Hanging Art (Or The Frame TV) On The Face Of A Bookcase
It seems this photo has made the rounds since I published it a couple years ago. The idea of hanging art on the face of a bookcase is intriguing, and the idea of hanging art via The Frame TV from the face of a bookcase seems to be especially so. The curious ones who’ve seen this in their internet travels send me inquiries, asking how, exactly, I was able to accomplish this feat.
Just last week I received another such request, and it struck me that I should just go ahead and publish a how-to so everyone can be in on the secret. Here’s the thing: Even though it looks like the art is hanging from the bookcase, it’s actually not. It’s hanging from the wall behind the bookcase. It sounds complicated but is actually quite easy.
I designed box brackets using standard pine 2x4 that would fit the depth of the bookcase and the height between the two shelves that the art would be hanging in front of.
Here are some quick sketches to illustrate:
On the left is a side view cross section of a bookcase showing how the brackets fit in the shelf space and how the art hangs from the face of the brackets (I would recommend there be no back on the bookcase in the space where the brackets will be attached to the wall). The sketch on the right is an enlarged detail of the bracket side view. (Note, the dimensions indicated are nominal 2x4 dimensions to indicate orientation of the boards.)
And here is a perspective sketch of the brackets in the bookcase. Essentially, as you can see, you’re creating stud walls flush with the face of the bookcase, which will bear the load of the art or Frame TV. The spacing of the brackets is determined by what will be hanging from them. For example, if it’s a Frame TV, the wall mounting bracket that comes with the TV will indicate the spacing. If you are hanging framed artwork, the mechanism for hanging will similarly determine the spacing. Should it be necessary, a plywood face could be attached to the brackets into which anchors could be mounted for framed paintings, prints, etc. In that case, the depth of the brackets would necessarily be shorter to accommodate the plywood thickness so it is flush with the face of the bookcase.
There you have it! The artwork is secure, the mechanics are hidden, and it looks like it’s indeed hanging from the face of the bookcase.
Wishing you all the loveliest of weekends!