Waterfall Bookcase

Say goodbye to boxy bookcases. This design is based on the classic Georgian style. Its graduated profile, inlay, and moldings make an eye-catching piece of furniture.

Most bookcases in our day and age stay mainly in the safe, practical lane of utility. All we’re looking for is a sturdy set of shelves to stow away treasured old books, games, and maybe display a few favored curios. As you see in the photos, this bookcase does all that in a style that makes plain boxes blush. The bloodline of this bookcase goes back to the third era of the Georgian period of design (which started with King George I). That time is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of furniture making. The hallmarks of that era are captured in this fi ne interpretation in several ways. As you see here, the “waterfall” speaks to the treatment of the sides of the case. There are five tiers that widen as they go down the sides. The tiers are separated by scalloped profiles that make the transitions graceful. Beyond beauty, the sides being wider at the bottom removes those top-heavy anxious moments that lesser bookcases often suffer from. Also, you’ll note the edges of the sides, shelves, and top of the bookcase are laced with beaded edging. (A double bead on the thicker pieces while the thinner pieces are adorned with a single bead.) But the fine details don’t end there. There’s inlay on the upper stretcher and the drawer front to sink your teeth into. So, what are you waiting for?

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What You Get:

  • 17 pages of step-by-step instructions
  • Over 45 full-color photos and illustrations and exploded views
  • Hardware sources and materials list

Product Recommendations

We don't have any links to project supplies and hardware for this particular project yet, but here are some other products that might be of interest to you. (We may receive commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.)

Handscrew Clamp

1/8" Roundover Bit

Titebond Molding Glue

Gel Polyurethane