Building a wooden magazine rack with a mid-century modern design is a rewarding project that combines functionality with a stylish aesthetic. The mid-century style is known for its clean lines, simple shapes, and the use of natural wood finishes. This guide will walk you through the steps to create your own wooden magazine rack that captures the essence of mid-century modern design.
Materials Needed:
- 1×4 lumber (for the frame)
- 1×2 lumber (for support slats)
- Plywood (for the base)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws (optional)
- Sandpaper (120, 220 grit)
- Wood finish or stain (preferably walnut or oak for that mid-century look)
- Drill and screwdriver
- Miter saw or handsaw
- Measuring tape
- Carpenter’s square
- Clamps
Step 1: Design and Plan the Dimensions
The first step is to decide on the dimensions of your magazine rack. A common mid-century modern style for a magazine rack is about 18-20 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 18-24 inches tall. These dimensions give a clean, compact look with ample space for magazines or newspapers.
Draw out the design and sketch the rack’s layout. A mid-century rack typically has a simple rectangular base and clean, angled legs. For the magazine support, slats made from 1x2s are often used to create an open, airy feel.
Step 2: Cutting the Lumber
Once you have your measurements, it’s time to cut your wood pieces. Here’s a general list of the pieces you’ll need:
- Side pieces (legs): Cut two pieces of 1×4 lumber at 18 inches (or your preferred height).
- Cross supports (top and bottom): Cut two pieces of 1×4 lumber at 18 inches (width of the rack).
- Slats for magazine holding: Cut four pieces of 1×2 lumber at 12 inches each (or longer depending on your design).
- Base: Cut a piece of plywood to the desired width and length (typically 18” x 12”).
For the angled legs that give it that classic mid-century look, you can either cut them with a miter saw or use a jig to create angled cuts (usually about 15–20 degrees for that signature slant).
Step 3: Assemble the Frame
Now that you have your pieces, start by assembling the frame.
Attach the side pieces (legs) to the top and bottom supports: Use wood glue to attach the top and bottom cross supports to the sides. Use clamps to hold the pieces together while they dry. You can also use screws for added stability, but this is optional. Make sure the frame is square with a carpenter’s square.
Attach the slats: Space the slats evenly across the bottom of the frame. These slats will hold the magazines and give your rack its mid-century modern style. You can use wood glue to secure the slats and clamps to hold them in place. Ensure that they are all positioned parallel to each other and even.
Attach the base: Place your plywood base on the bottom of the frame, ensuring that it aligns perfectly with the edges of the side pieces. Secure it in place with wood glue and screws if needed.
Step 4: Sanding and Finishing
Once the frame is assembled and the glue is fully dried, it’s time to smooth everything out.
Sand the entire surface: Use a coarse grit sandpaper (around 120) to smooth any rough edges and surfaces. Follow up with a finer grit sandpaper (220) to create a smooth finish. Sand along the grain to avoid leaving visible marks.
Finish the wood: For that mid-century modern vibe, you’ll want to choose a wood finish or stain that enhances the natural beauty of the wood. Walnut or oak stains are particularly popular in mid-century designs. Apply the finish with a soft cloth or brush, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Let it dry: Allow the finish to fully cure before handling the rack. Depending on the type of finish, this may take a few hours to a day.
Step 5: Final Touches and Assembly
Once everything is dried and finished, you can do a final inspection. Check for any areas that need touch-ups, such as sanding or staining. If everything looks good, your wooden magazine rack is now ready for use.
You may want to add felt pads to the bottom of the legs to prevent scratching on floors, especially if you’re placing the rack on hardwood or tile.
Step 6: Place and Enjoy
Now that your rack is complete, place it wherever you need a stylish way to organize magazines. A mid-century design is all about minimalist elegance, so the sleek lines and natural wood will make it a timeless addition to any room.
Final Thoughts
Building a wooden magazine rack with a mid-century design is a simple yet gratifying project. The use of clean lines, natural wood finishes, and functional design is characteristic of the mid-century modern aesthetic. Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or a beginner, this project can be customized to fit your personal style and space.
For more woodworking inspiration and step-by-step guides, consider exploring Ted’s Woodworking Course here.