Transform your living space or culinary corner with a touch of DIY elegance! Discover how to craft your very own X-Shape Open Book Stand, a stylish and functional piece designed to keep your most cherished books or inspirational images beautifully displayed. Made from durable pine wood and customizable with any finish to match your decor, this stand is robust enough to proudly showcase weighty coffee table books, keep your favorite cookbooks open in the kitchen, or hold a beloved passage for daily inspiration. Say goodbye to forgotten stacks and hello to an engaging, ever-changing display that truly brings your literary treasures to life.
A few weeks back, I shared an exciting home decorating idea: how I meticulously arranged faux flowers in the oversized low bowl I crafted, creating a striking centerpiece for my coffee table. The vibrant pop of color instantly uplifted the entire room, injecting a fresh burst of energy into the space. Building on this newfound vibrancy, I found myself contemplating how to extend this lively spirit to other elements on the table, specifically my collection of beautiful coffee table books. I wanted a way to make these books not just decorative objects but dynamic sources of inspiration, easily accessible and visually engaging.
While an artfully arranged stack of coffee table books can undeniably make a statement, they often remain closed, their inspiring pages hidden from view. My vision was to transform these static piles into an interactive display. Imagine walking past your coffee table and seeing a captivating image or an intriguing passage from an open book, a visual treat that you can effortlessly change with your mood or the season. This simple act of displaying a book open breathes new life into your decor, inviting curiosity and interaction. It allows you to constantly refresh your decor with minimal effort, showcasing different facets of your personality and interests.
Driven by this idea, I began exploring various display options. My search quickly led me to the concept of a dedicated book stand – specifically, one that could elegantly display a colorful page from a cherished volume. I envisioned something that would hold the book at an inviting angle, making its contents instantly appealing. It was during this quest that I stumbled upon a particular design that captivated my attention.
I found this exquisite open book display stand at Pottery Barn and was immediately ready to purchase it. However, my excitement was quickly tempered when I discovered it was back-ordered, with a frustratingly long wait until summer. Impatient by nature and eager to bring my vision to life sooner rather than later, I decided this was the perfect opportunity for a DIY project. Why wait when I could create a custom version myself, potentially even improving upon the original design? This decision ignited a creative spark, turning a minor setback into an exciting opportunity to craft something truly unique.
My initial thought was to adapt the design of a simple X-shape magazine holder, much like the one pictured above, with a few crucial modifications. The Pottery Barn stand featured shorter legs and an elegant 45-degree open angle, a distinct aesthetic difference from the 90-degree angle of the magazine rack. This specific angle was key to achieving the look and functionality I desired for displaying open books. I envisioned a stand that would cradle a book perfectly, making its pages easily viewable without needing to be held.
So, armed with a few pieces of scrap lumber, I embarked on my DIY journey. Crafting an X-shape with a 90-degree angle proved relatively straightforward. However, integrating the desired 45-degree angle into the cuts presented a significant challenge. If I had access to a professional workshop brimming with specialized tools, I might have managed it using the cut pattern I had in mind. But with my limited collection of woodworking saws and basic tools, none were quite right for executing such a precise 45-degree cut cleanly and safely. I quickly realized this project required a bit more than just enthusiasm and rudimentary equipment.
Feeling a bit stumped, but unwilling to give up, I decided to seek expert advice. My neighbor, who boasts an impressive, fully equipped wood shop that would be the envy of any seasoned woodworker, was my next stop. I approached him, explaining my dilemma and asking if he could help me brainstorm a simpler method for achieving the desired 45-degree angle. His expertise proved invaluable, and he quickly devised an ingenious solution.
His method involved using just three pieces of wood and remarkably simple cuts. This streamlined approach made the entire project significantly more accessible, especially for those, like myself, who don’t possess a vast array of specialized saws. All that’s truly needed to replicate this stand is a basic saw and an inexpensive miter box to ensure accurate angles. The beauty of this simplified design lies in its elegance and ease of construction. The three pre-cut pieces are then securely glued together. Initially, I had reservations about whether wood glue alone would provide sufficient strength and durability, but I’m thrilled to report that it holds up wonderfully, creating a surprisingly sturdy and reliable display stand! This breakthrough solidified the DIY nature of the project, making it achievable for almost anyone.
My DIY X-Shape Open Book Stand: A Versatile Display Solution
Behold the finished X-shape stand, freshly painted in a sleek black, awaiting its final protective finish. Even in this stage, its elegant lines and practical design are evident. But I didn’t stop there. To elevate its functionality and appeal even further, I incorporated an additional, innovative feature:
I placed the entire X-shape stand onto a ready-made turntable. To maintain a cohesive aesthetic, I painted the turntable the exact same shade as the stand itself. This clever addition allows the displayed book to effortlessly spin in any direction, offering unparalleled versatility. Whether you’re relaxing on the sofa, entertaining guests, or simply wanting to view the page from a different angle, a gentle turn is all it takes. This spinning feature transforms the static book display into an interactive focal point, making it a delightful experience for anyone seated around the coffee table or simply passing by.
More than just a functional item, the X-shape open book stand is a truly decorative way to showcase your favorite volumes. It elevates a simple book into a piece of art, drawing attention to its cover design or an especially captivating spread. This stand isn’t limited to just the living room; its thoughtful design makes it incredibly practical for other areas of your home too. Imagine the convenience of having your cookbook perfectly propped open and easily rotatable while you’re busy in the kitchen, preventing sticky pages and lost recipes.
Indeed, this versatile stand truly shines in the kitchen, providing an indispensable aid for any home chef. No more struggling to keep a cookbook open while your hands are full! With its spinning base, you can effortlessly rotate the book to view recipes from any angle as you move around your workspace, whether you’re chopping vegetables at one end of the counter or stirring a pot at the stove. This thoughtful feature ensures your cooking experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, keeping your chosen recipe always in sight and ready.
For now, my beautifully crafted X-shape open book stand has found its perfect home on my coffee table, serving as a dynamic and ever-changing focal point in my living room. It not only showcases beautiful imagery but also sparks conversation and invites interaction, transforming a simple piece of furniture into a gallery for my favorite books. This simple DIY project has truly elevated the aesthetic and functionality of my space, proving that sometimes the best solutions come from a bit of creativity and ingenuity.
Watch This Short Video To See How The Stand Spins
How to Make Your Own X-Shape Open Book Stand: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting your own X-shape open book stand is a rewarding project that yields a functional and elegant piece of home decor. My stand was specifically designed to perfectly fit on the turntable I acquired from Walmart, ensuring seamless integration and a polished look. The finished dimensions of my stand are approximately 15 inches wide, 7-3/4 inches deep, and 5 inches high. When positioned on its optional turntable base, the overall height becomes 6 inches, creating a commanding yet refined presence. For comparison, the stand sold at Pottery Barn measures 13 inches wide, 9 inches deep, and 5.25 inches high. Feel free to adjust these dimensions to suit your specific needs or the size of your chosen books and turntable.
Supplies Needed:
- Scrap wood cut into 3 separate pieces (preferably pine for ease of cutting and finishing):
- One piece: 7-3/4″ x 11-1/8″ (This will form the main back support)
- One piece: 7-3/4″ x 3″ (This forms the crucial angled support)
- One piece: 7-3/4″ x 8″ (This serves as the base support)
- Saw to cut wood (A miter saw is ideal for precise angles, but a handsaw with a miter box will also work effectively)
- Strong wood glue (Ensure it’s suitable for bonding wood joints securely)
- Paint and paintbrush (Choose your desired color or wood stain for a custom finish)
- Sealer – Minwax Polycrylic in a Matte finish (Or your preferred clear protective coating to ensure durability)
- Sandpaper (Various grits, from coarse to fine, for smoothing rough edges and preparing for finish)
- Optional: Wood Turntable Spice Rack (A simple, affordable turntable like this can add the coveted spinning feature)
- Drill, drill bit, and wood filler (If modifying the turntable for a smoother top surface)
Time needed: 2 hours
How to Make an X-Shape Open Book Stand
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Step 1: Determine and Plan Your Dimensions
Before making any cuts, it’s crucial to finalize your dimensions. If you plan to incorporate a turntable base, using my measurements will ensure your stand fits perfectly, creating a cohesive unit. For detailed guidance on how to precisely cut the three pieces of wood required for this project, I’ve created a handy printable .pdf. This diagram will visually illustrate the angles and lengths needed, minimizing errors and making the cutting process much simpler for even novice woodworkers.
Here is the link to the printable .pdf: X Shaped Book Stand Plans
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Step 2: Cut and Smooth Your Wood Pieces
Following the dimensions and angles specified in the printable PDF from Step 1, carefully cut your three pieces of scrap wood. Precision in this step is key for a well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing stand. Once all pieces are cut, take the time to thoroughly sand all edges and surfaces. This not only removes splinters and rough patches, ensuring a smooth finish, but also prepares the wood to better absorb paint or stain, leading to a more professional final appearance.
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Step 3: Assemble the Stand Structure
The assembly process is quite intuitive. Begin by positioning the shorter board, which has the precisely cut 45-degree angle, onto the longer board. This forms the essential “X” shape that will cradle your book. The smallest angled board then fits underneath, providing additional support and stability to the entire structure. Refer to the visual aid below for a clear understanding of how these three pieces interlock to create the stand’s basic form. This careful alignment before gluing is crucial for ensuring the stand is symmetrical and holds books correctly.
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Step 4: Verify Measurements Before Gluing
Before applying any glue, it is imperative to double-check the placement and alignment of all your boards. This critical step ensures that your stand will be perfectly symmetrical and balanced. A straightforward method for verification is to measure the distance from the outer edges of the stand to the corresponding points on each side. These measurements should be identical, confirming that your boards are correctly positioned and the “X” shape is even. Taking a moment now to ensure accuracy will prevent any unsightly crookedness or instability in the final product.
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Step 5: Secure with Wood Glue
Once you’ve confirmed the perfect alignment, it’s time to secure the pieces with wood glue. Apply an even, thin coat of wood glue along all the edges where the boards will join. Press the pieces firmly together and hold them in place for at least a minute to allow the initial bond to form. If you have access to woodworking clamps, now is the ideal time to use them to hold the pieces tightly together until the glue has fully dried and cured. This will ensure a robust and lasting bond, creating a sturdy stand that will hold your books securely for years to come.
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Step 6: Inspect the Side View
After the glue has set sufficiently, carefully lay your assembled stand on its side. This perspective allows you to examine the structural integrity and aesthetic flow of the “X” shape. You’ll be able to clearly see how the three pieces have come together to form the distinct angled support. This side view is crucial for a final check of the angles and overall balance before proceeding with sanding and finishing. Ensure all joints appear strong and flush.
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Step 7: Final Sanding for a Flawless Finish
Once the wood glue is completely dry and cured, perform any necessary final sanding. Use progressively finer grits of sandpaper to achieve a perfectly smooth surface on all parts of the stand. Pay particular attention to any rough edges or areas where excess glue may have seeped out. A smooth finish is essential whether you plan to paint or stain, as it ensures an even application and a professional appearance. Clean off all sanding dust thoroughly before moving to the next step.
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Step 8: Paint or Stain Your Stand
Now comes the fun part: customizing your stand’s appearance! I opted for a chic black chalk paint, which provides a lovely matte finish and a touch of modern sophistication. However, the choice is entirely yours. You can select any color paint that complements your existing decor, or if you prefer a more natural look, apply a wood stain to highlight the grain of the pine. Remember to apply thin, even coats, allowing adequate drying time between each to achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish.
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Step 9: Optional – Add a Turntable Base
For an extra touch of functionality and flair, consider adding a turntable base to your open book stand. This ingenious addition allows your stand to rotate a full 360 degrees, making it incredibly convenient for viewing from any angle or for sharing with others. I sourced an affordable wood turntable from Walmart; a link to a similar product is provided in the supply list above. Note that many turntables, like mine, are two-tier spice racks. You will only need the bottom tier and the turning mechanism for this project, making it a clever repurpose.
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Step 10: Modify the Turntable Base for a Smooth Top
If your turntable has a raised edge or screw holes on one side, you can easily modify it for a cleaner, smoother top surface. You will only need the bottom circular piece of the turntable, which contains the rotating mechanism. To achieve a seamless look, I flipped the wood circle so that the smooth, unblemished side faced upwards. This is a very straightforward adjustment. I first removed the screw that originally secured the turntable mechanism to the wood circle. Then, I flipped the circle, ensuring the side with the hole and any border faced downwards. Using an awl, I carefully pushed through the existing hole until its point emerged on the now-top surface. Alternatively, a drill with a small bit can achieve the same result. Finally, I reattached the turntable mechanism to this flipped base. To perfect the surface, fill any visible holes with wood filler and sand it smooth once dry, making it ready for painting.
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Step 11: All Done! Enjoy Your Custom Book Stand
With all the steps completed, your custom X-shape open book stand is now ready to proudly display your favorite books! Whether placed on your coffee table as a decorative focal point or utilized in the kitchen to keep cookbooks open during meal prep, this DIY creation will add both style and functionality to your home. Step back and admire your handiwork, knowing you’ve crafted a unique and personalized piece.
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