How to make a cardboard book display stand

Book display stands are applicable in a wide range of scenarios, whether it’s at home, in libraries, bookstores, retail stores or supermarkets. And did you know? Such book display stands can actually be made from corrugated cardboard. How to make a cardboard book display stand? Let us break it down into two parts: the first is making a DIY cardboard book display stand, and the second is the manufacturing process of cardboard book displays by professional manufacturers. This way, both individuals looking to craft one themselves and those wanting to understand the commercial production process will have a clear guide.

DIY Cardboard Book Display Stand

Got a bunch of paper-based household waste like old cartons, used paper, discarded books and magazines? Wondering how to reuse them? Here’s a simple tutorial using paper delivery boxes—let’s get started!

Materials and Tools Needed

Corrugated cardboard
Utility knife
Adhesive tape

Simple DIY Steps

Prepare a piece of cardboard.
Secure it with transparent tape, sticking the middle part in a reverse fold.
Your basic book display stand is done!
Pro Tip: Lightly score the cardboard with a knife before folding for cleaner creases.

Advanced DIY Steps

If you have kids at home, you probably have a pile of picture books—most of them large-sized and thin, which don’t fit well on regular bookshelves. Here’s how to make a custom picture book stand:
First, gather some cartons (computer monitor boxes, PC tower boxes work great; any sturdy, rigid cartons of similar sizes will do too).
Tools Required
Ruler
Utility knife
Wide adhesive tape
Double-sided tape
Glue stick
Wallpaper or decorative stickers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mark diagonal lines on each carton, leaving a 10cm margin on both sides. Carefully cut along the marked lines with a utility knife to get two identical shaped pieces.
Repeat the process to make four more pieces of the same shape. The number of layers (2, 3, etc.) and the height of the stand can be adjusted based on the size and quantity of your books. Also, keep the total height below your child’s reach for easy access.
Arrange the six cut carton pieces into the basic frame of the picture book stand. Trim any uneven parts if needed.
Line the back of the stand with extra carton pieces, filling any gaps with cardboard scraps. For the base, use appropriately sized cartons as supports and fill them with foam padding—this not only stabilizes the stand but also prevents it from tipping over when kids pull or step on it.

First, do a rough assembly with double-sided tape, then reinforce the entire structure thoroughly with wide adhesive tape. Apply extra tape on the base for basic water resistance.

Once fully taped and secured, cover the stand with wallpaper to give it a polished look. I used wallpaper I got for a penny during an online shopping promotion, but colored paper is a great alternative if wallpaper isn’t available.

While it may not look as sleek as store-bought book stands, it’s super affordable! Best of all, if your kids are old enough, they can join in the fun. This DIY project is a perfect way to bond with your little ones, let them enjoy the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands, and show them your love through this meaningful activity.

Documenting the process will also make a wonderful keepsake for years to come.

Mass Production Process of Cardboard Book Display Stands in Factories

A cardboard book display stand is a type of cardboard display rack. We have previously published a detailed article explaining its production process. Here’s a quick overview:
Production Process of Corrugated Display Stands
Cutting: First, cut the corrugated cardboard into specified sizes and shapes.
Arc Cutting: Next, cut two pieces of cardboard into arc shapes for structural design.
Printing: Proceed to print customized graphics, logos or product information on the cardboard.
Lamination: Attach the printed artwork onto the pre-cut cardboard components.
For full details, check out our article: How to Make a Display Stand from Cardboard.

In conclusion, making a DIY cardboard book display stand is totally achievable as long as you have patience and basic crafting skills. However, if you plan to wholesale cardboard book display stands, it’s essential to gain a thorough understanding of their professional manufacturing process.