If you’re hoping to add an element of magic to your bookshelves, look no further than a book nook. If you’re unfamiliar, a book nook is a diorama or bookshelf insert that is placed between your books to give the illusion that that there is a miniature room from another world hidden behind your shelves. You can buy these or make your own, and it makes the perfect gift for a bookworm friend or a fun DIY project to liven up your book collection.
These have been a craze for about four years now, but with ‘BookTok’ and other book blogs taking off in recent years, the demand for these kits and nooks has increased.
How can I make a book nook?
If you would rather make your own book nook from scratch, there are plenty of guides and instructions available online for you to follow. These have been tried and tested by bloggers and crafters, and offer some useful guidance on how to make your own.
Felt Magnet have a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own. These instructions are particularly useful as they give you the exact dimensions needed for your 3D model. All you should need to complete this, aside from a free afternoon, is:
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Cardboard
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A box cutter or sharp knife
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Super glue
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Acrylic paint
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Paintbrushes
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Access to a printer
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Pebbles and small figurines or toys you can paint
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Plastic cover/acrylic sheet for the windows
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An optional detail: battery-operated LED light
Jennifer from JenniferMaker also has a useful guide on how to create your own book nook using materials found in your home and a laser printer. One of her creative tips that is perfect for any nook is adding a mirror to create the illusion of depth.
Where can I buy a book nook?
If you want to make a book nook but you don’t trust your crafting skills, why not buy a ready-made kit? Although these kits allow you to buy the materials, you still need to assemble the nook yourself, so while this is still a time-consuming activity, you’re better guaranteed a nook that matches your vision than if you made it from scratch.
The Willoughby Book Club sell book nook assembly kits for as little as £39.99.
www.thewilloughbybookclub.co.uk
Ever fancied owning a bookshop? Treat yourself or a loved one to this stunning 3D model kit to create your very own miniature bookshop. Containing all the materials to build a unique and magical book nook, Sunshine Town will add charm and delight to your bookshelves. It’s a perfect gift for readers and crafters alike!
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Requires batteries
Etsy has an endless supply of book nook kits available ranging from £34 to £136 including many limited-edition book nooks.
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Beyond the Library of Books Wooden Miniature Book Nook Shelf Insert 3D Wooden Puzzle Insert Model
Etsywww.etsy.com
DIY DESK NOOK comes with parts and needs to be assembled, not finished. Even if you are a beginner, the colorful manual guides you step by step through the miniature kit. This DIY dollhouse set is suitable for ages 14+. So it's a great way to communicate with teens and adults, and it also inspires you to plan and build like a real engineer.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- A pricier model
Robotime also has many book nooks available, and even provides you with a piece count and an estimated assembly time so you know exactly how long the project will take you.
www.rolifeonline.com
Get ready for a time travel with this book nook shelf insert. This is a DIY bookshelf decoration that can be built by yourself.
Pros
- Intricate design
Cons
- Ships from the US
FAQs
Are book nooks hard to build?
Many of these kits take between four and six hours, and if you opt to make them yourself you’re looking at an even longer project. However, if you follow the guides and keep at it, there’s no reason why you too can’t have a magical world between your bookshelves.
How much do book nooks cost?
Since book nooks tend to be hand-crafted, a fully assembled one or a kit can cost anywhere between £30 and £150.
Sarah O’Byrne has been an editorial assistant at heat, Closer and Yours since May 2023. She has a BA in English with Film and an MA in Literature and Culture - both from University College Dublin.
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