The Simple Way To Elevate Any Bookcase By Adding Legs

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Depending on how you style it, a bookcase can be classic and understated or an eye-catching accent piece. Though bookcases are versatile, especially those that have cube shelving, they are pretty plain right out of the box. A plain bookcase might not excite you immediately, but it does give you the opportunity for customization. By adding legs, you can elevate your bookcase both literally and figuratively.

While you might be looking forward to decorating the shelves of your bookcase, don't weigh down those shelves just yet. Before you add legs, the bookcase should be empty, allowing you to flip and manhandle it throughout the process. Legs look best on short or wide bookcases, but they can be added to taller bookcases as well. Just be sure the ones you purchase can support the weight of a large bookcase — and everything you might want to store on it. The main reason to add legs is style, but this small DIY can also help you keep your home tidy, as it lifts the case off the floor enough for you to vacuum beneath it. Depending on the length of the legs you use, you might even be able to store things beneath the elevated bookcase.

If you're looking to revamp the look of your bookshelf on a budget, legs are your answer. Furniture legs are affordable and can be found in many different styles.  As usual, Amazon is a great resource, offering options such as KITEVICH mid-century modern solid wood furniture legs for those who want a little boost of the ground, as well as taller legs like the Happybuy hairpin table legs, which come in heights ranging from 18 to 36 inches.

To install your legs, place a metal fixing plate on the underside of your bookcase where you'd like your first leg, and mark where each of the screw holes will go. Depending on the legs you purchase, the fixing plate could be attached already or as a separate piece. Repeat this for all four corners, then set aside the fixing plates and predrill holes for your screws. You'll want to position and mark your holes an equal distance from the edges on all corners. 

These holes are called pilot holes, and while many furniture pieces already come with them, since you're adding on legs to a bookcase that was not made for them in mind, you must drill these holes to allow the screws to easily enter the wood without splitting it. When choosing a drill bit for pilot holes, select a bit 1/64 inch larger than the screw's shank. Once all the holes are drilled, screw in the metal fixing plates and legs. You're technically done at that point, but if you have solid surface floors, it's always a good idea to add sticky felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs to keep them from damaging your floors.