DIY low library: a plywood book shelf, door Delaram

A low library you can make your own

A home library does not have to reach the ceiling. Delaram made this long, low book shelf entirely herself, using wood cut to size by OPMAATZAGEN.nl. With two open storage levels and a generous top surface, the design gives you room for books and favourite objects without filling the wall from floor to ceiling.

Light plywood, open shelves and an unexpected layout

In the finished photos, you see three long horizontal panels: a base, a middle shelf and a top. Upright dividers create two rows of compartments. The upper row has a wider central opening, while the lower row is divided more regularly. That small change in rhythm makes the book shelf feel more personal than a standard grid.

The horizontal panels extend beyond the outer dividers, leaving the ends open rather than closing them with full-height sides. There is no visible back panel, so you can see the white wall through the compartments. The pale wood faces show subtle grain and occasional small marks, while the exposed plywood edges reveal the layered construction. No coloured paint finish is visible.

A practical place for your books

You can arrange books upright between the dividers, make small horizontal stacks or leave a few spaces open for decoration. The broad central opening gives you extra freedom when arranging your collection. The photos show the completed unit before it has been filled, making the shelf layout particularly easy to see.

A low book shelf against a white wall

The finished library stands along a white wall on a warm, wood-look floor, with a doorway visible at one end. Its low proportions leave plenty of empty wall above, where a small framed artwork hangs. You get a useful stretch of storage without the visual bulk of a tall cabinet.

The pale plywood sits comfortably alongside the warm floor and white skirting board. Because the back is open, the wall remains part of the design. If you want storage in your living space but still enjoy a light, uncluttered feel, this is a lovely approach to borrow.

From cut-to-size panels to a handmade library

The progress photos show long plywood panels laid out beside the sofa and a stack of smaller rectangular pieces ready for assembly. Later images show pencil marks, drilled holes and wooden dowels in the edges of the dividers. A drill, measuring tape and other hand tools are visible nearby. You can follow how the separate parts gradually become an open shelving unit.

OPMAATZAGEN.nl supplied the wood cut to Delaram's chosen dimensions. Delaram carried out the build herself. Having the panels cut to size means you can focus on marking out the connections, checking alignment and assembling your own furniture, rather than cutting large sheets at home.

Make the dimensions work for your room

For your own DIY low library, start with the available wall space and the books you want to store. You can choose the overall length, shelf depth and compartment heights, as well as your preferred material and finish. Remember to allow for the skirting board and access around nearby doors.

Making the unit yourself also gives you more control over your budget. You can compare material options, keep the design straightforward and do the assembly yourself. Your final cost will depend on the dimensions, panel thickness, fixings and finish you choose.

Scandinavian-inspired style

Light wood, clean lines and an open structure give this finished book shelf a Scandinavian-inspired feel. The slightly varied compartment layout keeps it interesting without making it busy. You can keep that quiet look with a few carefully chosen objects, or let a colourful book collection turn it into your own lively little library.

The wood: Plywood Interior Poplar BB/BB

Plywood Interior Poplar BB/BB is a lightweight plywood for indoor projects, making larger panels easier to handle during assembly. Its pale colour offers a neutral starting point, and the layered edges add a recognisable plywood detail. The BB/BB grade can include visible repairs and natural variations on both faces, so you get a practical furniture material rather than a completely uniform decorative surface. You can choose a suitable clear finish to retain the light wood appearance, or prepare and paint it to suit your room.