Built in Bookcase Ideas

Built-in bookcases can be built into a wall when a house is constructed, or they can be attached to walls and ceilings later on. Either way, this type of bookcase isn't meant to be moved. Built-in bookcases have a scholarly air, and are a focal point of a room. Functioning both as furniture and wall art, adding built-in bookcases will bring a welcome depth to any living space.

Wall to Wall

Surround your room in bookcases. Rows of bookshelves on each wall will immerse you in your own world of learning and literature, providing you not only with a library, but an oasis for your imagination. Attach rows of lights on the ceiling to showcase your collection and for night-time reading. Stain or paint each row of shelves a different color for visual interest.

Diagonal Bookcase

For a modern look, install a diagonal bookcase. This style resembles a large lattice work pattern, which makes it necessary for books to lay tilted sideways. Install a framework on the top and on each side to cover the sharp edges, or leave it open, with edges of the structure revealed. Paint the facing edges a bright color, and insides a shade of off-white.

Children's Room

Create child-sized built-in bookcases for your son or daughter's bedroom, with one bookcase on each side of the bed. Create a connecting bookcase between the two side bookcases, where a stuffed animal or two can be stored along with a colorful lamp. Paint the bookcases a bright blue or red, and install drawers and cabinets in the bottom for storage of toys and collections. Display each book after it's read, so your child can proudly show what's been accomplished. Let him paint the drawers and cabinets himself.

Bookcase Over a Door

Create floor to ceiling bookcases that cover an entire wall that has a doorway, and run the bookcase shelves over the doorway. Paint the wall a bright red, green or orange, and paint the bookcases white. Build the bookcases so they're open, without backing of any kind, so the painted wall will show through to contrast with the white paint.

Stairway Bookcases

Build a bookcase along an open stairway, in steps. With these built-ins, the tops of the bookcases will be a part of the step's outer edge. Create shorter and longer horizontal shelf lengths to make it visually interesting. Paint the bookcases the same shade as the steps so they will look like part of the stairs and not a separate attachment. Or, build the bookcase in the wall along the upper part of the staircase.

References

• Built In Furniture

Resources

• Stairway Bookshelves