Mid Century Modern Bookshelf – Part 1: What

Inspirations and References

My final project is to create a Mid Century Modern Bookshelf, I started with a deep dive into what makes the MCM aesthetic special. I spent time gathering ideas and references, pulling from both classic and contemporary sources.

• My main visual inspiration came from my Pinterest board of bookshelf designs, which features a mix of vintage pieces, clean modern builds, and modular storage solutions. (Some of which I want to come back and build in the future)

• A huge influence was the Mid-Century Modern Wood Entry Table from Relic Modern, whose clean lines, rounded corners, and wood accents captured the concept I wanted, but at a level too complex for the time I had.

• 

• I also learned a lot from process videos and digital plans. In particular, the Luna Bookshelf plans by Spencley Design Co. and their YouTube build video were invaluable for understanding how to approach the build, especially around joinery and finish.

My goal was as follows: create a piece that feels right at home in the lineage of mid-century modern design, but with enough custom features to make it my own.

---

Project Vision & Goals

My initial vision was for a versatile piece that could store everything from oversized art books and vinyl records to my record player and even a few tools. I also wanted the design to evolve visually, meaning the look of the shelf would naturally change based on what I placed on it over time.

A few key points guided my design:

• Aesthetic: Clean lines, rounded corners, exposed plywood layers, and a finished mid-century look.

• Function: Multiple shelf sizes, space for a record player, vinyl storage, and easy access for items I use daily.

• Quality: I wanted this to be a portfolio piece, so I cared about fit and finish—clean edges, beautiful grain, and a nice tactile feel.

• Custom Details: I experimented with kerf-cut corners, double edges, inset shelving, and some small accents (like leather and rods) to add a twist.

• Adaptability: Instead of making the shelves adjustable, I focused on a fixed frame where the objects themselves become part of the ever-changing design.

Aesthetically, my priority was to embody mid-century modern style, which for me means: Rounded, smooth corners; Simple, functional forms; Visible wood grain; Occasional pops of color or contrasting hardware; No excessive ornamentation

Specifications:

• Designed to fit my current bedroom (and be easy to move/store)

• Height: ~3 feet; Depth: ~1 foot; Width: ~4 feet

• Built from 3/4” sande plywood, finished with espresso oil-based stain and polyurethane

• Sturdy enough for heavy books and a record player

Stretch goal: I also considered adding a marble paper hanger—a small detail from a previous project—but kept it as an optional extra for now.

---

Constraints and Challenges

• Time: Most of my energy this semester has gone into my capstone, so I needed a design I could actually finish.

• Budget: Quality wood gets expensive fast, and I had to make choices about what kind of wood to spend my money on and where to save.

• Finishing: I’ve always struggled to get a perfectly smooth, even finish, especially on plywood.

• Tool Access: The BTU Lab and woodshop are popular, so I had to plan around busy schedules and tool availability.

• Size: The shelf needed to fit in my bedroom, so both the overall footprint and ease of transport/storage were on my mind.

---

Sketches, CAD, and the Evolution of the Design

The bookshelf started with some rough sketches. My very first idea was for a tall, spine-based shelf with movable shelves—almost sculptural, and highly adjustable. Then I pivoted to an entry table with kerf-cut corners and modular pieces. Finally, I settled on the current form: a classic bookshelf/entry table hybrid, about three feet tall, one foot deep, and four feet wide.

As the design evolved, I realized some features just weren’t feasible given my timeline and resources. Adjustable shelving sounded great, but would have required complex joinery and added build time. By committing to a fixed layout, I could focus on the finish, details, and structure.

---

The Aesthetic in Practice

The final design embodies what I love about mid-century modern style, but with a few of my own twists:

• Layered plywood adds visual interest, especially when finished with a dark espresso stain.

• Inset shelves and the option for leather/rod accents give it a touch of modernity without breaking the aesthetic rules.

• The whole piece feels intentionally simple.

I see the bookshelf as an evolving canvas: the books, records, and objects it holds will change, and so will its look and feel. It’s functional, but also expressive.

---

Process and Reflections

Material collection was step one. I sourced my plywood from Boulder Lumber Company, picking out boards with a nice grain and minimal defects. Everything else came from local suppliers or leftover shop stock.

Fabrication happened mostly in the BTU Lab. I used the table saw for rough cuts, then carefully trimmed pieces to exact size, sometimes inching my way closer with repeated small cuts. The legs were shaped with a makeshift router table (using a palm router—slightly sketchy, but effective). I tested different stains and finishes on scrap before committing to the final look.

Honestly, I wish I’d used real hardwood instead of plywood. It would be more durable and easier to shape and finish, plus it would age better over time. Still, I’m happy with the result, and the process taught me a ton about planning, adapting, and working within my limits.

---

---

Citations

• Pinterest Board – Bookshelf Design

• Relic Modern – Mid-Century Modern Entry Table

• Spencley Design Co. – Luna Bookshelf Plans

• YouTube: Spencley Design Co. Luna Bookshelf Build