How to Make a Room With Bookcases
In an open floor plan, room areas are defined by space function and furniture placement. But the need for some privacy may extend to areas besides the bathroom. To make a room without constructing permanent walls, use a series of bookcases to define the space. For spaces that need to remain light and airy, consider using opened-back bookcases that allow light to flow through the shelves. For ultimate privacy, use bookcases with solid backs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Paper
- Bookcases
- 1-inch screws
- Drill
- Level
- Wood shims
- 3 flat L-brackets
- Bracket screws
Instructions
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1
Measure the area of the desired room space. Measure the length and width with a tape measure and record them on a piece of paper.
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2
Select the bookcases. Look for a style that coordinates with the design features, colors and accents of the space. Also select the right height. Bookcases meant only to define the space, rather than provide privacy, don't need to be taller than 3 or 4 feet. For more privacy, use 5- to 6-foot-high bookcases, or even taller if it fits better in the space’s design and your budget.
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3
Measure the width of a bookcase. Divide the width measurement of the room by the width of the bookcase to get an idea of how many units will fit along with of the room. Adjust this measurement to require an amount of bookcases that exactly matches up to the width measurement. Multiply this number by two if there are two width walls that need bookcases.
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4
Divide the length of the room by the width measurement of the bookcase to determine how many units will fit along that wall. Adjust this measurement as well, to fit an exact amount of bookcases without any extra inches. Multiply this number of bookcases by two if there are two length walls that need bookcases.
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5
Assemble the bookcases in a side-by-side row along the width sides of the room, and then assemble the rest along the length sides.
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6
Use a level to check that the bookcases are level against the floor. If they are not, insert a wood shim under any bookcase side that needs to be slightly raised.
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7
Screw the bookcases together through the side walls of the units with 1-inch screws and a drill. The side walls of the bookcases are flush, side to side. Screw a screw through one side wall and into the neighboring side wall of the next bookcase. Continue to do this until all the units are screwed together along each bookcase wall.
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8
Screw flat, L-shaped brackets through the top of the two corner bookcases using the brackets’ screws and a drill. These brackets will add strength to the bookcase corners and will prevent either side of the bookcase wall from falling.
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Tips & Warnings
Use brackets to affix the end bookcases to any wall they butt up against for added security.
Avoid free-standing bookcase walls if there are small children in your home.
Resources
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