How to Make a Mirrored Bookcase

Turn a wooden bookcase into a mirrored case with individual mirrors at the back.


Mirror at the back of a bookcase adds the illusion of depth to the shelves, as well as providing reflective light. Making a bookcase from trimmed lumber requires woodworking skills and the appropriate power tools. But, you can assemble a manufactured bookcase that has adjustable shelves and install a mirror at the back. Manufactured bookcases are available in a variety of sizes and finishes at most home centers. Glass shops will cut mirror to size based on your measurements. In most cases, you can make a mirrored bookcase in about a day.


Assemble the sides, and bottom of the manufactured bookcase. Install wooden dowels in the appropriate holes as described in the assembly instructions, using a light hammer. Attach the corners using a screwdriver and the provided threaded fasteners. Do not install the top of the bookcase at this point.


Align the edges of the hardboard back for the bookcase at the recesses on the back edges of the assembled sides and bottom. Fit the back into the recesses and attach it with the provided screws at each of the machined holes at the sides and bottom of the board.


Place the bookcase flat on the back. Fit the top of the bookcase temporarily into place between the sides. Use the edge of the top that meets the back of the bookcase as a guide, and make a reference mark across the back from side to side. Set the top aside.


Determine the size of the mirror for the back of the bookcase. Measure from the reference line across the back to the surface of the bottom shelf. Measure between the inside faces of the sides and deduct 1/8 inch for clearance when installing the mirror.


Enlist a glass shop to cut a piece of clear, tinted or antique mirror based on your measurements. The glass shop should also polish the cuts to remove sharp corners.


Apply mirror mastic on the back of the mirror, using a plastic putty knife. Apply 1/8-inch-thick portions of the mastic in 2-inch circles, spaced 8 inches apart near the outer edges. Apply additional portions of mastic at several places on the midsection of the back.


Stand the mirror on edge between the sides of the bookcase. Align the lower, mirrored portion against the inside face of the bottom of the bookcase. Lower the upper edge of the mirror to install it on the back of the bookcase. Done correctly, the upper edge is aligned at the reference line and the sides are 1/16 inch from the corresponding sides of the bookcase.


Wipe the surface of the mirror with a clean rag to ensure uniform attachment at the back of the bookcase.


Install the top of the bookcase, using the provided fasteners and the screwdriver. Stand the bookcase upright at the desired location. Install pairs of shelf supports at corresponding holes at each side. Install the shelves.

Things You Will Need

  • Light hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Mirror mastic
  • Putty knife
  • Clean rag


  • Manufactured bookcases and fasteners vary with the manufacturer. Some require different types and sizes of screwdrivers. Always use the correct screwdriver for a fastener.
  • Assemble the bookcase on carpet or a blanket to prevent scratching the finish.

Photo Credits

  • Hemera Technologies/ Images
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