How to Build a Shelving Unit in a Child's Room

Place the two 3/4- by 24- by 48-inch plywood panels parallel to each other on a work surface with the 3/4- by 48-inch edges resting flat. Space the panels 22-1/2 inches apart from the inside edges. These are the front and back panels of the shelving unit. You may need a helper to hold the panels throughout the assembly process.

Position one 3/4- by 22-1/2- by 48-inch panel flat between the front and back panels. This is the bottom of the shelving unit. Drive trim head wood screws through the outside of the front and back panels into the 3/4- by 48-inch edges of the bottom panel every 4 to 6 inches using a screw gun.

Center the remaining 3/4- by 22-1/2- by 48-inch plywood panel between the top edges of the front and back panels. This is the top panel. Drive trim head wood screws through the outside of the front and back panels into the 3/4- by 48-inch edges of the top panel every 4 to 6 inches using a screw gun.

Place one 3/4- by 22-1/2- by 22-1/2-inch panel between the front/back and top/bottom panels on each end. These are the ends of the shelving unit assembly. Drive trim head wood screws through the outside of the front/back and top/bottom panels into the 3/4- by 22-1/2-inch edges of the end panels every 4 to 6 inches using a screw gun.

Draw three 12-inch diameter circles in the front panel of the assembly using a compass. Start the center of the circles at 8, 24 and 40 inches from one end of the panel so that the centers are spaced an even 16 inches apart. Start the center of the circles 12 inches up from the bottom edge of the front panel.

Drill a 1/2-inch hole through the center mark of each circle with a drill with a 1/2-inch drill bit. Slide the blade of a jigsaw through each drilled hole. Guide the saw over to each circular line, and saw the circles out with the jigsaw. Remove the circles from the front assembly.

Sand the cut edges of the front panel with a fine-grit sandpaper until they are completely smooth. Wipe off the dust from sanding and cutting with a tack cloth so the assembly is clean.

Paint the shelving unit with a coat of paint using a paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry for four hours, then apply a second coat. Allow the final coat to dry for 24 hours.

Paint the face of an animal/imaginary creature around each circular opening so that the opening appears to be the opened mouth. Use craft paints and a craft brush. Let the craft paint dry 24 hours before use.