Trofast Rotating Bookshelf Hack

Rotating bookshelves have become a popular playroom storage solution over the last few years because they provide a compact and condensed way of storing lots of books. Having a rotating bookshelf allows children access to numerous books in a small reading nook, without compromising on precious playroom space.

Rotating bookshelves are also popular because they provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing way to display books vertically, either with the spine or front cover showing. This allows children to easily visually search for what book they want either by title or cover.

Bunny Tickles are one of the most popular brands, however their rotating bookshelves {and many other brands} cost more than $500, which is simply out of the price range for many families. However, I'm going to show you how to make a DIY rotating bookshelf for half that amount.

It's actually relatively simple to create a rotating bookshelf using this easy IKEA Trofast hack. Thanks to IKEA's budget range of furniture, most of the design work is done for you, you simply need to assemble it all together with a few other pieces from the hardware store.

All images of the completed Trofast rotating bookshelf shown in this post have been supplied by Dana Callos. You can follow Dana on Instagram at @explore.and.discover_

Supplies to make a DIY Rotating Bookshelf

• Trofast frame {32cmx44cmx91cm}
• Trofast shelf 2pk 
• 4 x BEKVÄM spice racks {004.871.76}
• 300mm 225kg lazy susan bearing plate
• 2 x 28cm pieces of 25mm dowel {optional}
• 2 x 19mm pine board pieces {44cm x 32cm}
• Phillips head screwdriver 
• Liquid nails
• Screws

All of the items needed for this project can be found from Ikea and a hardware store like Bunnings or Mitre 10. If you prefer to make a white rotating bookshelf then you can purchase a white Trofast frame and white Trofast shelf inserts, however you'll need to paint the spice racks white yourself to match.

Please make sure when purchasing the Trofast unit that you have the correct size unit and matching shelves as stated above otherwise the spice racks will not fit on the sides. This unit may be temporarily unavailable in some countries. 

Make sure the lazy susan bearing plate you purchase is weighted to 225kg so it will support the weight of the bookshelf once it's full.

HOW TO MAKE A DIY TROFAST ROTATING BOOKSHELF

The Trofast rotating bookshelf is so easy to make, you don't need to be an experienced handyman to put it together. To make assembly easier, have your wood boards and dowel pieces cut to size at the hardware store. 

1. Assemble the Trofast frame as per instructions included.

2. Assemble the 4 BEKVÄM spice racks as per instructions included.

3. Secure the spice racks to the outside of the Trofast frame with screws. Dana doubled up on spice racks using a second one on each section to add an extra bar to hold the books in. This isn't necessary, but does provide extra stability for larger books as shown below.

4. Attach the lazy susan bearing plate to the pine boards as per assembly instructions included with the bearing plate.

5. Attach the pine board to the base of the Trofast frame using liquid nails and screws.

6. Attach a dowel piece to the centre of each Trofast shelf using liquid nails. This step is optional, but will help to stop books from sliding through to the other side of the unit when it's rotated.

7. Place Trofast shelves into the unit and fill with books.

The spice rack shelves can be used to store larger books, or any books you want to display with the cover facing out. They're also a great size to display toys {they fit a large wooden rainbow perfectly}.

There's many more ways to hack the Trofast units to make them more versatile in kids rooms and playrooms, have a look at these 16 creative Trofast hacks for kids rooms.

Disclosure - This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience, which means I may make a small commission at no cost to you, should you make a purchase. Bookshelf images supplied by Dana Callos and used with permission.