Making a wooden magazine holder with a mid-century modern look is a great DIY project! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve that sleek, minimalist style:
Materials Needed:
- Wood (Plywood or hardwood like oak or walnut)
- Wood glue
- Screws (optional, for additional support)
- Wood stain or paint (for finishing)
- Sandpaper (fine grit)
- Wood filler (optional)
- Drill and drill bits
- Saw (table saw, circular saw, or hand saw)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Wood clamps
- Miter saw or handsaw for angled cuts
Step 1: Design Your Holder
Mid-century modern designs are known for their clean lines, organic shapes, and functional simplicity. For a magazine holder, a typical design could include:
- Straight sides for a geometric shape.
- Rounded edges for a soft, organic feel.
- Open sides to show off the magazines.
You can design a simple rectangular holder with an open front or get creative by adding angled sides for a more dynamic look.
Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Wood Pieces
Based on your design, measure and mark the following pieces:
- Sides: Two pieces of equal size for the sides of the holder (around 12-15 inches high and 8-10 inches deep).
- Bottom: One piece for the base (same width as the sides and depth of the holder).
- Dividers (optional): If you want to separate the magazines, cut additional thin dividers, each around 3-4 inches wide.
Using a saw, carefully cut the wood pieces. For a mid-century modern look, keep the edges as straight and clean as possible.
Step 3: Sand All Edges
Sand all of the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any roughness. If you’re looking to achieve a more rounded aesthetic, you can gently round the corners of the sides and bottom to give it a softer, more flowing appearance.
Step 4: Assemble the Holder
- Start by attaching the bottom piece to the sides using wood glue. Apply a thin layer of glue to the edges where the pieces will join. Hold them together with clamps and let the glue dry for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- If you want additional strength, you can reinforce the joints with screws. Drill small pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood, then screw the pieces together.
- If you’re adding dividers, space them evenly and glue them into place, securing them with clamps while they dry.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the glue has dried and the holder is fully assembled, sand the entire piece again to smooth out any glue residue and imperfections.
- Apply your desired finish. For a mid-century modern look, consider using a natural wood stain to bring out the wood’s grain, or you could go with a bold color if that fits your space.
- If you prefer a clean, matte finish, a polyurethane finish or a matte varnish works well.
Step 6: Final Assembly and Display
Once the finish has dried, check for any remaining rough edges or areas that need touching up. Your mid-century magazine holder is now ready to display your favorite magazines or books!
Optional: Add Legs
For an extra mid-century modern flair, you could add hairpin legs to elevate the holder off the ground. These can be easily attached with screws to the base. It’ll give your holder that classic mid-century look.
This simple, functional piece will not only keep your magazines organized but also add a stylish mid-century touch to your decor!