I Built a Tree Wall Bookshelf DIY—Here’s What I Learned (and What You Should Know)

Thinking about a tree wall bookshelf DIY? Follow my real-life journey from Pinterest inspiration to building a stunning, functional tree-shaped shelf.

Why a Tree?

There’s something beautifully poetic about turning your wall into a tree. Trees represent growth. They branch out, hold weight, yet stay grounded. A tree wall bookshelf DIY isn’t just furniture—it’s art with function. And in a world of mass-produced shelves, this one is uniquely yours.

What’s more, it’s perfect for awkward spaces: narrow walls, corners, and even entryways. Mine fit beautifully between a window and a door where nothing else made sense. The charm of a tree wall bookshelf DIY lies in how it transforms even the most boring wall into a conversation piece. It adds verticality, style, and story. Friends ask about it every time they visit.

I wanted something that felt handmade, intentional, and just a little wild. The tree wall bookshelf DIY delivered all that.

Build your own DIY wall tree bookshelf

Setting Expectations: Not a One-Day Project

First off—this is not a slap-it-together Sunday afternoon project. Building a tree wall bookshelf DIY takes planning, patience, and more sanding than you might expect. But it’s not hard. If you can operate a drill and measure a straight line, you’re in the game.

You’ll need:

• Some basic tools (drill, saw, clamps, measuring tape)

• Decent quality wood (I used pine)

• Wall anchors or studs

• Wood glue, screws

• Paint or stain (optional)

But more than tools, you’ll need a clear vision. Don’t start cutting until you’ve sat with your sketch and thought, “Yes, that’s the tree I want on my wall.” Sketching is not optional in any tree wall bookshelf DIY—it’s essential. I also recommend blocking out your weekend. A proper tree wall bookshelf DIY with drying time and touch-ups deserves 2-3 solid sessions.

From Vision to Sketch

You don’t need to be an artist, but grab a pencil and paper and map it out.

I started with a vertical trunk down the middle, then added “branches” where I imagined books and plants would live. My rule was simple: no branch should exist without purpose. Here’s a trick: look at real trees. Notice how the branches angle upward, not flat. You can mimic this, or go full shelf-style with flat surfaces—your call. Just remember: your tree wall bookshelf DIY needs to be both balanced and believable. You’re not just building shelves, you’re suggesting nature.

If you want it symmetrical, start by drawing a centerline. Then build out both sides with equal spacing. If you want it organic, draw freeform lines and adjust later. In either case, your tree wall bookshelf DIY blueprint is the foundation. I ended up doing three versions before I was happy. That’s okay. Sketching is cheap. Fixing mistakes in wood is not.

Making It Real

I bought ¾" pine boards, sketched out my pieces directly on the wood, and cut them with a jigsaw. This is where the tree wall bookshelf DIY really comes alive.

Key tip: label everything. Even if it seems obvious, once everything is cut, you’ll lose track. Sanding was next—and honestly, the most tedious part. But smooth edges matter. A rough, splintery shelf isn’t charming. It’s dangerous. Every board in your tree wall bookshelf DIY should be touch-safe. At this stage, you’ll want to dry-fit everything on the floor. Lay it out as it’ll appear on the wall. Trust me, it’s way easier to tweak things here than mid-installation.

If you want to paint or stain, consider doing it now before mounting. I chose to wait until the tree wall bookshelf DIY was installed, but in hindsight, pre-finishing would’ve saved me some neck strain.

Prefer something pre-built? See our artisan tree shelves that look just like a custom DIY—only cleaner.

The Moment of Truth: Mounting to the Wall

Start with the trunk.

I used a stud finder to secure it to three studs, then added anchors in between. Each branch was added from bottom up—some attached directly with long screws, others with hidden brackets underneath. My favorite moment? Stepping back and realizing: it actually looks like a tree. This stage transformed my rough-cut wood into something sculptural. Suddenly, my tree wall bookshelf DIY wasn’t just an idea—it was alive on the wall.

Mounting is a two-person job. You’ll need someone to hold while you level and mark. Use painter’s tape to outline shapes—it helps visualize and prevents error. Every piece of your tree wall bookshelf DIY must be aligned precisely. An uneven trunk makes the whole design feel off. Triple-check as you go.

See how this tree wall bookshelf DIY came to life—mounted branch by branch.

To Paint or Not to Paint?

I debated for days. Leave it natural for the rustic feel? Or paint it to match the wall?

In the end, I stained it a warm walnut, and it brought out the grain beautifully. The color popped against my off-white wall without screaming for attention. Tip: use painter’s tape around the edges if staining in place. And test your stain on a scrap piece first. For painted options, consider muted greens, charcoal grey, or classic white. Whatever finish you choose, your tree wall bookshelf DIY should complement—not fight—your room. Some folks even add leaf decals or small bird silhouettes. I didn’t, but I love seeing that whimsy in other tree wall bookshelf DIYs online.

For a full visual walkthrough, check out this DIY tree bookshelf tutorial on Instructables.

Styling Your Tree

The fun part!

Books first—stacked and upright. Then I added a small plant, a candle, a photo frame. Some branches I left empty. That breathing space made all the difference. What I love most about this tree wall bookshelf DIY is how flexible it is. It’s evolved with me. At Christmas, I hung tiny ornaments from the branches. In spring, I added faux cherry blossoms behind it. It grows—just like a real tree. That’s the beauty of a tree wall bookshelf DIY—it becomes part of your life, not just your décor. Mix hard and soft textures. Try pottery, woven baskets, glossy books. Let your personality shine through. Every object on your tree wall bookshelf DIY tells a story.

The moment it became a tree: full reveal of our tree wall bookshelf DIY.

What I Messed Up

Oh yes, mistakes were made.

1. I skipped pre-drilling one branch and split the wood.
2. I tried to “eyeball” level—don’t. Just use the level.
3. I underestimated how heavy books are—secure your anchors.

One of the biggest things I learned: measure, then measure again. My first layout was too tight. I didn’t account for the thickness of the boards, which threw off the symmetry. A classic tree wall bookshelf DIY beginner mistake.

Another error: I didn’t give the wood time to acclimate to the room before installation. It expanded slightly over the first week. Nothing broke—but next time, I’ll wait 24-48 hours before mounting.

Still, every mistake taught me something. That’s the real reward of a tree wall bookshelf DIY—you build more than furniture. You build skills.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the fence about building a tree wall bookshelf DIY, let me say this:

It’s absolutely worth it. You’ll create something personal. Functional. Beautiful. And unlike anything sold in stores. Take your time. Sketch thoughtfully. Cut carefully. Install with love. And when you finally sit down and lean back, looking at your new wooden tree climbing across the wall—you’ll smile and think, “I made that.” It’s not just about the shelf. It’s about the process. The creativity. The satisfaction. The tree wall bookshelf DIY experience is rewarding from start to finish.

Bonus Tips for a Stronger Build

• Always pre-drill. Always.

• Use wall anchors rated for 50 lbs or more.

• Apply wood glue before screwing for double strength.

• If your wall is drywall, find at least two studs for the main trunk.

• Seal with polyurethane if using in a humid room.

• Don’t rush the finishing stage—sand again between coats if needed.

These tips will help your tree wall bookshelf DIY last for years without sagging, splitting, or pulling away from the wall.

Want to Try It Yourself?

I’ve put together a printable materials list, a sample sketch layout, and my step-by-step cut plan—all based on my actual tree wall bookshelf DIY project.

You can also check out the hashtag #WallTreeBookshelfDIY to see how others are making it their own.