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How to make a kids bedroom shelf

By Bunnings magazine /

A large yellow pencil shelf topped with wooden toys on a neutral wall with colourful polka dots with a bed with pillows and a cover on it, in the bedroom.

Overview

A too-cute feature for a little one’s room, this pencil bedroom shelf is made from a large cardboard packing tube cut to simply slip onto a shelf secured to the wall. The realistic eraser ferrule is an empty 800g can – remove the top and bottom with a can opener, sand the sharp edges and soak off the label, scrubbing with a scourer to shine it up.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

How to make the pencil bedroom shelf

Get your tools and materials ready to create this cute addition to a child’s bedroom.

Steps

1Cut and paint

Centre and mark the shelf on the packing tube, then cut out a slot with a utility knife. Remove end caps. Make the eraser by applying hot glue inside a cap and inserting the foam plug. Apply primer, then two coats of yellow spray paint to the tube and pink to the plug; let dry after each coat.

Hands holding a white shelf on a cardboard packing tube and using a pencil to mark its outline.

2Make the pencil point

To make a timber-look pencil point, mark a semicircle on cream card using a pencil and a 150mm length of string; cut with scissors. Fold into a cone shape, adjusting to fit snugly over the end of the tube. Remove from the tube and glue the join, holding until set.

Hands holding a string at the corner of a cream piece of card, and using a pencil to draw an arc on the paper.

3Add the tip

To make a graphite-look tip, use a pencil and 50mm length of string to mark a semicircle on black card. Cut and fold into a cone, check it fits over the point, then glue in place with the joins at the back. Glue the point over the tube, lining up the joins with the shelf cutout at the back.

Hands attaching a black tip to a light-coloured cone, with a yellow cylinder in the background.

4Craft the ferrule

To make an eraser ferrule, cut a 300mm-long, 125mm-wide piece of silver card. Wrap it around the end of the tube and glue in place, let dry, then push the cap and plug into the tube. Slide the large tin onto the tube, position the tin over the silver card and glue in place.

Hands joining a yellow cylinder, a silver paper ferrule, and a pink-painted foam plug.

5Mount the bedroom shelf

Use a mitre box with handsaw to cut the pine to 600mm, sand and apply two coats of primer. Secure to wall at the ends and in the centre, screwing directly into wall studs (usually at 450mm or 600mm spacings) or using fixings for your wall type. Predrill three holes 10mm in from the back edge of the shelf, 10mm from the sides and centred, position against the wall and secure onto pine batten with 40mm screws.

A left hand holds a white shelf against a neutral wall while the right hand uses a drill to screw the shelf into a wall batten.

6Attach the pencil

Apply glue along the front edge of the shelf, then slide the pencil assembly over the shelf edge, pushing gently until the shelf rests against the inside of the tube. Apply glue into the cutout along the shelf, holding until set.

A large yellow pencil shelf with a pink eraser end mounted on a neutral wall, with wooden toys on top.

7Keep in mind...

  • When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and mask are also recommended).
  • For sanding or spray painting, always wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask and eye and ear protection). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area, covering the surrounding areas with a drop sheet to avoid overspray.
  • When using a hot-glue gun, wear eye protection and a mask, work in a well-ventilated area, then place the appliance on its stand after use and allow it to cool down before storage. Do not leave unattended while in use or directly after use.
  • When mounting shelves, make sure you use fixings/fasteners appropriate for your type of wall and the weight of the shelf and items displayed on it.
  • Paint colours may vary on application.
  • Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

8Looking for more ways to upgrade a child’s room?

Discover the coolest kids bedroom makeovers on a budget.

 

Photo credit: Martina Gemmola, Devlin Familton.

Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

 

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.