Add some scalloped trim to your boring book ledges to give them a fresh new upgrade! The scalloped book ledges will give your space a fun and whimsical feeling!
Hi there! If you didn’t get to meet me last month, I’m Becca, and I blog over at Hello Central Avenue. I share creative ideas for DIY projects, hosting parties, and making a home full of pretty spaces! Last month I had a great time creating and posting about an easy no-sew DIY Heart Garland for The Crazy Craft Lady. You can see it HERE! I’m back this month with another easy project!
Scalloped Book Ledges
My daughter is fifteen months now, and I still haven’t finished decorating her room! Perhaps there are a few of you out there who can relate. I’m getting closer with each new project though! My most recent project involves some basic white book ledges from Target and a fantastic little upgrade for them. I decided to give them a little facelift by adding some scalloped wooden trim!
Related: Tour a spare closet converted into a small play space for little kids, complete with rain gutter book ledges!
To create my scallops, I traced a Dixie cup onto some crafting wood. Then I cut them out with a box cutter, and gave the trim a fresh coat of paint. It was a very easy and inexpensive project with a fantastic end result! It definitely made the shelves way more fun! If you like this project, check out my “DIY Clay Flower Dishes” for another sweet project from my daughter’s room!
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Supplies Needed
- Book ledges
- Pieces of wood (I used a sheet of Midwest Basswood from Michaels)
- Pencil
- Sharpie marker
- Dixie cup
- Box cutter
- Fine grit sandpaper
- White spray paint (or white paint and a paintbrush)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
How to Make the Scalloped Book Ledges
- Place the book ledge on top of the wood, and trace it’s outline.
This outline will help you place your stencil when tracing your scallops.
- Next, trace your scallops. I used a small Dixie cup. Exactly ten half circles (scallops) fit on my wood trim piece. I’m big on “eye-balling” measurements when I can. Anyone else with me there!? I “eye-balled” the diameter on the dixie cup and marked both sides of the cup using a sharpie marker.
- Place the cup on the line that represents the top edge of the book ledge. Match up the diameter marks on the line. Trace the top half of the cup so that it creates a semi-circle above the line. Repeat this process for each piece of wood you will use.
- Using a box cutter, trace the lines for your scalloped trim piece. Stay slightly outside the lines so that you have a little wiggle room. You will be able to sand the edges to match your pencil lines later.Repeat this process to prevent the wood from splitting when you pop out the scalloped trim piece. Remove any excess pieces of wood with your knife.
- With fine grit sand paper, gently sand the scallops down to the pencil lines. Depending on how thin the wood is, be extra careful while handling it.
- Wipe off any excess sawdust with a cloth. Using the paint color of your choice, paint one side of the wooden trim piece. Let it dry and then turn it over, and paint the other side. Make sure that you get in all of the edges and little nooks and cranies.
- Place your book ledge on its side and generously apply hot glue to the front of the book ledge. Firmly, but gently press your scalloped trim piece onto the book ledge.
- Finally, hang your scalloped book ledges on the wall according to the directions and add some books and other charming decor!
Repeat this process to prevent the wood from splitting when you pop out the scalloped trim piece. Remove any excess pieces of wood with your knife.
This is such a great way to take a store bought item and add a little character to it! I’m pretty happy with how it turned out!
If you liked this project, then I think you will love this post:
“Sneak Peek at Liev’s Nursery”
