Maybe you were like me and thought the Ikea Ribba picture ledges would make adorable bookshelves in your child’s room or nursery…? Well, they are really cute, but two and half years later, when your child has A LOT of books, I promise that they will constantly fall off into a huge mess on the floor. Frankly, I started to go crazy picking them up all day long! I decided to modify our Ribbas with some white mesh to make book pockets that keep them from falling off the shelves. I love this project because it was really simple and can be a temporary fix that doesn’t mar the ledges! Instructions and materials after the jump.
Before: Books everywhere and no room for standard shelves!
I cut white vinyl mesh the length of the shelves and about 9 inches high. I stitched 1 ” white poly webbing around three sides onto the front and then finished the top edge with a longer piece of webbing.
I mitered the webbing on the bottom corners so I could simply continue sewing instead of cutting three separate lengths.
This is the front and back view of the top edge. I turned under the webbing ends and straight stitched to secure them.
Evenly space velcro pieces on the backside of the mesh. I used Command picture hanging velcro so I could remove it in the future, but you could use any sticky velcro to secure the bottom edge of the mesh covers to the ledge.
I evenly spaced the velcro pieces on the front edge of the shelf.
If using the removable velcro, be sure to position the tab on the inside of the shelf at the corners so you can’t see it when the mesh is secured.
Use the velcro to stick the bottom edge of the mesh onto the front of the shelf and then turn in the long ends and secure to the wall. I used small nails because we live in a rental, but you could use a screw or do something more decorative.
After: these are the double width shelves with the mesh attached and books in place.
After: These are the single width shelves with mesh attached and books in place. No more clutter!
delia-hauser.com 
Very clever idea. Excellent tutorial!
Love this idea – and I love to see the classics. . . Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle . . . I had them all memorized once upon a time. Now we are applying for colleges.
Are you in the market for making another “F is for Fox” pillow?! I just love it and was looking for something that style in an oblong shape? Adorable!!!