Built-In Bookshelves Add A Quality Touch To Custom Homes

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I see custom built-in bookshelves / bookcases in many of the upscale homes for sale that I visit. Many times they flank a fireplace, show themselves in a cozy den or library and sometimes they are built in the sitting room of the master bedroom suite.

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No matter how many times I see them, I never think to myself, "...what in the world was going through the builders' mind when he/she stuck them here?!" They are always a welcome sight because of their utility and space saving design.

I've gathered a few photos below of custom "built-in-the-wall" bookshelves / bookcases from my travels to homes under construction. Take a look to gather some ideas for your home.


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There are three things I look for when I see custom built-in bookshelves / bookcases:

  1. Flexibility - Is the homeowner able to configure the shelves according to their personal wants and needs or are the shelves fixed?
  2. Quality - Are the bookshelves / bookcases made using quality materials and is it quality workmanship from top-to-bottom?
  3. Overall Design and Placement - Is the bookshelf / bookcase architecturally in keeping with the rest of the home's design? Does it overpower the room it's in or does it blend right in? How does the trim work look?



Below are many great ideas for built-in bookshelves / bookcases.

Notice the coffered ceilings and trim work...and please excuse the dust spots on some of the photos. It's often difficult to keep a lens clean on a job site.

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Want to see some more photos of built-in bookshelves / bookcases?

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How about custom built-in bookshelves / bookcases in the master bedroom sitting room?


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The library is the most obvious room to load up on built-in bookshelves / bookcases.


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Even more areas within homes that built-in bookshelves / bookcases work well.


bookshelves_in_stair_landing.JPGbuilt-in_bedroom_bookshelves.JPGbuilt-in_shelves_in_formal_dining_room.JPGdark-stained_bookshelves.JPGshelves_next_to_kitchenette.JPGunique_custom_built-in_bookshelves.JPGshelves_under_construction.JPG

...and finally...

entertainment_room_bookshelves.JPGbookshelves_at_the_English_cottage.JPGshelves_in_kitchen_curio.JPG


Now aren't you glad you took the time to gather some ideas for your home?


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17 Comments

Susan Storti said:

Hello - these pics are fabulous. Exactly what I am looking for my living room. One wall is mirrored. I would like to put the shelves over the mirrors. I think it would be a very interesting effect. Is that feasible - anchoring wise. Thank you so much!

Kim said:

Comments on built-in bookshelves flanking a fireplace in a room with a vaulted ceiling?

Debbie said:

Thanks Randy. Keep in mind the fireplace is on a flat wall even thought it's in the corner. I will be hanging a large picture over the fireplace, but I'd like to incorporate the fireplace in a built-in wall unit on either side of it. I have 44" of wall to the right of the fireplace and 9.25' to the left of it.

Randy said:

Debbie,

Interesting question. I'll look through my files when I get a chance and publish a photo of a corner fireplace with bookshelves surrounding it if I have one, then notify you.

Debbie said:

I have a fireplace in the corner of my living room. The wall it's on is flat, not an 'L' shape corner. I would like to see some photos of custom bookcases that would incorporate a tv and stereo on one wall and wrap around with the corner fireplace included.

Dawn Farrell said:

I've been searching the internet for picture of bookshelves flanking a fireplace. My husband wants to do that, but also include bookshelves over the fireplace. I don't think it will look good. Do you have any advice.

Randy said:

Lisa,

Funny you should ask. We happen to have an old bookshelf that I repaired and repainted. I painted the entire exterior creamy-white but I painted the shelves and interior walls blue. We've seen it done like this in magazines, as well, just like we've painted it.

Personally, I would not paint just the back interior wall of the bookcase but you can paint it first, see how you like it and then continue to paint the rest if it doesn't suit you.

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Photos

  • Notice the deep shadow lines that 3/4" lap siding creates.
  • More pre-primed cypress lap siding ready to be put to use.
  • This cypress lap siding is planed smooth for this Victorian application.
  • It's very important to fill all of the nail holes and caulk all gaps prior to painting.
  • You can see the raw edge of the siding from this angle.
  • A quarter dollar is 15/16" in diameter, used here for scale, to show the 3/4" thickness of the siding.
  • The is the three-car garage with the cypress clapboard painted in a classic white
  • Solid 3/4" cypress lap siding is used throughout the exterior of this Victorian Home
  • master bathroom suite
  • furniture sink vanity in bathroom
  • Palmdale entry with side lights and transom window
  • Palmdale foyer with alcove

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