How to Design a Wall Unit
Most families enjoy large quantities of books, movies and media games. It's neater and more efficient to store these items in a well-built wall unit. The unit can be as long as an entire wall. Or, it can be built in small sections that look like one long unit. The wall unit should reach from floor to ceiling to create the right look. Don't forget to design it as a nice piece of furniture. Adding lots of detailing and using expensive wood is the best way to build a unit you'll be proud of. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Sketch a wall unit for the wall you desire to build in. Allow a depth of at least 16 inches from front to back. Include a variety of shelves, doors, drawers and cubbyholes for storage spaces in the wall unit. Make it symmetrical in design so the room looks balanced. Draw a basic framework that will be filled in with various components that make up the wall.
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Write down the collections and materials you will store in the unit. If you have glassware to display or old vinyl records, create special places for these. If you have a lot of expensive leather-bound books, consider building glass doors to protect them. The unit will hide clutter, but it should protect items stored in it as well.
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Sketch recessed lighting into the upper sections of the unit. Wire these in the early stages of construction and install the light fixtures. Lighting will give the cabinetry an expensive look and light up areas to locate books or videos. Consider where the electric cords will be plugged into wall outlets and plan for this before building the unit.
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Visit furniture showrooms as you design and conceptualize your wall unit. You night get ideas for how to separate sections or how to create specific storage. Note how crown molding is added to store-bought units to add visual appeal. Buy trim, molding and metal hinges that make the unit look well-crafted. Cheap accessories or door pulls can detract from the look of the unit.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider buying hardwoods such as walnut or oak for your unit. Include glass shelves to add variety to the storage areas. Too much dark wood can overpower a room. Glass can add a lighter feel or a more high-tech look to the cabinetry.
It's a good idea to bolt the wall unit to wall studs. If a unit overturns with lots of items stored in it, it could potentially harm an adult or child. Units full of books can be exessively heavy. Make the unit part of the wall itself to avoid having to worry about accidents.
