Here are the details on how to make the book display rack, part of my booth/table display for future public appearances such as public speaking, booths at conventions, and author book signing tables. I’ve designed this to hold four copies of my book The Wicked Wolves of Windsor and other Fairytales (which is a 5×8-inch book, at about 258 pages thick).
If your book is larger, you may need to adjust the scale of the shelf size, although I do think this will fit a 6 x 9 book. I designed the size to showcase my book cover title on both levels, and for my author’s name on the front bottom shelf to be clearly visible.
I designed this to fit four books on purpose (there is storage behind it for easy re-stocking access). Seeing stacks and stacks of books on a table is not attractive to a buyer, so showcase your cover while putting extra books in a tub hidden under your table to re-stock as needed.
This is about sales psychology. You want buyers to think there aren’t enough books, and if they want one they need to buy it now (scarcity). Also, you want to give them a pleasant buying experience (think theme and atmosphere, especially when deciding the color for your stand).
SUPPLY LIST:
Wood needed:
3 segments of 2×4 board, each 6 in. long:
[A] 1 – beveled along one side
[B] 2 – beveled at one end
3 rectangular pieces of paneling:
(note by using paneling the end display will be lighter than if you used thicker wood).
[C] 6 in. x 10 in.
[D] 6 in. x 12 ¾ in.
[E] 6 in. x 10 ½ in.
[F] 2 side pieces of paneling, each cut from approx 13 x 13 in. square
[G] 1 – 6 ½ in. piece of decorative molding, at least 4 in. wide.
4 narrow strips of wood (¼ x ½ in.) or thin quarter-round (¼ in.).
These are hidden inside, so can be made from scraps.
[H] 2 – 7 in. long
[K] 2 – 9 in. long
Also needed:
1 in. buglehead (drywall) screws, at least 6
small finishing nails, at least 8
Wood glue
Clamps
Sanding paper (fine to superfine)
Spray paint (or whatever paint/finish you desire).
Directions:
The instructions may look daunting at first, but it is pretty simple! Letters are given on the parts so you know which piece goes with which.
You will not cut the side panels [F] until after assembling [A] – [E].
Allow to dry, usually overnight or for several hours.
Make sure the screw heads are slightly below the wood surface,
so they won’t scratch your books.
But be sure to mark the tip of the top and back end.
Allow to dry, overnight is best.
Allow to dry.
I spray-painted mine black, about 3-5 coats. The painting process might “raise the grain” and you can get a fuzzy appearance to the wood’s surface. If you experience this, lightly sand the surface smooth and paint again.
I finished off the molding with a product that is called Rub ‘n Buff. It comes in a gold or silver, and can be found at arts and crafts stores like Michael’s.
I also like spraying on a top coat sealer. This may dull the color of your paint so be aware of that.
I’ve also made a matching bookmark holder. I will post the directions for that at a later date, so stay tuned!
