      Come and check it out on my "talkin' trash post.
      I painted them turquoise but am going to paint them again soon. 🙂
      So nice to see a wider shelving unit..more storage!

      Deborah

      Reply
    22. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal

      April 16, 2011 at 3:34 am

      I think you've gotten your money's worth out of that jig! That turned out great. I love anything made out of shutters. This is a nice substantial piece. I'm sure she'll love it.

      Reply
    23. Lindy

      April 15, 2011 at 1:34 pm

      Love your bookcase! It turned out great. Love the color, too!

      Reply
    24. Suzanne@Meridian Road

      April 15, 2011 at 3:48 am

      You'd never find anything half this cool in a furniture store! Great color, too.

      Reply
    25. Suzanne

      April 14, 2011 at 8:05 pm

      Wow - I loved these step by step instructions!

      Reply
    26. Jan

      April 14, 2011 at 6:58 pm

      My screen color must be off, cause in real life these shutters are a darker blue.

      Reply
    27. Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama

      April 14, 2011 at 4:24 pm

      Hey Gail,, you are so creative. I love this shutter shelf. I dont like the blue color but its not mine so i guess that dont matter, huh? ha ha.. i really need to get one of those jig things and practice with it.
      Cant wait for Jan to share some pics with us.

      Reply
    28. Reenie

      April 14, 2011 at 4:07 pm

      Very cute!

      Reply
    29. Curtains In My Tree

      April 14, 2011 at 3:55 pm

      I can use a hammer to hit something and that is the only tool i can use LOL

      I am amaized that all these women out in blog land can do tools

      Janice

      Reply
    30. Paige (Final Clothes-Out)

      April 14, 2011 at 3:02 pm

      That looks great! I'm so impressed with how you can see "what could be" in stuff a lot of people would view as junk.

      Also--you'll be proud. I finally bought a drill over the weekend. My first power tool!

      Reply
    31. Lesley Litrento

      April 14, 2011 at 2:55 pm

      Great tutorial! Your posts are always so relevant to me. I really appreciate the details that you share. We all learn from each other! Thanks!

      Lesley
      thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com

      Reply
    32. Full Circle Creations

      April 14, 2011 at 2:27 pm

      Great job Gail! It turned out great! I love my Kreg pocket hole jig too. But I also use a biscuit joiner and I love that too! It just depends on the application.
      Great tutorial!

      Holly

      Reply
    33. Jenn Erickson

      April 14, 2011 at 2:25 pm

      Beautiful! Gail, you are very talented, and have me itching to try my hand at some creative woodworking this summer.

      Jenn

      Reply
    34. driftwoodesign

      April 14, 2011 at 2:24 pm

      Great shelfing Gail, I just may employ your use of shutters here. I picked up a few this past weekend and I have need of shelving on the deck. I'll be sure to let you know what happens. Do you make housecalls? *wink*
      Kristy @ 4 the love of WOOD

      Reply
    35. Corn in my Coffee-Pot

      April 14, 2011 at 2:18 pm

      Gail~
      Wow! you did a great job on this project. So glad you showed us how you do it. Don't you just love those clamps? We've been using ours when working on the tin-can.
      I would just imagine the sprayer was a tremendous help in get that shelf painted. Love the color and how it turned out.

      Pat

      Reply
    36. Michell @Girl in Air

      April 14, 2011 at 2:06 pm

      OMG! I love it! I just made a shutter bookshelf too but using a concrete form in the middle:-)

      Reply
    37. CountryBelle

      April 14, 2011 at 1:55 pm

      Once again I am in awe Gail! That shelf (but in creamy white maybe) would be awesome for my living room!

      Reply
    38. Terri

      April 14, 2011 at 1:54 pm

      Another AMAZING creation! I have been looking (at Re-store, in fact) for some used shutters to make a headboard. No luck yet, but I will keep looking!

      You sound like you are truly "in love" with your paint sprayer. I have seen some that are recommended but they have all been about $1000, yikes. I don't suppose yours is a little more affordable?

      Reply
    39. Proper Prim

      April 14, 2011 at 1:07 pm

      You aced another one Gail. I love anything made from shutters and Jan sure hit the mother load getting them so cheap. You did a fantastic job on that. Love that little jig too... I hardly do a project without it.

      Our Re store is so expensive, I can buy things new sometimes cheaper than I can buy them there.

      Hope you are having a great week.

      Hugs, Deb

      Reply
    40. Korrie@RedHenHome

      April 14, 2011 at 1:05 pm

      I am in awe of your building talent. Your latest project is a wonder, and I LOVE the fun color!

      Reply
    41. Jamie

      April 14, 2011 at 12:42 pm

      Beautiful shelf! We bought the Kreg jig to use when the hubby and I were building our kitchen cabinets and doors - it's now a staple tool that we use VERY frequently around here. I would love to see some helpful hints on how you get your crown moulding cut and fit so well - something I have never managed to get quite right on my own.

      Reply
    42. Debbie

      April 14, 2011 at 12:42 pm

      You're a genious. When is YOUR book coming out! Ideas AND skill. Marvelous. I love the way this turned out. Unfortunately I rarely see any shutters that are in any kind of condition to keep. Most around here are plastic.
      Great bookcase!

      Reply
    43. PicturePerfectPixies

      April 14, 2011 at 12:41 pm

      I learn so much from you! Thanks for sharing.

      It turned out beautiful!

      Reply
    44. Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic

      April 14, 2011 at 12:24 pm

      It's even better than I had pictured it. The blue looks great, though I bet it was awful to paint even with a sprayer. Shutters are so difficult.
      Another way to join the 1x's would be to use a biscuit joiner..something I DO have and don't think of using enough. Though I still think I need a pocket hole jig too!

      Reply
    45. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      April 14, 2011 at 12:11 pm

      What a great bookshelf! And a nicely detailed tutorial too. Well done! ... Do you have a paint sprayer recommendation?

      Reply
    46. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      April 14, 2011 at 12:11 pm

      What a great bookshelf! And a nicely detailed tutorial too. Well done! ... Do you have a paint sprayer recommendation?

      Reply
    47. Dawn

      April 14, 2011 at 11:41 am

      I love, love, love watching you do projects like this - though I still know I couldn't put that together if someone held a gun to my head... maybe I think if I keep watching you making pocket holes and using the clamps as an extra person, I will suddenly know how to do it one day, LOL. (in my dreams, hehe) Great shelving unit - I adore it - you rock!

      Reply
    48. Ellen

      April 14, 2011 at 11:36 am

      YOU are SOOOOOOOOO talented! I'm jealous!

      Reply
    49. Denise

      April 14, 2011 at 11:19 am

      Fabulous job! I am doing one of my features on your project this morning!

      Denise
      Extreme Personal Measures

      Reply
    50. Coleen's Corner

      April 14, 2011 at 11:12 am

      You make it look so easy! I know how difficult it is to put things like that together... sometimes 4 hands around here aren't enough! I love things made from shutters. But that's one thing I rarely see around here. Another great piece - it's fabulous!

      Reply
    51. Home Made Quilts By Granny

      April 14, 2011 at 11:04 am

      That is outstanding. I like the color don't think I would be able to let her have it...I'd have to keep it. Trish

      Reply
    52. Granny

      April 14, 2011 at 8:13 am

      The shutter bookshelf looks great. I love the details you put into your work. It looks very professional. That color of blue is so pretty. I'm gonna have to find something to paint that color.

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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