How to Make Rain Gutter Bookshelves

Have your heard of rain gutter bookshelves?  In this post, I’ll share all the details of how to make these shelves that are perfect for the classroom, a kids’ playroom, or your child’s bedroom…

How to Make Rain Gutter Bookshelves

Find a Handy Helper!

Step number one is to find a handy helper, or in my case – call your Dad!  All the credit for this classroom library transformation goes to my Dad, a retired firefighter who loves a good project!  He took my “I saw this on Pinterest” vision and made it a reality.  Thanks, Dad!  Here’s how we created the rain gutter bookshelves…

Purchase and Cut the Gutters

Measure your space to determine your desired shelf length.  Then, head to Lowe’s  to purchase the gutters.  They have a variety of styles ranging from $5.99 to $14.  We purchased three ten foot gutters and the cost was under $30.  You can ask to have the gutters cut down to the sizes you need at the store.  My Dad did the cutting for us using a sawzall.

You can also purchase end caps for the gutters for $1.98.

Mounting the Bookshelves

We used wall anchors to attach the shelves to the wall.

Be sure to use a level to ensure your shelves are straight.  My Dad attached six bookshelves along the wall.  He  attached the remaining gutter under my bulletin board shown in the photo below.  I used this shelf to display our Class Books that we made throughout the year.

Adding Classroom Décor

Once your shelves are in place, it’s time to add your favorite classroom décor pieces for your library.  These jumbo doodle hearts are from Carson Dellosa Education.  You can save 15 percent with code CASEY2022 .

Displaying Your Books

Last, it’s time to add books to your shelves.  I like to change the books each season.  What I love about these floating shelves is that my students see which books are available.   I have never seen the kids so excited about reading in our cozy classroom library!

There you have it!  I hope this post has provided inspiration to create the classroom library of your dreams on a budget!

For more classroom inspiration, visit THE KINDERGARTEN KORNER BLOG!