How-To: DIY Heart-Shaped Bookends with Formica® Brand Laminate

Looking for a creative, durable, and design-forward way to organize shelves or add personality to a space? This heart-shaped bookend project combines craftsmanship with the beauty and performance of Formica^® Laminate, making it a perfect DIY for gifts, seasonal décor, or showroom inspiration. 

Why Use Formica^® Brand Laminate? 

Formica^® Brand Laminate offers the ideal surface for decorative projects because it is:

• Durable and wear resistant for everyday use
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Available in hundreds of colors, patterns and finishes Lightweight yet strong when bonded to MDF or plywood

From warm woodgrains to bold solids and realistic stone visuals, laminate lets you match any design aesthetic. 

Materials List 

• 3/4" MDF or plywood (for structure) 
• Formica^® Brand Laminate – may we suggest 845 Spectrum Red or 839 Stop Red in either –58 Matte or –90 Gloss finish? If softer tones are what you are after, perhaps 8858 Just Rose in –58 Matte or –PX Plex finish is a better choice. Formica.com offers hundreds of options to match your aesthetic. 
• Contact cement  
• J-roller 
• Router with flush-trim bit 
• Jigsaw or band saw 
• Sandpaper (120–220 grit) 
• Wood glue and clamps 
• Optional: laminate edge strips or paint for edges 
• Felt pads or rubber feet 

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1: Design the Heart Shapes 

Draw or print a heart shape approximately 7–9 inches wide and 8–10 inches tall. Transfer the design onto your MDF or plywood.

Step 2: Cut the Face Panels

Cut out the heart shape using a jigsaw or band saw. Sand smooth and refine the curves.

Step 3: Create the Bases 

Cut a rectangular base piece approximately 6–8 inches long and 4–5 inches tall. For added strength, notch the heart panel and base so they fit together like a T. Sand the edges smooth.  

Step 4: Apply Formica^® Brand Laminate

Prepare the Surface 
Lightly sand the heart panel and remove dust. 

Cut the Laminate Hearts (oversized)
Cut out the heart shapes in the laminate – slightly oversized as you will be trimming them down with a router to match the substrate. 

Apply Adhesive 
Apply contact cement to both the back of the laminate and the substrate. Allow to dry until tacky per adhesive instructions. 

Bond the Laminate 
Carefully position the laminate and press firmly. Roll with a J-roller from the center outward to ensure full contact. 

Trim the Edges 
Use a router with a flush-trim bit to remove excess laminate.

Step 5: Finish the Edges

Choose one of three options: 

• Apply laminate strips for a wrapped, professional finish. 
• Lightly round the edges and paint them in a coordinating color. 
• Leave the edges raw for a rustic look 

Step 6: Assemble the Bookends 

Glue the heart panel to the base, ensuring it is square. Clamp until dry. For additional strength, add brads or countersunk screws from underneath. 

Step 7: Add Non-Slip Feet

Attach felt pads or rubber feet to the bottom of the base to protect shelving and prevent sliding. 

A Small Project with Big Impact 

This heart-shaped bookend shows that Formica^® Brand Laminate is not just for countertops and cabinetry. Its durability, versatility, and design range make it ideal for creative DIY projects that add style and function to any space – perhaps even a little Valentine’s Day whimsy!