DIY bookends are more than just practical accessories for your bookshelf; they are an opportunity to express your style and add a touch of charm to any room. Functionally, they keep your books upright and organized, preventing them from toppling over and creating a tidy, polished look. So why not get inspired and learn to make some from this list of free designs?

Explore a world of enchanting adventures as we at Craft Passion take you on a ride you will never forget. Craft them from materials easily sourced as you infuse your charming personalities into your bookshelves. They can be made into any aesthetic that you’d like to be! From minimalists to maximalists, you call the shots.
So, what are you waiting for? Prepare to be amazed by our curated list compiled just for you and your family! Read along, as we have an FAQ section to answer your burning questions and fill you in on some juicy details about them, too.
FAQs Regarding Homemade Bookends
1. Are they only meant for books?
Although bookends are typically used to support books and prevent them from falling, they are versatile accessories that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Despite the word “book” in their name, these handy items can also organize magazines and newspapers, showcase small decorative pieces, and even display framed photos!
2. What materials do I need?
These decorative and functional items can be made from a variety of materials. Since this post caters to do-it-yourself, you’ll notice that many of the designs in the list mainly used wood, acrylic, and concrete.
However, it depends on your preference and what aesthetic, look, and feel you’re aiming towards. Some bookends are made from metal, glass, and resin, too. So, choose whatever materials speak best to you.
3. How do I maintain my bookend in tip-top shape?
We want to ensure that they do not deteriorate over time once we have finished making our desired bookend. Depending on the material it is made of, they have different care methods. Here is a simple guideline that you and your family can follow:
– If made from wood, dust it regularly and polish it occasionally.
– If made from metal, clean it with a damp cloth and wipe it dry to prevent rusting.
– If made from resin, clean it with a glass cleaner and a soft, damp cloth.
4. Are there any safety considerations when using a bookend?
This is especially important if you have children at home. To answer your question, yes, there are several ways to take great precautions. Depending on your choice of material, your bookend might have pointy edges or be unstable. So, ensure your craft does not topple over easily and has a firm and stable base. As for the pointy edges, you can either opt for a design that does not have protruding parts or pointy edges or file them down with sandpaper.
What’s Next?
- Pick your favorite bookends and get started! Share your creations on Facebook and Instagram by tagging us @craftpassion.
- Pin this post on Pinterest for future reference.
- Share this post with your friends and family for a group crafting session.
- If you love book-related crafts, check out these fun Bookmark Ideas, Book Covers, and cute Eyeglasses Applique Bookmarks.
21 DIY Bookends To Decorate Your Bookshelf
It’s time for the real deal. If you are an avid bookworm, prepare for the time of your life as we show you some fantastic designs and patterns you can recreate to make the ultimate bookend. Get your materials, and have a blast!
DIY Modern Bookends
Starting off is this gorgeous and minimalistic design. This modern bookend design helps you to showcase your favorite books on your shelves in an organized manner. Make organizing books the fun part of your day with this tutorial!
Kids Toy Bookends
Use dinosaurs to guard the secrets of your ancient books with their big and mighty tails wagging left to right to fend off any attackers! Try this design out to craft your dino pals!
Beautiful Wooden Bookends
Imagine a cozy corner where books are nested using charming wooden structures supporting them. How cute! Create a natural feel using this tutorial below to elevate your shelves.
DIY Pineapple Bookends
If you're a Spongebob fan like we are, turn your shelf into Bikini Bottom with this adorable bookend. Channel your creativity and decorative skills by making a playful organizer! After all, who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
DIY Coral Bookends
Want to bring the essence of the sea to your living space? Well, try this beautiful bookend design to hold up your books and set them in place! Transform your bookshelf into a magical underwater paradise with this homemade craft.
DIY Faux Ceramic Animal Bookends
Instead of getting store-bought ceramic decor, which can be rather pricy, with this tutorial, elevate a plastic animal toy into a luxurious display for your books! Choose your favorite animal and get crafting!
Quotation Mark Bookends
Make your bookshelf look straight from a movie scene with these Quotation Mark Bookends! This craft ensures that they whisper exciting tales and adventures every time you look at them.
Rainbow Bookends With Cricut Maker
Did someone say a beautiful bright rainbow? Time to glimmer with a multitude of colors with this bookend! Brighten up the mood of your kid's shelf with this craft. Learn the steps to make it by clicking the link below.
Spotted Horse Bookends
Imagine your books galloping to resemble a prideful stallion. With this project, you can recreate exactly that by following the easy instructions. Not only is it adorable, but it gives your space a rustic farmhouse vibe to your decor.
DIY Vintage Rolling Pin Bookend
Jump back to the glory days of the 90s with this bookend craft. Use some rolling pins and turn your shelf into a beautiful retro kitchen that is so nostalgic! Roll into action with them!
Easy DIY Bookends From Wood Scraps
Pair your books with this rustic Wood Scraps Bookend as they stack next to each other! They add a touch of woodiness and beauty, making your shelf an enchanting woodland. Learn how to make it by clicking the link below.
DIY Star Trek Hand bookend
Explore a galaxy of wisdom and knowledge using your bookend to contain all the hidden knowledge. Each time you reach for a book, it is almost as if you are traveling to different planets!
DIY Baseball Bookends
Hit a home run of style to your bookshelf. Make your reading corner feel like a ballpark full of excitement as you use old baseballs to transform it into the ultimate pitch! Time to hit it with a sporty bit of charm with these bookends!
Stylish Mountain Bookends
Climb mountains of adventures as you flip the pages of your book with this DIY Mountain Bookend. Explore majestic peaks that redefine your imagination as you reach for a new book every time! Make your shelf a beautiful, rugged landscape with this tutorial.
Terrazzo Concrete Bookends
Terrazzo is a type of composite material that has pieces of marble, glass, and other decorative materials in it. Why not make a bookend out of it? It gives such a premium look to your shelves!
Guitar Scrap Wood Bookends
Strum a tune of creativity and knowledge with this DIY Wooden Guitar Bookend! Add a musical touch to your bookshelf and create a music ensemble right in your bookshelf! Try out this design!
Wine Rack Bookends
Want to store your books and wine simultaneously but need more space? Learn how to make a DIY Wine Rack Bookend with this detailed and straightforward tutorial!
DIY Unicorn Bookend
Make your kid's dream come true with this adorable Unicorn Bookend! This glimmering Unicorn Bookend will add a sprinkle of magic and enchantment to your kid's bedtime adventures! Watch as it shimmers with majestic horns and flowing manes like a rainbow.
Splatter Painted Concrete Sphere Bookends
It's time to get messy! Let your inner child go wild with this DIY Splatter Painted Concrete Sphere Bookend! Use different colors to personalize them and claim this shelf as yours. Add your character and twist to it!
DIY Bookends With Organizers
Do you want a beautiful craft while it is practical? Try out this craft with an organizer built into it! Build these for your kids and place them in their study area to store stationery. Try it out!
DIY Amethyst Bookends
Do you love crystals like we do? They bring a lot of glam and flare to a dull space. Why not try them out in this homemade craft showcasing the finest crystal, amethyst? Make your shelf a magical glimmering land!