Miniature Cube Bookcase/Shelves (Tutorial + SVG)

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You know all those tiny miniature accessories scattered all around your dollhouse (and maybe your real house)? How about a functional mini storage solutions? Like this miniature cube bookcase/shelves with boxes!

Once cut, the bookcase is pretty simple to put together. The hardest part is probably measuring the notches (which I’ve done for you), and cutting them out (which your cutting machine can do for you).

Without further ado, let’s get started!

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DESIGN NOTES FOR MINIATURE CUBE BOOKCASE

The cube shelves are available in 3 sizes and should be cut using 1/16″ thick material (such as basswood or chipboard).

• 16-cube (4×4)
• 8-cube (2×4 that can be placed horizontally or vertically)
• 4-cube (2×2)

The boxes can be cut on cardstock, and are available in 3 variations of holes:

• oblong,
• round, or
• no hole

Get the SVG files from my Etsy shop!

• SVG file for 1:12 scale of 16-cube 4×4 bookcase with boxes
• SVG file for 1:12 scale of BUNDLE (all 3 sizes) bookcases with boxes
• SVG file for 1:16 Lundby scale of 16-cube 4×4 bookcase with boxes
• SVG file for 1:16 Lundby scale of BUNDLE (all 3 sizes) bookcases with boxes

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IMPORTING THE SVG FILES INTO CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

To import the SVG file into Cricut Design Space, head on to this post or watch this video on YouTube.

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TOOLS & MATERIALS TO MAKE MINIATURE CUBE BOOKCASE

• Cricut Maker and…
  • Purple StrongGrip Mat, Knife blade for cutting the frame
• Green StandardGrip Mat, Fine-point blade for cutting the boxes
• 1/16″ basswood sheet for the bookcase (see cutting list below)
  • I recommend MidWest Products basswood sheets in 8″ wide if you can find them, or at least 6″ wide (on eBay)
  • Alternatively, chipboard can be used
• Wood cardstock or plain cardstock for the boxes
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper in various grits (I use mainly 150 and 220, sometimes 400)
• Paint
• Optional: Iron-on wood veneer to cover the seams

Cutting list for Miniature Cube Bookcase

For the bookcase, cut the following pieces on 1/16″ material:

• 2 pieces of Outer Side
• 2 pieces of Inner Side
• 2 pieces of Outer Top/Bottom
  • for the 4×4 and 2×2, these are the same size as the Inner Side
• 2 pieces of Inner Top/Bottom
• Dividers
  • for the 4×4, cut 6 pieces
  • for the 2×4, cut 1 long divider and 3 short divider
  • for the 2×2, cut 2 pieces

Cut as many boxes as you want on cardstock. Be sure to review Step #4 below on setting it up in Cricut Design Space before cutting.

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ASSEMBLING THE MINIATURE CUBE BOOKCASE

You can watch the video tutorial here or on YouTube! Be sure to review the written steps below also.

Step 1: Cut and label all pieces

Use a pencil, so the markings can be erased or covered easily with paint. Sand all cut edges so they’re even.

Step 2: Assemble the grid

Interlock the dividers to make the cube grids. Glue is optional.

Step 3: Assemble the frame

Glue together the Inner Side and Outer Side pieces. They should be centered and have 1/16″ lip on each side. Make two of them.

Repeat the same for the Inner Top and Outer Top, and make two.

Then put 3 of the frame pieces together. The Side pieces should cover the ends of the Top/Bottom pieces. Insert the grid, then glue the last frame piece.

If you want, cover the front seam with strips of wood veneer or cardstock.

Then paint and sand in between coats.

Step 4: Cut the boxes

Make sure to do these two things in Design Space, before cutting:

• Attach the inner lines to the box shape, and
• Change the inner lines from CUT to SCORE.

You can also hide the SCORE lines, if you need to score the boxes manually. So you can still make them even if you don’t have a scoring blade. I skipped the score lines because I like to run an extra cutting pass to make sure the cardstock is cut all the way through.

Make the necessary duplicates, then send to your Cricut to cut!

After the boxes are cut and scored, fold at the score lines, apply glue at the tabs, and secure the tabs to the front and back flaps.

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COMPLETE!

Here is my 1:16 set in a Lundby Room 😍