DIY Mid-Century Modern Bookends: A Simple Woodworking Project

Updated at: 29/05/2025

Mid-century modern design, with its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, continues to captivate homeowners. Adding a touch of this iconic style to your living space can be surprisingly easy and rewarding, especially with a simple DIY project. These stylish bookends, crafted from readily available wood, offer a perfect opportunity to inject some MCM charm into your home while honing your woodworking skills. The understated elegance of these bookends makes them a perfect addition to any bookshelf, adding a subtle yet sophisticated touch to your décor.

This project is ideal for beginners, requiring only basic tools and a little patience. No prior woodworking experience is necessary to create these beautiful and functional bookends. Ready to get started and bring a piece of mid-century modern design into your home? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Wood
  • Jig
  • Dremel with cutoff wheel
  • Bench grinder
  • 220 grit sandpaper
  • Mother's polish
  • Buffing wheel
  • 10mm socket
  • Bench vise
  • Block of wood
  • Wood glue
  • Super glue
  • Water-based polyurethane
  • Steel wool
Safety Guidelines
  • Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying wood chips and debris.
  • Use clamps to secure your wood pieces firmly during gluing and while the glue dries to prevent warping or shifting.
  • Ensure proper ventilation when using wood finishes and paints; always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wood

    • Create a jig to help cut the wood at the desired angle.
    • Cut the two main wood shapes using the jig.
    Cut the two main wood shapes using the jig.
    Prepare the Wood

  2. Prepare the Metal Foot

    • Cut the steel piece to size using a Dremel and cutoff wheel.
    • Clean up the steel edges using a bench grinder.
    • Radius the edges of the steel using a bench grinder and sandpaper for smoothness.
    • Polish the steel using Mother's polish and a buffing wheel.
    Polish the steel using Mother's polish and a buffing wheel.Polish the steel using Mother's polish and a buffing wheel.Polish the steel using Mother's polish and a buffing wheel.
    Prepare the Metal Foot

  3. Attach the Metal Foot to the Wood

    • Route out a slot in the bottom of the wood pieces to accommodate the metal foot.
    • Insert the steel foot into the wood slot, mark the bend point, and bend the metal to a 90-degree angle using a bench vise and a block of wood.
    • Cut a spline to create a tight interference fit for attaching the metal foot to the wood.
    • Apply wood glue and super glue to secure the metal foot to the wood.
    Apply wood glue and super glue to secure the metal foot to the wood.Apply wood glue and super glue to secure the metal foot to the wood.Apply wood glue and super glue to secure the metal foot to the wood.
    Attach the Metal Foot to the Wood

  4. Finish the Bookends

    • Apply polyurethane finish to the wood and let it dry.
    • Sand the finish with steel wool for a smooth, low-sheen finish.
    • Assemble the bookend by inserting the metal foot into its slot and ensuring a tight fit with the glue.
    Assemble the bookend by inserting the metal foot into its slot and ensuring a tight fit with the glue.Assemble the bookend by inserting the metal foot into its slot and ensuring a tight fit with the glue.
    Finish the Bookends

Read more: Build a Stunning Black Walnut Coaster Set: The Ultimate Furniture Protector

Tips

  • Get it right the first time to minimize cleanup work.
  • Use a block of wood to bend the steel for an even, 90-degree angle.
  • When bending sheet metal, push further than the desired point to account for springback.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Cuts

Reason: Inaccurate measuring or sawing can lead to bookends with uneven bases or heights, resulting in instability and an unprofessional look.
Solution: Carefully re-measure and recut the pieces, ensuring precise angles and lengths before assembly.

2. Insufficient Glue or Improper Clamping

Reason: Inadequate glue application or insufficient clamping pressure can cause weak joints, leading to the bookends separating or becoming wobbly over time.
Solution: Apply a generous amount of wood glue to all joining surfaces and use clamps to ensure a tight, even bond during drying.

FAQs

What type of wood is best for this project?
Hardwoods like maple, walnut, or cherry offer a beautiful finished look and are durable enough to hold heavier books. However, softer woods like pine or poplar are also suitable, especially for beginners, and can be stained or painted to achieve the desired aesthetic. Just be mindful that softer woods might show scratches more easily.