How To: Install an Invisible Shelf

Some people love unique fixtures in their homes. Gives their interior a unique feel and most importantly allows for a good topic of conversation. How would you like to be able to impress your friends with a do it yourself invisible shelf.  The only thing that might be a problem is that you will need a big book to sacrifice in order to create an illusion.

Here is the translated text from the video on how you can create your magical stack of books.

Step 1: Where’s The Middle?

Open the sacrificial book’s back cover and use your tape measure to find the halfway point. Make a mark on the page, then trace the bracket from the mark out.

  • Step 2: Cut The Book

    Use your utility knife to cut into the pages of the book, following the outline of the bracket. You can toss the excised text to the wind. Cut deep enough so the back cover of the book can be closed tight against the pages. Then use your knife to make a notch in the book edge for the “L” bracket. This way the book can sit flush against the wall.

  • Step 3: The Book Screw

    Get your drill out and drill through the holes in the “L” Bracket. Secure the “L” bracket in place by screwing together the pages of the book. The pages will rise up the screw as you insert it, so use your hand to hold the pages down. Then drill two holes near the outside corners of the book, one on each side, and secure the pages by inserting screws into the holes.

  • Step 4: Glue

    Cover the inside back cover of the book in glue and close it. Place a stack of books or some other type of weight on top. Now let it dry – overnight. Cheating this step is not advisable.

  • Step 5: Sleep It Off

    We know you’re excited, but just wait. Really. It’ll be worth it.

  • Step 6: Mounty Hunter

    Figure out where you want the books to go and find the stud. Do this by knocking on the wall until you hit a solid point. Another way to find a stud is to get a stud finder. Now mount the bracket to the wall using the large wood screws.

  • Step 7: Stack ‘Em High

    Find your favorite, most intellectually and artistically impressive books and stack them up high enough to cover the bracket. Largest to smallest. Now let your friends try to figure it out.

    Painting & Decorating:
    How To Install Invisible Shelves

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