A wooden magazine holder for the wall is both a functional and decorative addition to any space. It keeps your magazines organized while adding a touch of elegance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a simple, stylish wooden magazine holder that you can mount on the wall.
Materials Needed:
- Wood (such as plywood, oak, or pine) – 1/4″ to 1/2″ thickness
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Saw (table saw, circular saw, or handsaw)
- Drill with drill bits
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pencil
- Wall anchors and screws (for mounting)
- Paint or wood stain (optional)
- Wood finish or sealant (optional)
Tools Required:
- Saw (circular saw or miter saw is ideal)
- Drill
- Sandpaper or an electric sander
- Screwdriver
- Clamp (optional for holding pieces together while the glue sets)
- Tape measure
- Level
Instructions:
1. Design and Measurements:
- The first step in creating a wooden magazine holder is to decide on the design and measurements. Typically, a magazine holder can be between 12” to 18” in width and 18” to 24” in height, depending on the size of your wall space and how many magazines you plan to store.
- A simple design could consist of four parts: the back panel, two side panels, and the bottom panel. The back panel will be attached to the wall, and the side and bottom panels will hold the magazines in place.
2. Cut the Wood Pieces:
- Using a saw, cut your wood to the dimensions you decided upon:
- Back panel: The largest piece (e.g., 18” wide and 24” tall).
- Side panels: Two pieces, typically 4” to 6” wide and the same height as the back panel (e.g., 24” tall).
- Bottom panel: This piece should match the width of the side panels and can be around 3” to 4” deep, depending on how many magazines you want to store.
- If you want a more decorative look, you can round the corners or add other design elements to the panels.
3. Sand the Edges:
- After cutting the pieces, use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges. Once you’ve done that, finish with fine-grit sandpaper for a polished feel.
4. Assemble the Magazine Holder:
- Apply wood glue to the edges where the side panels meet the back panel. Hold them in place using clamps or by hand while the glue dries.
- Once the glue is dry (allow a few hours), reinforce the joints with screws to ensure stability. Drill pilot holes first to prevent the wood from splitting, then insert screws at an angle through the side panels into the back panel.
- Attach the bottom panel in the same way: apply glue along the edges, then screw it into place.
5. Add Finishing Touches:
- After the structure is assembled, sand the entire holder again for a smooth finish. Be sure to smooth out any glue residue or rough spots.
- You can paint or stain the holder to match your home décor. A coat of clear wood finish will help protect the wood and give it a more polished look. Allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
6. Mounting the Holder:
- Determine where you want the magazine holder to be placed on the wall. Use a tape measure to mark the center of the back panel and the spots for the screws.
- Depending on the weight of the holder and your wall type (drywall, wood, etc.), choose the appropriate mounting hardware (wall anchors, screws, or a combination of both). For heavier holders, wall anchors are essential for added support.
- Drill pilot holes into the wall where you marked the spots. Then, screw the magazine holder onto the wall using the screws or wall anchors.
7. Finishing Touches:
- Once the holder is mounted, check that it’s level using a spirit level.
- You can also personalize the magazine holder by adding decorative elements like stenciling, metal brackets for a more industrial look, or a cloth liner to protect the magazines.
Tips and Variations:
- Design Variations: If you prefer a more modern look, you can make the side panels shorter or skip them entirely, creating a more open design. Alternatively, a more rustic look can be achieved with reclaimed wood or a distressed finish.
- Adjusting for Different Magazine Sizes: If you plan to store larger magazines, consider adjusting the depth and width of the bottom panel to accommodate them.
- Adding a Divider: For better organization, you can add a simple divider in the center to create two compartments for different types of magazines.
Conclusion:
Building a wall-mounted wooden magazine holder is a fun and practical woodworking project. It’s a great way to organize your space while adding a personal touch. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a functional piece that enhances your home décor.
For more woodworking inspiration and plans, check out Teds Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking Course.