Recessed Bookshelf Project

A recessed bookcase doesn't use any of the space in a room.

A recessed bookshelf adds storage to a room without using any of the room's existing space. Adding one to a room is a project that requires moderate handyman skills and a few tools. Make sure you have your design plan in hand before you begin and set aside 4 or 5 hours to complete the project.

The Space

Remove the sheetrock between the inside edges of two studs in the wall to create a recess. Typically, studs are spaced 16 inches on center, meaning the space is measured from the center of one stud to the center of the next. A stud finder is the most accurate way to locate studs. If you don't have one, drill holes in the wall an inch apart until you locate a stud. Cut plywood to fit the sides of the recess and nail it to the studs. Paint the sides and back of the recess or add a decorative touch to the back like mirror or colorful wallpaper.

Shelves

The simplest way to add shelves to the bookcase is to cut plywood the right length and use small L brackets to screw them in place. A more attractive method is to cut slots in the side plywood and slide the shelves in. This is best done before the sides are nailed into place. When you calculate the spacing for the shelves, keep the height of the books or other objects that will occupy the space in mind. Consider cutting extra slots so you can adjust the height. Glass shelves of the sort found in medicine cabinets let more light into the recess, but make sure you use glass that is sturdy enough to hold books.

Lighting

Add a can light to the inside top of the recessed bookshelf or install track lighting above it to illuminate the contents. If the bookshelf is in a casual room like a den or child's bedroom, run rope lighting around the back of the recess. Add multiple sources of light if you've built a large bookcase that runs from floor to ceiling, such as an up light in the base of the recess if you've used glass shelving.

Variations

Make a two-sided recessed bookcase by removing both sides of the sheetrock so you can see through the bookcase into the next room. Turn a shallow closet into a recessed bookshelf by removing the doors, door hardware and molding. Add drawers to the bottom of the bookcase in place of shelves or add a decorative touch with an arch over the recess. Make a design statement by building multiple recessed cases next to each other and hanging a barn door or shoji screen from a track on the ceiling to conceal them. Create usable space under the staircase by building recessed shelving between the studs or make a recessed bookshelf headboard.

References

• Home Addition Plus: What is the Standard Stud Spacing for Framing Walls