Turn an old bookcase into extra closet space.
Some older homes were built without closets, relying on large free-standing armoires or clothes chests for hanging clothes and storage. Other homes may have limited closet space or you may be converting a room that was not intended for use as a bedroom. Whatever the situation, you can build a makeshift closet out of old bookcases and curtains to use as temporary or permanent storage in your room. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove all the shelves from an old 6-foot-by-30-inch bookcase, except the bottom shelf.
2. Drill two pilot holes through the exterior of the bookcase and into the end of the bottom shelf with a 1/8-inch drill bit. Drive 1/4-inch-by-2-inch wood screws through the side of the bookcase and into the shelf. This helps support the frame of your makeshift closet at the bottom of the bookcase.
3. Measure the depth of your bookcase and divide that measurement in half to find the center on each side of the bookcase. Mark the center measurement on the exterior of each side for the depth mounting location of your closet rod.
4. Measure the inside width of your bookcase. Cut a length of 2-inch dowel rod to equal your width measurement. Many home improvement and hardware stores sell the dowel by the foot and will cut the exact length you need.
5. Measure a distance of about 6 to 8 inches from the top of your bookcase for the installation height of the 2-inch dowel rod. Mark this measurement on the exterior sides of the bookcase.
6. Check your measurements to ensure both marks are in the same location on each side of the bookcase. Use the 1/8-inch drill bit to drill one pilot hole at the closet rod location through each side of the bookcase.
7. Center the ends of the 2-inch dowel over the pilot holes in the sides of the bookcase. Insert the drill bit through the pilot hole and drill a pilot hole into each end of the dowel.
8. Drive 1/4-inch-by-3-inch wood screws through the pilot hole into the bookcase exterior and into the end of the dowel. Permanently installing the dowel at the top of your bookcase helps support the bookcase frame at the top of your closet.
9. Tack a fabric curtain or bedsheet to the top of the bookcase. Ensure the curtain or sheet measurement is equal to or slightly wider and longer than your bookcase. Use decorative upholstery tacks spaced about 1 to 2 inches apart. Use a hammer to drive the tacks through the fabric and into the bookcase.
Tags: your bookcase, each side, pilot hole, side bookcase, 2-inch dowel, bookcase into
