How to Use Bookshelves As Room Dividers
Bookshelves make a simple room divider idea that works in any part of the home. The wide range of bookshelf styles and price ranges makes it possible to find one that bests fits your room's needs. Whether you want a short wall or one that extends almost to the ceiling, the bookshelf room divider also offers additional storage and display space in the room. The other advantage of using a bookshelf to divide the room is the ease of removing it if you decide you want the room open again. The book shelves are reusable in other areas, so you haven't wasted any money. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Identify the purpose of the room divider. Some dividers are to create privacy, to define two different functional areas of the room or simply for a decorative touch. Consider the amount of privacy you want the shelves to afford because this will affect the height you select.
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Choose a location for the divider. Decide how far across the room you want the divider to stretch. Measure the distance you want the bookshelf room divider to run. This will help you decide how many bookshelves to purchase.
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Determine how high you want the bookshelf divider to extend. A taller bookshelf will give more privacy but will make the room seem smaller and might block natural light. Shorter bookshelves physically divide a room but don't offer as much privacy.
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Decide if you want a bookshelf that is open on both sides or one that has a back to it. Some modern bookshelves have cubes or vertical dividers between the shelves and are open so you can see all the way through. Open book shelves allow more light through and allow displayed pieces to be visible from both sides. They offer less privacy than a book shelf with a solid back.
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Note the stability of each potential bookshelf. Since the shelf won't have a wall for support, you'll want a sturdy book shelf to reduce the chances of wobbling or tipping. Look for solid construction and a wide base, particularly on tall book shelves.
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Purchase the book shelves that best match your needs in terms of height and width. Consider the style of the room when selecting the bookshelves. Also note how the back side of the bookshelf looks because one side of the room will see it.
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Assemble and arrange the bookshelves in the location you selected. For the most stability, place one of the sides against a wall. Test the flow of the room with the bookshelf dividers.
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Secure the side book shelf to the wall once you're happy with the placement. An L bracket works well. The long side of the L bracket is screwed into the wall and the short side is attached to the top of the book shelf.
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Tips & Warnings
You can decorate the back of a bookshelf with a coat of paint or wallpaper to cover an unattractive backing.
Choose the items you place on the bookshelves carefully. Heavier items are more dangerous if the bookshelf gets bumped or tipped. Place heavy items on bottom shelves.
