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Modern rustic bookends made with furniture knobs

ByJennifer
Hi everyone! It’s Angela, from Number Fifty-Three and I am so excited to share this project of how to make modern rustic bookends with you all today!
Make modern rustic bookends with furniture knobs
 

I have long loved the combination of antique with modern and I think this little area of my living room perfectly embodies that.
Desk with a wooden organizer, decorative books held by modern rustic bookends, a skull and vase in a bowl, and an open magazine.A black writing desk with an open front, showcasing modern rustic bookends alongside books, a decorative skull, papers, and a brass vase with green foliage.

Lately, I’ve been wanting to add some old books to the top of my heirloom secretary desk and brainstormed these cool, modern bookends to keep them in place.

 

A black desk with books held by modern rustic bookends, a bowl containing a skull and garlic, a brass vase, and a stack of papers with a pen. A small wooden shelf holds candles. A large open book lies in the workspace.
Supplies:  Two pieces of wood (we used poplar) cut to the approximate size of your books (our dimensions were 6″ x 8.5″), stain or paint of your choice, drill and bit, four square or rectangle furniture knobs, reciprocating saw (optional based on the hardware you’re using).
 
First, cut your wood to size and stain or paint to your desired color.  Next, measure the placement of your knobs. You want the bottom of them to be level with the bottom of your wood, as this is what will hold the bookends up.  Drill holes and add the hardware. Our knobs have long screws that extended from the hardware out. Because they were too long, we used a reciprocating saw to cut off the excess. If you have to do this be careful!
 
Three images display pieces of wood with varying hardware, including screws, a drill bit, and brackets, set on a dark surface. These modern rustic bookends combine functionality with a touch of rugged charm for your bookshelf.
 

 

Even though I paint furniture for a living, I truly love stained wood. The grain in this poplar is so pretty and contrasts just beautifully with the gilded acrylic knobs for these modern rustic bookends.
 A black writing desk with a sloped top, adorned with books propped by modern rustic bookends, a vase with a plant, and a broken ceramic bowl, stands against a wall in a room with wooden flooring and white curtains.
 A brass vase with green leaves graces the dark wooden desk, flanked by modern rustic bookends. Behind it, books with mixed covers add a colorful touch to the setting.

 

I love decorating with chalkboard painted vintage books and the entire feel of black + white + stained wood.
If you’d like to see my tutorial for chalkboard painted books you can check it out here.

 

 

A black writing desk with modern rustic bookends, books, and a vase with green branches. An open book and scattered photos lie on the desk. A white chair with a black-and-white pillow is placed next to it, enhancing the stylish charm of the space.

 

I kept the rest of the desk decorated pretty neutrally for fall with some simple white pumpkins and an oak branch from my yard.
A desk features books flanked by modern rustic bookends, a mirror, and a decorative bowl holding a skull alongside white pumpkins.

 

Text "All the Best, Angela" in cursive with golden antlers above, giving it a touch of modern rustic charm like elegant bookends on a well-loved shelf.
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A black and white cat stands on a white mantel adorned with brass candlesticks and mini pumpkins, framed by modern rustic bookends. A portrait of a woman hangs on the wall behind them.
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