Not much is as satisfying as closing the final page of a good book. Actually, returning said tome to gorgeous built-in bookshelves certainly enhances that high. Particularly if you then trace your finger along the bindings of more books, perched enticingly so in a row, as you select your next great read.
Even better, when you have built-in bookshelves, you can use the space to display more than just books artfully. “We all collect…books, art, objects, items we’ve picked up from family or travel. Built-in bookshelves allow for sharing anything meaningful in an organized and visually interesting way,” says Jen Samson, principal and founder of Jen Samson Design in Laguna Beach, California.
As Alissa Johnson, principal and founder, Alissa Johnson Interiors in Chicago, puts it, built-in bookshelves epitomize the marriage of form and function. “Custom-designed to fit in your space, there are myriad ways to utilize and style them,” she says. “From displaying curated collections or incorporating hidden storage, these versatile installations can be tailored to match any aesthetic while maximizing space efficiency.” Ahead, get lost in the world of (storing) books with 38 built-in bookshelf design ideas.
How to build your own built-in bookshelf
If you’re handy, you may be able to make a DIY built-in bookshelf by viewing some video tutorials without hiring any outside contractors (especially if you’re a woodworking enthusiast). Whether you plan to pull off the project solo or hire a pro, consider the following steps to help refine the vision and vibe.
Step 1: Understand your space
Schumacher says the first thing you should do when embarking on a DIY built-in bookshelves project is to determine the purpose of the room where the bookshelf will be installed. “Will it be a cozy reading nook, a formal dining area, a relaxing guest space, or a functional hallway? The intended use will guide the placement and design of the bookshelf,” she says.
Step 2: Decide on wall coverage
Next up, determine how much of your wall space you want to dedicate to bookshelves, says Jerome Bertuglia, owner of Prime Homes in West Hartford, Connecticut, who has over 30 years of experience designing custom built-in bookshelves and home libraries.
Expanding on this, Schumacher explains that options include full-wall coverage, upper-wall only, or half-wall installations. “Consider the room’s layout and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve,” she advises.
Step 3: Define the ambience
“Determine the atmosphere you want to create,” says Schumacher of the next thing to do when conceiving DIY built-in bookshelves. Per Schumacher, ask yourself if you are aiming for a cozy, modern or vintage feel? “This will influence the bookshelf’s design features, such as rounded builds for a softer look, detailed framing for a classic touch, or sharp square edges for a modern vibe,” she says. Plus, think about existing dimensions and structural elements of the room. Say, will floor-to-ceiling bookshelves look superior or is best to leave a few feet between the ceiling and the top of your bookshelf for more visual splendor? Do you have antique or colorful baseboards you want to highlight? Are you transforming one-time kitchen cabinets into a cookbook display? Thinking along these lines will help you zoom in on your vision for the built-in bookcases of your dreams—and help you draft a list of tools you’ll need for the specific details of the project, from brad nailers and wall studs to bottom shelves and miter saws.
