How to Make DIY Book Stand with Storage

This functional and attractive DIY book stand makes reading easier. Learn how to build this simple project that includes a hidden area for storage.

DIY Book Stand

If you’re a bookworm, you may already know a classic book stand is one of the most convenient ways to read a book. This DIY book stand is easy to make and the perfect place to prop up your book, phone, or tablet.

But there’s more. The lid lifts to reveal a hidden storage area that will keep your space neat and organized. Use it to stash magazines, pens, notebooks, and other trinkets.

The free step-by-step plan includes all of the measurements, easy-to-follow instructions, and detailed diagrams.

What Tools Do You Need?
What Wood Should You Use?
How Do You Finish the Book Stand
How to Make a DIY Book Stand
Get the Free Plan

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Inspiration for this Book Stand

This DIY book stand was inspired by a clever book stand plan that I spotted several years ago on Chief’s Shop. The Chief’s Shop version included an open area at the back for storage.

This version has a similar shape, but it’s a little smaller, the back is enclosed, and the hinged lid opens to reveal a hidden storage area.

I didn’t build this project, so I’m sharing what the finished book stand may look like using renderings and kitchen scene that I sourced from the SketchUp 3D Warehouse.

DIY book stand with the lid open on a kitchen counter

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Book Stand?

This easy-to-make book stand is a simple project that you can build in an afternoon using basic woodworking skills and just a few common woodworking tools.

Tools like a miter saw, pocket hole jig, and a drill. You’ll also need an additional saw to cut the angle on the sides of this project.

Miter Saw

You can use a miter saw to cut all of the parts to length for this project. If you have one, you might be able to use a sliding miter saw to make the angled cuts on the sides of the stand.

Related: 7 Miter Saw Tricks Every DIYer Should Know

Pocket Hole Jig

You can use any pocket hole jig to drill the pocket holes for this project.

Related: Which Kreg Pocket Hole Jig Should You Buy?

DIY book stand with a book on a kitchen counter

Drill

You’ll need a drill to make the pocket holes, drive the pocket hole screws that join the parts together, and drive the screws that attach the piano hinge to the lid.

Related: Impact Driver vs Drill: What’s the Difference?

It’s also handy to have a right angle drill attachment. Some of the pocket hole locations on this project could be tricky to reach with a traditional driver.

A right angle drill attachment is the perfect tool to drill in a tight spot or drive screws in hard-to-reach places.

Related: How to Screw in Hard-to-Reach Places

Additional Saw

If you don’t have a sliding miter saw, you will need an additional saw to cut the angles on the sides of the stand. An easy way to make these cuts is with a jigsaw. Use the jigsaw to cut next to the pencil line. Then clean up the cut by using a sander to sand up to the pencil line.

What Wood Should You Use?

I designed this project so that you could make it without plywood. Instead, I created this project so that you could build with common pine boards like 1×2s, 1×3s, 1×4s, and 1×6s.

Related: Beginner’s Guide to Wood Sizes

Side view of a DIY book stand with a storage area

How Do You Finish the Book Stand?

This book stand could be finished in a variety of ways. It could be left natural, painted, stained, or a combination of paint and stain.

How to Make a DIY Bookstand with Storage

Printed Plan

Get the FREE plan here (includes detailed instructions, measurements, and bonus tips)

Materials

Wood (per the printed plan)
1-¼” Pocket Screws
Wood Glue
12″ Piano Hinge

Tools

Tape Measure
Drill
Kreg Jig
Kreg Multi-Mark
Miter Saw
Right Angle Drill Attachment

Step 1. Make the Sides

Cut eight pieces of wood to length. Apply glue and clamp to form two panels.

When the glue is dry, use the diagram in the printed plan to layout the angled cuts.

There are several ways to make these cuts. If you have one, you might be able to use a sliding miter saw. First, make the short 45-degree cut. Then, return the blade to zero, place the cut edge against the fence, and make the long straight cut.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Please use caution when making these cuts. Holding the board with your hand could be dangerous. Using a hold down like the 10 Million Dollar Stick by FastCap is a good way to hold the board and keep your hand away from the blade.

If you don’t have a sliding miter saw, you might be able to make these cuts with a jigsaw instead. Use the jigsaw to cut next to the pencil line. Then clean up the cut by using a sander to sand up to the pencil line.

Related: Best Sanders for Furniture: Which to Choose & Why

Use the diagram in the printed plan to mark the locations for pocket holes and drill pocket holes at each mark. Be sure to make a right and a left side.

Related: How to Use a Kreg Pocket Hole Jig

Sketch showing where to position the pocket holes on a DIY book stand

Step 2. Attach the Front Rail

Cut one piece of wood to length and drill pocket holes in each end.

Apply glue to the ends, position on the sides, and clamp. Attach using 1-¼” pocket hole screws.

Sketch showing how to install the front rail on a DIY book stand

Step 3. Attach the Bottom

Cut three pieces of wood to length for the bottom. Apply glue and clamp to form a panel.

When the glue is dry, use the diagram in the printed plan to drill pocket holes on each end.

Position the bottom with the pocket holes facing down and clamp. Attach using 1-¼” pocket hole screws.

Sketch showing how to install the bottom on a DIY book stand

Step 4. Attach the Back

Cut one piece of wood to length for the back and drill pocket holes in each end.

Position at the back of the stand and clamp. Attach using 1-¼” pocket hole screws.

📝 NOTE: You may need a right angle drill attachment to reach these pocket holes.

Sketch showing how to install the back on a DIY book stand

Step 5. Attach the Lid

Cut six pieces of wood to length. Two pieces will be used for the fixed lid, and four will be used for the moveable lid.

Apply glue and clamp to form a panel.

When the glue is dry, position it on the back angle and attach using 1-¼” pocket screws.

Sketch showing how to install the fixed lid on a DIY book stand

Apply glue to the remaining pieces and clamp to form a panel.

Cut one piece of wood to length for the rail.

🔄 OPTIONAL: You can use sandpaper and a sanding block to round off two of the corners.

Apply glue to the edge of the lid, position the rail, and clamp.

Center the hinge on the fixed lid and attach using the screws included with the hinge. Then use the remaining screws to attach the other side of the hinge to the moveable lid.

Sketch showing how to install the hinged lid on a DIY book stand

Step 6. Finish the Book Stand

This book stand could be finished in a variety of ways. It could be left natural, painted, stained, or a combination of paint and stain.

Final Thoughts

This DIY book stand is the perfect place to prop up your book, phone, or tablet. Plus, the lid lifts to reveal a hidden storage area that will keep your space neat and organized.

Get the free plan (including the detailed instructions and measurements) now!

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