DIY Book Sling: Creative 7-Step Book Storage

Last Updated on May 31, 2024 by teamobn

These book slings are perfect for those who need storage but do not have enough wall space.

My children and I are certified bookworms. Every time we go to the mall, we always come out with at least one book each. It is no wonder, therefore, that we’ve been adding bookshelves approximately every quarter. It is because we love spending time lost in a good book, and we’re always excited to discover new stories and characters.

My husband and I have always been avid readers, so it’s no surprise that our home is full of books. Recently, my husband has been saying that we need to eliminate some of our readers to make more room. I’m not sure what to do. On the one hand, I can see his point. We have occupied almost all possible areas for bookshelves and cabinets.

But on the other hand, I can’t imagine getting rid of any of our books. What should we do? Should we try to find more creative ways to store our books? Although we’ve already donated some of our books to the public library, we still do not have enough space for additional bookshelves. Well, we’ve searched online on how to store books when we don’t have enough space for a bookshelf then, we came across this DIY idea – instead of putting up shelves, we made these book slings!

These aren’t only space-savers but also save us from looking at the same old, usual cabinets. Bookshelves can be both stylish and functional, but they can also be a bit of an eyesore. If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your home décor and save some space, book slings are a great option. Not only do they take up less room than traditional bookcases, but they also offer a unique and stylish way to display your books. Whether you use them in your living room, bedroom, or home office, book slings are a great way to add personality to your space.

I firmly believe that every bookworm is very grateful to the person who came up with this book sling idea. These are very easy to install and make a great addition to any home. With a book sling, you can keep your books organized and within easy reach.

Not only does this make it easy for you to grab the book you want, but it also helps to protect your books from getting damaged. After all, nothing is worse than a damaged book! So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your books in good condition, I highly recommend investing in a book sling.

Not only is this book sling functional and versatile, but it’s also easy to make! You can easily change the look of the sling to match your mood or style. So why not try making one at home today?

Making a Book Sling

Materials

• The fabric of your choice – you can use a pillowcase (you can cut the close end so you can let the dowel through so you won’t need to sew
• Holdback Curtain hooks
• Dowels – depending on the space where you want to put your book sling prefer a longer one, you can cut them later

Tools

• Scissors
• Sewing Machine/Needle and Thread
• Screw

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fabric

• If using a pillowcase, start by cutting open the closed end of the pillowcase so that both ends are open. This allows the dowel to slide through easily.
• If you’re using fabric, cut it to the desired size. Typically, a good size is about double the width of the dowel and as long as you want the sling to hang.

Step 2: Hem the Fabric

• Fold about an inch of fabric over at each end of the pillowcase or fabric piece, creating a channel for the dowel. Pin in place.
• Sew along the edge of the fold to secure the hem, leaving enough space to easily slide the dowel through. Remove pins after sewing.

Step 3: Prepare the Dowel

• Measure and cut the dowel to fit the width of your intended wall space, leaving a few extra inches on each side to extend beyond the fabric.
• Sand any rough edges to prevent snagging the fabric.

Step 4: Insert the Dowel

• Slide the dowel through the hemmed channels at each end of the fabric or pillowcase.

Step 5: Mount the Holdback Curtain Hooks

• Decide where you want to hang your book sling. Use a level to mark the spots on the wall to ensure your book sling will hang evenly.
• Screw the holdback curtain hooks into the wall at the marked spots. Make sure they are secure and level.

Step 6: Hang the Book Sling

• Place the ends of the dowel into the curve of the holdback curtain hooks. Ensure it is balanced and secure.

Step 7: Add Books and Enjoy

• Place your books into the sling. Distribute them evenly to maintain balance and prevent the fabric from stretching too much in the middle.

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Material Variations and Sustainability

When creating a DIY book sling, choosing sustainable materials not only reduces environmental impact but also adds a unique touch to your home decor. 

Here, we explore various material options that are both eco-friendly and stylish, perfect for crafting your personalized book sling.

Recycled Fabrics

Using recycled fabrics is a fantastic way to make your book sling not only visually appealing but also environmentally conscious. Consider materials like old curtains, denim from worn-out jeans, or fabric scraps from previous projects. These materials are often readily available at home or can be sourced from local thrift stores, making your book sling a beacon of sustainability.

Organic Cotton

For those looking to purchase new fabric for their book sling, organic cotton is a superior choice. It’s grown without harmful chemicals and pesticides, making it better for the planet and your home’s indoor air quality. Organic cotton fabric comes in a variety of textures and colors, giving you plenty of options to design a book sling that’s both functional and fashionable.

Hemp Fabric

Hemp is another excellent material for crafting a book sling. It is incredibly durable, which means your book sling will hold up well over time, even with heavy books. Hemp grows quickly and requires little water and no pesticides, making it a sustainable crop. Its natural resistance to mold and mildew also makes hemp fabric a practical choice for storing books.

Upcycled Leather

For a more luxurious look, consider using upcycled leather for your book sling. Old leather jackets, bags, or furniture coverings can be transformed into a sophisticated and sturdy book storage solution. Leather is durable and can support heavier books without stretching, making it ideal for a book sling that combines elegance with sustainability.

By creating your book sling from one of these sustainable materials, you craft a functional item for your home and contribute to a healthier environment. Each book sling made from these eco-friendly alternatives helps reduce waste and supports sustainable living practices.

Decorative Tips for Book Slings

Decorating your DIY book storage is an excellent way to add flair and personality to any room while keeping your favorite reads organized and accessible. Here are some creative ideas for embellishing your design to match your personal style and home decor.

Choose Vibrant Patterns

Selecting fabrics with vibrant patterns or bold prints can instantly elevate the aesthetic appeal of your creation. Floral designs, geometric patterns, or abstract art can transform a simple storage solution into a striking piece of decor. Consider the overall color scheme and style of the room to ensure your choice complements the existing decor.

Add Textural Elements

Incorporating textural elements can add depth and interest. Consider adding trims such as pom-poms, fringe, or lace along the edges. These small additions can make a significant impact, giving your storage a chic and custom-made feel. Mixing textures, like combining a smooth fabric with a rougher trim, can also enhance the tactile experience.

Personalize with Embroidery

Embroidering names, initials, or favorite quotes onto the fabric can personalize your storage and make it truly one of a kind. This can be particularly appealing in children’s rooms or as a gift, where adding a name or a special date can add sentimental value.

Use Decorative Hooks

Instead of using standard hooks, opt for decorative hooks that match the theme of your room or reflect your interests. Hooks in the shape of animals, nautical motifs, or intricate vintage designs can serve as both functional and decorative elements, enhancing the overall look of your storage setup.

Implement a Theme

For thematic decor, tailor your fabric and embellishments to match a specific theme such as nautical, floral, rustic, or modern minimalist. This can be particularly effective in themed rooms, such as a child’s bedroom or a hobby room, where the theme can complement other elements of the room’s decor.

Applying these decorative tips can transform a practical storage solution into a decorative highlight that enhances your home’s ambiance and showcases your personal style.

Conclusion

Building a book sling is a rewarding project that combines functionality with style. This DIY task not only offers a unique way to display and organize your books, but it also allows for personalization to suit any decor. Embrace the opportunity to create a custom piece that is both practical and visually appealing in your home.

We have more knitting projects to satisfy your artistic spirit. Check out our knitted cat bed guide!